Can You Use CBD Oil As Lube Or For Anal Sex? Is It Safe?
As a personal lubricant for sex, CBD oil (cannabidiol) can be a safe option — but not in all situations.
Here’s why:
- Like all oils and oil-based lubricants, CBD oil will degrade condoms made from latex and polyisoprene, which can lead to the transmission of STIs between partners or unintended pregnancy.
- Purity is a factor in its safety as a lubricant. CBD oil or tinctures are usually made to be ingested or applied to the skin and may have additives or flavorings that could irritate your delicate genital area. Additionally, as of this writing, there is little in the way of regulation to ensure CBD oil purity — and ingredients.
- Allergies to hemp — the plant used to manufacture most CBD oils — can lead to irritation or reactions in those who have a sensitivity to it.
CBD oil and CBD lube are completely different things and they are not interchangeable with one another.
CBD oil can be ingested or applied directly to the skin, depending on its intended use.
On the other hand, CBD lubricants are made specifically for sexual activity and infuse quality oil and body-safe ingredients, but they cannot be taken internally the same way CBD oil can.
Additionally, a CBD tincture is not an oil at all. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, CBD tinctures are alcohol-based and should never be used as lube.
CBD oil is related to the safe lube alternative hemp seed oil in that they are derived from the same plant (Cannabis sativa), however, the latter contains little to no CBD.
That said, barring the use of certain condoms, the absence of hemp allergies or sensitivities, and questions over a product’s purity, CBD oil can be a safe personal lubricant.
In this article, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about using CBD oil as a personal lubricant, including:
Editor’s Note: This article is part of our Lube Alternatives and Everything Lube hubs, in-depth and evolving resources that comprehensively explore all aspects of personal lubricants from the different types and how to use them, to ingredients and safety — created to help you achieve the sexual pleasure you deserve.
Can You Use CBD Oil As Lube?
CBD is everywhere, so if you’re thinking about CBD oil as a personal lubricant, you’re not alone — and it can be considered safe in many circumstances.
Still, there are a few important things to consider before using CBD oil as a personal lubricant.
Here’s what you need to know about using CBD oil as a lube:
- As with hemp seed oil as lube, CBD oil is not a well-regulated product so its purity and safety are a concern
- It will degrade latex or polyisoprene condoms
- It can cause a reaction in those allergic or sensitive to hemp
- It may cause yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis if you are prone to them
- It can damage the material of rubber or jelly sex toys
- It will stain clothing and sheets
- CBD oil is not the same as a true CBD tincture, although the terms are often used interchangeably. True CBD tinctures are less common, but they are alcohol-based and should not be used as a lubricant — ever.
The primary issue surrounding the use of CBD as lube is the regulation — or lack thereof. As of this writing, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only one CBD prescription oil.
Although the FDA has an accelerated plan for getting a handle on regulation to ensure consumer safety, at present, there is little in the way of checks and balances to ensure an oil’s purity or safety.
If you intend to use CBD oil as a lubricant for any kind of sexual activity, it must be a product manufactured by a brand you trust and one that is free from additives or flavorings that may be irritating.
When in doubt, skip it entirely — and find a better lube alternative.
Keep in mind that any oil or oil-based lubricant can degrade condoms if made from polyisoprene or latex. This will put you or your partner at risk for STIs, or unwanted pregnancy.
If you’re using condoms made from nitrile, polyurethane, or lambskin, CBD oil is fine, although the latter won’t protect you from STIs.
You can use CBD oil without condoms, provided you don’t have a sensitivity to hemp plants, from which most CBD oils are derived.
Any kind of oil-based personal lubricant can increase your risk of developing an infection like yeast or bacterial vaginosis when used during penetrative sex, so if you’re prone to either, stick with water-based lubes.
CBD oil is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores or trap bacteria that can cause breakouts or irritation, so it can be safe for external masturbation in the absence of sensitivities or allergies.
You can also use CBD oil with sex toys made from glass, silicone, ABS plastic, and metal, although oils will degrade those made from latex or jelly rubber, as any oil-based lubricant would.
Additionally, like all oils, CBD oil will stain fabrics and can be more difficult to remove from the skin after use.
All that being said, CBD oil can be a safe lube alternative, but it’s not without some degree of risk, depending on your circumstances.
Better to be safe than sorry and stick with a CBD product like CBD lube that’s made explicitly for sexual activity.
It is important to note that if you choose a CBD oil that is labeled as a tincture, check the label to make sure the CBD is suspended in oil rather than alcohol.
