Is lube safe to swallow?

What are personal lubricants?

Personal lubricants (commonly referred to as "lube") are used to protect against dryness and friction during sex or during medical procedures, such as when performing an ultrasound or when administering medications in the form of rectal or vaginal suppositories. Personal lubricants are for dealing with vaginal dryness that can occur with menopause, perimenopause, diabetes, and the use of chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer.

Most personal lubricants are water-based, but some are silicone- or oil-based.

Water-based lubricants contain secondary ingredients such as:

• Preservatives and antimicrobials (methylparaben). Because water is a nutrient for microorganisms, this helps inhibit their growth and prevents the product from spoiling.

• Humectants. Humectants prevent the water from evaporating too quickly. The 2 most common humectants are glycerin and propylene glycol.

• Thickeners. Generally, this is cellulose-based and non-poisonous.

Silicone-based lubricants are the most common lubricants used by the manufacturers of pre-lubricated condoms. However, they are not commonly available as separate consumer products, and they tend to be relatively expensive. They are generally benign with proper use or if a small amount is swallowed because silicones are not absorbed into the body.

Oil-based lubricants can have various kinds of oils and might also be marketed as massage oils. They are less popular because they are not as easy to wash off and are not compatible with certain types of condoms, increasing the risk of condom breakage. Petroleum jelly is one of the oldest and most used oil-based lubricants.

Other ingredients

There are many personal lubricant products on the market, with countless additional ingredients and customizations of the fundamental base ingredient (whether it is water, silicone, or oil). Examples include adding menthol, caffeine, capsaicin (a chemical found in chili peppers), or niacin for a tingling effect; adding a local anesthetic like lidocaine or benzocaine for a numbing effect; or adding various kinds of flavoring.

Safety concerns and potential adverse effects

The FDA does not regulate personal lubricants like medications, so rigorous human studies are not required. When used as recommended by the manufacturer—whether for vaginal, penile, or anal application—personal lubricants are generally safe and well-tolerated. Adverse effects from personal lubricants depend on the specific ingredients, the concentration of these ingredients, and the amount and route of exposure.

Research studies have brought up 3 concerns with water-based lubricants:

1. The concentration of glycerin and propylene glycol in personal lubricants. Glycerin and propylene glycol contribute to the osmolality (their concentration relative to water) of the product. If the osmolality is high, the lubricant might pull water from the cells that make up the lining of the vaginal wall, causing the cells to shrivel, leading to irritation. Irritation of vaginal or anal tissue could increase vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In the 2021 report by Potter and Panay, only 9 of 32 products listed had an osmolality in the desired range.

2. pH of the product. Neutral pH is 7. The lower the pH, the more acidic the product is. The higher the pH, the more alkaline it is. Healthy vaginal pH is slightly acidic at 3.8–4.5. There is a concern that if the pH of the personal lubricant does not match this, a lubricant could disturb the balance of the healthy vaginal flora and lead to bacterial vaginosis. In the 2021 report by Potter and Panay, only 10 of 32 products listed had a pH in the desired range, and only 3 of these also had a desirable osmolality.

3. Presence of preservatives in the products. Some people can have allergies or other reactions to preservatives.

Ingesting lubricants: Are they poisonous?

Small and unintentional ingestion of a water-based personal lubricant is unlikely to cause anything beyond mild stomach upset. However, it is important to note that each product differs in its ingredients, and the amount swallowed dictates what, if any, symptoms occur. For instance, there would be concern for toxicity if there is misuse or ingestion of a lidocaine- or benzocaine-containing personal lubricant.

If swallowed, oil-based lubricants can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If some enters the airway (aspiration), this can cause choking, coughing, and other respiratory problems.

Have more questions?

If you are concerned about an exposure to a personal lubricant, use the webPOISONCONTROL^® online tool to get help, or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Whether online or by phone, expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.