Guestblogger Wendy Strgar, is the owner and founder of Good Clean Love (they make the above lube) a manufacturer of all-natural love and intimacy products. Married for over 23 years with four children, Wendy teaches about Making Love Sustainable, a green philosophy of relationships which recognizes the importance of valueing the renewable resources of love and family in our lives. Her blog is a lively discussion about making love real in your life.
Lubrication is a Fact of Life
By Wendy Strgar
Lubrication is a fact of life. In any relationship where working parts are at play, whether it be an engine, a dinner party or an evening of love, everything works better when it is “well oiled.” Lubrication allows for glide, ease and effectiveness. When lubrication is working well, it is invisible. When it isn’t working, we know it immediately! An engine without oil locks up in minutes; awkward silence and uncomfortable glances can kill an otherwise great night between lovers.
Lacking lubrication in intimacy can take on multiple forms and occur for a myriad of reasons. Age, childbearing and nursing and some medications are often the cause of vaginal dryness and its associated pain in sex.
Largely, the variety of lubricants on the market break down into three main categories; water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based. Each category has its benefits and weaknesses and it’s important to be informed about the health and environmental consequences associated with different product ingredients, because after all, you’re putting them in and on sensitive areas.
Water-based lubes are by far the most popular category because they are most often recommended by physicians and are latex compatible (you can use them safely with condoms). However, because of their chosen ingredient base, which includes petrochemicals, many women experience continuous irritation, burning and infection. Propylene glycol, also found in anti-freeze and brake fluid, Polyethylene glycol, an ingredient in oven cleaner and preservatives methyl and propyl-parabens are all common in lube formulations. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics – a research advocate arm of the Breast Cancer Fund, has recently identified parabens as potentially carcinogenic and is working to stop their usage in all personal care products. Parabens are used as preservatives and are also associated with skin irritation.
Another popular ingredient of water-based lubricants is vegetable glycerin. There is some debate about glycerin- on the plus side, it is a great anti-bacterial agent and does provide a certain glide, but in large volumes has a tendency to inflame yeast problems and usually ends up very sticky and overly sweet. Oh! My is a great company to check out for a wide variety of fun packaging, flavors and ingredients in water-based lubricants. They have done their homework and provide a lot of interesting information on their site.
Silicone-based lubricants are enjoyed by many, with great response. Silicone provides excellent smooth and long-lasting glide. However, silicone carries its own risks and inconveniences including the strong chemical scent and taste, stains sheets and does not wash off sensitive tissue without a hearty scrub with soap and water. In this group the product that tops the list is Pjur silicone lubricant from Germany. If I were to use a silicone lubricant- this would be the one I would choose first.
Natural oil-based lubricants offer a sensuous and aromatic choice for individuals who are either allergic to latex or have other birth control methods. Love oils and butters gave me my first really positive and healing sex experience and helped me launch my business in natural love products. The use of olive oil and coconut oil as lubricants is ages old, and for good reason. Another good company to look into here would be firefly.com.
I have researched product chemistry and believe that many intimacy products suffer from a serious lack of imagination. Our company in conjunction with a research lab in Wyoming applied ourselves to finding an alternative and thanks to healthy collective questioning and a faith in natural products, we came up with an all-natural lubricant made with aloe vera, xanthan gum, agar-agar and a three tiered preservative system including less than 10% vegetable glycerin, benzoic acid and a naturally activated enzymatic formula which continuously preserves in the bottle. We create our fragrance and flavor with infusions of whole flowers and herbs. All in all, I really don’t think you can get a cleaner, fresher lube. I guarantee it will take twenty years off your sex drive…
I guarantee it will take twenty years off your sex drive…
I’m not sure that’s a great selling point for everyone — twenty years ago, I thought girls had cooties.
10/18/06 » 9:21 pm »
Twenty years ago i was in 2nd grade, so I’m with you Stentor! But I bet in 10 more years I might like that…..
10/18/06 » 9:48 pm »
How can I order your Good Clean Love, Ladies Lube?
10/19/06 » 2:04 am »
Just click on the link for the site, Good Clean Love (it’s highlighted in purple in the bio information of the article’s author)
10/19/06 » 10:13 am »
I bought my lavender scented one at Love Me Naturally, they have a pretty big selection of different types of lubes from different manufacturers and they everything they carry is all natural stuff. http://www.LoveMeNaturally.com
03/09/07 » 9:53 pm »
I would recommend people have a look and try of Yes Lubricant……
I absolutely agree with Wendy in that almost every lubricant out there, even if it does say its “natural” often contains horrendous ingredients, parabens, glycerine and silicone. If you really think about it, these lubricants will be absorbed within the most precious area of a woman, an area that should remain pure, safe, free from chemicals; an area that you perhaps might not realise what is going on if you are hurting it. Such thoughts have really made me think about what types of lubricant I am using. I am not a complete “greenie” or an “eco-warrior” of everything, but when it comes to putting things in my Body I am. My perception is that Sylk, O’My and Firefly are not as natural as they make out. If you actually compare ingredients and research the ingredients they all contain something that is not safe for your body. Comparing all three to “Yes lube” is unbelievable. In terms of “Good Clean Love” I would put it in the same category as Sylk and O’My, containing less than 10% vegetable glycerine (which means there is still a good chance of getting Thrush! BUT….Yes does not contain ANY. NO glycerine, NO glycols, NO grapefruitseed extract, NO petrochemicals!!!! My perception is that Yes is the only 100% organic lubricant, that is healthy and pure in its ingredients, please do try, they are a wonderful company with wonderful products.
07/18/08 » 2:35 am »
Car Antifreeze is Ethylene glycol not Propylene glycol. Big difference. Not trying to change opinions or make statements, just saying, before educating others, educate yourself first. No offense intended.
06/05/10 » 11:30 pm »