The term, “CBD tincture,” is often used to describe CBD oil, however, true tinctures are alcohol-based. Before using a CBD tincture as lube, make sure the CBD is suspended in oil.
If it’s alcohol-based, skip it — at least as a lube.
Can You Use CBD Oil As Vaginal Lube?
You can — but there are some important considerations.
As we mentioned earlier, CBD oil is not yet well-regulated, so the purity and safety of any product are not guaranteed. If you use CBD oil as vaginal lube, make sure to use a product from a brand you trust.
Any oil used as a personal lubricant for vaginal sex can escalate your risk of infection like bacterial vaginosis or yeast, particularly if you are prone to either.
The same applies during pregnancy because of hormonal shifts that can increase your chance of getting a yeast infection.
Because of this, we recommend using a safe water-based lube.
CBD oil will degrade condoms made from latex or polyisoprene, which can lead to unintended pregnancy or STI transmission.
If you use a diaphragm to avoid pregnancy, it’s not a good idea to use CBD oil as a vaginal lubricant because it can break down its material, as well, leading to unintended pregnancy.
CBD oil is hard to remove from skin, like most oils, so it can be difficult to remove thoroughly after use if it’s inside your vagina.
Being non-comedogenic, CBD oil won’t clog your pores and if you’re not allergic or sensitive to hemp, it can be used for external masturbation.
If you’re masturbating with toys, however, make sure they’re not made from jelly rubber or latex because CBD oil will degrade the material.
Can You Use CBD Oil As Anal Lube?
Yes, but as with its use as a vaginal lube, there are some things to be aware of before you do.
CBD oil isn’t well-regulated as of this writing, so unless you use a product from a brand you trust implicitly, its purity — and ultimately, its safety — may be in question.
Anal skin can be less sensitive than delicate vaginal skin. If it feels good and you’re not using latex or polyisoprene condoms, CBD oil can be safe as an alternative for anal lube.
Remember that if a condom breaks, you run the risk of STIs. If you or your partner have not been tested, pick a lube that won’t degrade your condom’s material.
Condoms that are made from lambskin, nitrile, or polyurethane are oil safe so CBD oil is safe to use as anal lube, although the former doesn’t offer protection from STIs.
CBD oil can be used for anal play with sex toys or pegging, as long as the toy is not made from jelly rubber or latex, as oils can degrade their material.
If you have fancy sheets, it’s important to note that CBD oil can stain fabrics.
What Is CBD Oil Made From And Is It Safe?
CBD (cannabidiol) is an ingredient derived from hemp plants — which are related to marijuana.
Although marijuana produces a “high” because of the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) it contains, CBD does not — even though it is used as an ingredient in the manufacture of medical marijuana.
Additionally, CBD is perfectly legal in the United States because it doesn’t contain THC.
Cannabidiol is extracted from hemp plants to create a thick, oily paste that is then mixed with a carrier — often hemp oil or coconut oil — to produce CBD oil.
A World Health Organization report claims “there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
CBD use is still in its early days, so its long-term effects for use on the skin or mucous membranes haven’t been properly studied.
The problem with the safety of CBD oil relates to current regulation — and specifically, the lack of it.
As of this writing, the Food & Drug Administration is working with limited data as far as the safety of CBD is concerned, noting that there are products on the market “of unknown quality.”
In fact, the FDA has approved only a single CBD medication for use in the United States.
So what does this mean in terms of safety when using CBD oil as lube — or even in general?
Unless you trust a brand and know that the ingredients are what they say they are and there are no additives or subpar ingredients mixed in, it’s probably best to reach for a formulated personal lubricant or different lube alternative.
- CBD Oil Vs. CBD Tincture
If you’re considering using CBD oil as lube, it is important to note the distinctions between a CBD oil and a CBD tincture.
“Tincture” is often used to describe CBD oils in general, but proper CBD tinctures have a high-proof alcohol base that suspends the CBD in the solution.
True CBD tinctures are not oils — at all.
CBD tinctures are generally meant to be ingested, rather than applied to the skin, although they tend to have a very bitter taste that’s typically masked with sweeteners or flavorings.
Those additional ingredients, combined with the alcohol base, make CBD tinctures entirely unsafe as a lubricant.
As we mentioned earlier, however, the term “tincture” is often used to describe CBD oil, so it’s important to always check the label before using one as a lube.
If the base of the “tincture” is not oil, it should not be used as a lube.
What Are Better Lube Alternatives To CBD Oil?
