Glycerin Lubrications - Additional Narrative (Continued)

The Summary Data Sheet and the Additional Narrative contain the same information in differing formats. Click here to skip to Lipid Lubrications.

Safety

Glycerin is a food, cosmetic, and medicinal additive; however, ingestion or application of large quantities is not recommended, especially with non-food-grade variants.

Sex lubrications are not extensively regulated by the American or European agencies. Testing conducted by manufacturers is likely limited to smaller quantities that are typical for masturbation and fucking. Fisting is an off-label use for these products. Because fisting uses significantly more lubrication, it may expose you to larger quantities of allergens or toxic materials than those consumed/absorbed in traditional sexual activities.

Many glycerin-based lubes contain additional additives to increase duration during play, to extend shelf-life, or to add color, flavors, and scents.

Although sweet to the taste, the alcohol structure prevents fungal and bacterial growth. The sweet taste is not due to glucose or other sugars that can be digested by microorganisms.

STI clinics encourage copious usage of lube to decreases the spread of STIs—particularly those that ‘shed’ as a result of friction (syphilis, chancroid, and HPV). Labels of these lubes specifically state that they do not prevent STIs.

Glycerin lubes are not known to destroy condoms, toys, or gloves.

Sanitation and Disposal

Clean-up requires minimal amounts of soap and water, and these lubes rarely stain or discolor linens, clothing, or furniture when standard cleaning protocols are followed.

Observe the expiration dates printed by manufacturers.

Marketing, Value, and Availability

Glycerin-based lubes are typically marketed as water-based lubes. Look in the 'Health and Beauty' or 'Personal Care' sections with online vendors. In brick-and-mortar stores, you can locate these lubes alongside condoms.

Pricing is reasonable for a single container but restrictive when considering the amount of lube required in an average session.

Typical brands include Astroglide®, Wet®, Swiss Navy™ and KY®.

Fisting Compatibility / Notes

Due to cost per session and diminished lubricity after limited use, glycerin-based lubes are okay for fucking, but poor for fisting.

In several polymer lube recipes, glycerin lubes are often used as an additive to extend shelf-life.

Lipid Lubrications - Additional Narrative (Continued)

The Summary Data Sheet and the Additional Narrative contain the same information, but in differing formats. To skip to polymer lubrications, click here.

Safety

Since many foods are composed of, or are prepared in oils, most lipid lubes are safe for direct consumption. Anecdotal evidence suggests that cholesterol can be higher in very active fisting bottoms who use lipid-based lubes as their primary lubrication source.

Lipids do not typically encourage or prohibit growth from most detrimental microorganisms that are common in our environments. In other words, they usually are not a food supply that allows rapid reproduction of bacteria and fungi that have been known to take over the digestive system.

Lower viscosity may increase the spread of STIs that shed due to friction and drag (syphilis, HPV, etc.) To prevent cross contamination and re-contamination with these and other organisms, provide disposable single serve containers for each bottom.

Lipids have the ability to weaken condoms, gloves, and certain toys. The frequency of glove changes, the pace of play, and the unique movements of fisting play make glove disintegration unlikely, but still a possibility.

Sanitation and Disposal

Clean-up usually requires dish soap designed to remove grease. Sheets, towels, and pillows can be permanently stained by lipid-based lubes.

Lipids will go rancid over time. Discard older lipids with awkward smells.

Marketing, Value and Availability

Cooking oils and greases are readily available in most grocery stores worldwide. Cost is minimal. Due to these two factors, lube manufacturers typically do not offer lipid-only lubes.

The most famous fisting lipid is Crisco®.

Fisting Consideration and Notes

Lipid-based lubes such as Crisco® and coconut oil are traditional favorites in the fisting community. While Crisco has a specific odor, off-brand labels may not. Some bottoms prefer only Crisco, while others prefer anything but Crisco.

It is common for fisters to combine lipid-based lubes with other lube bases to have the best of both worlds. The hybrid replicates the barrier created by lipids and takes advantage of the lubricity of other bases.

