Water Based Lubes

Personal lubricant osmolality is important

The osmolality of your water-based lubricant is of interest because of where you place it. The outer layer of skin in the vulva, penile urethra, and anus contains cells that let water flow freely in and out of them as needed. The cells maintain equilibrium between themselves and the liquid coming into contact with it. Your cells adjust by either absorbing water or releasing it. If your cells absorb enough water while trying to equalize, they can burst and die. This can happen if your lubricant is hypo-osmotic, which most lubricants on the market are. Dead and damaged cells in these tender body areas are an issue because the function of these cells is to help prevent dirt and bacteria from entering your body. The area can become irritated and more susceptible to infection.

pH Balanced

pH is the measure of a liquid’s basicity or acidity on a scale from 0 to 14, 0 being most acidic and 14 being most basic. A pH of  7 is the reference point in the middle at neutral. Healthy bodies regulate pH naturally with a particular balance of yeasts, fungi, and bacteria combined. Body secretions may become imbalanced when a foreign substance (like lube, douches, or enemas) disrupts the levels of bacteria or fungi. Le Lube’s pH measures between 5 & 7.5, in line with the required reference of 7.

Toxic chemicals found in lubricants

Harsh chemical ingredients found in lubricants can also be toxic to vaginal tissue and its microbiome. The ingredients of some lubricants have the potential to cause longer-term chronic health effects including cancer and reproductive problems from repeated exposure over many years.