Parabens are used in lubricants as both a preservative and to protect against bacterial infection. But the chemical is known to mimic estrogen, and some studies have suggested a connection to serious health problems. More research needs to be done, but it is known that parabens can cause allergic reactions, and for all these reasons some people are choosing to avoid lube with parabens.
The good news is that the lubricant market is growing, and manufacturers are responding to customer requests for lubes that are less likely to cause any reaction. Many water based lubricants contain parabens. Some that don't include:
- Good Clean Love
- Hathor Aphrodisia
- Probe
- Sliquid Organics
- Astroglide Glycerin and Paraben Free Formula
I have never found a silicone based lubricant that contains parabens (although that doesn't mean you shouldn't still check the labels). One of the benefits of silicone based lubricants is that they usually don't have ingredients that can cause allergic reactions, and the silicone itself won't absorb in the skin. Among the silicone based lubes that are paraben free, are these brands:
