Oil-Based and Coconut Lube

Why oil-based lube is great for massage, but careful with condoms

Oil-based lubricants, including coconut oil lube, use coconut, jojoba and other natural plant oils or butters. They feel rich and warm, glide for a long time and work naturally as massage oil, which suits couples who want one product for both. Many people also like the short ingredient lists.

The main caution is condoms. Oils weaken latex and polyisoprene. In a 1989 laboratory study, just 60 seconds of mineral-oil exposure cut latex condom strength by about 90 percent. The WHO also lists coconut and cooking oils among household products not to use with latex. If you rely on latex condoms, pick a water-based or silicone formula instead; see our lube and condoms guide.

Oils are usually fine with silicone toys, but they can be harder to wash off and may stain fabric. Browse oil options from Woo More Play and Playground, or read oil-based vs water-based.

The condom question, in numbers

Source: WHO/UNFPA/FHI360 Advisory Note, 2012

Comfort and skin considerations

In a small observational study of 141 women in Los Angeles, oil use was linked with Candida colonisation, while petroleum jelly users had about 2.2 times the risk of bacterial vaginosis. That was a small sample and cannot prove cause, but it is one reason to speak with a clinician if you get repeated infections. Pure plant oils and petroleum-based products are not the same thing.