Is Lube Edible And Safe To Swallow?
While most personal lubricants are safe to ingest in small quantities, certain lubes are made with ingredients that shouldn’t be swallowed or even used internally.
Here’s why:
- Despite being labeled as edible, some lubes might contain potentially toxic ingredients or potential allergens based on individual sensitivities.
- In addition, even safe lubes might present a choking hazard if eaten or might NOT be “flavored” – being edible and flavored are two different things.
- Finally – no matter the safety of the lube – ingesting large quantities, or the use of certain oil-based lubes, can lead to nausea, digestive issues, or worse.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Editor’s Note: This article is part of our Everything Lube hub, an in-depth and evolving resource that comprehensively explores 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.
Is Lube Safe To Swallow?
The answer to this question depends on the lube and what it is made from.
Some personal lubricants claim to be edible, yet they include potentially toxic ingredients, could be a choking hazard, or taste outright disgusting.
In other words, you should not eat these lubes!
Lube ingredients that can be harmful to put in your body include:
You should also always check your lube’s ingredients list for anything you are allergic to, as some lubes have oils derived from nuts and seeds, or latex for those derived from aloe vera.
All lube types can technically be edible, however, we recommend saving the oil-based lube for just anal or vaginal sex.
Whether it’s oil, water, or silicone-based lube, when we say “edible” we mean ingesting a small amount. Even edible lubes will make you sick if you throw back a whole tube.
It’s also important to distinguish the difference between edible and flavored lube. Lube that is edible won’t always have any added flavoring, but is safe to be ingested, making it great for use during fellatio or cunnilingus, and even sensual activities like toe sucking.
Lastly, when you’re looking for edible lube, really you’re just looking for lube because any lube that is hazardous to swallow shouldn’t be going in your body at all!
Is Water-Based Lube Edible?
Water-based lube is our favorite kind of edible lube.
Its lightweight consistency is the most similar to the body’s natural lubricants, making it pleasant to have on your lips and in your mouth.
Water-based lubes make for easy cleanup, because they’re water-soluble, but can last for a shorter time and require some reapplication.
One of our top water-based lubricants, Aloe Cadabra, is safely edible and although it has no discernable taste, it’s also available in a variety of flavors, too.
- Great For “Lube Virgins” And Pros Alike
- Available In 18 Delicious Flavors & Scents
- 2-In-1 Vaginal Moisturizer And Personal Lubricant
- 95% Organic Aloe Vera, Non-Sticky
- Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms
- No Pump Dispenser
- Not As Long-Lasting As Others
- Not Waterproof
- Flavored Lube:
Most flavored lubes are water-based and are safe to swallow.
Be careful when using flavored lubes that are made with glycerin, sugar, or sugar substitutes. If used internally, these ingredients can increase your chances of infections like yeast or bacterial vaginosis and have been shown to decrease good bacteria.
Our team taste-tested a variety of flavored and edible lubes — our top recommendations are below!
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Best Overall (Flavored)
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Also Good (Flavored)
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Best Overall (Unflavored)
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Also Good (Unflavored)
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$14.00 (4.2 oz)
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$11.95 (2.5 oz)
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$21.99 (5.1 oz)
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$12.99 (4 oz)
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Description: Bottom Line: Our team absolutely loves the sweet flavor and silky-smooth, never-sticky texture of Sliquid Swirl. This was hands-down the most flavorful lube of the entire bunch, featuring a bold array of 8 fruit-inspired flavor combinations sweetened without the use of sugar so it transitions from oral delights to penetrative fun with no irritation or discomfort. [Full Review + Video] |
Description: Bottom Line: Available in 18 delicious flavors and scents to explore, our team found that Aloe Cadabra added a subtly sweet touch to oral and vaginal sex. We loved that the lightweight texture mimics our body’s natural lubrication and the 95% food-grade, NSF Certified Organic aloe vera felt absolutely amazing on our skin — soothing it during and after use! [Full Review + Video] |
Description: Bottom Line: This is our team’s top recommendation if you’re searching for a long-lasting edible lubricant that has absolutely no flavor whatsoever. With AH! YES WB in hand (and mouth) you can enjoy your partner’s natural taste in all its glory. Made from 96% organic ingredients certified by the Soil Association, this one is ideal for those with sensitive skin. [Full Review + Video] |
Description: Bottom Line: The sweet yet subtle lemon-vanilla scent doesn’t add flavor, yet it’s light and refreshing without being too overpowering during oral sex. If you’ve been searching for a personal lubricant that won’t mask your partner’s natural taste (but smells like heaven), this long-lasting lube, made from just 7 organic ingredients, is a team favorite. [Full Review + Video] |
Bottom Line: Our team absolutely loves the sweet flavor and silky-smooth, never-sticky texture of Sliquid Swirl. This was hands-down the most flavorful lube of the entire bunch, featuring a bold array of 8 fruit-inspired flavor combinations sweetened without the use of sugar so it transitions from oral delights to penetrative fun with no irritation or discomfort. [Full Review + Video]
Bottom Line: Available in 18 delicious flavors and scents to explore, our team found that Aloe Cadabra added a subtly sweet touch to oral and vaginal sex. We loved that the lightweight texture mimics our body’s natural lubrication and the 95% food-grade, NSF Certified Organic aloe vera felt absolutely amazing on our skin — soothing it during and after use! [Full Review + Video]
Bottom Line: This is our team’s top recommendation if you’re searching for a long-lasting edible lubricant that has absolutely no flavor whatsoever. With AH! YES WB in hand (and mouth) you can enjoy your partner’s natural taste in all its glory. Made from 96% organic ingredients certified by the Soil Association, this one is ideal for those with sensitive skin. [Full Review + Video]
Bottom Line: The sweet yet subtle lemon-vanilla scent doesn’t add flavor, yet it’s light and refreshing without being too overpowering during oral sex. If you’ve been searching for a personal lubricant that won’t mask your partner’s natural taste (but smells like heaven), this long-lasting lube, made from just 7 organic ingredients, is a team favorite. [Full Review + Video]
Is Silicone-Based Lube Edible?
