Lube, something no sex toy tester can do without, and frankly it is a good addition for everyone's sex life. Especially if you use a sex toy to enhance your sex life, a good lubricant is a must. But even for "normal" penis in vagina (PIV) sex (and, of course, anal), a lubricant is not an unnecessary luxury, although of course that is different for everyone.

But did you already know that many lubricants contain ingredients that are not at all good for your vagina, anus or body?

And so we asked ourselves the question, What's in my lube?

If you want to quickly search for an ingredient, use your browser's search function (ctrl+f) to type in the word there. You can also click through to the ingredient list all at once. At the suggestion of one of our loyal readers, we have now included the English name of the ingredients in the list.

Not slipping through the trees

As you may know, there are many products for sale that fall under the heading of lubricant. From both well-known brands like Durex, as well as other somewhat (unjustly) less commonly known brands like Sliquid. And then there are the private label lubricants from Etos or Kruidvat, for example. There are SO many different lubricants, and that's actually a good thing. Also the fact that you can buy your lubricant at Albert Heijn or for our Flemish readers at Colruyt is of course already quite an improvement.

The different types of lubricants

Aside from the different brands, you can divide lubricants into a number of types, there are:

• Water-based lubricants
• Silicone-based lubricants
• Oil-based lubricants
• Hybrid lubricants

Water-based lubricant is actually already around the best known, it is also the type of lubricant that is usually used to coat condoms with to make it easier to use a condom during sex, of course condoms without lube are also available.

Silicone-based lubricant is also safe when using condoms, although this lubricant is not usually used by condom manufacturers. Silicone lubricant usually remains effective longer than water-based lubricant, so you can take advantage of the slipperiness of this lubricant for longer.

Hybrid lubricant is actually a mixture of a small amount of silicone-based lubricant with water-based lubricant. This mixture creates a lubricant that works longer but is still largely water-based, it could also work well with silicone toys.

Finally, there is oil-based lubricant. This lubricant is a no-go anyway when using condoms, and most sex toys also do not fare well against the oil used as a base for this lubricant. There are a number of oil-based products that are used as lubricants, for example, Crisco is notorious and famous. But coconut oil is also used as a lubricant on a more natural and organic basis, although there is much debate whether coconut oil lubricant is as safe for at least the flora in your body. Some people also use baby oil as a lubricant, at least we would not recommend that to you.

Using lube with sex toys: Using lube safely on or in your sex toy

Sex toys, in proper Dutch sex toys are usually made of some "standard" materials, of course good quality (Medical Grade) silicone, TPE or TPR (which is non-toxic, but porous and therefore not good for your body) and of course, (surgical) steel and glass. With TPE and TPR, you can't use silicone or oil, so you really should always use water-based lube. Actually, the same applies to silicone toys, although there is now a discussion stating that provided your sex toy is indeed made of "pure" Medical Grade Silicone, the use of silicone lube is okay.

If you want to see if you can use silicone lube with your sex toy or dildo, put a drop on a piece of toy that you don't insert (for example, the bottom of your dildo) and see if any weird chemical reactions occur. Should nothing happen then you could assume that it is safe to use with this toy, although you can also use water-based lubricant just fine and you can actually be sure of this.

With sex toys made of steel or glass or even stone, you are free to use any kind of lubricant you want. Just make sure that your lubricant is bodysafe (specific for your body), and if you use a toy made of natural materials (such as stone), make sure that it does not react to the other ingredients of your lubricant.

Which lubricant suits you?

While we obviously have quite a bit of wisdom, especially when it comes to toys, lube and of course sex, every person and therefore body is different. Want to see which lube suits you? Then order some small bottles or sachets and see which one suits you.

What's in my lubricant?

Beyond the brands and types of lube, what is actually in lube is something that both varies greatly, and is sometimes a bit unclear. Therefore, we have compiled a list where you can find what is really in your lube. This list is made based on the most well-known ingredients known or contained in lube that we have used.

