In addition to smelling like a damn vacation, coconut oil is super versatile. You can use it to whip up a stir fry, give massages, and as a facial moisturizer. But can you use it for sex?
Short answer: Yes, you can use coconut oil as lube.
“Coconut oil is an excellent lubricant in that it is inexpensive, very safe, well tolerated by most people, and also may have some anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal properties,” says Shieva Ghofrany MD, OB-GYN and cofounder of Tribe Called V.
That said, there are some potential risks to swapping your go-to lube for coconut oil—including the fact that (being an oil and all), it may cause condoms to break, Dr. Ghofrany adds.
The right lube can make sex feel epically better. But because every body and every sexual situation is different, choosing the right lube for you means being aware of all your lube options, the pros and cons of each, and taking the unique needs of your body and sex life into consideration.
So, is coconut oil the right lube move for you? Maybe—only you can decide! But we (along with our favorite sexual health experts) can help. Here’s everything you need to know about using coconut oil as lube. From safety, to pros and cons, to the different types of coconut oil out there, allow us to arm you with all the info before you go forth and slather something new on your nether regions. You’re welcome!
What Are the Different Types of Coconut Oil?
First things first, let’s get clear on what we’re talking about here. Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernels, meat, and milk of the coconut—yes, the same fruit responsible for your coconut water, piña colada, and maybe even found in some of your favorite perfumes and body lotions. It appears as a white solid fat when temperatures are below approximately 25°C (77°F) and transforms into a clear, thin liquid when it’s warmer. (Like, for example, when it comes in contact with your smokin’ hot bod.)
But one of the most important things to know about coconut oil when we’re talking about it in the context of lube is that there are two different kinds: refined and unrefined.
Unrefined coconut oil, or “virgin” coconut oil, is extracted directly from coconuts with no additional processing beyond the initial extraction. The oil comes from the meat of the coconut and can be obtained through either wet or dry pressing. If it’s labeled “cold-pressed,” that means no heat was used during the extraction process, which lets the oil keep its lovely smell and taste.
Refined coconut oil creates what’s described as a “cleaner” oil, as the aroma and taste go away. This, coupled with the fact that refined coconut oil has a higher smoke point, makes this form better for cooking or baking.
While refined may be better for your brownies (unless you want them to taste like coconut), you’re going to want to opt for the unrefined variety when it comes to using coconut oil as lube.
“When using coconut oil for lube, unrefined oil is generally preferred. Refined products often have additives or preservatives that can add to the risk of irritation with use,” says Jillian LoPiano, MD, Chief Health Officer at Wisp.
Oh, and while these don’t count as distinct types of coconut oil in and of themselves, there are also lubes made with coconut oil, like Woo More Play’s Coconut Love Oil and Coconu’s Coconu Oil Based Lubricant.
Is Coconut Oil Safe to Use as Lube?
If you’re not using condoms or certain types of sex toys, yes, coconut oil is generally safe to use as lube.
“Coconut oil can be used as a sexual lubricant and has been deemed safe for those wanting a natural, preservative-free lubricant as long as you choose one that is organic, unrefined, unscented, and free from preservatives,” explains Rachel Needle, PsyD, a licensed psychologist in West Palm Beach, Florida and the co-director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes.
Dr. Needle adds that while coconut oil is cost-effective and less likely to cause irritation than other types of lubricant, everyone is different, so you’ll need to see how your body reacts to it.
But if it feels good and doesn’t get in the way of your contraceptive/STI-prevention plans, then you’re good to go.
“If a PWV (person with a vulva) is using a lube without a condom, then I would absolutely encourage coconut oil,” says Dr. Ghofrany.
What Are the Benefits of Using Coconut Oil as Lube?
As noted above by the experts, coconut oil can be a more affordable choice than other lubes. It also has a nice thick consistency, helping it last longer than other varieties.
Moreover, coconut oil is a completely natural lube option, free from the additives and chemicals often found in store-bought lubricants. That is, assuming you get the right kind.
“If you want to use coconut oil as a lube, make sure you get organic, unrefined, and virgin coconut oil. You can find it at health food stores, grocery stores, or online,” says Mariah Freya, sex education expert and founder of Beducated. “Check the ingredients to make sure it’s pure and doesn’t contain any added fragrances, preservatives, or other chemicals,” Freya says.
Meanwhile, coconut oil has super moisturizing properties that help with dryness, making sex more comfortable (and more pleasurable) by reducing friction. “The texture is smooth and silky, which feels amazing, and it has a nice coconut scent that adds a little something extra,” says Freya.
In addition to being moisturizing, it’s also antimicrobial (meaning it can kill or slow the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites), and antifungal.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can use coconut oil for tons of other things, like moisturizing your skin, caring for your hair, and even cooking. So, you know, more bang for your buck and such.
What Are the Downsides of Using Coconut Oil as Lube?
Despite all of these lovely qualities, coconut oil isn’t the best option for all bodies.
“While coconut oil is natural, it can still cause sensitivities or allergic reactions in some individuals, so it’s wise to do a patch test beforehand,” Freya says. “Moreover, for those prone to vaginal infections, coconut oil’s antibacterial and antifungal properties can be a double-edged sword—it may help combat yeast but could also upset the vaginal pH balance, potentially leading to infections.”
To be super safe, talk to your OB-GYN before deciding on a lube, and know that it may take a little experimenting to find your fave.
Another hugely important thing to remember before swapping your lube for coconut oil is that it can degrade latex condoms.
“Using coconut oil with latex condoms will cause the condom to break,” says Tyomi Morgan, certified sexologist and pleasure coach. “A very small amount of coconut oil can be used with non-latex condoms (polyurethane or polyisoprene) to add extra lubrication. However, too much coconut oil can cause the condom to slip off.” Long story short? “Use caution and discretion when using coconut oil with non-latex condoms,” says Morgan.
Additionally, you’re going to want to be super cautious when using coconut oil with your precious sex toys.
“Some say high-quality silicone toys might be okay with it, but generally, it’s safer to stick to water-based or silicone-based lubes for use with toys,” Freya says. “If your toy is made of stuff like hard plastics, metals, glass, or non-porous materials, coconut oil should be fine. These materials usually handle oils better and are easy to clean afterward.”
Always check the instructions on your vibes before lubing them up, and know that there are tons of other lubes created with sex toy safety in mind.
What Are Some Alternatives to Using Coconut Oil as Lube?
Water-based lube is a lovely all-purpose option, and is safe to use with condoms and all toys. It's also often easier to clean up than oil-based lubes. You just don't want to use it during shower sex, or any other type of sex in the water, as it can wash away pretty easily. Water-based lube can also wear off or dry out more quickly than other types, making it less than ideal for an extended sesh.
Silicone lube is slicker, thicker, and tends to last longer than water-based lube—which makes it great for anal sex (among other things!). It's also much more water-resistant, making it a much better option for shower sex. Just know that you can't use silicone lube with silicone sex toys—again, double check the instructions.
There are also other homemade lube options, like olive oil and aloe vera, that you can read all about here.
To Recap…
The TL;DR of it all? Yes, coconut oil can be used as lube and it is generally safe to do so, as long as you stick with an unrefined, natural, preservative-free, and fragrance-free option. As a lube, coconut oil can be thick, super moisturizing, and less pricey than many of our other faves.
However, coconut oil can not be used with condoms or most sex toys (it’ll degrade them!). Also, bodies are bodies, which means they’re all different. So while coconut oil is generally safe for genitals, there’s still a chance you could have a negative reaction to it. Always a good idea to chat with your OB-GYN before switching up your lube game!