Because silicone is not absorbed by the body, small amounts of silicone-based lubes are safe to swallow.
However, silicone-based lubes aren’t most people’s top choice when searching for an edible lube because its thicker texture can be somewhat unpleasant when inside your mouth.
But, if you’re looking for a longer-lasting lube that can be used in the bath or shower, a silicone-based edible lube might be a good fit.
Our team has personally tested many silicone-based lubricants, and Wet Platinium is among our top picks:
[Note: Get Wet Platinum Luxury Silicone Personal Lubricant for only $33.71 using code "WHI25" at Adam & Eve or $35.96 using code "WHEALTH" at PinkCherry — specially negotiated discounts we secured after independent review.]
- Lightweight, Water-Like Texture Lasts An Incredibly Long Time And Washes Away Easily With Soap And Water
- Made From Concentrated High-Quality Silicones That Soften And Moisturize Skin After Application
- Inconspicuous Packaging Includes A Lot Of Product
- Formulated To Be Odorless, Flavorless, Colorless, And Never Sticky
- Waterproof For Sensual & Sexy Play In The Bath Or Shower; Compatible With All Condom Types; Ideal For Vaginal And Anal Sex
- Disc-Top Bottle Can Sometimes Leak
- No Pump Dispenser So Application Can Be Messy
- Will Stain Fabrics
- Cannot Be Used With Silicone Sex Toys, Diaphragms, Or Dental Dams
- Is Condom Lubricant Edible?
Most condoms are lubricated with silicone-based lube making them safe to use to perform oral sex and ingest in small amounts.
Is Oil-Based Lube Edible?
Although there are oil-based lubes that are technically safe to swallow, oil-based lubricants are the last on our list for lubes to integrate into your oral sex routine.
Oil-based lubricants can cause nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.
If an oil-based lube accidentally enters your airway, it can cause coughing, choking, or even respiratory problems.
With all that being said, we recommend steering clear just to be on the safe side.
AH! YES OB is one of our top-rated oil-based personal lubricants, personally tested by several members of our team.
[Note: Get AH! YES OB for only $18.70, a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]
- One Of The Few Lubricants That Meets The Soil Association’s Organic Standards; Certified as 99% Organic
- Extremely Hydrating And Long-Lasting Because It’s Oil-Based
- Waterproof; Safe For Condoms Made From Polyurethane, Nitrile, Or Lambskin
- No Added Flavors, Fragrances, Or Dyes
- Great For Vaginal And Anal Sex
- Personally Reviewed By Women’s Health Interactive
- Not For Use With Latex Or Polyisoprene Condoms, Dental Dams, Or Latex Diaphragms
- Sweet Almond Oil Or Sunflower Seed Oil Could Be Allergens To Some
- Not Safe For Oral Sex, As Its Thickness May Present A Choking Hazard
- No Pump Dispenser So Application Can Be Messy
- Can Stain Fabric
What Are The Differences Between Lube Types?
Every type of personal lubricant has its share of pros and cons, so how do you know which one is right for you?
We’ve created a lube comparison table to help you answer that question — quickly and easily.
| 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? |
In Conclusion
Most brands of lube are safe to ingest but you should always read the ingredient list carefully before putting any products into your body.
While some kinds of oil-based lubes are safe to swallow, it’s best to save oil-based for activities besides oral sex.
As long as you’re careful to avoid lubes with hazardous ingredients or possible allergens, you’ll be well on your way to having safe oral sex.
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