Find an ingredient that is not in our list, but you want to know what it is? Contact us and mention "lubricant ingredient" as the subject. We'll be happy to look up for you what a particular substance is and whether it's safe for your body (and your genitals) and, of course, add the ingredient to this list.

Of course this list is mostly human work, if you spot a mistake please also get in touch, we certainly appreciate it!

Lubricant Guide updates

07-08-2022 The lube guide has had many (small) updates that I have not mentioned here, but starting today I want to keep better track of the update moments.

Added today by ingredient, "Is it bad for you?" and "Where is it in too?" to make it clear more quickly whether it is good or bad for you and where you might have come across the ingredient before.

A glossary of lubricant ingredients

-A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z-

-A-

Acesulfame K(alium)

EN: Potassium Acesulfame

Is it bad for you? That depends; according to the NVWA, it is fine to use in food and drink. However, there are studies showing that using Acesulfame K can be carcinogenic in the long term. In lubricant, it can contribute to causing fungal infections.

Whatever is in it? Foods and drinks labeled "sugar-free" may contain Acesulfame K

A sweetener that is free of calories and sugar. This substance is possibly carcinogenic, just like aspartame. Anyway, a lot of artificial sweeteners are not necessarily good for you. Acesulfame K is also sometimes listed as E950 on a label.

Aloe Vera

AND: Aloe Vera

Is it bad for you? No, Aloe Vera has healing properties.

Whatever is in it? In various "nourishing" hand creams, sunscreen, as well as in candy and soft drinks.

Aloe Vera does not actually exist, at least scientifically.

What we know as Aloe Vera are the substances from the plant called Aloe Barbadensis. The Aloe Barbadensis is a plant with large leaves and yellow flowers. Sometimes the Aloe Arborescens is also named as Aloe Vera. The Aloe Arborescens is almost not used in cosmetics and other remedies, while this very plant, unlike the Aloe Barbadensis, has up to 50% more "healing" substances and properties. In total, there are about 200 varieties of the Aloe plant.

Aloe Vera is known for its cooling and healing properties. It is often used in lubricants specifically made for Anal use, this then instead of benzocaine*.

Aloe Vera is considered by many to be kind to the vagina and it is even said that it can help balance the vaginal flora and prevent vaginal infections.

Gum Arabic (also known as Acacia Senegal Gum)

EN: Acacia Senegal Gum

Is it bad for you? No, this natural product has been used in food for years

Whatever is in it? Chewing gum, but also, for example, those dirty lick edges on an envelope.

Is the hardened version of the sap of the acacia tree. You also find it in food, ink and paint as an emulsifier. An emulsifier is a substance that keeps substances of different densities from separating. So it keeps the ingredients in your lube from separating if your lube sits on your nightstand for an extended period of time (think of water and oil separating again some time after shaking).

Gum arabic is considered safe for your body, which is why it is allowed and used in foods. You'll also see it listed as E414 or when modified as E432

Avena sativa (kernel) extract

AND: Avena sativa kernel extract

Is it bad for you? No, unless you have a gluten allergy, as this extract can contain gluten

Avena sativa is known in Dutch as Haver, so we are talking about oat extract. This extract is supposed to help with hydration and also could have a mild sedative effect, according to some sources.

-B-

Benzocaine

EN: Benzocaine

Is it bad for you? Yes, narcotics are never good for your body. Beyond the physiological effect, there is also the problem that you don't feel your body's signals as well, so you may not feel that something is tearing or getting damaged.

Whatever is in it? Pain relief, narcotics like at the dentist.

The drug benzocaine is an anesthetic commonly used for local anesthetics. It, unlike lidocaine, is absorbed much more slowly by the body and its effect is of much shorter duration. It is used in lubricants for its numbing effect, to delay orgasm or to make anal sex more "comfortable."

