What’s in My Lube? Your Guide to Personal Lubricant Ingredients

By ASTROGLIDE Team

That’s one of the reasons why we share all of ASTROGLIDE lube ingredients on our product page (and on the products themselves, of course).

But while our chemists and researchers can wax poetic about all the amazing properties of each compound included in our lubes, we realize the average lube user might have questions about our ingredients, why they’re included in our different lubricant formulas, and what exactly these ingredients “do.”

In fact, there are three lube ingredients we’re asked about more than any others, so we thought it’d be a good idea to talk about them – what is lube, and what are the most common ingredients?

3 Popular Personal Lubricant Ingredients

What is glycerin, and is glycerin lube safe?

Glycerin is a naturally-occurring compound that’s extracted from plants.

It can come in many forms, including nitroglycerin, which is used in dynamite. Don’t worry — that’s not the form we use as a lube ingredient! The only explosive quality of our lubes is the orgasms that come with them.

Glycerin is a humectant, which means it can seal in moisture and helps stop products like facial cleansers and skin lotions from drying out or irritating skin. That’s one of the reasons glycerin is such a common ingredient in a vaginal lubricant – it allows lubes to stay wet. Glycerin also helps create the slippery feel of lube and acts as a sort of cushion to reduce friction during sex or while using a sex toy.

Does glycerin cause yeast infections?

We’ve received some concerned feedback from lube users who are afraid that glycerin causes a yeast infection from penetrative sex. We understand why – glycerin is often sweet-tasting and is mistaken for a sugar. Yeast feeds on sugar, so it would follow that glycerin can cause an overgrowth of yeast, right?

The truth is, glycerin isn’t a sugar — it’s a sugar alcohol.

Yeast and bacteria don’t feed on sugar alcohols, including glycerin. Glycerin can be converted to sugar by the body, but only through digestion — not when it’s simply applied in lube form.

In fact, when it comes to avoiding yeast infections, it’s better to apply a personal lubricant containing glycerin than it is to use saliva — some studies have linked saliva with an increase in yeast infections.

What is propylene glycol, and is it safe in lube?

Like glycerin, propylene glycol is plant-based and a humectant, which allows it to draw in and seal in moisture during sexual activity.

These features help propylene glycol to keep lubricants wetter longer while also adding a slippery feel and cushion – think of it as a kind of buffer zone that reduces friction in your vagina.

Propylene glycol is also used in many food products, including coffee drinks, ice cream, and whipped cream, and soda.

“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified propylene glycol as ‘generally recognized as safe,’ which means that it is acceptable for use in flavorings, drugs, and cosmetics, and as a direct food additive.”

Propylene glycol is also safe for skin — in fact, it is often prescribed by doctors to treat rashes and even skin irritation caused by radiation treatments.

However, a very small percentage of people with sensitive skin may experience skin irritation when using products that contain propylene glycol. If you feel discomfort that you think may be linked to your lube or any other product you’ve applied to your skin, we recommend you discontinue use and consult your family doctor or dermatologist.

What are parabens, and are they safe lube ingredients?

Parabens are some of the most widely used preservatives found in food and cosmetics.

They’re used to kill bacteria, yeast, and mold (and you can imagine why it’s important to keep those kinds of organisms out of your personal lubricant!).

Can a paraben cause cancer? That’s a question people sometimes ask, based on a myth that became popularized in 2004 after a study found parabens in samples of cancerous breast tissue. However, according to the American Cancer Society (emphasis ours):

The researchers looked only for the presence of parabens in breast cancer samples. The study did not show that parabens caused or contributed to breast cancer development in these cases – it only showed that they were there.. studies have not shown any direct link between parabens and any health problems, including breast cancer.

The FDA also released this statement (emphasis ours):

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) reviewed the safety of methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben in 1984 and concluded they were safe for use in cosmetic products at levels up to 25%. Typically parabens are used at levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.3%, at the present time there is no reason for consumers to be concerned about the use of cosmetics containing parabens.

Tried and True Personal Lubricant Ingredients

ASTROGLIDE lubricants are all developed and tested in our U.S. lab so we can ensure safety and quality during sexual activity.

Remember, glycerin, propylene glycol, and parabens aren’t our only lube ingredients. You can check out full lists of ingredients for each ASTROGLIDE formula on our product page. We even have lubricants with no glycerin, propylene glycol, or parabens, including:

ASTROGLIDE Organix Liquid

Formulated with 95% certified organic ingredients and no parabens, glycerin, flavors, or fragrances, Organix Liquid combines aloe vera, chamomile, flower extracts, and other plant-derived ingredients.

ASTROGLIDE Glycerin & Paraben Free Liquid

Formulated for people with sensitivities to glycerin and parabens. This water-based lubricant has a smooth consistency, is long-lasting and both sex toy and condom compatible.

ASTROGLIDE X Silicone Liquid

This silicone lube contains just two ingredients: Cyclomethicone and dimethicone, two types of silicone that are FDA approved for use in skincare products.

ASTROGLIDE X Silicone Gel

Like X Silicone liquid, this silicone lubricant contains Cyclomethicone and dimethicone, with the addition of coconut oil.

ASTROGLIDE O Organic Oil-based Lubricant

Formulated with sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and other organic, plant-based lube ingredients, O is the perfect option for when you want to burn the midnight oil.

Remember that everyone’s skin is different, and even plant-based skin products can cause irritation (after all, plants are a major source of allergies!). To learn which lubricantion is best for you, click here to try a free sample!

Have a question about one of our ingredients? Contact us or tweet your question to @ASTROGLIDE — we’d be happy to help!