Recently, UFC fighter Rhonda Rousey thought she was doing women “a favor” by telling her Maxim readers, “What should a guy always do? Take his time. In general, a girl takes a minute. He needs to get her ready. You should never need lube in your life. If you need lube, then you’re being lazy…and you’re not taking your time.” There was a huge sex educator backlash onto the lube-shamer, Rousey.
I lube-shame, but for a different reason. I love lube. GOOD lube. I used to be that person who used the Target brand of KY Liquid and one called Pink for Women. I didn’t know any better. The Pink was in a pretty bottle and I bought it at a reputable sex shop. But when I started to learn about ingredients and chemicals, I promptly switched to the chemical-free brand, Sliquid.
The FDA has many ingredients which are “GRS”, Generally Regarded as Safe. The FDA also approved Genetically Modified Salmon. Just because it is “GRS” doesn’t mean that it is. I prefer to put as few of chemicals in my body, whether it is through food or through my intimate orifices.
Here are some of the chemicals that are found in many commercial personal lubricants, which I think should be avoided.
1. Parabens– Parabens are chemical preservatives found in 99% of breast cancer tumors. 5 types of Parabens are banned in the EU and have been known endocrine disruptors. Many oncologists recommend that cancer survivors avoid products containing Parabens. Finally many personal care companies are removing parabens from their products.
2. Glycerin– Glycerin is an emollient filler that sits on the skin. It appears to be “moisturizing” but it really isn’t. Glycerin can convert to sugar in the vagina and cause yeast infections. It also is what causes most lubricants to become sticky, thus needing to add more product. Use more, buy more, then use a yeast infection cream. It is pharmaceutical Ferris Wheel. Intimate products should be ph-balanced, as not to disrupt the balance in our mucus membranes, such as the anus and vagina.
3. Glycols– Propylene Glycol is an alcohol derivative. Why is it in personal lubricants, if alcohol is drying and lubricant is meant to provide lubrication and often moisturization? Propylene Glycol is a cheap binder that can burn and irritate delicate tissue. It is a component of anti-freeze, is what makes Fireball Whisky hot (and taken off the market in the EU). And is used to de-ice plane wings. The EPA suggests that the technicians who use it on airplanes, wear head to toe body protection, as it can cause liver, kidney and brain cancer.
4. Triclosan– Triclosan was originally introduced to only be used in hospital products, but in the many years since, it has become a main component in many consumer products, especially Anti-bacterial. Major companies have agreed to take Triclosan out of products because it is killing good bacteria and causing increased incidents of MRSA in health care facilities and hospitals. It has been proven to have effects on thyroid hormone. Studies have also linked triclosan and triclocarban, to the contamination of water and thus negative impacts on fragile aquatic ecosystems.
Please note that the FDA is beginning to regulate lubricants, but the process is catered to conglomerate companies with deep pockets and they have made the process unattainable for small, independent companies. Some of the products we now carry, such as Sex Butter and Boudoir Butter will now be called “Vaginal Moisturizers” instead of lubricants, due to the regulatory controls. But they are still dual duty.