A very small portion of the population is allergic to benzocaine, because on a molecular level benzocaine is very different from lidocaine one does not have to be allergic to lidocaine (but of course one can be).

Equally, both benzocaine and lidocaine are considered safe for the body and are also found in a variety of ointments used in pain management.

Benzoic acid

AND: Benzoic Acid

Is it bad for you? No.

Whatever is in it? Cranberries, cranberry juice, other fruit juices.

Is an acid commonly found in fruits, in cranberries even in very high concentrations. Parabenzoic acid compounds are known as Parabens, however this is a chemical variant of the Benzoic acid compounds already found in nature. Both Benzoic acid and Parabens are used as preservatives. You can also find it as E210

Benzyl Alcohol

EN: Benzyl Alcohol

Is it bad for you? Depends on the application. It is a solvent that can cause allergic reactions quite often, in lubricant it is certainly no fun.

Whatever is in it? Shampoo, shower gel and also baby wipes

Is a natural preservative. This substance is known to cause an allergic reaction quickly, especially skin rashes or eczema reactions. Also known as E1519

-C-

Capsaicin

EN: Capsaicin

Is it bad for you? In small doses not necessarily, in high doses most definitely.

Whatever is in it? Chili peppers, sambal, pepper spray.

A substance found in chili peppers is used in lubricants that are "warming." Capsaicin is also used in much higher concentrations in such things as pepper spray. The amount of capsaicin used in lubricant is comparable to eating a Jalapeño pepper. If you prefer something less "spicy" stuff "down there," there are also honey-based warming lubricants.

Carrrageenan

EN: Carrageenan

Is it bad for you? Depends. According to the NVWA, it's safe. Other research reports impact on HSV, HPV and HIV infection rates.

Whatever is in it? Used as a thickener in, for example, (pre-packaged) chocolate milk and whipped cream.

Is a thickening agent extracted from seaweed. It is considered a good vegan/vegetarian alternative to gelatin. It's said that carrageenan can also affect the infection rate of HSV, HPV and HIV, but that's something you'd rather not try, I guess. Also listed as E407.

Cellulose gum (also known as Carboxymethylcellulose)

EN: Cellulose Gum

Is it bad for you? No, it is hypoallergenic and non-toxic

Whatever is in it? Wallpaper glue and toothpaste

Is a thickener and emulsifier that is considered hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Also known as E466.

Citric acid

EN: Citric Acid

Is it bad for you? No, although acids can sometimes affect your skin

Whatever is in it? Lemons, candies, other foods

A natural low-acid acid found (yes really) in lemons. On a package, it may also be listed as E330.

Cyclomethicon

EN: Cyclomethicone

Is it bad for you? For people it is safe, for the environment it is not as good.

Whatever is in it? Deodorant.

A "softener" in silicone used to prevent lubricant from sticking. It is widely used in deodorant for the same purpose. It is not toxic to humans, however, it is said to be not good for nature.

Cyclopentasiloxan

EN: Cyclopentasiloxane

Is it bad for you? In small amounts it is not, in large(er) amounts it can be both toxic and carcinogenic.

Whatever is in it? In skin care products and hair conditioners

A silicone compound commonly found in silicone lubricant. In large quantities, this compound is toxic and even carcinogenic. However, in small amounts as found in lubricants, it is considered safe.

-D-

Damian (Damiana) leaf

EN: Damiana Leaf

Is it bad for you? No, but overuse can cause liver damage. It is sometimes used as a "mind-altering" herb. Also read the page on Damiana at Jelinek

Whatever is in it? Damiana Herbal Tea.

Is known for its eroticizing effects. Was already used by the Maya as an aphrodisiac. In present-day Mexico, the leaves are still used for that purpose.

Diazolidinyl urea

EN: Diazolidinyl urea

Is it bad for you? Not necessarily, but people can be allergic to it

Whatever is in it? Skin creams and other skin care products

A preservative obtained from Allantoin (found in wheat germ and comfrey) and formaldehyde(a disinfectant and formerly liquid for embalming the dead). Can cause an allergic eczema reaction.

