50 per cent of menopausal women can experience vaginal dryness with it having an impact on your general comfort downstairs, thanks to itching and irritation, and your sex life. Vaginal dryness is a common side effect of menopause, breastfeeding, pregnancy, and cancer treatments, due to a decrease in oestrogen levels.
Fortunately, there are plenty of lubricants available in the UK to make you feel much more comfortable going about your day and having fun between the sheets.
Symptoms of vaginal dryness
According to the NHS, you may have vaginal dryness if you experience the following:
• Feel sore or itchy in and around your vagina
• Feel pain or discomfort during sex
• Need to pee more often than usual
• Keep getting urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Have a reduced libido as a result
Types of lubricant for menopause dryness
Water-based lubricants
This type of lubricant is best recommended for menopause dryness by the NHS as it’s safe to use with latex condoms and sex toys and can easily be washed off. However, some products may contain glycerin and parabens, which can cause irritation with some, and they tend to evaporate quicker. You may need to apply more as a result.
Silicone-based lubricants
This is a popular choice as it’s the most slippery type of lubricant that also work well with latex condoms. It lasts longer than water-based lubricant and is hypoallergic, but can be harder to wash off. You also shouldn't use silicone-based lube with silicone sex toys as it can break down the material.
Oil-based lubricants
Oil-based lubricants are long-lasting and a more natural alternative if you’re sensitive to any ingredients. However, it can’t be used with latex condoms as the oil breaks it down and they are associated with a higher risk of developing a UTI or vaginal infection.
How to apply lubricant
If your lubricant is supplied in a pump, bottle, or tube, you'll need to apply it to your vagina area using your fingers. If it's a little cold, warm some up in your hands before you apply.
In our pick of the best lubricants, we've also included single-use applicators. These dispense a pre-filled amount directly into your vagina to tackle the source of dryness, without the need to use your fingers - a great solution if your concerned about hygiene and want to keep your hands lube-free.
Best lubricant for menopause dryness uk
Best all-rounder
This lube from Durex is made specifically to make sex more comfortable and is made from 100 per cent natural ingredients. It's a gentle, pH-friendly formula that works to moisture your vagina with no added fragrance or colours. It's safe to use for oral, vaginal and anal sex, with latex condoms, and with your sex toys.
Specifications:
Type: Water-based
Quantity: 1 x 100ml tube
Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Propanediol, Xanthan Gum, Inulin, Benzoic Acid, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Potassium Lactate, Lactic Acid.
Review: "My partner and I have tried so many brands and types of lubricants during the years but all of them were making some sort of reactions on our skin, especially on mine because it’s very sensitive. I love this one and even when I have some dryness or irritation this gel doesn’t sting or burn my intimate area. It lasts for a very long time as well you don’t need a big amount for lubrication."
Best for natural ingredients
Free from parabens, drugs, hormones, and animal products, all ingredients in Sylk are 100 per cent natural to gently soothe and hydrate. It's deliberately not flavoured or coloured to avoid allergies and has a pH that matches your skin. We love that the formula is greaseless, non-sticky, and doesn't stain, and is safe to use with condoms and tampons.
Specifications:
Type: Water-based
Quantity: 1 x 40g bottle
Ingredients: Purified Water, Kiwifruit Plant Extract, Citrus Seed Extract (Preservative), Xanthan Plant Extract, Vegetable Glycerine, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Citrate.
Review: "I bought it on the recommendation of another reviewer who said that this is the only lubricant they can use and not get thrush. They were right! This is an excellent personal lubricant that saves me the pain of a yeast infection triggered by having sex. The bottle is quite small but a little goes a long way and I am super pleased with the feel and quality of the product. Nice to know it’s entirely plant-based and natural."
Best for silky comfort
For a seriously silky smooth lubricant, this dermatologically-tested lube from pjur is a winner. Free from preservatives, perfumes, or added flavours, it's compatible with latex condoms and great for vaginal and anal sex or masturbation. As it's silicone-based, it's extra long-lasting as the molecules remain on the skin, rather than being absorbed or evaporated.
Specifications:
Type: Silicone-based
Quantity: 1 x 30ml bottle
Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol.
Review: "I don't know about flavour (?) as I only use Pjur for moisturising my intimate parts on a daily basis. Since I went through the change I suffer from extreme dryness and use a small blob of Pjur each morning to moisturise and it works really well keeping my intimate parts soft and smooth all day, and not dry and itchy. It is also extremely good for use during love-making as well, this small bottle is handy for taking on holiday and I have a larger bottle which I keep in my bathroom. Highly recommended for 'ladies of a certain age'!"
Best vegan lubricant
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In a handy pump bottle, this lube from Hanx is surprisingly long-lasting as a water-based lubricant, though you will need to apply a generous amount. The gentle formula is naturally scented, vegan, and free from parabens, and hasbeen endorsed by medical professionals. It'll help to ensure personal pleasure during intimacy and can be used with latex condoms.
Specifications:
Type: Water-based
Quantity: 1 x 50ml pump bottle
Ingredients: Aqua, Sorbitol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Benzoate, Panthenol, Lactic Acid.
Review: "Really smooth and natural. No tackiness, not too sticky, no irritation and no rashes! Best lube we have used, and would 100% recommend. Looks cute on my bedside table too.!
