To Lube or Not To Lube: We’re Fans … But With Olive Oil?

Women suffer from vaginal dryness for a variety of reasons. It isn’t something you should feel bad about, and it shouldn’t make you think something is wrong with you. There should be no stigma around it, right?

Using lube when intimate can make everything move a bit smoother, and this ease helps increase sexiness. 

Sex can feel better — and lube makes it all possible. But the question is: should I use olive oil as lube?

In this article, we’ll look at why olive oil may not be ideal as a sex lube and what your best effective and safe lube options are. Everyone should be a fan of lube — and you can figure out which is the best for your health and wellness right here. 

Table of Contents

• Can You Use Olive Oil as a Sex Lube?
• 6 Reasons Why Olive Oil May Not Be an Ideal Lube for Sex
• Other Lubes To Consider Avoiding
• Benefits of Using a Lube (Other Than Olive Oil) That’s Specifically Designed With Women in Mind
• Olive Oil Alternatives
• For an Effective and Safe Sex Lube, Chiavaye Is the Natural Choice

Can You Use Olive Oil as a Sex Lube?

Generally, you can use olive oil as a sex lube, as olive oil is not considered detrimental to your health. 

You may think olive oil is a good choice. After all, olive oil:

• Lasts for a decent amount of time because it’s thick
• Doesn’t take much (a little goes a long way)
• Is usually readily available in the kitchen. 

Although olive oil may seem attractive since you can just grab some from the kitchen, it may not be the best option. 

6 Reasons Why Olive Oil May Not Be an Ideal Lube for Sex 

Olive oil may be generally safe, but there are several reasons why using olive oil as a lube for sex may not be ideal.

#1: Breaks Down Latex

Many people believe that olive oil breaks down latex, which means condoms could become ineffective. Studies show that some oils can break down latex in as fast as a minute. 

No one wants to have issues with their condoms because these problems can lead to unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.

Olive oil can have a similar effect on silicone sex toys. The lifetime of your toy can shorten when exposed to olive oil because it can start to degrade. 

#2: Isn’t Easily Absorbed

Because olive oil is not easily absorbed, it can clog pores and contribute to acne and infections. It is important to note that olive oil is moderately comedogenic (tending to clog pores which leads to blackheads) if you have sensitive skin.

One study from Pediatric Dermatology states that using olive oil topically can damage your skin barrier and lead to the development of atopic dermatitis.

As a result, olive oil is too dense of a substance to use on your skin topically regularly. No one should opt to use something on or in their body that can lead to breeding bacteria. 

#3: May Contribute to Health Conditions

Olive oil may contribute to yeast infections or could have adverse effects for those with allergies. 

In one study, a percentage of women using olive oil was connected with Candida species colonization. Staying away from olive oil use in your vagina can help reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis. 

The following are some conditions that also may affect vaginal health:

• Sexual problems that cause pain
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Vaginitis
• Pelvic floor relation
• Vaginal cysts

#4: Challenging Clean-Up

Because olive oil is a thick substance, it can be harder to clean up after intimacy. 

Olive oil can also stain clothing and bed linens. Olive oil isn’t water soluble, so it stays around for a while. 

After sexual pleasure, easy clean-up is the goal. Since olive oil repels water, it doesn’t fall into this category. 

#5: Reduced Chance of Conception

Clinical trials show that sperm movement capability can decrease by 50% after 15 minutes and 25% after two hours. Olive oil can impede sperm motility.

This decrease is a chance you don’t want to take for women trying to conceive. Your choice of lube should never affect your chance of conception. 

#6: Additives and Preservatives

Some olive oils contain additives or other ingredients; this type of olive oil is often referred to as ‘fake olive oil.’ Sometimes, olive oil is mixed with lower-grade oils, or lower-quality brands may include chemicals or other additional ingredients. 

Can you believe there are some ‘olive oils’ that don’t even contain olives?

It is always beneficial to read the ingredient label of everything you purchase. Be aware of what you consume and use topically.

Other Lubes To Consider Avoiding

Olive oil isn’t the only type of oil that isn’t ideal to use as a lube. 

Other oils to steer clear of include:

• Petroleum jelly (Vaseline): This substance should only be used externally. You can get an infection or irritation if using this product on your vagina. 
• Cooking oils: Oils, such as vegetable oil, contain chemicals, making them harmful as lube. 
• Baby oil: As we saw before, mineral oil can break down latex, making condoms inefficient. In addition, you can use baby oil on your skin, but it isn't meant for your vagina. 
• Dairy butter and shortening: Butter and shortening can cause yeast infections and break down latex condoms. Keep food in the kitchen and out of the bedroom. 
• Face creams and body lotions: Fragrances and ingredients such as glycerin can harm your sensitive areas. 