Dimethiconol

EN: Dimethiconol

Is it bad for you? No, this substance is inert, thus does not react and is therefore safe

Whatever is in it? Shampoo, hair conditioner

A silicone polymer. It is used as a skin conditioner and also to increase viscosity in silicone lubricant. This substance is considered very safe, with no reports of toxicity to date.

Disodium EDTA (Ehtylenediaminetetraacetic acid)

EN: Disodium EDTA

Is it bad for you? No

Whatever is in it? Various skin care products

A preservative commonly found in skin care products. It is considered non-toxic, non-irritating and non-carcinogenic. Also listed as E385.

-E-

Ethoxydiglycol (also known as Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether)

EN: Ethoxydiglycol

Is it bad for you? Yes, this drug contains Ether which is considered carcinogenic, but may still be used according to the NVWA

Whatever is in it? Makeup, bath soap and skin care products.

A solvent used to dilute products while increasing viscosity. It is not only found in lubricants but is also widely used in makeup, bath soaps and skin care products. It contains Ether, which is considered carcinogenic, and can cause allergic reactions.

-G-

Deionized water

EN: Deionized water

Is it bad for you? No, it is water in its purest form

Whatever is in it? Tap water

Water with no other ions present, actually it is H2O in its purest form. Also called distilled water, or appears simply as water on the label of your lubricant.

Ginger

EN: Ginger Root

Is it bad for you? No, although it can induce allergic reactions in some people

Whatever is in it? Foods, part of oriental cuisine.

A root thought to stimulate blood flow. Also delicious in candied form with a block of cheese.

Ginko Biloba

EN: Ginko Biloba

Is it bad for you? No

Whatever is in it? Ginko Tea, foods, all kinds of (homeopathic) remedies, skin care products

Also known as the Japanese note tree, extracts from this tree have been used for centuries in China. Is said to strengthen your consciousness and also enhance your libido. It is said to be particularly helpful for people with depression-related erectile dysfunction.

Gluconolactone

EN: Gluconolactone

Is it bad for you? No, as far as we know

Whatever is in it? Skin Care Products.

Considered a skin enhancer. This chemical good is used to keep the skin healthy and keep your lubricant from clumping. No negative properties are known, which is why it is widely used in organic and natural skin care products.

Glycerin

EN: Glycerin

Is it bad for you? Yes, glycerin is known to cause or aggravate fungal infections

Whatever is in it? Skin care products, baby wipes

Is a non-toxic substance that can cause water-based lubricant to remain slippery and taste sweet. However, it is known to cause yeast infections in the vagina. Although glycerin does not contain sugar (which often causes yeast infections), it can be converted to sugar in the vagina. This sensitivity to Glycerin and yeast infection is not the same for every woman; in fact, it can sometimes occur and sometimes not. Should you find out a connection between a yeast infection and the use of lubricant, Glycerin is most likely the culprit. Glycerin could also cause Bacterial Vaginosis or irritation of the vagina.

-H-

Oats

see: Avena sativa kernel extract

Honey

EN: Honey (miel)

Is it bad for you? For external use not, internal use (in the anus or vagina) is strongly discouraged.

Whatever is in it? Sweets, beverages, skin care products

Yes, honey is also used in lubricants. It is mainly used in warming lubricants as a warming agent, these lubricants can really only be used as external lubricant, so it is fun to play with on the penis, but definitely not in the vagina. So be careful to clean your hands and your penis well after use, should you wish to proceed with penetration.

Hyaluronan (acid)

Is it bad for you? No, it is a body's own substance

Whatever is in it? Your body

Is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. Although it is used in cancer research as a "marker," this substance is actually the one that causes the body to repair itself. It is also used in the treatment of arthritis. It is commonly found in skin care products.

