Recently it came to my attention that the lube I use (Maximus) contains parabens, which can lead to what they call "paraben-burn" (see [url=http://www.edenfantasys.com/sex-lubricants/water-based/maximus]this review). Either way it triggered my interest in these ingredients.
I've read anything from horror-stories about parabens possibly giving you cancer and messing up your hormonal system (all seem to be not proven through research), to it being perfectly safe. However; in several EU-countries parabens in lube is apparently not permitted. But I guess it is in the Netherlands, since I bought it here on Dutch soil ;) And all my information so far stems from sites I can't verify for truthful contents.
Now, I've just read a new article here: [url=http://www.sexinfo101.com/lubricants.shtml]Lubricants | SexInfo101.com which states:
"Parabens, such as Methylparabens and Propylparabens, are examples of petro-chemicals. Not only are they linked to skin irritation, they’re also suspected of disrupting hormone functioning."
Could anyone, perhaps the writer of the article, give me more information on parabens? On where this statement comes from? And if there's more to it?
Also; I was rather shocked to read this:
"Propylene glycol, another petro-chemical, can be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or contacted with the skin. One of its many uses is as a solvent in paint."
I'm sorry; my chemical knowledge is a bit off, but does this mean Propylene Glycol Cellulose is the same? Yikes, that sounds really bad! :eek:
It is rather typical to me to find this out now, since I've chosen a lube with care after quite some searching. I've specifically chosen a long-lasting, thick, water-based, non-perfumed, not sticky/flaky, no cooling/heating-effects, bio-static and glycerin-free one. And this took me a while. Frankly, when I read an article such as this, I'm contemplating on not ever letting another lube inside me again... :(
Thanx for your insights, dear Brandye! I was hoping you'd jump in.
I've checked k-y and it has this beautiful green dot I love :) [url=http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/22367/K-Y_Jelly%2C_Personal_Lubrican... Jelly, Personal Lubricant | EWG
But there's no glycerin-free type of it, is there? :( Or should I think of this as a lube that contains far little glycerin than other lubes?
I also see it contains methylparaben. Perhaps I could ask my physician for an allergytest to see which of the parabens are the troublemakers in my case (hope such test exists). Though either way I admittedly still don't like the possible risks of such chemical...
I've gotten my hands on samples of Yes (not yet been in the mood to use them :rolleyes:) And did some more digging on my questions. The oil-based lubes that are often not advised all seem to contain petroleum-based ingredients. Is that correct? The oils in this lubricant are not. And they're said to be tolerated and even soothing mucosa (which I think will be an internal affair, not underlined by independents). It's organic and produced with care for consumers/animals/environment/the working man that harvests the ingredients/etc. The Yes water-based variety uses plant gums for the "glide" which aren't sugary -like glycerin is- and produced with the same ethic values. It sounds like they really thought this over in every possible way... What do you think?
Sorry, Big, if I'm not qualified a green head, I at least have a green feather on my hat ;) It remains hard not to fall into cooperate traps of propoganda, which is why I like discussing these things at forums like these. And it's probably realistic to say that I use scary ingredients on a daily basis anyways. Even though I have gotten rid of quite some over time, just like I once did with all the aspartame-drinks. There's a lot that remains in my house on a no-proper-alternative-basis. Like; I happily use high fluoride toothpaste which has done miracles for my teeth and I will certainly not stop using it!
i know little about lubes RR but i did a quick search and found this link DIY Homemade Lube she uses flax seed to make the lube, and below the video she also lists a few lubricants you can buy that she recommends. i am just providing the links and never used any of these or made my own lube, so you will need to do research on this.
in case the video wont work in the future i will list what is needed to make the lube
2 cups of water
2.5 table spoons of whole flax seed
bring the water to a boil then simmer the flax seeds until the water is reduced by about half. this should take about 20 minutes. strain immediately after and refrigerate the lube for it to last longer otherwise it will only last a few days. she says it is condom safe because it is water based.
hope this helps RR:)
Plus you get a healthy dose of omega's with every sexual encounter. And perhaps a dose of protein? :p Burn fat while burning rubbers!
