Here’s everything you’re gonna wanna know about putting coconut oil on your private parts.

Here are a few considerations and precautions you should take when using coconut oil as lube.

Look for unprocessed coconut oil

Go for organic,unrefined, and unscented coconut oil.

Abby Moore

“The less messed with, the better,” functional medicine gynecologistWendie Trubow, M.D., says.

“I would not recommend anything with fragrances or additional additives.”

When purchasing coconut oil, you may come across labels likeunrefined,preservative-free, andpartially hydrogenatedcoconut oil.

Wendie Trubow, M.D., MBA

Coconut allergies will rarely cause an anaphylactic reaction, but they can cause rashes and blistering.

After 48 hours, she recommends repeating the test on your vulva, penis, or around the anus.

“Wait 24 hours to see if there is a reaction,” she says.

Consider your skin sensitivity

Clinical research has showncoconut oil is safe for the skin.

That said, the study didn’t specify what types of oils it was testing.

(One example it mentioned was baby oil; coconut oil was not mentioned.)

If it causes any irritation or discomfort, discontinue use.

“And, of course, organic is always the first choice,” she says.

mbg tip

In general, there’s some disagreement aboutwhether coconut oil is healthyamong health professionals.

Nonetheless, coconut oil has risen in popularity as a plant-based alternative to many products.

It’s also a comparable replacement for butter in vegan baking projects.

That said, there are no clinical studies that specifically test the benefits of using coconut oil as lube.

Coconut oil is a natural, plant-based lubricant that can be purchased in relatively raw, unprocessed form.

Coconut oil has been proven totreat dry skin and reduce skin inflammation1when used as a moisturizer.

Coconut oil is less effective for people who have generalvaginal dryness, like those experiencingperimenopauseor menopause.

Mineral oils have been proven todecrease the strength of condoms3by 90%, according to one study.

The oils break down the integrity of these surfaces, causing them to break, Gilberg-Lenz explains.

The antibacterial and antifungal properties may disrupt vaginal pH.

When ingested, coconut oil has proven antibacterial and antifungal properties.

As mentioned, some studies have shown coconut oil may decreaseCandidagrowth.

pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline (basic) a substance is.

Well, coconut oil can do the same to your bedsheets.

Trubow recommends using solid, room-temperature coconut oil.

So confirm to apply liberally and continue applying throughout the sexual experience as the area becomes dry again.

You could also make your ownDIY lubricant, using equal parts fractionated coconut oil and equal parts aloe vera.

For the most part, coconut oil as a lubricant should not be harmful.

Then just choose a different lubricant.

Here’s our full guide tochoosing the right lube.