Lubricant helps eliminate the friction that can occur during sex or solo-play with toys, making it a much more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. But you should have one of the best lubes for sensitive skin on hand if you find that the skin around your vulva, penis, or anus tends to get a little inflamed.
These lubes are typically water- or aloe-based (although silicone is better for anal play), and don't include common irritants like glycerine or fragrances. And while not all lubricants have a pH, for those that do, the ideal level will change depending on the activity: A pH of around 4 or 4.5 is best for vaginal intercourse, while a pH of at least 5.5 is better for anal intercourse.
The first step in finding the right lube for your needs is to look closely at the ingredients list on the bottle to ensure there's nothing on there that may cause irritation. For vaginal lubes, you may want to avoid phenoxyethanol, propylene, petroleum, and silicones. According to Dr. Jodie Horton, MD, chief wellness advisor for Love Wellness, the latter two in particular can "coat the vagina, making it hard to clean externally and preventing the vagina from self-cleaning." In addition, steer clear of anything that has flavor, fragrance, aroma, or a warming/cooling effect, as well as products with glycerine, since they can disrupt the pH balance of the vagina.
As for anal lubes, many of the same ingredients listed above should also be avoided, although there is one exception: silicone. Since the anus is not self-lubricating and the anal walls are much thinner than those of the vagina, silicone-based lubes may be the better choice because they're often longer lasting and thicker (while still being hypoallergenic). Keep in mind, however, that silicone lubes should never be used with silicone sex toys.
Just remember that lubes, much like sex toys, often come down to personal preference. And having sensitive skin means you might need to test drive a few options before committing to stocking up your nightstand, and you should always do a patch test first.
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