The vast majority of lubes contain glycerins and/or parabens. This includes old standards such as KY Jelly and Surgilube. Maximus is glycerin-free but not paraben-free. Some people aren't sensitive to either, some to one, and some to both, all to varying degrees.
Big, thanx for the advice. I knew sex should start in the kitchen! ;):):D
Reminds me of J-lube; the powder you have to mix with (hot) water. That stuff is used by vets and discovered by the adult world as well. Contains 25% poly ethylene oxide, 75% sucrose, according to Jorgensen Laboratories, Inc. Not sure what the former means, but the latter sounds like sweet sweet yeast-infection to me (sugar). I'm not sure what to think of that, since this is used inside the rectum, vagina and even the uterus of cattle...:rolleyes:
The database the girl in the vid mentions is also worth noting. This database is highly informational/educational, since it highlights the effects of each ingredient:
[url=http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/browse/lubricant%3B%3Bspermicide/]Lubricant/... Products || Skin Deep Cosmetics Database | Environmental Working Group
Unfortunately, my lube of interest is not listed in the database. But there are complete overviews on the ingredients of Maximus. So below is the list. I'll have to dig in a little deeper, but it seems there is strong evidence for several ingredients to be skin toxicants and human endocrine disruptors with a low to moderate chance on allergies and immunotoxicity:
[url=http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703937/METHYLPARABEN/]METHYLPARABEN
[url=http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/702355/ETHYLPARABEN/]ETHYLPARABEN
[url=http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700868/BUTYLPARABEN/]BUTYLPARABEN
[url=http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/705335/PROPYLPARABEN/]PROPYLPARABEN
[url=http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/704811/PHENOXYETHANOL/]PHENOXYETH...
[url=http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/702146/DISODIUM_EDTA/]DISODIUM EDTA
[url=http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/705315/PROPYLENE_GLYCOL/]PROPYLENE GLYCOL
I may check some of the other products on my shelves too using this database.
Just to add: I'm not trying to get anyone scared of lubes. If you check the database, there are a lot of lubes with green lights :) There just seem to be some scary ingredients that I didn't know of either. For those who do or want to do some conscious shopping, such factsheets are a great help! :) Personally, I started this venue since I've been recurrently ill for a long time now. I'm trying to eliminate or diminish use of possible sources that may either cause or aggravate. No worries, I do this in consultation with my doctor.
[QUOTE=big916;271135]i know little about lubes RR but i did a quick search and found this link DIY Homemade Lube she uses flax seed to make the lube, and below the video she also lists a few lubricants you can buy that she recommends. i am just providing the links and never used any of these or made my own lube, so you will need to do research on this.
in case the video wont work in the future i will list what is needed to make the lube
2 cups of water
2.5 table spoons of whole flax seed
bring the water to a boil then simmer the flax seeds until the water is reduced by about half. this should take about 20 minutes. strain immediately after and refrigerate the lube for it to last longer otherwise it will only last a few days. she says it is condom safe because it is water based.
hope this helps RR:)[/QUOTE]
No. Something merely containing water does not mean it is water based! The main ingredient for lubrication here is the flax seed oil, which will definitely degrade condoms.
[QUOTE=funinthesun;271177]No. Something merely containing water does not mean it is water based! The main ingredient for lubrication here is the flax seed oil, which will definitely degrade condoms.[/QUOTE]
That makes perfect sense to me fun, but I am just passing along info for people to research themselves. I know little about lube and she says it works with condoms. This woman says not to add anything oily or toxic to damage condoms. Apprently she thinks flaxseed oil is not oily enough or there is still a large amount of water left in the mixture. Her site seems to be all over "greening" your life, so she probably puts a lot of thought into her ideas.
Btw since I dont know a lot about lube how do water based lubes work? What makes them slick and more than just water?
