Accessible Sex Education

thecsph:

How often do you check the ingredients on your lube beyond the labels “silicone” or “water-based”? Today we take a look at glycerin.

Glycerin is a compound which the body processes as sugar. It’s typically added to water-based lubes to make your naughty bits taste sweet when lubed up. A lot of people like glycerin lubes because they complain about the bitter/bad taste of unflavored lubricant.

However, here’s why you might want to stay away from it:

• For Vaginas: If you’re already prone to yeast infections, using glycerin lubes increases your chances of getting them. Yeast feeds on sugar, and that’s what glycerin is. If you don’t get frequent yeast infections, you should still be able to use glycerin lubes…but there is literally no benefit to glycerin other than what we’d argue is an unnecessary “taste factor”, so we’d still advice against it.
• For Anuses: Do you know what else contains glycerin? Anal suppository laxatives! If you’re using lube for anal play (which you should be!), we’d steer clear of the glycerin lubes unless you plan on dropping some major deuces post-play.

What are your alternatives? There are lots of glycerin-free water based lubes on the market, just read the label carefully! You could also opt for silicone-based lubes. And if the taste factor of your lube is a big deal for you, there are ways to get yummy lubes WITHOUT glycerin in them. Just reach for a flavored lube (Sliquid carries a good line) that specifically notes it uses non-sugar artificial flavorings.

Note: KY Jelly, although one of the most sold lubes in Walgreens/convenience stores, is STUFFED with glycerin. Stay away from this!