Best Non-Toxic Intimate Products – Organic Bunny

When collecting items to swap out for my Valentine’s Day series, intimate products was a BIG one to find cleaner swaps for! Because these products are being used on such a sensitive area of the body, you really want to make sure they are as clean as possible, otherwise you run the risk of creating infections, and even hormonal imbalances. When researching this topic, I was shocked to see such horrible items being used in products made for the most intimate areas of our bodies so, in hopes to encourage people to find cleaner options, I wanted to show you exactly what to look out for, why, and of course, what to use instead!

Go grab your favorite intimate products and check the label, what do you see? Some of the worst ingredients in lubricants include: glycerin, parabens, petroleum-based compounds, fragrance, and harsh preservatives which can cause irritations, infections, hormonal imbalances and even long-term health concerns but, let’s explore why!

Glycerin

Glycerin should be avoided in personal lubricants because it can increase the risk of vaginal and urinary tract infections, especially for those prone to yeast infections. As a humectant, it draws moisture to the surface, creating a warm, moist environment where Candida can thrive. Since glycerin is a sugar alcohol, it can also disrupt the natural pH balance, making infections more likely. Additionally, it may cause irritation or dryness over time, particularly for those with sensitive skin. 

Parabens

Parabens, such as methylparaben and propylparaben, are synthetic preservatives that can mimic estrogen in the body, possibly disrupting hormones and affecting fertility. Some people can also experience irritations or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive areas. There are also concerns about their link to breast cancer and sperm health all while many worry about their ability to disrupt the vaginal microbiome, increasing the risk of infections like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.

Check For- Methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, p-hydroxybenzoate or parahydroxybenzoate. 

Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol should be avoided in intimate products because it can cause irritation, disrupt the vaginal microbiome, and other potential health risks! It is a synthetic preservative that may lead to skin sensitivities, allergic reactions, and dryness in delicate areas. It can also interfere with the balance of beneficial bacteria, increasing the risk of bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. Some studies suggest it may have endocrine-disrupting effects, raising concerns about its impact on hormonal health. Since it is derived from ethylene oxide, it can also contain trace contaminants like 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen.

Petroleum

Petroleum-based ingredients like mineral oil, paraffin, silicones or petrolatum can trap bacteria and disrupt the body’s natural PH balance, increasing the risk of infections. These ingredients create a thick barrier on the skin, which can trap bacteria and increase the risk of infections like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. They are also not water-soluble, meaning they can be difficult to wash off and may contribute to buildup over time.

Check For- Mineral oil, paraffinum liquidum, white oil, liquid paraffin or microcrystalline wax. Petrolatum is also called petrolatum, petroleum jelly, white petroleum, or soft white paraffin. Silicones commonly show up as dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, trimethicone, or phenyl trimethicone.

Polysorbates

Polysorbates are best avoided in intimate oils due to potential contamination risks and its synthetic nature. It is made by treating sorbitol with ethylene oxide, which can leave behind traces of 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen. Even when purified, small amounts of these contaminants may remain. In intimate products, Polysorbate 20 can also disrupt the vaginal microbiome, leading to irritation or imbalances that increase the risk of infections.

Check For- Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 40, Polysorbate 60, and Polysorbate 80. These numbers indicate different types of polysorbates, with Polysorbate 20 being the most common in cosmetics and intimate products.

Glycols

Propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol (PEGs) are synthetic compounds made from petroleum that can cause irritation and dryness, despite being marketed for their slippery texture. PEGs may also be contaminated with carcinogens like 1,4-dioxane. PEGs should be avoided in intimate oils because they can irritate sensitive skin to cause itching and burning, all while disrupt the vaginal microbiome. These synthetic compounds are often used as thickeners or penetration enhancers, but they can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and irritation. Also, when you have a warming sensation formula, it’s usually using Propylene Glycol to create that sensation. PG acts as a humectant, pulling moisture from the air and onto the skin to generate a subtle warming sensation. Seems kinda sketchy to use a petroleum byproduct to create a warming sensation on the skin!

Check For- Propylene glycol, PG, 1,2-propanediol, propane-1,2-diol, or trimethyl glycol. For PEGS look for: PEG- followed by a number, such as PEG-8, PEG-40, or PEG-100, Polyethylene glycol or polyoxyethylene. 

Fragrance

Fragrance in lubricants can be particularly problematic because it often contains a mix of undisclosed chemicals that may cause irritation, allergic reactions, or disrupt the natural pH balance of sensitive areas. Many synthetic fragrances are formulated with phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormonal health. Since the vaginal area is highly sensitive and absorbent, artificial fragrances can lead to itching, burning, and discomfort, increasing the risk of infections such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.

Check For- Fragrance or Parfum.

