Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission.
***I was compensated by SanRe Organic Skinfood to write about their products but all opinions are my own.***
So I was super excited to be approached by SanRe Organic Skinfood, a small woman-owned company located in the North Georgia Mountains for a review of their latest product- Intimate Sensation. If you’ve never heard of it, keep reading because I’m about to give you the inside scoop.
SanRe Organic Skinfood produces handmade skincare products that contain ingredients that are USDA certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and cruelty-free (they also participate in the Leaping Bunny and PETA Cruelty-Free company programs).
I mean, what’s not to love?
Along with their extensive line of skincare products, they have recently ventured into the world of feminine health with the launch of their new product Intimate Sensation. This long-lasting personal lubricant helps with vaginal dryness and itching.
If you know me, you know that I’m always a little hesitant to introduce any new products into my regimen since I live by the rule- less is more. Especially, for my vaginal care but I decided to give it a try.
Vaginal Dryness 101
So before I give you my thoughts on the lube, here is a quick overview of why vaginal dryness even happens. Normally, the walls of your vagina are thick, elastic, and coated with a thin layer of clear fluid. You can thank your estrogen hormone for that. But changes in this hormone, like after giving birth, while breastfeeding, or during menopause may cause dryness “down below” which may leave you sore, chaffed, or irritated.
Lesson on Lubes
This is where personal lubricants come in. There are four main types of lubes available on the market:
- Water-based with or without glycerin, (this is the most common type and the most cost-effective)
- Silicone-based lubricants
- Oil-based lubricants (this can contain natural oils similar to the ones found in Intimate Sensations), and
- Natural lubricant which contains organic, vegan, botanicals, or other eco-friendly ingredients
About Intimate Sensation
Intimate Sensation provides women an alternative to the synthetic laced ingredients you find in most personal lubricants. This plant-based product enhances your sex life without disrupting your vagina’s pH (winning!)
The 3.9 fluid ounce bottle retails for $39 (plus shipping). The lube contains black cumin oil, avocado oil, and babassu oil (an oil rich in antioxidants), and oregano oil, which encourages normal yeast balance.
First impressions
What I love about SanRe Organic Skinfood is their commitment to protecting the planet (since I’m trying to be more eco-friendly and all). My package arrived in a tasteful cardboard box made from recycled paper and packaging (they also threw in a couple of additional full-sized samples of their skincare products for me to try, swoon).
The lube came in a dark green glass bottle made from recyclable material. These bottles protect the pure ingredients from light-induced break-down.
After a long day of patient care, I was ready for my well-deserved 20-minute shower where I could give my girly parts a little TLC. After toweling off, I applied a pump full of the product onto my fingers.
Even though the lube is described and fragrance-free, it actually has a light earthy scent (don’t worry it’s hardly noticeable). With its unique dark green color and greasy consistency, I almost had second thoughts about inserting the lube into my vagina (almost).
Since there weren’t any detailed instructions about how to best apply the lube, I inserted my product-covered fingers a few inches into my vagina and tried my best to coat the surface. Then I made sure to wash my hands thoroughly before heading off to bed.
Surprisingly, the next morning, my undies and bedsheets were still intact (no oil-based stains).
What I Loved about Intimate Sensation
I appreciate any product that won’t disrupt my vaginal pH and doesn’t mask my natural scent. So I used the lube for several weeks and didn’t experience any issues with discharge or odor.
I wanted to know more about the effects of using plant-based oil lubricant in my intimate area, so of course, I did a little research.
A 2013 study in Obstetrics & Gynecology, found that women who used oils, specifically baby oil- a perfumed petroleum product in their vaginas had an increased risk for yeast infection. Yikes!
The first lesson here: don’t use synthetic oils in your vagina.
The second lesson: natural plant-based oils like the ones found in Intimate Sensation are not mentioned in the study as vaginal health offender (this is a total relief).
Side note: even though Intimate Sensation is a natural product it’s still a foreign substance. It’s important to pay attention to how your body reacts when it’s applied to the vulva or vagina.
The downside of Intimate Sensation
Although this product may not disrupt your vaginal pH and may help to improve vaginal dryness, it should not be used with latex condoms (my favorite and current method of birth control).
Here’s the thing:
Latex condoms and oil-based products don’t mix. The oils can weaken the latex and may cause them to break. This may increase your chance of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Intimate Sensation may, however, be used with polyurethane condoms like Trojan Supra or Lifestyles SKYN.
Sidenote: polyurethane condoms have less stretch and a looser fit than latex condoms so they are more likely to slip or break. They are also not as effective as latex in preventing pregnancy.
So, will I continue to use Intimate Sensation? Yes, occasionally.
Here’s why:
This product can definitely be used during extended foreplay or for self-pleasure, but since I’m team #nomorekids and unwilling to give up my latex condoms, I can’t use the product as frequently as I would like.
I do love the fact that I now have another natural lubricant alternative which may lessen my exposure to potentially toxic ingredients.
I hope you found this review helpful -and it answered all of your questions.
Let me know your thoughts on SanRe Organic Skinfood Intimate Sensation? Are you willing to give it a try?
What products do you love for vaginal dryness?
You know I love answering your questions, so leave them below!