A savvy lube shopper understands that choosing the right lubricant goes far beyond sexy advertising, a pretty box, or a low price. A lubricant’s base formula, how it supports natural vaginal pH levels, and how it supports your natural moisture are things you definitely want to be educated about. (Pro Tip! Get to know the word osmolality.) Shop Smarter & Feel Better Hybrid lubes typically have a combination of water and silicone, so they have a mix of the pros and cons of each option. The water makes them easy to clean up and the silicone keeps them from drying out so they last longer. The third base ingredient you’ll find in water-based lubricants is any combination of propylene glycol or other petroleum-based chemicals, parabens, and synthetic glycerin. Unfortunately, these individual ingredients can increase the chances you’ll experience side effects such as burning and itching. In general, water-based lubricants with these ingredients are not recommended as they can adversely affect sensitive genital tissues. Why the pH of Personal Lubricant Matters

The product you choose to make part of your intimacy warrants careful, well-educated consideration, to ensure it supports the vaginal ecosystem. If a product is contributing to discomfort, that is a sign that it is incompatible with your ecosystem. There are a variety of lubricant options to choose from, including silicone-based, oil-based, water-based, and even hybrids. Lubricants with a water-based formulation have many added benefits. Water-based lubes are often a better choice for those with sensitive skin or issues with irritation. They are compatible with toys, safe to use with latex condoms, and clean up easily. Oil-based and silicone-based lubricants, on the other hand, may be difficult to wash off your skin and your sheets.If you choose to use an additional lubricant, make sure to choose one that is compatible with the type of condom you're using. Oil-based lubes do not pair well with latex condoms. Silicone: Don't contain any water or oils, last longer and are less likely to cause irritation. However, they are more expensive and aren't ideal for lower-grade silicone sex toys. The chart below shows how closely the osmolality of Almost Naked® Organic Personal Lubricant matches bodily fluids, in comparison to other brands of lubricant.

Nearly half (44%) of people with vulvas have experienced vaginal dryness, leading to painful or uncomfortable sex. When dryness is an issue, a quality lubricant can be a lifesaver. Lubricants are a great way to increase pleasure and comfort during intimacy. But all lubricants are not alike. Many ingredients that show up in your average lube — glycerin, mostly — can either slow sperm down, impede their path to the egg, or outright harm them. Fertility-friendly lubes are formulated to allow sperm to swim freely. The bottom line No. Fertility-friendly lube is made from ingredients that will not damage sperm, but it does not enhance the chances of pregnancy. Neither Pre-Seed brand nor any lube labeled as “fertility-friendly” will help you get pregnant. Is water-based lubricant safe for conception? This is the osmolality level of an ideal lubricant. An iso-osmotic lube has a hydration level that closely matches the epithelial cells of the vaginal tissue. This product, when introduced into the vagina during penetrative sex, won’t over-or under-load the epithelial cells with water. The vaginal lining stays balanced and maintains its natural equilibrium, and there’s little risk of inflammation or infection in the vaginal lining. As an added benefit, iso-osmolar lubricants also prevent the risk that Lactobacilli – the healthy bacteria that stimulates healthy cervical mucus and discourages infection – will be negatively affected.Experience the deep hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid - long trusted for skin care and now in its most intimate form as a long-lasting, premium personal lubricant. Liquid feels natural, with a silky-smooth glide that enhances sex and reduces irritation. Liquid is water-based, fully compatible with toys and most condoms, and it's doctor-recommended. It's pH-balanced so it won't disrupt your body's natural chemistry. And Liquid is iso-osmolar, meaning it won't over hydrate your sensitive tissues to the point of causing irritation or cause dryness by robbing your body of its natural moisture. Learn more..