Glycerine in Lubricants: Not Sugar, Not an Infection Risk

You often read that glycerine in lubricants is bad for your vagina. Maybe you even saw a recent Volkskrant article about a Danish brand run by two women who claim that glycerine—because it’s a sugar—is harmful and can cause infections.

This myth needs to disappear once and for all! Nothing could be further from the truth, so let’s dive into the facts.

Lubricants: A Topic Worth Talking About

Personal lubricants have only recently become a common conversation. More and more people are discovering the positive effects of using lube. In fact, a study by the Center for Sexual Health Promotion found that lubricants improved sexual experiences for 70% of participants, making everything more comfortable and satisfying.

Yet, misconceptions still persist, especially about lubricants that use glycerine as a base. Keep reading to learn why glycerine can be an essential ingredient in the best lubricants!

What Is Glycerine?

Glycerine, also known as glycerol, is a natural component derived from vegetable oils. It’s odorless, colorless, and has a syrupy consistency with a sweet taste.

Glycerine works as a humectant, which means it attracts water from the air and from deeper layers of your skin, bringing it to the surface. This reduces friction, giving you a smooth, gliding feel, and acts like a cushion for your most sensitive areas.

The Biggest Misconception: Yeast Infections from Sugar?

A common myth is that glycerine causes vaginal yeast infections because it’s a sugar. In reality, glycerine is a sugar alcohol that doesn’t trigger insulin secretion. The microbes that cause yeast infections don’t feed on sugar alcohol. Sure, your body can convert glycerine into sugar, but that only happens if you actually ingest it.

Plus, glycerine even has antibacterial and antiviral properties. That’s why the FDA has approved its use in wound care products—and it’s perfectly safe for skincare.

Vaginal yeast infections can be caused by many factors—hormones, antibiotics, fatigue, too little or even too much hygiene during sex. And yes, you can get a yeast infection if you put sugar on your vagina. But one thing is clear: glycerine is not sugar, and it isn’t a poison. Yes, it is a chemical—a purified, refined substance—but that’s exactly what makes it such a fantastic ingredient.

The Benefits of Glycerine in Water-Based Lubricants

The truth is, high-quality, vegan glycerine is the perfect ingredient for water-based lubricants:

• Longer-lasting: It makes your lube last longer.
• Excellent texture: It provides a smooth and silky feel.
• No sticky residue: You won’t experience any tacky or grainy leftovers.
• Natural sensation: It gives you a natural feel that comes close to a woman’s own moisture.

It’s such a shame that so much fake science is spread about glycerine. Let’s clear its name once and for all!

How Did These Misconceptions Start?

The unfounded fears around glycerine began because some lubricant providers use impure or low-quality glycerine in their products. There’s also the issue of osmolality—the measure of how much moisture a product draws from one side of a membrane to the other—which often raises concerns.

High osmolality in lubricants can cause vaginal or rectal membranes to dry out, disrupt pH levels, and lead to irritation. An imbalance in pH can promote bacterial growth.

A World Health Organization study revealed that several lubricant manufacturers in the United States produced products with osmolality levels three to five times higher than safe limits. So, the problem isn’t with glycerine itself—it’s all about how some companies incorporate it into their formulas.

Conclusion

In short, glycerine is not the villain some make it out to be. It’s a valuable ingredient that, when used in high-quality form and properly processed, can enhance your lubricant and improve your sexual experience. Know your body, read the labels, and choose a product that truly suits you. Don’t be misled by misconceptions—enjoy all the benefits that a great lubricant has to offer!

At OASA, our lubricants meet WHO standards with the proper osmolality and pH levels. Plus, our ingredients are vegan, natural, and of the highest quality.