12 Best Lube for Sensitive Skin, According to Ob-Gyns

When it comes to parabens, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), health effects due to “exposure to low levels of parabens are unknown.” But because they are preservatives, avoiding parabens anytime you can, is a good idea.

“Definitely read the label’s list of ingredients before you pick a lube off the shelf or from an online store,” says Charlsie Celestine, MD, an obstetrics and gynecology physician in New Jersey. “You want to avoid fragrance, flavor, or aroma. Avoid other ingredients such as alcohol that can be irritative, spermicide ingredients such as chlorhexidine gluconate and nonoxynol-9. Avoid propylene glycol as well. Also steer clear of those lubes that advertise a warming, cooling, or tingling sensation, as the ingredients that give these tend to be possible irritants.”

As enticing as novelty formulas (hi, warming lubes) may seem for your sex life, if you consider the boatload of chemicals required to create these products, then that should put you off right there. If you still want to heighten the senses during sex, consider temperature play. With toys, that could involve heating or cooling a dildo made of glass or steel, while with a partner, that could be teasing each other with ice, warmed-up massage oil, or hot wax from a candle.

What type of lube is least likely to cause infection?

“Honestly, almost anything can cause irritation depending on what each individual is sensitive to,” says Dr. Celestine, which is why she stresses the importance of reading the label “to make sure there’s nothing in the ingredient list that you know has irritated you in the past or that you are allergic to. There are some [ingredients] that are less likely, but I'll never tell anyone that any are 100% guaranteed to not cause irritation.”

But as Dr. White points out, sticking to lubricants that are hypoallergenic, void of known irritating additives, and those that match the pH of the vagina—the average range is between 3.8 and 5.0 according to the National Institute of Health (NIH)—then you can minimize the chances that you’ll run into a problem.

What do gynecologists recommend for sensitive skin?

According to both Dr. White and Dr. Celestine, aloe vera is ideal for those with sensitive skin. Of course, if aloe bothers you, then you should continue your lube search for those that contain organic extracts, as opposed to synthetics and chemicals. Soothing vitamin E is also recommended for those whose skin is on the sensitive side.

“What’s great is that many brands now are recognizing the importance of a safe lube that works for most women,” says Dr. Celestine. “And also, believe it or not, there are actual guidelines for lubricants set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food & Drug Administration (FDA); lubricants are classified as a medical device by the FDA. So for those with sensitive skin, I advise making sure the lube you choose is cleared by the FDA.”

If you’re someone with sensitive skin, then get ready to take some notes. Here are the 12 best lubes for you.