Polymer Lubrications - Additional Narrative (Continued)

Because three sub-categories of polymer lubrications exist, the following additional narrative is generic. A more detailed examination of each category and Summary Data Sheets can be found in the course: Polymer Lubrications. To skip to petroleum lubrications, click here.

Safety

Of the five saftey metrics evaluated for lubrications, all sub-categories of polymer lubes have the same values for STI transmission risk and toys/condom/glove compatibility. All are completely toy, condom and glove safe and the high lubricity may minimally decrease the spread of the shedding STIs such as syphilis; however, no lube is certified to prevent STIs.

For the three remaining metrics (consumption toxicity, anti-microbial tendencies, and allergens), each sub-category demonstrates different properties. Emulsifiers are the least toxic, but are extremely susceptible to microbial growth and must be discarded immediately after a session. PEOs may have dispersing agents, such as sucrose, that decrease shelf life.

Grade selection is important. Hazardous chemicals and toxic metals may exist in all polymers to some degree, but those targeted for veterinary use show significantly higher levels of unhealthy materials. In animal husbandry, toxicity is irrelevant because the frequency of use and the lifespan of the animal are both minimal. Always look for food- or medical-grade polymers in the listed ingredients, or a EFSA E number, in order to decrease exposure to toxic materials.

Fisting is an off-label use for these products. No evaluation or studies exist regarding usage levels common with fisting. Fisting may expose you to larger quantities of allergens or toxic materials than those consumed/absorbed through ingestion or surgical processes.

Sanitation and Disposal

Clean-up requires agents that shear or disrupt the bonds. Salt, alcohol, or hair conditioner work on human skin when applied prior to exposure to water. Laundry detergent works well on bedding.

Emulsifiers and J-lube should be discarded immediately after a session. Certain PEOs may last up to two weeks if refridgerated.

Marketing, Value, and Availability

Most polymer-based lubes can be purchased online. J-lube® or J-jelly® can be bought at most veterinary supply stores. Emulsifiers can be found in health food stores. Other polymers marketed as lube can occasionally be found in specialty stores catering to gay audiences.

Per milliliter, these lubes are the cheap compared to everything except lipid-based lubricants. A teaspoon of Fist Powder® and K-lube® can make sufficient lube for a fisting session, a few tablespoons of J-lube® does the same thing.

In the PEO sub-category, J-Lube®, X-Lube®, and K-Lube® are the three most common PEO lubricants on the market, but other specialty lubes, such as FFausten Lube, are also available. Male Powder is one of the few salt-acid lube compounds available. Two common emulsifying agents are Xantham and Guar Gum.

Fisting Compatibility / Notes

Due to their lubricity and viscosity, polymer-based lubes have surpassed lipid-based lubes as the lubrication of choice among most fisters. Many older fisters prefer lipid-based lubes, while younger fisters and depth fisters prefer polymers for extreme fisting.

Mixing with lipid-, silicone-, and petroleum- based lubes with polymers is very common among fisters. The hybrids are usually cream-like in texture and appearance, with extended hole-longevity.

Lipid Lubrications - Additional Narrative (Continued)

The Summary Data Sheet and the Additional Narrative contain the same information, but in differing formats. To skip to polymer lubrications, click here.

Safety

Dermatologists typically do not worry about petroleum-based products, as they are too complex to penetrate the skin, and they are too complex to mimic/replicate natural hormones. These doctors are likely basing their evaluations on small applications on layer upon layer of dead skin cells. Opinions may differ when considering heavy use on the live, single-cell layer tissue of the fist chute.

Bacteria and fungi cannot survive and reproduce in these products due to lack of digestible nutrients.

Concerns regarding the spread of STIs via lube are consistent with other types of lube bases. Microorganisms may use the lube as a transport medium if proper washing procedures aren’t followed between bottoms. Single use containers should be used for each session.

Any petroleum product will weaken condoms, gloves, toys faster than all other lubricants. Use caution.

