Personal Lubricants & Vaginal Moisturisers

There’s no single ‘best’ product. Look for water-based or oil-based formulas without glycerin, parabens or added fragrance, and check the ingredient list. YES VM is a long-acting water-based formula. Olive & Bee Intimate Cream is a richer plant-oil cream made in Australia. Both are designed for sensitive intimate skin.

For persistent dryness, especially around hormonal changes, a GP or pelvic health physiotherapist can talk through the wider set of options including hormone therapy.

Coconut oil is often discussed online as a natural personal lubricant, and some women do use it. However, it is not designed or tested as a vaginal lubricant, so it may not be suitable for everyone.

Coconut oil is oil-based, which means it should not be used with latex condoms because oil can weaken latex and increase the risk of breakage.

It also does not match the natural vaginal pH. Some women tolerate coconut oil without issues, while others notice irritation, discomfort, or recurrent infections such as thrush. Women who are prone to vaginal infections or sensitivity may be more likely to experience problems.

Another consideration is that oil-based products can be harder to wash away from vaginal tissues and pelvic health devices.

Because of these factors, coconut oil is generally not considered a first-choice lubricant by pelvic health clinicians. Lubricants formulated for vaginal use are designed to be more predictable and gentle on sensitive tissue.

If someone chooses to try coconut oil and notices irritation, itching, or unusual discharge, it is best to stop using it and seek advice if symptoms persist.

Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is not recommended as a vaginal lubricant.

Petroleum jelly is thick and occlusive and is designed for external skin use rather than internal vaginal use. It can be difficult to fully clear from the vaginal canal.

Research has found an association between intravaginal petroleum jelly use and higher rates of bacterial vaginosis. This does not mean it causes infection in every case, but the risk is enough that most clinicians advise against using it internally.

Like other oil-based products, Vaseline is also not compatible with latex condoms because oils can weaken latex and increase the chance of breakage.

While it may seem convenient, Vaseline is not formulated for the vaginal environment. The vagina has different needs compared to external skin.

If someone is searching for a lubricant due to dryness or discomfort, a product designed specifically for vaginal use is generally a safer and more supportive choice for long-term vaginal health.

Olive oil is sometimes suggested online as a natural personal lubricant. Like coconut oil, it isn’t formulated for vaginal use and isn’t safe with latex condoms. The oil weakens the latex and increases breakage risk. Olive oil also doesn’t match vaginal pH and can be hard to wash away. A purpose-made water-based lubricant is a safer choice.

Some people tolerate olive oil without issues, while others notice irritation, discomfort, or recurrent infections such as thrush. If you’ve tried it and noticed any of those, switching to a lubricant designed for intimate use usually resolves it. Pelvic health physiotherapists and GPs see this question often.

Apply a small amount to the vaginal entrance, to a partner, or to a dilator or pelvic wand. Add more if needed. Lubricant should never sting or burn. Irritation usually means a sensitivity to a specific ingredient, and switching products often resolves it.

Yes. Most lubricants have a shelf life of 1–3 years unopened. Once opened, the period after opening is usually printed on the bottle. Stop using if the texture, colour or scent changes. Degraded preservatives can irritate sensitive tissue.

There’s no single best lubricant for women. The right one depends on what you need it for. Water-based is the most versatile and is safe with condoms and toys. Silicone lasts longer and works in water. Hybrids blend the two. If you have sensitive skin, look for organic, glycerin-free formulas.

Water-based is the easiest starting point for most people: it feels natural, rinses off cleanly, and is safe with latex condoms and silicone toys. The trade-off is that it can dry out sooner, so you may need to reapply or add a little water. Silicone lasts longer and is lovely in the bath or shower, but skip it with silicone toys, because it can damage the surface over time. Hybrids give you the longer-lasting feel of silicone with the easy clean-up of a water-based formula. Beyond the base, the ingredient list is worth a look. Glycerin-free and fragrance-free options are a sensible default for intimate use, and organic formulas tend to suit sensitive skin.