The simpler the ingredients, the better. “People with sensitive skin respond best to water-based, silicone, and hyaluronic-acid-based products,” says Dr. Balestrieri.
Ingredients to avoid:
“Lubricants which contain alcohols, parabens, flavors, glycerin, perfumes, and lubricants that claim to cause ‘sensations’ can cause irritation to sensitive tissues, and I would caution against these types,” advises Dr. Gaither. So basically, any lube promising any exciting ~sensations~ is an automatic “nope!” if you’ve got sensitive skin. Ditto for flavored lubes.
Read the ingredient label and patch test
Pro tip: once you’ve picked out a new lube to try, Dr. Balestrieri suggests starting with small amounts. She adds, “It may be helpful to have some wipes or a towel nearby for immediate removal should you experience any discomfort or reaction.”
It’s important to read the labels to check for these potentially irritating ingredients before choosing a lube. And if you have especially sensitive skin, make sure you patch test the lubricant somewhere on your body (like your arm or leg) to see if it causes a reaction before incorporating it into your sex life.