Benefits of Using a Lube (Other Than Olive Oil) That’s Specifically Designed With Women in Mind

Not only does lube allow for less uncomfortable friction during intercourse, but it also aids in spicing up foreplay with or without sex toys. 

Women often enjoy sex more with lube. One study reported that most American women have used lube.

Lube can help keep your vagina healthy. Did you know that without lube, you are more likely to irritate or tear the epithelial lining of your anus or vagina? This damage can lead to infection and more severe problems, like weakening your defenses.

Even though the vagina produces a natural lube during arousal, women still have vaginal dryness. There are many reasons you may be experiencing dryness. 

The following factors can lead to vaginal dryness:

• Perimenopause or menopause
• Dehydration
• Medical conditions, such as endometriosis
• Chemotherapy treatment
• Birth control side effects
• Smoking cigarettes

Therefore, using lube can combat these causes of dryness and help you experience more pleasure when having sex.   

Using a product developed explicitly as a lube is essential because lube can actually affect your pH levels, possibly leading to infections.

For this reason, it is a good idea to purchase Chaivaye.

Chiavaye is an all-natural, vegan, chemical-free lube made by a woman who understands what you are going through.

Olive Oil Alternatives

There are many options for lube, and some are healthier than others. 

Water-based Sex Lubes

You never have to worry about water-based lubricants damaging latex condoms. You can also use them with any type of sex toy.

Water-based sex lubes can be used for vaginal and anal intercourse and won’t irritate the skin.

On the other hand, this lube often dries out faster than oil-based ones.

Additionally, it isn’t great for playing in the shower with your lover as you will have to reapply continuously throughout your ‘date.’

KY Jelly is an example of a water-based lube. It contains the following: water, glycerin, sorbitol, propylene glycol, hydroxyethyl cellulose, benzoic acid, methylparaben, and sodium hydroxide. 

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like putting things I can’t pronounce on or into my body.

Silicone-based Sex Lubes

Silicone-based lube won’t damage latex condoms and will last longer than water-based lubes. 

Yet this lube doesn't easily wash out of clothing or sheets. And they can damage silicon diaphragms and toys. It may also take some time for these lubes to discharge from your anus and vagina, which could increase your risk of infection. 

The good news is that this type of lube is preferred for sensitive skin as it won’t irritate or cause allergies. 

Silicone lubes may only contain two ingredients: Cyclomethicone and dimethicone. Yet, they could cause side effects, such as skin irritations. Do you really want to put ingredients you have never heard of into your vagina? 

And often, silicone lubes contain chemicals, fillers, and additives. Staying away from these substances is always a healthier option. 

Oil-based Sex Lubes

If you take part in longer, hotter sexcapades, then an oil-based lube is for you! And if you rate your current sex life as subpar, introducing a sex lube may help you kick it up a notch. 

Oil-based lubes are great for:

• Steamy shower sessions
• Sexy massages
• Easing anal and vaginal penetration
• Using with synthetic condoms

Some of these lubes contain plant-based oils, while others have synthetic ones. Therefore, it is up to you to read the ingredients and choose the most natural one for your body.

Some oil-based lubes stain your clothes and sheets, but not Chiavaye. 

Chiavaye is an oil-based lube and your best option since it is:

• Vegan
• Hypoallergenic
• Chemical-free
• Fragrance-free
• Hormone-free

For an Effective and Safe Sex Lube, Chiavaye Is the Natural Choice

If you are ready to decrease discomfort and pain and increase pleasure, fun, and comfort when it comes to sex, Chiavaye is available to support you naturally. 

Choosing this product means you understand the importance of trusting a dependable sex lube. 

Chiavaye has six all-natural ingredients, and you can easily pronounce them all! And each ingredient was chosen for its healing properties. 

• Sunflower seed oil: 
• Grapeseed oil
• Coconut oil
• Almond oil
• Evening primrose oil
• Vitamin E

Chiavaye is the go-to resource for all women, including women with:

• Endometriosis
• Menopause
• Newborns
• Cancer 

Your body deserves the best, so choose Chiavaye. Great sex always follows great lube.

 The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.