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

EN: Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

Is it bad for you? No

Whatever is in it? Cosmetics and other personal care products

A water-soluble organic compound extracted from Guar Gum. Most commonly used in lubricants as a thickening agent.

Hydroxyethylcellulose

EN: Hydroxyethylcellulose

Is it bad for you? No

Whatever is in it? Hair gel, cosmetics.

This is a thickening agent. You often find it in cosmetic products, for example in hair gel, it is considered a non-toxic substance.

Hydroxypropyl Guar

EN: Hydroxypropyl Guar

Is it bad for you? No

Whatever is in it? Sold separately as powder that serves as hair gel

An agent that increases viscosity, an ether from propylene glycol. It is considered low toxicity and should not pose a risk. It is also widely used in makeup and hair care products.

-K-

Potassium sorbate

AND: Potassium Sorbate

Is it bad for you? No, in small amounts this substance is not harmful

Whatever is in it? Tobacco, finger paints and cosmetics

In the list of E numbers, it is indicated as E202. Potassium sorbate is a preservative. It is generally prepared chemically but can also be found in nature in some berries. In large quantities this substance irritates, lubricants generally contain a very small amount.

-L-

Lactococcus ferment Lysate

EN: Lactococcus ferment lysate

Is it bad for you? No, this substance might even help with recovery of your skin

Whatever is in it? Cosmetics, especially face cream and "skin enhancers."

Lactococcus ferment lysate is a fairly new substance classified as a probiotic. This substance is made from the gram-positive bacteria (that is bacteria with a thick outer layer instead of the 2 thin outer layers that a gram-negative bacteria has) Lactococcus lactis. Lactococcus ferment lysate is said to stimulate faster and better growth of the epidermis (epidermis).

Lidocaine

AND: Lidocaine

Is it bad for you? Yes, because you no longer feel pain you may notice damage to your body too late

Whatever is in it? The anesthesia at the dentist, creams that help against itching

A local anesthetic, best known from the dentist (yikes!), works just like the benzocaine mentioned earlier. In lubricants, these substances are used to mildly numb the genitals and/or anus to prevent pain or delay orgasm. Lidocaine is absorbed by the body very quickly and numbs longer than benzocaine. Both substances are considered safe for the body, however, there have been reports of allergic reactions to either substance.

-M-

Maltodextrin

AND: Maltodextrin

Is it bad for you? No

Whatever is in it? Sports drinks, foods and especially gluten-free foods

Is a thickener that is very safe. You can therefore find it regularly in foods. It is also widely used in sports drinks because it is absorbed faster in the body than glucose, for example. It is also used as a gluten-free sweetener.

Menthol

AND: Menthol

Is it bad for you? Not in small amounts, but can cause irritation

Whatever is in it? Mint cigarettes, inhalers for colds, peppermints.

Is a compound obtained naturally from certain mint plants; it is also made synthetically. It is used in lubricants for cooling or to cause tingling. It is not toxic to humans in such small amounts, but it can sometimes be irritating to sensitive mucous membranes such as those found in the vagina, for example.

Menthyl Lactate

AND: Menthyl Lactate

Is it bad for you? No, not in small amounts, but can also cause irritation

Whatever is in it? Food

Is also a cooling agent applied the same as menthol. Methyl Lactate is obtained from peppermint oil and is considered a safe alternative to menthol. Unfortunately, it can also cause skin irritation.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone

EN: Methylchloroisothiazolinone

Is it bad for you? Yes, can cause skin irritation and even burns

Whatever is in it? Skin cleansers

A preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast and fungi. It is known to cause irritation in higher doses. In the United States, it is considered safe in the quantities found in lubricants. The European Union has imposed some strict restrictions on its use.

Methylisothiazolinone

EN: Methylisothiazolinone

Is it bad for you? Yes, can cause skin irritation and even burns

Whatever is in it? Skin cleansers

A preservative often used along with Methylchloroisothiazolinone. It is often a substance that causes allergic reactions.

