When we think of vegan choices, our minds often wander to food labels and leather substitutes. But what about those more intimate areas of life, like personal lubricants?
Well, in most cases, lube is suitable for vegans. While lube often contains glycerin which may occasionally be sourced from animals, for the most part, it’s sourced from vegetable oil. However, lube formulations can vary a lot, and some may even contain ingredients like collagen or honey.
Additionally, some brands engage in animal testing, which is something that would disqualify a brand from being vegan-friendly.
Given the complexity of lubricant formulations, we’ve got to double down on finding out which brands are actually suitable for vegans.
What Are Personal Lubricants Made Of?
Lubricants vary in their composition and offer distinct experiences and characteristics, but there are generally three types of compositions:
Water-Based Lubricants
As the name suggests, the main component here is water. Historically, glycerin solutions or cellulose ether were the primary constituents.
These lubricants are known for their versatility and are the most prevalent on the market. Over time, enhancements have been made, adding agents that promote even spread, maintain moisture, and resist contamination.
A notable characteristic of water-based lubes is that they can dry out during use due to absorption into the skin or evaporation. This might necessitate reapplication or reactivation with water or saliva. On drying, they can leave behind a residue from its composition, which can be washed off.
They’re less compatible with aquatic scenarios, such as hot tubs or pools, because they can disperse or dissolve in such environments.
Some studies have raised concerns regarding certain water-based lubricants potentially harming rectal cells or increasing HIV transmission risk. [1, 2]
However, they remain recommended for safe sex due to their compatibility with condoms. Later research also pointed out better biocompatibility with silicone-based and specific water-based lubricants.
Oil-Based Lubricants
Derived primarily from oils, like petroleum, these oil-based lubricants can lead to reduced elasticity in latex condoms, increasing the chances of breakage or slippage.
They might be preferred by individuals not using condoms, desiring to avoid certain preservatives and additives present in other lubricant types.
Silicone-Based Lubricants
Silicone is not absorbed by the skin or mucous membranes and it offers a distinct sensation from their water-based counterparts and tends to last longer due to their non-absorbent nature. The quality and performance can differ widely across commercial brands.
Unlike some water-based variants, silicone-based lubricants haven’t been found to increase the risk of HIV transmission during certain intimate acts.
They might not be the best choice for use with silicone-based sex toys as they can compromise the material over time, potentially leading to bacterial growth.
Nonetheless, they are often chosen for pre-lubricated condoms due to their lasting nature and compatibility with latex.
Potential Non-Vegan Ingredients in Lube
There are ingredients that may not be vegan, and then there are other ingredients that are definitely not suitable for vegans.
Here are some of the ingredients:
- Glycerin: Used in lubes for its moisturizing and slippery properties, glycerin can be sourced from both plants and animals. Although it’s mostly plant-based, it’s still important to ensure the glycerin in the lubricant is vegetable-derived to be considered vegan-friendly.
- Collagen: Although rare in lubricants, collagen is derived from animal tissues such as skin, bones, and connective tissues. A lubricant containing collagen wouldn’t be vegan-friendly.
- Albumin: Also rarely found in lubes, but if present, it’s derived from egg whites. It’s used to enhance the texture of products, but being animal-derived, it’s not suitable for vegans.
- Honey: Not very common as well, but some brands might include honey for its natural moisturizing benefits or even for flavor. Being an animal byproduct, lubricants with honey aren’t vegan-friendly.
- Beeswax: Used as a thickening agent or to provide a smooth texture, beeswax is, as the name suggests, produced by bees. Lubricants containing beeswax aren’t suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle.
- Gelatin: It’s extremely rare, but you may also find gelatin in lubricants. As you probably know, gelatin is not suitable for vegans as it’s sourced from animal parts like bones and skin.
- Lactic Acid: This one is a bit tricky. Lactic acid can be plant-derived, but it can also come from animal tissues or milk. It’s essential to determine the source to ensure the product’s vegan compatibility.