How about this one: [url=http://www.yesyesyes.org/ingredients_policy.htm]Yes Natural Lubricants
An all paraben-, glycerin-, glycol-, petroleum-free lube with no genetically modified ingredients and not tested on animals. They claim to be an ethical company in all area's and even go as far as saying their products are meant to "chance the world". Currently only for sale in stores in the UK (to other countries shipping is possible).
Is anyone familiar with the use of it? Please share experiences! :)
Both the water- and oil-based YES-lube are reviewed at the EWG database and are considered (very) low risk, though based on limited data: [url=http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search.php?hq=Yes&search_group=products&ptyp... YES | Skin Deep Cosmetics Database | Environmental Working Group
As much as their story makes sense and is very appealing, there are at the moment two things I question:
1) What does do the "work" in this lube, since all ingredients that are common in other lubes, are banned from it? Then again, maybe I shouldn't be so skeptical :rolleyes:
2) How can an oil-based lubricant be considered "safe" for vaginal and anal use? As far as I know; oils create a breeding and feeding ground for bacteria. Yet here they claim their product is healthy to mucus membranes :confused:
Answer to these two, anyone?
I don't use lube (damn my chemistry classes) for these reasons. I don't know what i'm potentially putting into my body. I'll risk it more when I hit an age where I dry out.
SG, that would be my thoughts too, were it not that I love to engage in anal play... :o It is very rare that my juices are of such consistency and are flowing so richly that I can tap from there :rolleyes: You'd think it wouldn't be that hard to create a similar harmless fluid...
I don't remember discussing health-effects of chemicals in chemistry-class, apart from the warnings before experiment: "this will destroy your eyes, so be careful!" ;) But I stopped with chemistry around 15, as the systems obligated me to choose a major, so my knowledge is limited to basics.
I must say that this little quest has brought me more awareness of (cosmetic) products that I currently use, so at least that's something gained :)
OK, everybody, stick with the old established water based lubes - K-Y and Surgilube. They are used in surgery simply because there is nothing that can harm anyone. If they are safe for your deep innards they are certainly safe for the not quite so deep innards.
thank you brandye! one may think that these "green" people know something better to use, but they are just creating propaganda for their products.
any suggestions on flavored lube?
Any chemicals added such as flavoring or aromas increases the chances of reaction to them. The girl parts involved are quite sensitive and among the first to show an allergic reaction.
Just came across this:
[url=http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100527/Use-of-lubricants-with-anal-se... of lubricants with anal sex associated with increased risk of rectal sexually transmitted infections
"A laboratory study that compared over-the-counter and mail-order lubricants commonly used with receptive anal intercourse found many of the products contain higher amounts of dissolved salts and sugars compared to what's normally found in a cell. As a result, the products had toxic effects on the cells and rectal tissue studied. Some of the lubricants caused significant portions of the epithelium - the layer of cells that serves as a protective barrier inside the rectum - to be stripped away. Conclusions cannot be made based on this study alone, though the results are compelling enough to wonder if these lubricants might have the same effect in people and thereby increase susceptibility to HIV, commented Charlene Dezzutti, Ph.D., from the University of Pittsburgh and Magee-Womens Research Institute, who led the study for the Microbicide Trials Network. The study, which was conducted in collaboration with International Rectal Microbicides Advocates (IRMA), was undertaken because little is known about the safety of lubricants even though they are frequently used during anal sex."
I believe I recall parabens being banned or at least heavily discouraged from use in sunscreen/tanning products in the USA way back in the 1990s. If it's bad for your external skin....
My thoughts exactly, DLB!
Btw; I've tried the Yes samples, which is paraben-, glycerin-, glycol-, petroleum-free lube.
Yes oil based
Before: It is very thick and even a bit crumbly, until it melts on your skin or on a preheated toy.
During: it has no particular taste and is safe to be ingested. Using it for anal play, for which it is recommended, there really isn't enough glide to it. Even when using it with a glass toy, which is as slippery a surface as it can get.
