Can You Use Hemp Seed Oil As Lube, Or For Anal Sex?

Can You Use Hemp Seed Oil As Lube?

Yes, you can use a high-quality hemp seed oil as lube for oral, vaginal, or anal sex but there are several things to consider before you do.

Here’s what you need to know about using hemp seed oil as a lube:

• Hemp seed oil is not the same as CBD oil (cannabidiol), although they are closely related to one another. Hemp oil is derived from the seeds of the cannabis plant, while CBD oil is made from stalks and leaves. Hemp oil also contains little (or no) CBD and is edible, making it safe for oral sex.
• Hemp oil will degrade STI or pregnancy barriers made from latex or polyisoprene, including condoms, diaphragms, and dental dams, rendering them ineffective.
• Although there is limited scientific research as of this writing, hemp seed allergies do exist although the rate of incidence is unknown. Hemp seed oil could cause mild reactions (such as skin irritation) in some people or severe ones (including anaphylaxis) in others.
• The FDA does not yet regulate the manufacture of hemp oil. As such, the product’s purity is a point of concern.
• Oils (including hemp oil) can lead to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis in those susceptible to either.
• As an oil, hemp seed oil will stain fabrics and it is not compatible with sex toys made from latex, rubber, or jelly rubber.

Oil-based lubricants like hemp seed oil will degrade condoms made from polyisoprene or latex, along with diaphragms or dental dams made from those materials.

Degradation of such barriers will put you or your partner at risk for unintended pregnancy or STIs.

Oils are compatible with barriers made from nitrile, polyurethane, or lambskin, however, the latter offers no protection against STIs.

Research is very limited as far as how common hemp seed allergies are — but being plant-based, it is a potential allergen.

If you’re not sure whether you’re allergic to hemp or if you have allergies to other plants, it may be best to avoid using hemp seed oil as a lubricant.

It’s really easy to ignore warnings about potential allergic reactions,” Dr. Susan Milstein, a human sexuality health educator on our medical review board, said.

“But given the potential severity of an allergic reaction to hemp oil, it’s best to do a patch test on something like your inner elbow, before you decide to put it into your vagina,” she added.

Like CBD oil, the FDA does not currently regulate the manufacture of hemp seed oil — although, at the time of this writing, there is a plan to do so.

Due to the lack of regulation, however, any product’s purity is in question and when it comes to applying something to your genitals, you want to be sure it’s safe.

“The fact that hemp oil isn’t currently regulated means you don’t really know what you’re getting. This is important to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to put this in your vagina and/or anus,” Dr. Milstein explained.

Oils can increase the risk of developing vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections in those who are prone to either.

Finally, hemp seed oil (like all other oils) can stain fabrics and will degrade sex toys made from latex, rubber, or jelly rubber.

After you’ve considered all of the above, if you find that hemp seed oil isn’t a great lube alternative, you’ll be better off choosing another option or a store-bought, formulated lubricant.

What Is Hemp Seed Oil Made From And Is It Safe?

Hemp seed oil is derived from hemp seeds, or the “fruit” of the Cannabis sativa plant — the same one CBD oil originates from.

Like other oils, the extraction from hemp seeds involves either pressing or the use of solvents like hexane to remove the oil from the seeds.

Hemp seed oil that is extracted using solvents is more yellow in color compared to cold-pressed hemp seed oil.

It also may have a much stronger scent.

As the FDA does not currently regulate its manufacture, these characteristics can help you to determine how the oil was extracted if the product’s bottle doesn’t specify.

Unlike CBD oil, hemp oil is legal for use in manufactured food products.

Hemp seed oil contains a variety of healthy fatty acids (including omega-3 and linolenic acids), along with vitamins C and B, calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Over recent years, it has become a popular “remedy” of sorts for skin conditions and other health concerns, although research is ongoing in terms of its efficacy.

What Are Better Lube Alternatives To Hemp Seed Oil?

Hemp seed oil may not be the best choice for you, but there are plenty of other options to choose from:

• 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?

If you’re not sure what type of personal lubricant you need, take a look at our in-depth lube guide or take our lube quiz to find the perfect lube for you.

Let’s run through the basics for each type.

• Water-Based Personal Lubricants

Water-based products feel most like your body’s natural lubrication and they are easy to clean since they’re water-soluble.

Additionally, they can be used with any type of STI or pregnancy barrier, and all sex toys.

That said, water-based lubes usually require reapplication during extended use and they cannot be used in the bath or shower, as they rinse away too easily.

If you’re curious to know more, take a look at our best water-based personal lubricants.

• Silicone-Based Personal Lubricants

Silicone-based lubricants are safe for all condom types, non-silicone-diaphragms or dental dams, and most sex toys.

Silicone lubes should never be used with silicone toys, as they’ll degrade their material.

While some find it a turn-off, silicone lubricants have a much more unnatural texture — but it offers lasting slip during use.

Additionally, silicone lubricants are waterproof and can be used in the bath or shower, however, they will likely stain your bedding if used on dry land.

We researched the best silicone-based personal lubes if these sound like what you’re looking for.

• Oil-Based Personal Lubricants

Oil-based lubes are typically plant-based (some may be organic).

Although they can be great alternatives to silicone — offering long-lasting use and the same water resistance — they carry a higher potential for allergens.

Many oils are nut-based, and as such, should not be used by those with severe allergies.

Additionally, oils will degrade STI and pregnancy barriers made from latex or polyisoprene.

We did the research and found the best oil-based personal lubricants available right now.

• Natural And Organic Lubricants

Natural and organic lubes may be water-based or oil-based, depending on their formula.

Again, allergens are a concern with these, as many natural and organic lubes contain oils or other ingredients (like aloe) that may be problematic for those with nut or latex allergies.

If you’d like to go the more natural route, however, we researched and discovered the best and safest natural and organic lubricants.

Are There Any Safe At-Home Lube Alternatives?

If hemp seed oil is off the table and you’re looking for something within reach right now, there are a few safe lube alternatives to consider.

These include:

• Aloe vera gel (pure)
• Argan oil
• Avocado oil
• hemp seed oil
• Coconut oil (virgin, unrefined)
• Shea butter
• Vitamin E oil

While we consider these alternatives to be safe for most, they are not necessarily safe for all sexual situations — or people.

As we mentioned earlier, never use an oil-based lube alternative with latex or polyisoprene condoms, diaphragms, or dental dams, as the oil will degrade their material.

As we recommend with any type of lube, it’s a good idea to patch test your lube alternative on non-genital skin to watch for potential allergic reactions before applying it to your genitals.

Bottom Line:

Hemp seed oil may be a perfectly safe lube alternative for many but it’s important to understand that it might not be the best choice for everyone.

Particularly when it comes to using any oil-based lube, always consider its intended use — including any condoms, diaphragms, or dental dams you plan to use.

Additionally, hemp seed oil is plant-based and it may be a potential allergen.

If any of the above are concerns, it’s best to find a better option.

Not sure where to start? Take a look through our Everything Lube guide or take our lube quiz!