- Propolis: This might be the first time you’re hearing about this one but Propolis is actually a resinous substance produced by bees. Not a common ingredient, but may show up in a few formulations.
Just keep your eyes peeled to make sure you’re not buying a lube with these ingredients— or at least make sure that some of these are derived from plant-based sources and not animals.
How To Make Sure a Brand Doesn’t Test on Animals
Unfortunately, animal testing is pretty common in the skincare and cosmetics industry, and personal lubricants aren’t any different.
If you want to make sure your brand of personal lubricant doesn’t test on animals, consider the following:
- Look for Cruelty-Free Certifications: Personal lubricants with certifications from recognized organizations, like Leaping Bunny or PETA, are a good starting point. These logos are often displayed on the product packaging or website, indicating they have met strict cruelty-free standards.
- Visit the Brand’s Official Website: Brands that prioritize ethical practices typically state their stance on animal testing transparently on their websites. They might provide insight into their research methods, ingredient sourcing, and commitment to cruelty-free practices.
- Directly Contact the Lubricant Brand: If you’re still unsure, reach out directly. Ask pointed questions about their testing methodologies and whether they permit third-party testing on animals for their lubricants. This is something I do when I’m in doubt, but keep in mind that oftentimes you may get pretty standard replies that don’t directly answer the question.
- Examine the Brand’s International Market: Some countries require animal testing for personal care products, including lubricants. Even if a brand claims they’re cruelty-free, they may be required to test on animals to sell in specific international markets. This is common for products sold in China, for instance.
- Choose Ethical, Boutique Brands: Often, smaller lubricant producers or artisanal brands are more forthcoming about their practices. Their size allows them to maintain control over their ethical standards, which can include commitments against animal testing. However, it’s also a bit more expensive if I’m honest.
Well, if you don’t want to do the research yourself, I’ve compiled a few options that you might appreciate.
Here Are Some Vegan and Cruelty-Free Lube Brands
These are brands that are known to be vegan and cruelty-free:
Aloe Cadabra’s lubricant contains 95% aloe vera, ensuring it’s free from toxins. It’s also formulated with vitamin E and has moisturizing properties to address vaginal dryness.
The ingredients are food-grade, making it suitable for oral use, but its coconut aroma and flavor might not be for everyone.
Notably, it tends to remain effective without drying out quickly, blending well with natural body fluids, though it’s not the cheapest I’m afraid.
Turn On provides a water-based lubricant that emphasizes simplicity. It’s free from added odors and fragrances and doesn’t leave a sticky residue.
Cleanup is straightforward with a damp towel, and it doesn’t typically leave marks on fabrics. The lubricant omits parabens and avoids ingredients like petrochemicals, hormones, and perfumes for those concerned about sensitivities.
Manufactured in Las Vegas, it complies with cGMP manufacturing standards and is recognized as a 510K cleared/accepted medical device (#K160211). The brand ensures quality through product testing but doesn’t engage in animal testing.
P.S. has developed a lubricant from predominantly natural sources. The formula excludes elements like glycerin, parabens, and hormones, and it aligns with vegan principles.
When applied, it doesn’t exhibit a noticeable color and avoids a sticky texture, simplifying the process of removal. The lubricant maintains a pH balance suitable for a range of skin types and is formulated without common allergens.
Additionally, its properties don’t compromise the integrity of silicone or latex items. It contains ingredients such as aloe, green tea leaves, snow mushrooms, quinoa, oat grain, hemp, and linseed.
What’s The Bottom Line?
The bottom line is that even though most lubricants may be vegan, many still contain questionable ingredients and are developed by brands that engage in animal testing.
As such, it’s crucial for ethical consumers like us to dive a bit deeper to get a better understanding of how a particular product is made and figure out whether it aligns with our principles.
For many lube brands, that’s not the case, so it’s important to look for the ones that play by the ethical rulebook.