Methylparaben

EN: Methylparaben

Is it bad for you? Yes, although that is still not well established scientifically

Whatever is in it? Deodorant, skin care products

Parabens are preservatives that can be used as antibacterial agents. They are also found in nature in certain fruits. It is now claimed by many experts that parabens, in the amounts that they are found in cosmetics and lubricants can possibly cause tumors. However, this has not been scientifically proven to date; therefore, it is still used in deodorants and other consumer products. See also the information at Waarzitwatin.nl

Methyl Salicylate

EN: Methyl Salicylate

Is it bad for you? In small quantities not

Whatever is in it? Care products, creams

This substance also has a cooling effect. And is widely used as a fragrance agent. In high doses, this substance is toxic to humans, however, it is widely used in lotions and ointments used for pain relief. In principle, the small amount found in lubricant would not cause any harm.

Muira Puama

EN: Muira Puama

Is it bad for you? No, as far as we know

Whatever is in it? All kinds of mind-altering and libido enhancing drugs

This plant is said to increase the amount of testosterone in your blood, it is also said to help with menstrual symptom relief. It is used as a traditional medicine in Brazil. In the Netherlands, Muira Puama is also known as Potency Wood. Whether there is potency in this potency increasing remedy is, of course, the question.

-N-

Sodium benzoate

EN: Sodium Benzoate

Is it bad for you? No, not by itself, but in large amounts or in combination with Vitamin C

Whatever is in it? Different foods

In Europe also known as E211 is a preservative. It is not known to be toxic. Although if ingested in large quantities, it is said to cause hyperactive behavior. Other than that, studies have not been able to show any other side effects.

Sodium chloride

EN: Sodium Chloride

Is it bad for you? No

Whatever is in it? Table salt, bread and other foods, as well as injection fluid (saline)

Salt (is also in our table salt) is officially a thickening agent found in seawater.

Sodium dehydroacetate

EN: Sodium dehydroacetate

Is it bad for you? No

Whatever is in it? Cosmetics

This preservative is common in makeup and other products, as far as we know Sodium Dehydroacetate is safe for your body. It is also known by E number E266

Sodium hydroxide

EN: Sodium Hydroxide

Is it bad for you? Yes, can cause burns and other irritation

Whatever is in it? Soap, sink plunger

Also known as caustic soda, lye or caustic soda. This substance is often used in soap as an antibacterial agent; however, it can irritate the vaginal mucosa. In higher concentration, Sodium hydroxide is the main ingredient in many gel drain unblockers.

Sodium Polyacrylate

EN: Sodium polyacrylate

Is it bad for you? No

What's in it, too? Diapers, incontinence materials, fetish pads

You may be familiar with this stuff, as it is also called Waterlock, as this super absorbent polymer can attract 100 to 1000 times its own weight in water. It is therefore used, in diapers for baby and adult application, absorbent mats etc etc. And yes it is therefore also in lubricant, with the purpose of keeping the lubricant "wet".

Sodium Saccharin

EN: Sodium Saccharin

Is it bad for you? Yes, causes fungal infections

Whatever is in it? Sugar-free soft drinks and other sugar-free foods

Also known as Saccharin or E954 is an artificial sweetener. There would be evidence that saccharin can cause fungal infections in people who are already sensitive to it, other people are allergic to it. It is found in quite a few foods such as sugar-free sodas and other sugar-free products. If you eat or drink these and haven't had any unpleasant reactions, you can probably just use it without a problem. If you are prone to fungal infections, keep it away from your genitals especially.

Nonoxynol-9: (also known as N-9)

AND: Nonoxynol-9

Is it bad for you? Yes, can irritate and facilitate transmission of STDs

Whatever is in it? Seedicide

Is a spermicidal agent. The agent can cause intense irritation and may even facilitate the spread of venereal diseases, although it was previously thought to prevent them. If this substance is on your condom or in your lubricant, we would still advise you not to use it.

