Osmolality and lubricant: What it means and why it is important

When it comes to lubricants, ingredients play a big role—but have you ever heard of osmolality? A quick biology crash course: Osmolality describes how many dissolved particles (e.g., salts, sugars, or other compounds) are contained in a solution. But why is this so important for lubricant? Let's take a closer look.

What is osmolality anyway?

Osmolality indicates how concentrated a solution is – i.e. how many dissolved particles there are in one kilogram of water. Osmolality works according to the principle of osmosis: water always moves from an area of ​​lower concentration (fewer dissolved particles) to an area of ​​higher concentration (more dissolved particles) to create equilibrium.

In terms of lubricant, this means: If a lubricant has too high an osmolality, it contains more dissolved particles than the cells of the mucous membrane. This causes water to be drawn out of the cells as the body attempts to balance the concentration inside and outside. This leads to dryness and makes the mucous membranes more sensitive.

Why is correct osmolality so important?

The mucous membranes in the intimate area have a natural osmolality of approximately 250–400 mOsm/kg. If a lubricant has an osmolality that is too high (over 400 mOsm/kg) , the following occurs:

• Moisture loss: The lubricant draws water from the cells of the mucous membranes – this can lead to dryness and irritation.
• Damage to cell structure: High osmolality can weaken cell membranes, increasing the risk of infection.
• Imbalance of the vaginal flora: Excessive dehydration can disrupt the vaginal barrier and increase susceptibility to fungal infections or bacterial vaginosis.

However , too low an osmolality (below 250 mOsm/kg) can cause the cells to absorb too much water:

• The cells swell or burst: This causes the cell structure is weakened and they become more prone to injury.
• Imbalance of the vaginal flora: The natural protective barrier of the mucous membranes can be disrupted and the risk of fungal infections or bacterial vaginosis increases.
  

Which lubricant has the ideal osmolality?

For vaginal use, you should choose a lubricant with an osmolality of approximately 250–400 mOsm/kg to maintain the natural balance of the mucous membranes. Slightly higher values ​​are acceptable for anal sex, as the intestinal mucosa is less sensitive. LubeLab's lubricant has an osmolality of Osmolality of maximum 360 mOsm/kg, optimally tailored to the vaginal mucosa. It also nourishes with the active ingredients panthenol, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid.

Stay away from these ingredients:

Some ingredients increase osmolality and can cause irritation:

• ❌ Glycerin
• ❌ Propylene glycol
• ❌ Sorbitol

Conclusion: Osmolality for a pleasant & safe experience during sex

The right osmolality ensures that your lubricant retains moisture without irritating the mucous membranes. When choosing your lubricant, aim for an osmolality of around 250–400 mOsm/kg – this will keep everything smooth and healthy.

Try LubeLab's lubricant: with an optimal osmotic concentration, pH-balanced with lactic acid, and nourishing with panthenol and hyaluronic acid.