I’m not normally one who falls for all the big health crazes. But I admit, as someone with dry and sensitive skin, I am all about coconut oil lately. I put it in my hair and on my skin. But can I use coconut oil as a lubricant?

IMPORTANT NOTE: My partner and I use Trojan’s NaturaLambs, so using oil-based lube won’t corrode our protection of choice. If you use lambskin, polyurethane, or nitrile condoms, you’re in the clear. But latex and polyisoprene will be weakened with the addition of oil.

This includes latex and rubber-based toys as well. If you don't know what your toy is made from, stick to something neutral, like a water-based lube like Jo Agape Woman Sex Lube. Or, try rubbing a small amount on an unobtrusive part of your toy and see how it responds. If it starts to melt or smell, it's not oil-friendly. 

There is anecdotal evidence that coconut oil won’t degrade condoms, but take this with a grain of salt. As we like to say, the plural of anecdote isn’t data. Often times, people wishing to push a new miracle ingredient is the answer to everyone's problems. Personally, I wouldn't risk it until official data is released from a trusted source.

Using Coconut Oil As a Personal Lubricant

Coconut oil melts at anything higher than 76 degrees, so if you don't want it the consistency of butter, it’s a good idea to keep it in your fridge during the summer.  Otherwise, it runs about the consistency of Probe Silky Light, or many other water-based lubes.

The first time I bought coconut oil, I went organic because everywhere online told me to. It was twice the price, but hey. When I realized how much I went through by incorporating it into my skin regime, I quickly switched over to the cheap, but still all-natural, stuff-- which at my local grocery store is about $5 for a 30 oz jar. Much cheaper than many types of lube.

Now, being that it's all-natural, it will still expire. But it has tons of uses, so chances are, you won't see it go bad if you're not just using it for lube.

I bought some empty deodorant tubes off of Amazon tubes to make application easy. Using a turkey baster and a funnel, I microwaved the oil until it melted, then put it in the tubes and put them in the freezer. This is a great, mess-free way to apply to you our your partner, although sometimes it is fun to just scoop out a handful.

On that note, this lube is great for temperature play. Pop it in the microwave for a thirty seconds or so and you'll have a nice, warm lube without the hassle or danger of capsaicin. Put it in the freezer for just about 15 minutes and you'll have a smooth, ice-cold putty, perfect for titillating your lover.

If you're using them in safe conditions (meaning without latex, rubber, or polyisoprene condoms or toys), there's still a pretty big downfall to oil-based lubes, like coconut oil. The problem is that they clog pores easily. If you have problems with acne, you may be asking for an outbreak in an uncomfortable place, especially with all of the sweat and bacteria involved during sex.

Those with vaginas may also find themselves at risk for yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, so if you're sensitive to either one, coconut oil may not be your best choice.