If you’re not quite sure if using CBD oil as lube is right for you, there are plenty of other options including:
- Water-based lubricants
- Silicone-based lubricants
- Oil-based lubricants
- Organic/natural lubricants (water or oil-based)
Here’s a cheat sheet for selecting the best lube based on how you intend to use it:
| Lube Type: | Water-Based | Silicone-Based | Oil-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Sex | Yes | Yes | Not usually |
| Vaginal Sex | ONLY if pH/Osmolality suitable | Yes | Yes |
| Anal Sex | ONLY if pH/Osmolality suitable | Yes | Yes |
| Condom Types | All | All | Polyurethane, nitrile and lambskin only |
| Sex Toy Types | All | All but silicone | All but latex |
| Bath/Shower Use | No | Yes | Yes |
| Does It Stain? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lube Type: |
|---|
| Oral Sex |
| Vaginal Sex |
| Anal Sex |
| Condom Types |
| Sex Toy Types |
| Bath/Shower Use |
| Does It Stain? |
There is a personal lubricant designed for every situation, so if you’re not sure which to choose, you can read through our in-depth lube guide or take our lube quiz to find your perfect match.
Our Top Lube Recommendations
After researching hundreds of personal lubricants — and personally testing dozens of them ourselves — we have found the very best lubes of each type, vetted by our team and recommended for their safety and performance.
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Best Overall Lube
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Top Pick: Water-Based
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Top Pick: Silicone-Based
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Top Pick: Oil-Based
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$11.95 (2.5 oz)
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$12.99 (4 oz)
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$21.95 (8.5 oz)
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$21.99 (4.7 oz)
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Description: Bottom Line: The best personal lubricants offer a completely natural texture that mimics your body’s own lubrication while being compatible with all condom types, sex toys, and sexual activities. Aloe Cadabra is our best overall lube because it is easy to use, lightweight, highly versatile, and made with 95% food-grade NSF Certified organic aloe — a soothing ingredient that is perfect for those with sensitive skin — plus it’s available in 12+ flavors to sweeten oral sex safely. [Full Review + Video] |
Description: Bottom Line: Water-based personal lubricants are the go-to choice for many people because they are compatible with every sex toy material and condom type, making them incredibly popular among lube enthusiasts. Almost Naked is our top lube in this category because it is made with 95% organic ingredients while offering a long-lasting, gel-like formula that mimics your body's natural lubrication with a delicious vanilla scent and no sweet flavor during oral sex. [Full Review + Video] |
Description: Bottom Line: This is our team's favorite silicone-based lubricant because a little goes a very long way and it feels incredibly silky and smooth to the touch. The need for reapplication is minimal and like most lubes of this nature, holds up well when used in the water. One thing we really loved about Valm is the smart bottle design, which not only features a sleek pump, but a smart locking mechanism that prevents accidental spills or leakage — and it can be activated with just one hand. [Full Review + Video] |
Description: Bottom Line: While often overlooked, oil-based lubricants are as long-lasting as those made from silicone while being equally waterproof, moisturizing, and suited to anal sex. They are not compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms and shouldn't be used with latex or rubber sex toys. Made with the best ingredients, AH! YES OB is a certified 99% organic lubricant that doubles as a sensual massage oil. Formulated to soothe and condition skin, it doesn’t need to be washed off. [Read Full Review] |
Bottom Line: The best personal lubricants offer a completely natural texture that mimics your body’s own lubrication while being compatible with all condom types, sex toys, and sexual activities. Aloe Cadabra is our best overall lube because it is easy to use, lightweight, highly versatile, and made with 95% food-grade NSF Certified organic aloe — a soothing ingredient that is perfect for those with sensitive skin — plus it’s available in 12+ flavors to sweeten oral sex safely. [Full Review + Video]
Bottom Line: Water-based personal lubricants are the go-to choice for many people because they are compatible with every sex toy material and condom type, making them incredibly popular among lube enthusiasts. Almost Naked is our top lube in this category because it is made with 95% organic ingredients while offering a long-lasting, gel-like formula that mimics your body's natural lubrication with a delicious vanilla scent and no sweet flavor during oral sex. [Full Review + Video]
Bottom Line: This is our team's favorite silicone-based lubricant because a little goes a very long way and it feels incredibly silky and smooth to the touch. The need for reapplication is minimal and like most lubes of this nature, holds up well when used in the water. One thing we really loved about Valm is the smart bottle design, which not only features a sleek pump, but a smart locking mechanism that prevents accidental spills or leakage — and it can be activated with just one hand. [Full Review + Video]
Bottom Line: While often overlooked, oil-based lubricants are as long-lasting as those made from silicone while being equally waterproof, moisturizing, and suited to anal sex. They are not compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms and shouldn't be used with latex or rubber sex toys. Made with the best ingredients, AH! YES OB is a certified 99% organic lubricant that doubles as a sensual massage oil. Formulated to soothe and condition skin, it doesn’t need to be washed off. [Read Full Review]
Editor's Note: When you purchase a product via an affiliate link (*) on our site, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. On behalf of our entire team, thank you in advance for your support!
