Here’s everything you need to know about putting coconut oil on your private parts. Here are a few considerations and precautions you should take when using coconut oil as lube. When purchasing coconut oil, you may come across labels like unrefined, preservative-free, and partially hydrogenated coconut oil. While those labels have more to do with cooking and smoking points than anything else, it’s still best to look for coconut oil in its least processed form. Just like with soaps and other types of lubes, scents and unnecessary additives may cause irritation to the vulva or vagina. So even if you’ve purchased the most natural coconut oil out there, it’s important to do a patch test to make sure you’re not allergic. To do this, sex therapist Cyndi Darnell, MHSc, MNT, says to place a drop of coconut oil on your wrist and see how your skin reacts. After 48 hours, she recommends repeating the test on your vulva, penis, or around the anus. “Wait 24 hours to see if there is a reaction,” she says. All to say: If you’re someone prone to yeast infections, proceed with caution with using coconut oil as lube. If it causes any irritation or discomfort, discontinue use. For those with sensitive skin, osteopathic OB/GYN Anna Cabeca, D.O., recommends using fractionated coconut oil because it doesn’t cake or clog pores as much. “And, of course, organic is always the first choice,” she says. It’s also a comparable replacement for butter in vegan baking projects. In the beauty department, coconut oil has been shown to prevent hair damage, reduce frizz, and moisturize the skin. That said, there are no clinical studies that specifically test the benefits of using coconut oil as lube. Here are some potential benefits, though: While it may not be the best lube for everyone, Gilberg-Lenz says it’s helpful for people who experience sensitivity or dryness at the entrance of the vagina and upon penetration. Coconut oil is less effective for people who have general vaginal dryness, like those experiencing perimenopause or menopause. RELATED: Coconut Oil For Hair: Why It Works + 6 Ways To Apply It Since you can’t use it with condoms, Darnell says coconut oil may be safer to use during toy-free masturbation, depending on how your body responds to it. While antibacterial and antifungal properties may sound like a good thing, bacteria and fungi naturally live in the vagina and often promote vaginal health. With long-term use, the antibacterial properties can affect your vagina’s pH balance by disrupting the natural bacteria, Cabeca says. pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline (basic) a substance is. The healthy vagina’s pH is moderately acidic (low), but it can be affected by introducing new substances (including lube) to the area. A higher vaginal pH creates an environment for unhealthy bacteria to grow, which may make you more prone to infection. Using coconut oil intermittently is typically OK, but if you’re prone to yeast infections, consider speaking to your OB/GYN beforehand. For what it’s worth, all fluids (not just coconut oil) that come near the vagina can potentially affect its pH too. Trubow recommends using solid, room-temperature coconut oil. This form tends to leave less of a stain than liquid oils might, but it can still leave a stain. It may help to have a special towel or blanket you can lay out before using coconut oil during sex. Just note that coconut oil is readily absorbed by the skin and may not stay slick, Gilberg-Lenz says, which may contribute to friction, pain, and tissue damage. So make sure to apply liberally and continue applying throughout the sexual experience as the area becomes dry again. Coconut oil can be found at your local grocery store—just check the labels to make sure you’re buying certified organic. If you have severe vaginal dryness and don’t notice the lubricant making sex any easier, a coconut oil and water-based lubricant (like this one) may be more beneficial. You could also make your own DIY lubricant, using equal parts fractionated coconut oil and equal parts aloe vera. RELATED: Best Natural Lubes: 17 Products, DIY Options & Alternatives Here’s our full guide to choosing the right lube.
