Since my twenties, I’ve been an avid proponent of the idea that wetter is better. Any skin-contact sex act, whether partnered or solo, can be improved with a little dollop of lube. My stalwart favorite, Almost Naked, just got a sibling product in the form of Good Clean Love Almost Naked Hint of Mint Personal Lubricant and I can’t think of anything better to use in the bedroom.
Almost Naked Hint of Mint keeps its ingredient list short, simple, and body-safe–just like the original. Made from an organic aloe vera base, this vegan-friendly lube is made without petroleum, silicone and glycerin. This flavored lube swaps out Almost Naked’s vanilla and lemon for just a whisper of lush, green mint. Keep reading to learn more about body-safe lubricants and find out why this one is so unique.
Personal Lubricant Guide
Personal lubricant often carries the misconception of being a niche product reserved for specific groups or activities. Traditionally, it’s been associated with the post-menopausal population, masturbation, or anal play. However, this narrow view overlooks the broader benefits of lube. In reality, lube is designed to enhance pleasure for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or sexual activity. Whether you’re engaging in partnered sex, solo play, or exploring new intimate experiences, lube can significantly improve comfort and enjoyment by reducing friction and adding smoothness. It’s a versatile tool that can make any intimate moment more pleasurable and satisfying.
One common reason people turn to lubricants is to address vaginal dryness. This issue can affect individuals of all ages, not just those who are postmenopausal. Vaginal dryness can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, certain medications, stress, and insufficient foreplay. Using a personal lubricant can alleviate the discomfort associated with vaginal dryness by adding slip and reducing friction. This not only enhances pleasure but also helps maintain the delicate balance of your vaginal ecosystem. By choosing a high-quality, pH-balanced lubricant, you can ensure that your vaginal health is supported while you enjoy smoother, more comfortable intimate moments.
Types of Personal Lubricants
There are various types of personal lubricants available, each with its own benefits and ideal uses. Water-based, silicone-based, oil-based, and hybrid lubricants are among the most common. Choosing the right one depends on your personal preferences and specific needs.
Water-based lubricants are versatile and safe to use with most sex toys and condoms. They are easy to clean up and gentle on the skin.
Silicone-based lubricants offer longer-lasting lubrication and are great for water play but are not recommended for use with silicone toys.
Oil-based lubricants provide a natural feel and can be a luxurious option. Good Clean Love’s Love Oil is a great example, offering a smooth and sensual experience.
Hybrid lubricants combine the benefits of both water and silicone-based lubes.
When Should I Use a Personal lubricant?
Honestly? There isn’t really a bad time for lube. I recommend applying it early and applying it frequently. Pop open your bottle of lube as soon as there’s something that you (or you and your partner) would like a little wetter, be it your genitals or an erogenous zone like your nipples. With a water-based lubricant, you’ll notice that your product may dry out over time or start to feel a bit sticky. That’s okay; you can either add more or add a bit of water to reactivate the lube that’s already present.
Try getting started with a few drops of lube on your or your partner’s vulva, penis, clitoris, or anus with or without penetration. And don’t forget: Lube is also great for reducing the friction of sex toys, condoms and acts involving rubbing. It’s the perfect pairing for non-penetrative acts like dry humping, hand jobs and intercrural sex.
Should I Use Flavored or Unflavored Lube?
The answer to this question is simple–and not so simple. A flavored lube can be fun and convenient–especially for partnered play. Some lubricants (body-safe ones included) have a bitter taste to them, and flavoring helps maintain the mood if you end up slipping into oral sex after your lube has been applied. Using lube is all about adding moisture, and when you opt for something that’ll make your mouth water, even on its own, it helps keep things wetter during oral sex. Just make sure that the flavored lube you’re reaching for is body-safe and edible—you can read more about that in this Good Clean Love article.
I love Almost Naked (it’s my go-to bedside lube, and it fits perfectly in that little gap between my mattress and my bed frame), but Almost Naked Hint of Mint is something quite special, too. It’s very subtly flavored, so it doesn’t take you too far out of the moment. Plus, because it’s got just that touch of mint, it leaves your breath feeling fresh without making anything tingly or cold. It’s not a stimulating lubricant; so, think peppermint tea, not peppermint oil.
For people with sensitive skin who may want to skip the flavoring altogether, Good Clean Love also offers BioNude Ultra Sensitive Personal Lubricant. All Good Clean Love formulas are designed to be gentle and body-safe, but BioNude is specifically designed to be hypoallergenic for use on ultra-sensitive skin. It’s formulated without parabens, glycerin, aloe, silicones, scents, and flavorings. (It’s also vegan and gluten-free!)
Choosing the Right Lube
Selecting the right lube involves considering factors like your skin sensitivity, the type of sexual activity, and personal preferences. Look for body-safe, non-toxic lubricants that are free from harmful ingredients like parabens, glycerin, and synthetic fragrances. For those with sensitive skin, hypoallergenic options like BioNude Ultra Sensitive Personal Lubricant are ideal.
How to Apply Personal Lubricant
Applying personal lubricant is straightforward. Start with a small amount and apply it to the desired areas, such as the vulva, penis, clitoris, or anus. Reapply as needed to maintain comfort and pleasure. For lube being used with toys, make sure to choose a compatible product that won’t damage the material of your sex toys.
Lube and Condom Compatibility
When using lube with condoms, it is essential to choose a compatible product. Water-based and silicone-based lubricants are safe to use with both latex and non-latex condoms. These types of lubricants help prevent condom breakage by reducing friction and are easy to clean up. On the other hand, oil-based lubricants can cause latex condoms to break, which increases the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Oil-based lubes, while offering a natural feel, can degrade the latex material, leading to tiny tears and ultimately, condom failure.
Tips on Using Lube for Solo Play
Water-based lubricants like Good Clean Love’s are excellent for solo play because they’re compatible with every type of sex toy. They’re safe to use internally and externally and work well with everything from stainless steel to silicone, including both latex and polyisoprene condoms.
When you’re on your own, try playing with the locations where you apply your lube to discover what you like. Even if you’ve been using lube for years, this can be a worthwhile activity to revisit every now and then—our tastes often change over time. Find out if there are certain spots that like a little more or a little less lube, or if there are certain zones on your body where it feels nice to leave the chill of exposed wetness on your skin.
Lube is also great for self-care activities, not just sexual ones. Try a bit of lube while massaging out a tender muscle, inserting menstrual products or fixing your hair in a pinch. (I have absolutely added a scrunch of a lube-moisturizer mix to my dry hair while traveling, and honestly? Would do again; have done again.)
Where to Buy Personal Lubricant
Good Clean Love’s pH-balanced, Bio-Match® lubricants are available online and in select retailers. You can easily purchase them from the Good Clean Love website, major online marketplaces like Amazon, and at various health and wellness stores. Look for them in the intimate care aisle of your local pharmacy or natural food store to ensure you’re getting a high-quality, body-safe product.
