The wrong lubricants: oil-based

Published: 07 April 2009

Anything made of rubber, from tyres to condoms, begins to rot and split when it comes into contact with anything oil-based. For many years, people have used oil-based 'lubricants' that are found in any home as an aid to penetrative sex.

Examples include:

  • Oil, such as baby oil or cooking oil
  • Butter
  • Margarine
  • Crisco and other 'vegetable fats'
  • Petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline
  • Hand cream and body lotion.

It is important not to rely upon whether the lubricant will wash off your hands or not. There are certain lubricants that are oil-based which will wash off, giving the false impression that they are water-based.

Many ointments, creams, gels, vaginal pessaries or suppositories come in an oil-based medium as well. A doctor or pharmacist will be able to say whether prescribed treatments are oil-based.

If oil-based products have to be used, it's worth considering using a condom made from polyurethane, or a female condom.

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.