From Skincare Hero to Bedroom Essential: The Benefits of Aloe and Water-Based Lube

In Ancient Egypt, Cleopatra used aloe vera gel on her skin to keep it plump and hydrated. If only the Queen of the Nile knew just how much more she could have done with the succulent. 

More than 2,000 years later, aloe vera is still considered one of the most universal skincare staples. The cooling gel produced inside the plant is used to treat burns, reduce inflammation, and hydrate skin, making it a popular herbal remedy in traditional medicine. If you’ve ever got a sunburn, it’s possible you’ve used it on your skin before. And while what you use on your skin doesn’t always necessarily translate well to what you use inside of you (please stop putting food up there!), aloe vera is actually an exception. 

Aloe vera is a natural ingredient that’s naturally pH balanced and very gentle, making it compatible with your microbiome. This means you don’t have to worry about causing any irritation or yeast infections using the gel — an extra plus for the women who may be extra sensitive. We’ve already mentioned how hydrating aloe vera is, but when it comes to lube, can you ever be too hydrated? The lightweight gel feels just like your own natural lubrication, making sex or solo play feel more intimate. 

And because aloe vera has such a high water content, it works pretty similarly to other water-based lubes, making it a safe option for any silicone or latex accessories you may be using. 

But before you start cutting open an aloe vera plant and scooping out the gel, remember that the skin on your face is very different from the tissue inside of your vagina. This is why it’s important to use products that are designed specifically for intimate use — like Shibari’s Aloe and Water-Based Lubricant. Rather than pure aloe, the lube uses Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, which is a hydrating, anti-inflammatory extract so you get all of the moisture and none of the irritation. And the hyaluronic acid holds this moisture, meaning that this lube is longer lasting than most basic water-based lubes. You don’t have to worry about any fragrance, numbing agents, parabens, or irritation of any kind. 

Like with any lube, you can use as little or as much as you’d like (though you may want to reapply for added fun). 

Plumpness and hydration weren’t just meant for your face.