What's in my lube?
Last modified:Content warning: discussion of sexuality and sex toys. I've been enjoying the wonders of a buttplug for a few months now. Sex toys are great! But of course, as anything that goes in your butt, it needs lubricant. And lubricants come in many varieties and brands. So, I wondered, what's in my lube?
Body safety
Body safety is very important! Everything you put on or in sensitive parts of your body needs to be carefuly evaluated. For toys, it is recommended you get a body-safe material that is non-porous and easily cleanable. For lubes, you should use one that is not irritating, does not numb pain, feels good, and, well... lubricates.
Ingredients
My lube is the "Discover" anal lubricant by LoveHoney. Here's the full list of ingredients:
- Water
- Propylene glycol
- Hydroxyethylcellulose
- Benzoic acid
- Sodium Hydroxyde
Water
I think it's not too much of a risk to say that water is fine. It is important however to note that anuses absorb water over time and so, being water-based, this lubricant will dry up more quickly than other lube variants and will need to be reapplied after a while.
Propylene glycol
Propylene glycol is a viscous liquid, I wonder why that's useful in a lube? Oh yeah, for the viscosity.
It is used in many pharmaceutical applications and even as a food additive. It has not been shown to be dangerous or especially irritating, except if you're allergic to it.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is used a thickening agent: it increases liquids' viscosity. It is derived from cellulose which is found everywhere in nature and is itself found in many household products including soaps and skincare products. It is not known to be toxic or irritating.
Benzoic acid
Benzoic acid as others in this list is widely used including in the food and medical industry as a preservative, which is likely its purpose here as well. It is worthy to note that benzoic acid is also naturally produced in some plants and animals. No danger here.
Sodium Hydroxyde
More commonly known as lye. It is a dangerous product as it is chemically basic, but it is most likely used here as a way to balance the acidity of the benzoic acid. To be sure of it, you could test the pH of the lubricant to see if it is in the neutral range.
Conclusion
This lube seems completely fine and totally OK to use inside of my body. I encourage you to buy lubricant from trustworthy sources as well as checking the ingredients list to check for any potentially harmful chemicals.
Look out for numbing agents meant to ease the potential pain of anal penetration: they are dangerous to use as you might not feel something wrong happening to your butt. Pain is the body's way of telling us something is wrong, so don't try to ignore it!