What's up with all the lube?

Being a Brown Bag Party consultant has given me the opportunity to learn about a lot of things.  One of the most common things asked of me is "What is the best lube to use?"  I can always give my opinion, but there are others out there who need more information.  Because of this, I've done some major research into the lubes on the market.  What I found was shocking to say the least!  Even stuff I didn't know!  So, I'm passing the information along to you.  Stuff like the use of lubricants has been shown to DECREASE your chance of getting pregnant.  Huh.  Who'd of thought that?  Well check this out! http://www.storknet.com/cubbies/infertility/lubricants.htm

As for the top selling lube, that would be K-Y.  In 2005, it was on the lable of 7 of the top 10 selling lubes, over 2/3 of the sales of lubricant, thanks to the creation of the warming gels and massage oils.  Well, guess what?  K-Y Jelly is also leading the way in the worst ingredients!  Here's a list of them:
Glycerine (emollient), Hydroxyethylcellulose (emollient) , Gluconolactone (antimicrobial, controls ph), Chlorhexidine digluconate (antiseptic), Methylparaben (preservative) Sodium hydroxide (preservative, controls ph).  So what does this all mean?  Well, read this and if you're a user, you'll want to throw it in the nearest trash can!
Glycerine:  can cause skin dryness over time and this in turn can make it more prone to absorbing harmful chemicals.  Glycerine has been shown to be toxic to sperm and it is also a sugar, so can feed candida albicans. Should be avoided by women prone to thrush.
Hydroxyethylcellulose:  a cellulose derivative also often found in dry-eye medications.  No known toxic effect; howeer, this ingredient is poorly studied
Gluconolactone:  Harsh alpha hydroxyl acid often used in the treament of acne.  Can irritate skin and eyes.
Chlorhexidine digluconate:  Often found as the active ingredient in mouthwashes designed to kill dental plaque.  Mildly toxic by ingestion; also a skiin and eye irritant.  Laboratory evidence suggess that it may cause cellular mutatins.
Methylparaben:  Parabens are known to be oestrogenic and exposure has been associated with the proliferation of breast cancer cells in the lab.  Irritating to the skin and may cause contact allergies.
Sodium hydroxide:  Can cause irritation to the skin and (if it comes in contact with them) eyes.

Mucous membranes are the moist layer of semi-permeable tissue lining the mouth, nose, eyes, vagina and anus. Because they do not have the protective layer found on the surface of the outer skin, mucous membranes can be damaged, irritated and penetrated by synthetic chemicals much more easily. Rectal and vaginal absorption is, generally speaking, many times greater than oral absorption.



You can read more here: http://www.yesyesyes.org/downloads/Ecologist_article.pdf

Let's take a look at the other top brand that's sold in most chain stores:  Astroglide
Here's a list of their ingredients:
Original liquid product
Purified water, glycerin, propylene glycol, polyquaternium 15, methylparaben, and propylparaben.
Ok, we covered glycerine, but what of the others?  Well as you can see, the last two ingredients contain parabens.  And here's something you don't know about them:  The FDA is currently preparing to force removal of parabens. Studies have shown a link to breast cancer, allergic skin reactions and damage to sperm.  Parbens are used in foods as well as cosmetics and the amount in the body is what causes reactions.
FDA MSDS number: M7700 effective 5/19/08 http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/m7700.htm
So, then what of this polyquanternium 15?  Well, read this! Polyquaternium is a newly coined word used to emphasize the presence of quaternary ammonium in the polymer. Quaternary ammonium can cause toxic effects by ingestion. Dermal [skin] application can cause irritation and allergic reactions. http://www.inchem.org/documents/pims/chemical/pimg022.htm

Uugg! 

Now, let's take a look at Brown Bag Party's top selling lubes and lets start with System Jo H20:
JO H20 Water based lubricant has all the benefits of the Original System JO Personal Lubricant, similar in feel and viscosity, yet contains NO OIL, WAX or SILICONE. JO H2O is 100% latex safe and manufactured under strict US FDA guidelines. It enhances your sense of pleasure like no other water based lubricant. Ingredients: Proypl Paraben, Methyl Paraben, Sodium Carboxy, Methyl Cellulose, Glycerine, Purified Water, Vitamin E.


So, let's look at Pjur: Super-concentrated making it longer lasting and much less expensive drop-per-drop than other brands. Designed especially for the the soft and sensitive skin of women, Pjur Woman Bodyglide is an excellent skin conditioner and moisturizer. Bodyglides do not block your pores so no clean-up is required after use, plus Pjur Woman Bodyglides never get sticky. Works well in water too!!
Ingredients:
Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol
Silicone, much like mineral oil, coats the skins surface.  Siloxanes are a group of chemicals that are based on silicon. Silicon is a naturally occuring chemical element that makes up around 26% of the earths crust. This makes it the second most abundant chemical after oxygen! Silicon can be found in many minerals such as those found in clay, sand, mica, Opal, Amethyst and quartz.  Read more: http://realizebeauty.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/siloxanes-in-the-news-are-they-bad-for-you/
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-dimethicone.htm

As you can see, it's always best to know what you're using and how it affects your body.  Want more information?  Feel free to email me at lavishdelight@yahoo.com or call me at 715-497-9529