Coconut oil for sex: is it safe?
Are you ready to jump on the "coconut oil for sex" bandwagon? This lush, tropical oil has long been touted as a cooking and beauty must-have, and now, its popularity is even growing in one unexpected place: the bedroom.
And there is a good reason for it. But is it safe? The short answer is yes.
“All in all, using coconut oil is very body friendly,” Sofie Roos, a Swedish sexologist with over 18 years of experience in the field explains, “and a high quality alternative that works very well on sensitive parts of the body.”
Before jumping in to try it for yourself, though, we’ve got a deep dive on the oil’s benefits, most popular uses, and most importantly – how it can benefit your sexual wellness, below.
What is coconut oil?
First things first: What is Coconut oil? Basically, it is an edible oil that's made by pressing fresh or dried coconut meat (called copra). It's rich in vitamin E and medium-chain triglycerides (known as MCTs), or saturated fat.
What's unique about coconut oil compared with other oils like olive, grapeseed, or sunflower oils is that in the room and cold temperatures, coconut oil is in a solid form, unlike other types of oils. That is due to 80-90% of coconut oil being saturated fat.
There are two types of coconut oil you can find:
Unrefined: the coconut oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat using very little heat or no heat at all (cold-pressed) and it can be either wet-pressed or dry-pressed. Unrefined coconut oil has a distinct coconut smell and taste.
Refined: the coconut oil is extracted from the dried coconut meat (or copra) and in the process, the oil is heated and "bleached" to remove any impurities. Refined coconut oil has fewer antioxidants and minerals and has very little coconut smell or taste.
The benefits of coconut oil, overall
Coconut oil is so popular not only because it smells and tastes good, but also because it has numerous health benefits. Some of the better-known coconut oil benefits and uses are:
It has antibacterial properties: Research shows that coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, because it’s rich in saturated fats.
It can protect hair: It also has benefits for your hair. Using it as a mask regularly can greatly improve the health of your hair and protect it from breakage.
Coconut oil boosts skin health: Studies show that coconut oil has moisturizing properties and can boost the moisture of dry skin. Because of its antibacterial properties, it can also help protect the skin from infectious agents.
Using coconut oil for sex
When it comes to coconut oil to benefit your sex life, there are so many way to use it to your advantage. Here are a few of our favorite ways:
The pros of using this tropical oil for intimacy
It can be used as a lubricant: This lush oil can be used as lubricant. sensitive vaginas. According to Roos, it's safe to use in the vagina, both for sex and as a moisturizer if having vaginal dryness.
“Thanks to the oils natural ingredients, long lasting effect and vitamins it is better than most synthetic lubes,” Roos explains, “It’s not only safe to have inside the vagina, but the anal or mouth, and it also tastes yummy, so if you like extra slippery oral sex, the coconut taste will spice it up a little bit.”
Coconut oil for vaginal dryness: Around 30% of women report pain during sex because of a lack of lubrication. Studies show that coconut oil has moisturizing benefits for the skin — and that applies to your intimate skin as well.
Use it to give your partner a sensual massage: Not only can coconut oil be used as a lubricant, but it can also double as a massage oil! You can easily give your partner a sensual full-body massage after or before sex, and all you need is a jar of good quality coconut oil.
The cons of using it in your sex life
Despite its many benefits for sexual wellness, there are some risks of using coconut oil in your intimate routine you should consider:
It could cause condom breakage: Oil and latex do not go very well together. If you’re looking to prevent pregnancy and practice safe sex, do not use coconut oil, as it can cause the condom barrier to break.
It can be hard to clean: “Coconut oil can be very tricky to get rid off if it comes on the bed sheets, on clothing or on the sofa,” Roos says, “To prevent this, I suggest investing in a sex sheet that protects your bed.”
It might cause yeast infections: the antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconut oil can disturb your very sensitive vagina's pH. This is mostly a concern for people with vulvas who are prone to infections.
Might cause an allergic reaction: coconut is a natural ingredient, and you might be allergic to it. To avoid an allergic reaction, it's best to do a patch test and observe your body's reaction for any signs of allergy (hives, redness, itchiness, difficulty breathing, etc.)
Where to buy coconut oil you’re sure to love
While coconut oil as lube is one of the best natural lubricants, you might want to consider trying out natural intimate care products that are made with coconut oil to ensure you're getting the best quality coconut oil. Here are some of our tried-and-true Bloomi staples, below:
Bloomi's Desire is a sensual pleasure oil that's made with coconut oil. Designed to increase pleasure before and during intimate moments. Apply 2-4 pumps of the serum on your intimate skin a few minutes before intimacy.
Delight is our luxurious oil-based lube made with organic coconut oil. It's the perfect lubricant for those looking to supplement their natural body's lubrication. It’s made with natural and clean ingredients, so it won’t irritate intimate skin.
Bloomi's Nourish is an intimate moisturizer made with organic coconut oil and designed to moisturize your intimate skin and soften your pubic hair. Apply a tiny amount on your fingers and rub it together to warm it up, then massage it into your pubic area skin.
If you're looking for the perfect massage oil to give your partner an unforgettable massage, then you might want to try Luxe — our luxurious massage oil made with the best quality natural and organic ingredients. Apply 5-10 pumps in your palms, rub them together to distribute the product, and massage the oil into your partner's skin.