Sanitation and Disposal

For clean-up, several options are available. Application of a lipid such as olive oil will help dissolve petroleum products. A light dusting of cornstarch will absorb greasiness. Any lingering remnants can be washed away with Dawn dish detergent. Sheets, towels and pillows will likely be permanently stained by these lubes.

Observe the manufacturer's label for expiration dates.

Marketing, Value and Availability

Vaseline® and mineral oil are the most common petroleum-based lubes and are easily found in pharmacies and ‘Health and Beauty’ or ‘Personal Care’ sections of many stores and online vendors. Cost is minimal.

Elbow Grease®, Boy Butter®, and other petroleum-based creams are usually available at adult/sex stores or online.

Fisting Consideration and Notes

Petroleum-based lubes are likely to be the first lubrication material used by adolescents in discovering sexual gratification. Very few adults use them as stand-alone lubrications. Some individuals do not like the greasy feeling that lingers even after clean-up and will not use these lubes or any hybrid derivatives for fisting.

Like lipid-based lubes, it is not uncommon for fisters to add a petroleum-based product to their lube to increase ease application and longevity after application. If using a cream or lotion in a hybrid recipe, be aware of all product ingredients and any product warnings. Many lotions and creams have petroleum as a disguised ingredient, some of which may burn the tissues inside the colon.

Silicone Lubrications - Additional Narrative (Continued)

The Summary Data Sheet and the Additional Narrative contain the same information, but in differing formats. To skip to polymer lubrications, click here.

Safety

Few dermatological and medical studies exist regarding silicone lubricant. Safety data sheets suggest that it is non-toxic and non-irritative when exposure is limited and minimal. Some surgeries use silicone lubricants to place regulating or repair devices inside the body, such as pacemakers and artificial joints. Packaging carefully indicates that silicone sex lubes have not been tested or approved for internal use.

No nutrients, energy, or building blocks are available for growth and reproduction of microorganisms in silicone lube, so no preservatives are needed to prevent colonization in lube bottles. However, silicone lubes, petroleum-based lubes, and lipid-based lubes can temporarily seal up the skin, preventing the penetration of oxygen to the microbiome that thrives on the human body. This can allow harmful anaerobic bacteria or fungi to reproduce faster than the helpful bacteria that typically prevent the rapid growth of harmful bacterial or fungal colonies. Opportunistic infection may then occur. This translates to an increased susceptibility to jock itch or other skin-related infections.

Because of high lubricity, shedding STIs such as HPV and syphilis may be less likely to spread with use; however, health departments will treat any exposure to syphilis with antibiotics to eliminate future spread.

Silicone lubes do not destroy latex, rubber, and medical-grade silicone toys. Several people have reported that silicone infiltrate pores on their toys and remained present over long periods of time. The residual silicone left the toy feeling partially lubed.

Sanitation and Disposal

Copious amounts of hair conditioner applied before the application and rinse with water may help remove silicone lubrication. Use the same methodology to remove from fabrics prior to washing. Effectiveness may vary.

Taste and odor-free silicone lubes do not have expiration dates. Discard or recycle containers.

Marketing, Value and Availability

Silicone lubricants are sold alongside traditional lubricants and are priced roughly 1.5 times the cost of glycerin-based lubes.

Pricing is reasonable for a single container but restrictive when considering the amount of lube required in an average session.

Most vendors that provide glycerin lubes, also have silicone lubes. Labels include Wet Platinum® Gun Oil™ Swiss Navy©, among others.

Fisting Consideration and Notes

Like glycerin lubes, silicone lubes can be used for fisting in a pinch. Typically, they do not facilitate longer sessions or depth play because of the amount of lube required to sufficiently coat the hand/arm and the fist chute is cost prohibitive. Indelible staining of bedding, furniture, and counter tops is not uncommon.

For uncommon fisting locations such as a shower or pool, silicone lube is the safest choice to ensure consistent and lingering lubricity.