This entry focuses on the growing group of lubricants being labeled specifically for female use. You may have noticed these already, many of which are made by well known manufacturers (at least to us). The manufacturers may be well known to us, but these particular products have admittedly caused us some confusion. That isn't meaning the sort of confusion that we have no idea what the product is for, but confusion in how the product stands uniquely suited for its intended customers. That or is it just a different bottle with the same contents?
To begin, let's examine the relationship between design and application of a personal lubricant. There is no doubt that in setting about designing a product intended to end up in a woman's vagina that attention be paid to that unique environment. As most people above the age of six know, a vagina is a body part that is exclusively female. Comparatively, both sexes own mouths. Clearly a toothpaste would have a unisex target market and design approach. That is not to say men do not use lubricants, and they can and often do for masturbation. Men are also often the other half of the sexual equation when a woman uses it. However, the penis doesn't reside inside body and its skin is generally less sensitive than the tissues of a woman's vagina. So, YES, it is absolutely important a personal lubricant be at the very least designed for female use.
This design focal point is where we started to arrive at our stated confusion. As these lubricants labeled specifically for female use started to hit the market, our logical question was "If these are for female use, are all the other lubricants produced NOT intended for female use?" Did the makers of these other lubricants never intend them to be placed in a vagina? If so, for what other purpose would a personal lubricant be designed if not for a woman's (or any person's for that matter) most sensitive tissues and orifices? There are indeed some lubricant companies that are rumored to have started with other uses in mind (ex: Astroglide) but we are positive enough years (a lot of them) have gone by that such makers are not sitting in a meeting shocked to learn people are and have been greasing their lovemaking with their product. They know they are, and design them with that act in mind.
Deductive reasoning aside, the more black and white proof of what makes a lubricant different than another is primarily in its ingredients and, to a slightly lesser extent, the proportion of the ingredients. We have made great efforts to research and verify what ingredients are in the female specific lubricants. What have we discovered so far? We've discovered that most have exactly the same ingredients as their "original" predecessors. There may be some slight variations on the percent of each, but either that wasn't disclosed or doesn't make a difference.
Our final conclusion is this... these products are no different from the original products and are great marketing ploys. If you are woman, don't feel compelled to throw out your old formula in favor of the supposedly healthier option. NOW WAIT! Despite our conclusion, we acknowledge that lubricant use, like sex, is a very personal experience. Therefor, if you used one of these lubricants and decided it is the best choice or superior to its predecessors, then please continue to use it. This is not a recommendation to stop usage, merely to inform curious shoppers who have seen these products. We at For the Love of It may not carry them but would never criticize a person who uses them and happily order them for our customers.
Finally, labels aside, we encourage people to ask questions about lubricant ingredients. Many people have found certain ones irritate their skin, and the vagina's are some the most sensitive tissues around. It never hurts to be aware of what should or should not go up there, and everyone loves a healthy vagina.
Have more questions about these? Let us know! Also, if a lubricant company representative or person of greater demonstrated knowledge reads this and can contribute or contradict, please do so!
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