For Couples Only
I have hesitated for a long time to share this blog post because it is such a private topic. Talking about intimacy oils is an uncomfortable and sensitive issue. Being a private person, intimacy oil (or KY) is not really something I talk about. However, my concern and reason for sharing this information, is that store bought oils and lubricants can be extremely harmful, especially for women. Many women (and men) are not aware of how these ingredients can affect the body. The ingredients in personal lubricants are easily absorbed because of the areas that they are being applied (if you know what I mean). As a result, absorption is higher than if you are just applying something topically to the skin.
Why Make Your Own
There are several reasons to make your own lubricant, but ingredients are, in my opinion, the most important reason. Here are the ingredients that are inside your typical lubricant ‘jelly’:
Water, Glycerin, Hydroxyethycellulose, Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Gluconolactone, Methylparaben, Sodium Hydroxide
Water and glycerin are pretty harmless and thankfully these are the two main ingredients. However, let us discuss the remaining ingredients.
Hydroxyethycellulose – a thickening agent, pretty harmless as far as chemicals go, but a chemical nontheless
Chlorhexidine Gluconate – a salt and gluconate acid that is considered a skin irritant
Gluconolactone – a fragrance type ingredient
Methylparaben – a preservative in the paragon family that can be harmful to the body
The EWG (Environmental Working Group) states that parabens mimic estrogen and can act as potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptors. – emphasis added
Sodium Hydroxide – a pH adjuster that can be harmful to organs and also a skin irritant
Additionally, lubricants containing glycerine can contain a little bit of sugar which can feed yeast infections. It is so important to be mindful of ingredients that may be lurking in your lubricants.
The Alternatives
Making your own lubricant is relatively easy, however you will want to be careful of your ingredients as well. I have heard mixed reviews on the benefits of coconut oil as a lubricant, in my opinion I feel that it is a good alternative and can act as a antimicrobial.
Castor oil is a natural, thick oil that is a great replacement for glycerine. It is believed to be an anti-inflammatory and an antimicrobial oil that is extremely moisturizing for the skin. However, as with any oil, a small percentage of people have experienced an unexplained allergic reaction. Always test your oils on a small area of your skin to make sure it is the right oil for you.
Additionally, adding a little bit of lavender essential oil can be extremely beneficial. Lavender has a natural calming tendency and has been known to soothe and heal the skin. This makes it a great perk for an intimate oil. Additionally, ylang ylang essential oil is a very calming scent but is also known to kill bacteria.
This do-it-yourself product is a more nourishing, natural lubricant that is beneficial for the skin and overall health.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup castor oil
- 1/4 cup fractionated coconut oil
- 6 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 drops ylang ylang essential oil
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together and put into a small bottle with a pump. Use as needed.
A wonderful romantic gift to combine with your DIY intimacy oil is GEGs Pure & Gentle Body Oil.
Enjoy your day and make sure to use healthy products! ♥
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