Why do some lubes burn or mess with my pH—what ingredients should I avoid (like glycerin, parabens, fragrance, warming stuff), especially if I’m prone to yeast infections/UTIs?
Q: Why do some lubes burn or mess with my pH—what ingredients should I avoid (like glycerin, parabens, fragrance, warming stuff), especially if I’m prone to yeast infections/UTIs?A: If lube burns, that’s your vagina saying "absolutely not." Most burning comes from three things: the wrong pH, super harsh ingredients, or a formula that’s way too concentrated (hyperosmolar) and literally pulls water out of your cells.If you’re prone to yeast infections or UTIs, look for **water-based, glycerin-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, pH-balanced** lube. Be extra suspicious of: added sugars (glycerin, glucose), strong fragrance/flavor, warming/cooling agents (menthol, cinnamon, capsicum), numbing agents, and anything with "spermicide" or "nonoxynol-9."Your vagina’s pH naturally shifts through your menstrual cycle—especially around your period and ovulation—but a good lube should work *with* that ecosystem, not napalm it.If a lube stings, itches, or gives you weird discharge after, that bottle has to go.Want help decoding which ingredients your specific vagina hates? Bring your product screenshots and patterns to Gush and talk it through like you would with a brutally honest friend.
Why some lubes burn and how to choose a pH-safe vaginal lubricant
Your vagina is a chemistry lab, not a Slip ‘N Slide
Your vagina has a whole microbiome—mostly **lactobacillus** bacteria—that keeps things healthy by making lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. That keeps your pH in a slightly acidic range (about **3.8–4.5**) and protects you from yeast, BV, and STIs.When you use lube, you’re basically pouring a new liquid into that system. If it has:- The **wrong pH** (too alkaline or too basic), or- Is **hyperosmolar** (too concentrated with stuff like sugars or glycols),it can irritate the tissue, dry it out, or stress the good bacteria. Result: burning, itching, micro-tears, and more infections.Your pH is not static. It shifts throughout your **menstrual cycle**:- **Menstrual phase (bleeding):** Blood has a higher pH (~7.4), so your vaginal pH temporarily rises. You’re more vulnerable to infections and irritation.- **Follicular phase:** Estrogen rises, your cells store more glycogen (sugar), lactobacilli eat that and make more lactic acid. pH stabilizes in the healthy acidic range.- **Ovulation:** Peak estrogen, lots of cervical mucus, still generally acidic and well-protected.- **Luteal/PMS phase:** Progesterone rises, some people get slight shifts in discharge and pH, especially if they’re stressed or run-down.On **hormonal birth control**, estrogen stays lower and more steady. For some, this means a more fragile lining + dryness, which can make you extra sensitive to irritating lubes.
Ingredients that commonly cause burning or infections
Let’s drag the usual suspects.**1. Glycerin and other sugars**- Glycerin, glucose, sorbitol = basically sugars.- They can increase the osmolarity of lube (making it hyperosmolar) and feed **yeast**, especially if you’re already prone to Candida.- Not everyone reacts, but if you keep getting yeast infections after sex, go **glycerin-free**.**2. Propylene glycol & other glycols**- Common in lubes to keep them smooth, but in higher concentrations they’re harsh.- Can cause burning, especially if your tissue is already irritated (after your period, rough sex, or an infection).**3. Fragrance, flavors, and essential oils**- "Strawberry cheesecake" or "mint" lubes usually contain synthetic fragrance, flavoring, or essential oils.- These are major irritants, especially on the delicate vulva and inside the vagina.- If you want flavored stuff for oral, keep it *external* and avoid using it inside.**4. Warming/cooling lubes**- Usually contain things like menthol, capsicum, cinnamon oil, or similar compounds.- The "warm" or "tingly" feeling is literally irritation.- If you’re prone to UTIs, yeast, or have a sensitive vulva, they’re often pure chaos.**5. Parabens**- Preservatives some people prefer to avoid because of potential endocrine-disrupting concerns (data is mixed, but many go paraben-free just to be safe).- Some people are directly sensitive and get itching or irritation.**6. Nonoxynol-9 and spermicides**- Sometimes added to condoms or lube as a spermicide.- It damages the vaginal lining and increases your risk of irritation and even STIs.- If a product says "spermicide" or "extra protection," be very suspicious.**7. Numbing agents (benzocaine, lidocaine, etc.)**- Marketed to make sex less painful or help with "performance."- Instead of fixing the cause (dryness, tension, wrong angle), they just shut your nerves up.- Can lead to worse micro-tears, more pain later, and possible allergic reactions.
If you’re prone to yeast infections or UTIs: build a low-drama lube routine
When you’re the one who always walks away from sex with a UTI or yeast infection, you don’t have the luxury of random mystery formulas.Aim for lubes that are:- **Water-based.**- **Glycerin-free.** Look for labels that say "no glycerin" or "glycerin-free."- **Paraben-free and fragrance-free.** No flavor, no strong scent.- **pH-balanced for vaginal use.** (Often labeled specifically for vaginal or gynecological use.)- Labeled as "iso-osmolar" or "low osmolarity" when possible (less likely to dehydrate your cells).Behavior hacks to protect yourself:- **Pee after sex.** Every time. This helps flush bacteria from near your urethra.- Keep lube away from the urethra as much as possible when you apply it.- Avoid sugary flavored lubes internally if yeast is your nemesis.- Don’t use regular body lotions, shower gels, or oils inside the vagina.And remember: if a lube *always* sets off your symptoms, it’s not your fault for being "sensitive." The product just sucks for your body.If your experience doesn’t match any of this—like you react to supposedly "gentle" lubes or only flare during certain cycle phases—that’s a perfect scenario to bring to Gush. Talk through your cycle, meds, and symptoms with someone who can help you spot patterns.
How hormones and your cycle change how lube feels
Your reaction to lube can change depending on where you’re at in your cycle because your tissue and pH are changing too.- **Menstrual phase:** pH is temporarily higher thanks to blood. The lining can be more fragile. Harsh lubes, strong fragrances, and hyperosmolar formulas may burn more during or right after your period.- **Follicular phase:** Rising estrogen thickens the vaginal lining and boosts lactobacilli. You might tolerate more products here—but that doesn’t mean you *should* throw irritants at it.- **Ovulation:** You’re usually the most lubricated and resilient. If lube burns even now, the formula is probably trash for you.- **Luteal phase:** PMS, bloating, and lower estrogen near the end can increase dryness and sensitivity. Super concentrated lubes may sting more.On **hormonal birth control**, the overall lower estrogen can mean thinner, drier tissue, which burns more easily with harsh ingredients. Same issue with people on **SSRIs, anti-histamines, or acne meds** that dry out mucous membranes.
Red flags: when it’s not just “this one lube”
Sometimes it’s the product. Sometimes your vagina is already dealing with something else and the lube is just pouring salt in the wound.Talk to a clinician or sexual health clinic if you notice:- Burning that lasts long after sex.- New discharge that’s chunky, gray, green, or super thick.- Strong fishy or bread/beer-like smell.- Pain with penetration, even with lube.- Frequent UTIs right after sex.Could be **yeast**, **BV**, **trich**, **chlamydia**, **gonorrhea**, or **vulvodynia** or **vaginismus**. Lube alone won’t fix those.Also possible: an actual **allergy**. Signs:- Swelling of the vulva or vagina.- Hives or rash where the lube touched.- Trouble breathing (this is emergency-level, get help immediately).You deserve products that work *with* your body, not against it. Burning is not part of the price of pleasure.