-P-

Perfume

EN: Fragrance

Is it bad for you? Generally not, although you have to wonder how good it is for your genitals

Whatever is in it? Cosmetics, creams, other agents

Perfume is an amalgamation of certain substances that make your lubricant smell nicer. You really don't want perfumes on the sensitive mucous membranes of your genitals. They can cause irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin.

Passion Flower

EN: Passion Flower

Is it bad for you? No

Whatever is in it? Natural anti-depressants

This aphrodisiac from the Amazon region lives up to its name, it is said to increase your libido while also giving you more mental peace.

Phenyl Trimethicon

EN: Phenyl Trimethicone

Is it bad for you? No

Whatever is in it? Shampoos and conditioners

Is another form of silicone. This compound is used to prevent foaming and provides a barrier on the skin that prevents the skin from drying out while using the product. It is considered a very safe form of silicone.

Polysorbate 20

AND: Polysorbate 20

Is it bad for you? No

Whatever is in it? Essential fragrance oils, paints

This is an emulsifier. It is labeled non-toxic and is widely used to blend essential oils. It is also known as E432.

Propanediol

AND: Propanediol

Is it bad for you? In small quantities not

Whatever is in it? Cosmetics and food products

Is one of three different chemicals, in most cases this name is used for propylene glycol, both are also known as E490.

Propylene glycol

EN: Propylene Glycol

Is it bad for you? In small quantities not

Whatever is in it? Cosmetics and food products

Used as an emulsifier in a whole host of lubricants. By the way, an emulsifier is a substance that causes ingredients to mix better with each other, besides improving the miscibility of substances, it is also used as a moisturizer in some lubricants. Propylene glycol is also found in filter cigarettes, for example, to keep the tobacco from drying out and making the taste less pungent. It is a low toxicity substance, however, some people still have allergic reactions to it.

-S-

Safflower

AND: Safflower

Is it bad for you? no

Whatever is in it? Cosmetics and food products

Safflower is a plant that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to combat pain, promote blood flow and prevent bruising. The plant's extract has been used in cosmetics since the time of the Egyptians.

Sorbic acid

EN: Sorbic Acid

Is it bad for you? In small quantities not

Whatever is in it? Cosmetics and finger paints

Also known as E200 is a preservative. Sorbic acid also occurs naturally in rowan berries. It works well against fungi and yeasts in a slightly acidic environment.

Sucralose

AND: Sucralose

Is it bad for you? No

Whatever is in it? Cosmetics and food products

An artificial sweetener also known as E955, this sweetener is known to be safe for the vagina. In the Netherlands, Splenda is a well-known sucralose brand.

-T-

Tocopheryl Acetate

EN:Tocopheryl Acetate

Is it bad for you? No

Whatever is in it? Cosmetics and food products

A difficult name for Vitamin E. This vitamin provides antioxidant benefits when applied to the skin. It is also used as a preservative for low-acid products. People who are very sensitive to allergic reactions react quickly to Vitamin E, usually with a red rash or mild eczema, sometimes, unfortunately, blisters or bumps.

-X-

Xanthan Gum

EN: Xanthan Gum (Corn Sugar Gum)

Is it bad for you? No

Whatever is in it? Cosmetics, skin care products and foods

An agent that improves the viscosity of your lubricant so it doesn't feel too wet or thin. In cosmetics, it is used to make your skin feel soft and silky. This substance is considered safe. It is also used in certain types of chewing gum.

Xylitol

AND: Xylitol

Is it bad for you? No

Whatever is in it? Foods, many in chewing gum and "sugar-free" peppermint

Yet another artificial sweetener. Also known as E967. This sweetener is also safe for your vagina. It is as sweet as sucrose and is not toxic to humans. However, this is not true for dogs, so be careful if fikkie doesn't pick or lick up your lubricant.

This article was inspired and co-authored by this article: http: //learn.condomdepot.com/2014/11/06/whats-in-my-lube/