There’s a vegan option for everything nowadays—food alternatives, makeup, skincare, contraceptives, you name it. But did you know that there are vegan options available for personal lubricants, too? Yup. At Beia, we create intimacy and body serums that are totally vegan-friendly, only using cruelty-free and sustainably sourced ingredients like squalane, coconut, and aloe vera. 

And even if you don’t regularly use lube, you’re probably wondering: why does a personal lubricant need to be vegan? What are the benefits of using a vegan lubricant versus a non-vegan lubricant? What makes a lube non-vegan, anyway? These are all fair questions to ask. And for your reference, we’ve laid out the answers for your reference below…

What are the benefits of using vegan lubricants in the first place?

You probably already know that lube makes sex more comfortable by reducing friction on the skin, explains Mayla Green, sex coach and expert at The Adult Toy Shop. Think: it physically hurts to put a penis, finger, or sex toy in or near your sexual organs without wetness for the insertion.

“The added layer of slickness provides a smooth glide that feels more comfortable,” Green explains. Lubricant also “prevents pulled pubic hairs and protects the delicate folds of the labia during intercourse by preventing them from getting pulled in towards the vagina, which can easily happen during dry sex,” Green says. You know how it is! TLDR: Lube is “the unsung hero of sex,” explains Rachel Worthington, sex expert and educator at Bedbible. 

How do vegan lubricants compare to non-vegan options?

That said, there are so many lubes on the market and, like any product that touches your skin, they’re not all made with the same ingredients or intention! That’s what makes Beia products great. We don’t include any ingredients that could be considered harmful to animals, like animal testing, or use animal byproducts, like casein, which is a milk byproduct commonly found in skincare products. 

Are vegan intimate products safe for sensitive skin?

In short, yes! Our vegan products are totally safe for sensitive skin types. In addition to being vegan, we also make sure our products are free of ingredients that could be harmful to humans, too, and in turn, safe for your sensitive skin. 

That’s why Beia’s intimacy serum is totally paraben-free and fragrance-free, unlike many other intimacy products on the market. And ICYDK: Parabens, which are usually in products to make them last longer, can actually disrupt your endocrine system, making them do more harm than good. Fragrances can also be irritating to sensitive skin types, so yup, our products are scent-free. 

What are some common ingredients used in vegan lubricants and intimate products?

“Everybody has a different body and everybody may have different sensitivities or allergies,” explains sex therapist Dr. Janet Brito, PhD, founder of the Hawaii Center for Sexual and Relationship Health. So make sure you’re clear on your allergies *before* you test out any new skincare or lubricant products, K? You got that down?

When it comes to the ingredients we’re using in our cruelty-free vegan formulas, the below are our go-to ingredients for providing you with body-safe lubricant serum that’s also sustainable, all-natural, and ethical. 

• Coconut Oil: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory to purify and rejuvenate skin. It’ll help provide slip and slide when you use the serum without the irritating feeling partnered with other non-vegan skincare options. 

• Squalane: A luxurious, softening skin-identical ingredient and emollient. It supports a healthy skin barrier and delivers weightless hydration *without* clogging your pores. 

• Green Tea: A calming, soothing ingredient rooted in Chinese tradition for over four thousand years. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes collagen-destroying free radicals, reversing signs of sun damage and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

How do you choose the right vegan lubricant and intimate products for your needs?

As mentioned, you want to look at the ingredients in a lubricant to make sure that it’s totally vegan and cruelty-free. The ingredients will also tell you if there’s anything included in the formula that could be harmful or irritating—which is especially important to note if you have sensitive skin!

You also want to check that any lube you already own isn’t expired, signaling to you that you need to pick up a new bottle. You can use your personal lubricant for up to three years, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But why risk it? If you have one that’s been long-forgotten and you go to use it in the heat of the moment, it definitely wouldn’t hurt to check out the expiration date.

Where can you find and purchase vegan lubricants and intimate products?

In truth, we’re a bit partial when it comes to this answer! While you can pick up vegan lubricants and intimate products at just about any drugstore or online retailer, why not treat yourself to a little bit of luxury? 

We’re always an advocate of snagging the Beia Body & Intimacy Serum, if you need some inspiration. It’s available right on our site, where you can also check out our other product collections and our fan-favorite blog, which is full of helpful information for your sex, dating, romantic, and self-pleasure life and beyond!