Silicones

Silicones in intimate oils should be avoided because they can trap bacteria and disrupt the vaginal microbiome, potentially leading to irritation or infections. They are also difficult to wash off, leaving a residue that may cause discomfort and dryness over time. Additionally, lower-quality silicones may contain chemical byproducts like cyclic silicones, which have been linked to potential endocrine disruption. Some people also experience sensitivities or allergic reactions so it’s one I avoid as much as possible, in ALL of my products.

Chek For- Dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, trimethicone, and phenyl trimethicone.

Plastics

Plastics like polyethylene may contribute to hormone disruption because they can be contaminated with endocrine-disrupting chemicals like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. These chemicals can mimic or interfere with natural hormones, potentially affecting reproductive health, fertility, and overall hormonal balance. Some plastic-based compounds may also contain phthalates or other synthetic additives that have been linked to estrogenic effects, which can contribute to hormonal imbalances over time. Since the vaginal and intimate areas are highly absorbent, exposure to these substances in personal care products may have a greater impact.

Check For- Polyethylene

Chlorhexidine

Chlorhexidine should be avoided in intimate oils because it can disrupt the vaginal microbiome and cause irritation. It is a strong antiseptic that kills bacteria, but it does not differentiate between harmful and beneficial bacteria, leading to imbalances that increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and dryness. Some people may also experience allergic reactions, itching, or even chemical burns from exposure to chlorhexidine.

Check For- Chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine digluconate, chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidine acetate, or chlorhexidine dihydrochloride.

What to Use Instead

To ensure you are using as clean as possible, it’s best to opt for lubricants with natural, body-safe ingredients that are free from synthetic additives, fragrances, and harsh chemicals. One big thing to know is that, many natural ingredients are NOT compatible with latex condoms. For example, Coconut Cream, Cacao Butter, Jojoba and other oils can degrade latex. If you want to use oil-based lubricants, you need to choose non-latex condoms because latex breaks down when exposed to oils. Here are my TOP clean picks!

Living Libations makes an amazing Love Butter in a variety of sizes and flavors, some even with real cinnamon to give a warming affect if desired. These are some of the best butters ever, especially for massage. My massage lady actually loves the Radiant Butter so much because it smells like candy!

The Om Organics Peach Seed Lubricant is 100% Organic with a gentle warming affect thanks to capsicum extract with essential fatty acids and coconut oil to gently nourish for soft, velvety skin and long-lasting lubrication.

Province Apothecary also makes a Sex Oil that is pretty simple yet affective! Just Organic Coconut Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Evening Primrose and Vitamin E!

Woo More Play is another great option because it’s Coconut Love Oil is edible and smells and tastes like a vanilla cupcake, yum! This also doubles as a massage oil so it’s a great item to have around at all times.

Agent Nateur makes an amazing Holi Sex Oil, however, it’s been sold out forever. Hopefully it’s back soon as it’s a best seller and top fave among my customers! You can also use it all over to hydrate the body and leave behind a lingering scent of jasmine, coconut, rose, and vanilla. The smell alone is heavenly and the moisture it provides is beyond!

AVOID LIST

Here is a complete list of all the ingredients you should check for in your intimate oils. The easiest way is to get your product and start with the first ingredient on the package and then, come here to see if it is on this list. You can use this no no list for many things too! As, I avoid these ingredients across the board.

• Chlorhexidine
• Chlorhexidine acetate
• Chlorhexidine digluconate
• Chlorhexidine dihydrochloride
• Chlorhexidine gluconate
• Cyclohexasiloxane
• Cyclopentasiloxane
• Dimethicone
• Ethylparaben
• Fragrance
• Isobutylparaben
• Methylparaben
• Mineral oil
• Paraffin
• Paraffin oil
• Paraffinum liquidum
• Parahydroxybenzoate
• PEG-8
• PEG-40
• PEG-100
• PEG-XX hydrogenated castor oil
• PEG-XX sorbitan
• PEG-XX stearate
• Petrolatum
• Petroleum jelly
• PG
• Polyethylene
• Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
• Polysorbate 20
• Polysorbate 40
• Polysorbate 60
• Polysorbate 80
• Polyoxyethylene
• Propane-1,2-diol
• Propylene glycol
• Propylparaben
• Soft paraffin
• Soft white paraffin
• Trimethyl glycol
• Trimethicone
• Phenyl trimethicone
• White oil
• White petroleum

This list now includes all the synthetic, petroleum-based, plastic-derived, and potentially harmful ingredients you may want to avoid in intimate oils. As you can see, these ingredients have NO place in our personal care routines but more importantly, inside of us! Hopefully the cleaner options will help and if you have any other questions, just leave a comment here anytime. Be sure to send this to a bestie who may enjoy it!