Is It Safe To Use Vaseline As A Sexual Lubricant? - Medical News Today

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Medical News TodaySubscribeIs it safe to use Vaseline as a sexual lubricant?

Medically reviewed by Stacy A. Henigsman, DO — Written by Jamie Eske — Updated on November 14, 2024

Vaseline as lube
Why use lubricant?
Alternatives
Lubricants to avoid
Summary

Vaseline is not safe for use as a lubricant. It can damage latex condoms and increase the risk of infection and unintended pregnancy. It is better to use a water or glycol-based lubricant.

People might want to use Vaseline as a sexual lubricant because it has a soft and smooth texture. Vaseline does not get sticky or dry out, which — in theory — also makes it a good lubricant option.

However, it is not advisable to use Vaseline as a sexual lubricant. This article explains why and lists some alternatives to use.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.

Can I use Vaseline as lube?

Black and white image, a person poking their finger into a tub of vaseline — CorbalanStudio/Getty Images

People should not use Vaseline as a sexual lubricant.

Unintended use

Vaseline’s creators did not design the product for sexual lubrication: According to the product’s health and safety warning, Vaseline is suitable for “external use only.” Its creators neither designed nor marketed Vaseline as a sexual lubricant.

Damaging condoms

Vaseline can also damage condoms. People planning to use latex condoms should not use Vaseline as a lubricant. Oil-based substances, such as petroleum jelly, can weaken latex products. A weakened condom is more likely to break or tear during sex, which may increase the risk of infection or unintended pregnancy.

Infection risk

Vaseline may increase the risk of infection. In an older 2013 study involving 141 women from the United States, those who used petroleum jelly as a sexual lubricant had a higher risk of developing bacterial vaginosis than those who used other products and methods.

Why use lubricant?

Lubricants can enhance sexual health and well-being by decreasing friction.

Friction during sex is not only uncomfortable, but it can result in the lining of the vagina or anus tearing. These tears can put people at higher risk of sexually transmitted infections.

The following sections look at some safer alternatives to Vaseline.

Alternatives

Although using Vaseline might decrease friction during sex — fulfilling the functional role of a lubricant — it is not the most effective lubricant, especially when a person uses it alongside a condom.

People looking for better alternatives to Vaseline might want to consider sticking to products that manufacturers specifically design as lubricants. These include:

Water-based lubricant

Water-based lubricants are safe and typically well-tolerated. They can help relieve discomfort from vaginal dryness and carry a lower risk of condom breakage than oil-based products.

Silicone-based lubricants

Silicone-based lubricants are well-tolerated and generally compatible with natural rubber and latex condoms.

However, silicone-based lubricants may cost more than lubricants that contain water. They also do not wash away when a person rinses them with water, which can make cleaning up a challenge.

Glycol-based lubricant

Glycol is a humectant that many manufacturers add to water-based lubricants. Propylene glycol serves as the main ingredient in many warming lubricants.

However, glycol-based lubricants dry out quickly and potentially cause yeast infections.

Lubricants to avoid

Some people may recommend using certain natural products as lubricants. However, in many cases, these are unsafe for use.

People should avoid using the following household and natural products as sexual lubricants:

oils, such as baby oil, cooking oil, and plant oil
dairy products, such as butter
cosmetic products, such as face and body creams
burn ointment
hemorrhoid cream
petroleum jelly

Summary

People should never use Vaseline as a sexual lubricant. Vaseline can damage latex condoms, trap bacteria that can lead to an infection, and stain clothing and bedsheets.

Instead of Vaseline, people may want to consider choosing a high quality, water-based lubricant. Manufacturers specifically design these products to enhance sexual pleasure without damaging condoms.

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Sexual Health / STDs

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Brown JM, et al. (2013). Intravaginal practices and risk of bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis infection among a cohort of women in the United States.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23635677/
Hickey M, et al. (2016). A randomized, double-blind, crossover trial comparing a silicone- versus water-based lubricant for sexual discomfort after breast cancerhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27306420/
Kennedy CE, et al. (2022). Lubricants for the promotion of sexual health and well-being: A systematic review.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8942543/
Palacios S, et al. (2023). A randomized trial on the effectiveness and safety of 5 water-based personal lubricants.https://academic.oup.com/jsm/article/20/4/498/7035572

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Medically reviewed by Stacy A. Henigsman, DO — Written by Jamie Eske — Updated on November 14, 2024

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