Best for a natural feeling
The unique bio-adherent formula of this hydrating gel coats the vaginal wall and slowly releases moisture over time to relieve vaginal dryness. Gynaecologist tested, it contains a prohydrate complex which is a unique blend of moisturisers including hyaluronic acid which makes this lube feel like your own natural moisture.
Specifications:
Type: Water-based
Quantity: 6 x 5g applicators
Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Propanediol, Carbomers, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide.
Review: "Doctors were unable to help me with my menopausal symptoms and my love life was non-existent. I bought this cream as a last resort really and turned all that around and I would not be without this now. I've got some in my bedside cabinet, and always take it when on my travels. I would give it 10 stars if I could!! You won't be disappointed."
Best for rapid results
The stand-out feature of the Balance Activ Moisture Gel is the unique formula. It has a patented mix of two hyaluronic acids which helps provide rapid, longer-lasting relief through all stages of menopause. Hormone-free and pH balanced, the light formula can be used from pre to post-menopause, even when the vagina's pH naturally changes. It's been clinically proven with 98 per cent of women experiencing relief within an hour.
Specifications:
Type: Oil-based
Quantity: Seven applicators
Ingredients: Phosphate Buffered Saline, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Phenoxyethanol, Contains Methyl Parabens.
Review: "I have struggled for years, being highly allergic, for a product that would help with the distress and discomfort of vaginal atrophy. I chanced upon Balance Activ in my search for an estrogen-free treatment. This product is amazing. After only 5 days of use I feel normal again! I could cry! I am overwhelmed with relief. Thank you."
Best for sensitive skin
Certified organic and natural, the YES lube is a favourite on Amazon with over 2,000 reviewers rating it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Hypoallergic and pH balanced, it can relieve dryness and discomfort as well as help to enhance sexual pleasure and sensitivity. Suitable for use with condoms and sex toys, it's formulated to be gentle and side-effect free, great for those with sensitive conditions.
Specifications:
Type: Water-based
Quantity: 1 x 150ml tube
Ingredients: Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Flax Extract, Three Synergistic Plant Based Gums - Guar, Locust Bean, and Xanthan, Food Grade Preservatives, Citric Acid.
Review: "YES WB has made a huge difference for me, both in daily comfort due to the dreaded post-menopause dryness (why doesn't anybody talk about this) and for making sex pleasurable and possible again. it works straight away, bliss. No burning no itching no discomfort and no pain - miraculous. nothing else has worked like this. I love that it's organic and has no synthetic additives too. I recommend YES WB to all my friends."
Recommended
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The natural oil-based formula in MegsMenopause Motion Lotion is made to be extra silky to help alleviate discomfort specific to menopause. Designed to mimic the body's natural formula, it contains glabra root extract, commonly used to calm sensitive skin. It's suitable for application just before having sex as a short-term solution to keep the vagina moist.
Specifications:
Type: Oil-based
Quantity: 1 x 100ml bottle
Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Cera Microcristallina, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract.
Review: "I've tried so many and been post menopause - this is a godsend, no irritation, a little goes long way, and no stickiness for women after menopause - this really works."
Best for discreet, luxe packaging
This lube is definitely one we wouldn't mind sitting on our bedside table. In a discreet glass bottle with a measured pump, the lubricant itself is unscented, latex-safe, and free from glycerin. As well as being dissolvable to prevent leaving a sticky residue, we love that it's water-friendly so you can take a dip in the pool or bath after application without losing moisture, and it has added Vitamin E for a soft, moisturised feeling. It's a little more expensive but extremely highly rated.
Specifications:
Type: Silicone-based
Quantity: 1 x 50ml pump bottle
Ingredients: Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Cyclomethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E).
Review: "Brilliant product for my sensitive skin. I actually use it on my hair too and it makes it super soft. Couldn't recommend more, especially since I've tried every other product before! I love their travel cases too! Well thought!"
Best for long-lasting relief
This vaginal moisturiser provides two-in-one symptomatic relief from Vaginal Atrophy and dryness. It can help to replenish your vagina's moisture, alleviate discomfort and make intimacy much more comfortable. Unlike most other vaginal lubricant-based solutions, ReplensMD delivers continuous moisture, making a single application last up to three days.
Specifications:
Type: Water-based
Quantity: Six applicators
Ingredients: Purified Water, Glycerin Mineral Oil, Polycarbophil, Carbomer Homopolymer Type B, Hydrogenated Palm Oil Glyceride, Methylparaben, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide.
Review: "To those with menopausal symptoms especially dryness this is a must-have, it works and doesn’t sting."
What should you avoid in lubricants?
First and foremost, make sure to check the ingredients list to make sure you avoid any you know you have a sensitivity to. If you are prone to yeast infections, it's advised to avoid lubricants that contain glycerin. According to a 2013 study, this ingredient has been associated with a higher risk of contracting yeast infections.
You should also avoid lubricants that contain fragrances as these aren't necessary and could cause further irritation.
The last thing you need is more discomfort downstairs!
What is menopause?
Menopause is when your ovaries stop producing the hormone oestrogen and as a result, your periods stop.
You will reach menopause after between six months to two years of experiencing perimenopause, where you can expect classic symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. Other symptoms can include headaches, weight gain, mood swings, and depression but this will vary from person to person.
Whilst the average age for menopause is 51, you can begin to get symptoms in your late 40s too.