Warum du bei Gleitgel auf Glycerin verzichten solltest - LubeLab

Why you should avoid glycerin in lubricants

Lubricant can help you experience more pleasure and well-being during sex. However, not all lubricants are the same, and sometimes irritation can occur after use. It's worth taking a closer look at the ingredients. A critical ingredient in many conventional lubricants is glycerin . In this article, you'll learn why you should avoid lubricants containing glycerin and what healthier alternatives there are.


What is glycerin anyway?

Glycerin (also known as glycerol) is a colorless, odorless, and slightly sweet substance commonly used in the cosmetics and food industries. It's a sugar alcohol that binds moisture and acts as a humectant. In lubricants, glycerin ensures a smooth consistency and longer-lasting feel.

At first glance, this sounds like an advantage – but glycerin can be problematic for vaginal health.

Why glycerin in lubricant can be problematic

1. Glycerin promotes the growth of yeast

The main reason glycerin in lubricant is critical is that it serves as a food source for yeasts like Candida albicans . While glycerin isn't sugar in the traditional sense, Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for most yeast infections, still loves glycerin. When Candida gets enough "food," it multiplies rapidly—and that means:

  • Itching, burning and discharge
  • Recurrent infections due to weakened vaginal flora

2. Glycerin weakens the natural protective barrier

A healthy intimate area has a natural protective layer against pathogens. However, glycerin increases the osmolality of lubricants—meaning it draws moisture from your mucous membranes. This weakens the mucous membranes and makes them more vulnerable. for small cracks and injuries, which also make it easier for bacteria, viruses and fungi to penetrate and increase the risk of infection.

3. Sticky feeling and residue

Lubricants containing glycerin often leave a sticky feeling on the skin—this can be annoying during sex and leave an unpleasant residue. Glycerin also dries out the skin over time, as it draws moisture away as it evaporates.

So why is glycerin used at all?

In short: because it is cheap and effective .
Glycerin is easy to use, gives lubricant a pleasant consistency, and extends shelf life. But it comes at the expense of vaginal health—and it's not worth it.

Why LubeLab does not use glycerin

At LubeLab, we rely on a lubricant formula specifically developed for the sensitive vaginal flora— free from glycerin and other problematic ingredients like parabens or fragrances. Our lubricant is based on skin-friendly and caring ingredients such as:

Hyaluronic acid – moisturizes and sustainably cares for the skin
Lactic acid – supports the natural pH value and protects the vaginal flora
Panthenol – soothes the mucous membranes and promotes skin regeneration

Our goal: A lubricant that not only provides more pleasure, but also supports vaginal health and protects the mucous membrane.

Tips for buying lubricant

When buying a lubricant, pay attention to the following points:

✔️ Short list of ingredients – less is more.
✔️ pH-optimized – ideally with a pH value of 4.5 and 4.7 for a healthy vaginal flora
✔️ Glycerin-free – no sugar alcohol, no risk of fungal infections
✔️ No parabens or fragrances – to avoid irritation
✔️ Water-based – so the gel can be used safely with condoms and toys

FAQs – Frequently asked questions about glycerin in lubricants

Is glycerin dangerous?
Glycerin itself is not toxic – but in lubricant it can disrupt the vaginal flora and increase the risk of infection.

Is vegetable glycerin better?
Unfortunately not. Whether plant-based or synthetic, the moisture-absorbing properties remain the same.

Is glycerin good for the skin?
For the skin – yes. For the intimate area – not really, because it draws moisture from the mucous membranes and thus weakens the protective barrier.

Conclusion: Bye-bye, glycerin – hello, healthy lubricant!

Lubricant with glycerin may seem pleasant at first glance, but in the long run, it can be detrimental to vaginal health. Fungal infections, pH imbalance, and irritation are common consequences. By choosing a high-quality, glycerin-free lubricant like LubeLab, you're not only choosing more comfort and pleasure, but also your health.

Try it now and do something good for your vaginal flora!

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