Is Olive Oil a Safe Sexual Lubricant?

Is Olive Oil a Safe Sexual Lubricant?


4 minute read

Olive Oil As a Lubricant

Using olive oil as a sexual lubricant is generally safe for your body, but as always, it depends a bit on a few things...

Many vegetable oils are safe for vaginal, anal, and oral use; olive oil is no exception. In fact, people have used the substance for masturbation and sex for hundreds of years.

It's a safe substance in its raw form, but there are a few important things to keep in mind when considering any kitchen oil as a personal lubricant.

Overall, olive oil offers a few significant benefits as a personal lubricant. It's not water-soluble, and as a result, it provides long-lasting lubrication in small amounts.

A few drops of olive oil can last for hours. It isn't very greasy, and most people have a bottle of olive oil in their kitchens. Some consider it to be similar to silicone-based lube.

Because it's not water-soluble, olive oil doesn't have a pH value, but it is a fragile acid; however, olive oil shouldn't increase your chances of yeast infections or other conditions.

 

The Disadvantages of Olive Oil as a Lube

Olive oil is safe for vaginal, anal, and (obviously) oral, but it's not all smooth sailing. There are some obvious drawbacks to olive oil as a sexual lubricant.

Because it's not water-soluble, cleanup can be difficult. Olive oil, along with other oil-based personal lubricants, can also permanently stain some sheets or clothes -- and some people are allergic to it.

When olive oil goes rancid, it creates an unpleasant odor even in its natural state; it has a strong smell that some people find unsuitable for sex.

Real olive oil is also relatively expensive, so while it might work in a pinch, it's not always feasible as a sexual lubricant. 

There are also a few health concerns to keep in mind. Like any oil, olive oil can break down some materials.

You should never use olive oil (or any oil-based product) with latex condoms or silicone sex toys. Water-based lubricants are recommended for use with condoms and silicone sex toys.

Olive oil isn't officially recommended by the FDA for use as a personal care product, and many of the olive oils that you'll find at your local grocery store contain additives and other ingredients.

They're not formulated for internal use except as foods, so you may be taking risks by using these products.

 

Are Other Types of Oil Safe for Sexual Use?

Vegetable oils were some of the first lubricants, and many of the products in your kitchen will technically work in the bedroom. 

However, you might not enjoy the experience. 

Canola oil, corn oil, and other common vegetable oils can create a gunky, unpleasant buildup.

Hemp oil and almond oil are sometimes suggested as lubricant substitutes; some lube manufacturers use these ingredients to create long-lasting, odor-free products.

Commercial products often contain preservatives, including natural preservatives, that prevent bacteria, fungi, and yeast from growing.

They also have ingredients that improve the lubricating qualities of their base substances.  

For instance, many water-based lubes contain cellulose and other thickening agents, making the lubricants easier to use.

 

Wrapping Up

If you're looking for an oil-based lubricant, we strongly recommend commercial products for a simple reason.

There's significant oversight for sexual lubricant brands and manufacturers, and they specifically design their personal care products for the human body.

Pure olive oil isn't dangerous, but it's not necessarily an ideal choice.

 

Some of our favorite sexual lubricants:

Hot Pink Gentle Warming Lubricant

Hot Pink Gentle Warming Lubricant

$9.99

Hot Pink Warming Lubricant When you want to bring some extra heat to your next sexual rendezvous, reach for the Hot Pink. This long-lasting, water-based lubricant delivers unbelievable sensations. Condomaniacs LOVE Hot Pink Warming Lube because it's... Unscented Water-Based Warming… Read More

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Trojan H2O Sensitive Touch with Aloe Lubricant | 5.5oz

Trojan H2O Sensitive Touch with Aloe Lubricant | 5.5oz

$10.99

Trojan H2O Sensitive Touch Lubricant Nourish your skin while enjoying a slicker, smoother glide. Trojan Lubricants' H20 Sensitive Touch is a gentle lube that enhances all types of sex without drying out sensitive skin; it's formulated with vitamin E and… Read More

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