After: Off course oil has a downside of clean-up. As oil needs to be solved in soapy water, which can't be used as much on delicate area's, certainly not inside the vagina. Though I didn't find it particularly messy; it stuck to it's place. There is no unhappy aftermath. Some lubes can cause your intestines to go rumble and even cause diarrhea after using it for anal play (like glycerin). This lube does feel soothing; inside and out.
In short; likable, but not much suitable for the purpose of anal play.
Yes water based
Before: It is very watery, a tiny bit slimy.
During: it has no particular taste and is safe to be ingested. Using it with toys it has the tendency to not stick to it's surface. It does stick to skin a bit more. Certainly not thick enough for anal play. For vaginal/clitoral play it is a bit too watery for my taste.
After: it didn't stick to a place much, so I found it a bit messy. Did rinse off easily.
In short; not much useful for anything. Though it could be nice for couples that use lubes because she feels dry.
Combining the two
This is recommended on their website as a best of both world-option. Which to a certain point; it is. The oil gets to glide. But the oil also gets more messy, less sticking to the toy and less thick. So; no, not really...
New purpose, new marketing?
I have found another purpose for the oil-based. I think this lube should be re-marketed and sold to people with dry and hard stool, diarrhea or who's anuses have become agitated by too frequent bowel movements. Really; no pun intended!
My physician and pharmacist prescribe me vaseline and zinc ointments and suppositories during the times I have bowel issues to lessen the negative effects of it on the anus. I'm sure many patients get those prescribed. They don't really work, sometimes even irritate and make it worse. Whereas this Yes-stuff makes having a bowel movement easy, like gliding, without changing the consistency of the stool and without causing any irritation; it is soothing to the anal area. Works like a charm :) At least to me. Worth for Yes to do some more research, I'd say!
Remember from the first post, I was looking for a: long-lasting, thick, water-based, non-perfumed, not sticky/flaky, no cooling/heating-effects, bio-static and glycol-, paraben- and glycerin-free lube?
I may have found myself a new favorite:
Intimate Organics: Soothe Anal lube
It's a paraben-, DEA-, glycol-, petroleum-, perfume- free water-based lube.
For the vegans and such among you; it's made with certified organic ingredients and not tested on animals.
It's anti-bacterial (the first natural lube that is)
It does contain glycerin, though they emphasize it's plant-derived (I'm not sure what difference that makes)
You can read about the company philosophy and the ingredients they've chosen & avoided here: [url=http://www.intimateorganics.com/about-us.php]Intimate Organics - about our company
To make this a fair and complete review, I've checked the ingredients to the EWG's database. It does contain a few ingredients that are classified as code orange with indication of being irritants to lungs, skin and eyes and the latter has a low concern of being a neurotoxic: [url=http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700679/BENZOIC_ACID/]BENZOIC ACID , [url=http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/704811/PHENOXYETHANOL/]PHENOXYETH... and [url=http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703935/METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE/]MET...
Before: It is very thick. Has a light smell to it. First impression is it seems very expensive for a tiny 60 ml bottle. Comes with a flip/flop dispenser cap, making it easy to pore the right amount.
During: it has no particular taste and is safe to be ingested. It sticks to the surface of both my skin and toys; a certain viscosity I definitely like. It slides perfectly and it's long-lasting. Although it's twice the price of a standard lube, you need only half the amount and it lasts twice as long too :) Because you need so little and it remains in place, it doesn't drip to area's you don't want it in. Off course: no stingy/burning sensations whatsoever. It doesn't get crumbly, sticky or flaky.
After: It has the benefits of easy clean-up, because it's water-based. Leaves no stains on bedlinen or clothes. Sensitive as I've responded to other glycerin lubes, this doesn't trigger the slightly laxative effect in me (perhaps because of the small amount?). This lube feels soothing; inside and out.
In short: love it!