11 Perfectly Good Substitutes for Lube That Lubricate Just as Well

Discovering you've run out of lube in the middle of sex is the ultimate hassle. But there are many good substitutes for lube hanging around your house.

So, you realized you ran out of lube at the worst possible moment, instead of just picking a random bottle of fluid that may put the user at risk, know what good substitutes for lube serve as alternatives to commercial brands and are safe to use during sex.

Lubricant is an essential commodity that couples cannot go without during sex. Not only does it create extra pleasure and comfort, it also provides protection from nasty abrasions that come during the act of sex. When the unfortunate happens, don't just go for the nearest slippery liquid in place of a standard lubricant. Read this list instead.

Tips and precautions in using lube alternatives

There are three types of commercial lubricants. The most commonly-used variant is the water-based lubricant composed of water-soluble glycerin or cellulose-ether solutions. This type is common for three main reasons: (1) their raw materials are easily obtainable and affordable, (2) they are condom-friendly, and (3) less risk of allergic reactions.

It is best to choose a lube substitute that mimics the commercial brand properties. However, there will be instances when you compromise one or two of the benefits of commercial lube, so it is wise to know the properties of the lube substitute that you will be using to adopt some precautionary measures prior to use.

#1 Know if your lube substitute is condom-friendly. As a rule of thumb, only water-based lube pairs well with most types of condoms. So, if you're planning to use an oil-based substitute for your lube, you risk breaking the condom. It is best to discuss an alternative birth control measure with a partner if an oil-based lube is considered.

#2 Know if you have allergies. Good lube substitutes, especially those coming from natural oils, may have allergic effects for some. If you have certain allergies, avoid those kinds of lube substitutes that might trigger it and instead choose a safer alternative.

#3 Hygiene and infection risks. Remember, lubricant substitutes are still foreign substances that you're applying to your genital areas connected to the insides of your body. Using lubricant substitutes, especially those that can be a potential bacteria breeding ground pose an infection risk which can be mitigated by observing proper washing and hygiene after use.

#4 Expect unpleasant stains and smells. Finally, using certain types of lubricant substitutes may leave undesirable stains and smells on your bed sheets. Some types of oils maybe safe for your skin, but leave a tell-tale mark on your bed sheet despite. Know whether your alternative lubricant is also safe for your bed covers or place an additional cover on your bed if you really want to use that lubricant.

Good substitutes for lube that work perfectly well

#1 Saliva. You've probably seen it in porn so many times so you get the idea. Saliva has been the primary lubricant even before commercial-grade lubricant was invented. Since it is also a form of body secretion, it is the closest thing we can get to a woman's natural vaginal lubricant.

So if you're too lazy to rummage the cupboard for other lube alternatives, just access your natural lube substitute and grease your gears with a generous amount of drool.

#2 Egg whites. Egg whites are made up of a colloid of protein and water, making it usable as a lube alternative in case you run out of your usual stuff. Crack a few eggs, separate the yolks and leave the whites in a bowl or other vessel of choice for later use. Be careful though. Egg whites are a bit messy to apply and there's a risk of salmonella. It is wise to do oral sex before application and have a good rinse after the act.

#3 Aloe vera gel. That bottle of aloe vera gel you have sitting in your medicine cabinet is not only good for skin allergies and burns, but can also be used as a lubricant for sex. Aloe vera is a very neutral compound and friendly to most skin types including the insides of the vagina.

Not only that, aloe era has anti-bacterial properties helping you lessen the risk of infection down there. If you are planning to use aloe vera as lubricant, it is advisable to use 100% of the pure stuff rather than those with additives. Additives such as sugar, latex, scents, and other artificial ingredients may invite bacteria or cause irritation later on.

#4 Plain yogurt. By composition, plain yogurt is a mixture of milk protein and fat products giving it lubricating properties similar to natural oils and egg whites. Just like other alternatives, it can be a mess to use, so consider extra towels over your bed prior to use and a good rinse afterwards.

#5 Plain skin moisturizer. Skin moisturizer is also a good substitute for lube since it pretty much contains similar ingredients to your bottle of commercial lube. The only drawback is that it might cost you more and it dries faster with friction compared to lube designed to withstand the rough action of sex.

If you are planning to use skin moisturizer as lube, choose the plainest one available without any artificial scents, oils, and other compounds that wouldn't be that friendly to the vagina.

#6 Seaweed massage gel. Seaweed is a good source of water-based gelatin similar to aloe vera and is used to create long-lasting massage gels for erotic massage. It is also skin-friendly and serves as a good moisturizer. The only drawback for this substitute is you'll have to purchase it in bulk as it is mostly used in large quantities.

**Natural oils. There are certain types of natural oils suitable as an alternative to lube. However, couples should remember oils could damage condoms. Consider choosing another form of protection when using natural oils.

#7 Coconut oil. Coconut oil can also be used as a good substitute for lube. It is easy to acquire and a staple ingredient in many food and cosmetic products. Not only that, coconut oil has a pleasing, mellow smell to it, is good for your skin, and properties for preventing yeast infections.

#8 Extra virgin olive oil. Considered the “queen” of all oils, extra virgin olive oil is also a good substitute for lubricant. Due to its herby aroma, health benefits, and rejuvenating effect on the human skin, ancient Mediterranean cultures have used this as a base for soaps and cosmetic products. We wouldn't be surprised if it has been used as a lubricant as well. Extra virgin olive oil is very mild and won't cause any irritations to the vagina.

#9 Almond oil. Almond oil is the third contender for oil-based substitute lubes. Compared to other natural oils, almond oil stands out due to its pleasant nutty sweet scent. It is also mild on the skin and doesn't leave any color stains on fabric. However, people with nut allergies should be careful around almond oil.

#10 Petroleum jelly. If you're not using condoms or if you don't mind a little bit of thickness, then petroleum jelly is another cheap and easily obtainable lubricant substitute. It is a semi-solid mixture of oils, minerals, and wax used for burns, dry skin, and irritation. In its natural state, it may seem waxy, but a little application of body heat softens it up and it functions the way normal lube does.

#11 Vitamin E. You might be wondering how those amber-colored pills can be used as lube but inside those tiny pockets of soluble gelatin is an amount of oil to serve the purpose. Vitamin E comes in pure oil form or as the more common pale amber pill in bottles.

It is arguably more expensive to use this as lube but if you don't have any other choice then you can have this as an option. Vitamin E is made up of omega fatty acid compounds which has antioxidant properties. Aside from this, it is good for the skin and contributes to healthy hair growth too.

Found out that you've run out of lubricant in the middle of sex? Never fear. With a little bit of improvisation, you can use several common household items as good substitutes for lube.