We’ll take a quick look at the four main lubricant categories below.
- Water-Based Personal Lubricants
The most versatile type of lubes are water-based products because they’re water-soluble. They’re easy to clean and can be used with every type of sex toy, dental dam, diaphragm, or condom.
However, water-based lubes don’t last as long as other lubricants. Even though they feel similar to your body’s lubrication, you will most likely need to reapply.
Water-based lubricants cannot be used during sexual activity in the shower or bath because they dissolve in water.
But water-based lubes are still one of the most functional lubes around and if you want to learn more about them, check out our best water-based personal lubricants.
- Silicone-Based Personal Lubricants
Aside from sex toys made from silicone, silicone-based lubricants are safe for all condom types and most sex toys.
Even though it seems as if silicone lube and silicone sex toys would mesh well together, silicone lube will deteriorate toys made from silicone.
The way water-based lubes feel natural, the silky smooth consistency of silicon lubricant feels way more slippery than natural.
And because of that consistency and satiny texture, silicone lubricants are a fantastic choice for anal sex or anal play like pegging.
Silicone lubricants can be used in the bath or shower since they are waterproof. But be careful because silicone lubes may stain your sheets or clothing because they are difficult to wash off.
To learn more about silicone lubricants, we researched and found the safest and the best silicone-based personal lubes on the market.
- Oil-Based Personal Lubricants
Oil-based lubes are often derived from plants so they are usually body safe.
Although people with sensitivities or allergies need to use caution with oil-based lubricants because sometimes products use oils extracted from nuts or have added ingredients.
Again, oil-based lubes are only safe to use with condoms made from nitrile, polyurethane, or lambskin. Do not use latex or polyisoprene with oil-based lubes because it will degrade their material.
If you’re searching for an oil-based lubricant, we investigated and reviewed the best oil-based personal lubricants available.
- Natural And Organic Lubricants
Organic or natural lubes can be oil-based or water-based depending on the formula — sometimes nut-based ingredients may be included.
Before using any type of lubricant, always read the ingredients in case of nuts or any other ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction.
After plenty of research, we found the best and safest natural and organic lubricants so you can find the perfect one for you.
Are There Any Safe At-Home Lube Alternatives?
Maybe you’re thinking CBD oil isn’t the right choice after all — and that’s understandable.
Safe at-home lube alternatives include:
- Pure aloe vera gel
- Argan Oil
- CBD oil
- Avocado Oil
- Extra virgin, unrefined coconut oil
- Vitamin E oil
- Shea butter
Coconut oil is a good lube alternative if it is extra virgin and unrefined, but like all other oils, you don’t want to use it with latex or polyisoprene condoms, or sex toys made from latex or jelly rubber.
As long as you don’t have any allergies or sensitivities to latex, another alternative for a safe lubricant is pure aloe vera.
Its texture is similar to your body’s natural lubrication, and it’s excellent for sex because its pH closely matches that of the vagina.
It may not be your best bet for anal sex, however, because of its light texture and low pH.
Aloe leaves contain natural latex, so this is a concern if you’re allergic. Brands like Aloe Cadabra, whose products we personally reviewed, take steps to remove the latex thoroughly during the manufacturing process.
That cannot be said for every company.
Additionally, if you plan to use fresh aloe straight from the leaf and you have a latex allergy or sensitivity, make sure you know how to remove the gel while leaving all traces of latex behind.
Other body-safe lube alternatives include vitamin E oil, argan oil, avocado oil, and shea butter, provided they have no added ingredients and you have no allergy or sensitivity to them.
Bottom Line:
CBD oil can be used as lube in some situations — but it’s not a well-regulated product so there are concerns over its purity and safety.
There are many other oil-based lubricants formulated specifically for sexual activity, however.
If you decide to try using CBD oil as a personal lube, remember to take the same precautions you would with any oil-based lube if you’re using condoms or sex toys.
Additionally, you can always turn to our Everything Lube Guide to find other body-safe options.
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