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yaluronic acid, aloe,
coconut oil, CBD—
these are some of the
substances in the new
lubes to make them
healthier and provide more pleasure
for you. This is important because
“anything that goes inside the vagina can
be absorbed or have side effects,” says
Alyssa Dweck, M.D., a gynecologist
and an assistant adjunct professor at
New York Medical College. A product
labeled “organic” or “natural” isn’t nec-
essarily good for you, however. These
expert tips will help guide your choices.ACE THE BASE
Many water-based lubes contain pre-
servatives that can dry out your tis-
sues, says Lauren Streicher, M.D., the
medical director of the Northwestern
Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine
and Menopause and the author of
Sex Rx: Hormones, Health, and Your
Best Sex Ever. Silicone-based lubesTHE NEW LUBES
The latest formulas contain ingredients that give your sex life all kinds
of new benefits. Here’s what to look for. By Marnie Schwartzfemme zonelike Uberlube (from $18, uberlube.com)
don’t have these additives, are compati-
ble with condoms, and last longer.PICK THE BEST
BONUS INGREDIENTS
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring
moisturizer, and it really works in lubes,
Dr. Dweck says. So does aloe, which is
plant based and hydrating. Other lubri-
cants, like the moisturizing one from
Honey Pot Company ($20, thehoney
pot.co), contain healthy plant and fruit
extracts that also help with pH balance.
Research to support the use of canna-
bidiol in lubes has been limited, but
Dr. Dweck says anecdotal reports are
positive. CBD is considered antianxiety
and anti-inflammatory, which may
help if you have pain or dryness issues
during sex. Both could promote muscle
relaxation and overall increased plea-
sure, she says.AND STEER CLEAR OF THESE
Avoid flavored or scented lubes, which
can throw off the pH in your vaginaand irritate or even damage your tissue,
especially if you have sensitive skin or
are prone to infections, according to our
experts. Glycerin is another ingredient
that can increase the risk of yeast infec-
tions in women who are prone to them,
research shows. And consider products
that are free of parabens since they are
potential endocrine disrupters and may
interfere with your natural hormone
levels, Dr. Dweck says.HEAT THINGS UP
Chilly lube can be a mood killer, but
products that chemically warm contain
ingredients that can be very drying and
irritating, Dr. Streicher says. Instead,
she recommends putting lubricant in
a bowl of warm water or using a warm-
ing machine before you get going.
The Pulse Warming Dispenser ($199,
lovemypulse.com), which is compatible
with the company’s silicone-based aloe
lube and gentle water-based lube with
chia, gently heats the product.SHA0520SWFEM_DG.indd 56 FINAL 3/18/20 12:45 PM