This one has been in my to-be-reviewed pile for longer than I’d like to admit, and I kept putting it off. Why? Because, if I’m honest, I don’t like using oil-based lubes. However, Vibeology’s Pure organic water-based lube has become one of my trusted favourites, so I felt I should give the Throb Stroking Cream oil-based formula—a combination masturbation lube and massage cream—a fair shot.

Vibeology Throb: Oil-Based Stroking Lube and Massage Cream

Vibeology Throb is an oil-based lubricant-slash-massage-cream designed specifically for stroking, i.e. masturbation or hand sex. It’s light yellow in colour and comes in a scoopable formula in screw-top tubs.

Let’s look at what’s in it and how safe the ingredients are.

• Butyrospermum parkii butter (AKA shea butter): A common natural skincare ingredient that offers excellent benefits for the skin and is considered safe for use in lubricants that come into contact with genitals.
• Olea Europea (olive) fruit oil: A protective and moisturising oil. Views on its safety in lube are mixed, but it’s likely fine for the external genital area.
• Cocus Nucifera (coconut) oil: Perhaps the oil most commonly used as a lubricant. Good for the skin and safe for external use as long as you’re not allergic. However, it may disrupt the vaginal pH and increase risk of yeast infections for some users.
• Prunus Armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil: A light plant oil rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, C and E. The information I could find indicated it’s likely safe for the external genitals.
• Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) leaf juice: A hydrating and soothing ingredient that’s also in Vibeology’s Pure formula.
• Stearic acid: A fatty acid that acts as an emollient and stabiliser, safe and widely used in many lubricants.
• Sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate,
• Acetic acid: A pH adjuster that is also used in some prescription vaginal products.
• Ascorbic acid: The chemical name for Vitamin C.
• Tocopherol: AKA Vitamin E.
• Sodium Chloride: AKA salt, used here in miniscule quantities.

Overall, this is a great ingredients list. I wouldn’t use this formula inside my vagina due to the risk of irritation and infection from oils, but as a masturbation oil or massage cream it has an excellent safety profile.

What I Like About Vibeology Throb Masturbation Oil

Aside from the great ingredients list, there are a few things I like a lot about this product:

• It has a light and unobtrusive earthy scent, and contains no artificial flavours or fragrances.
• It absorbs into the skin well and does not leave any unpleasant tacky or sticky residue.
• When I apply it to my skin, it leaves it feeling soft and nourished. This makes it a great choice for massage. It can also double up as a moisturiser for dry or sensitive skin.
• It offers a lovely slick, slippery sensation which many users will enjoy.

Things To Be Aware Of

Due to the oils’ excellent absorption, you may need to reapply this lube a few times during a sex/masturbation or massage session. You only need a little at a time, so you’ll still get plenty of uses out of a tub, but it’s not as long-lasting as some products I’ve tried.

As I mentioned above, I wouldn’t consider this a safe product for vaginal use. Therefore, if you’re going to transition from massage, masturbation or hand-sex into penetrative sex or vaginal fingering, it’s best to pause and wash the oil off your hands first. For masturbation or hand sex with a penis, though, it’s a great choice.

Remember that oil-based lubes are not compatible with latex barriers such as condoms or dams. If you’re using barriers, stick to a water-based lube. Oil-based lubes are okay with some non-latex barriers, but always double-check if you’re not sure so you don’t compromise your safety.

On a personal, sensory level, I really struggle with oil-based lubes. I hate the sensation of having slippery stuff all over my hands. I have the same issue when I’m cooking if I get oil on my hands; I just want to wash it off straight away and I’m completely distracted until it’s gone. This doesn’t mean it’s a bad product, it just means it’s a not-for-me product.

Finally, the taste isn’t super pleasant so you probably won’t want to use this one for oral sex.

Vibeology Throb Masturbation and Massage Oil: Verdict

If you’re seeking a body-safe oil-based lube for masturbation, penis stroking or massage, you can’t go far wrong with this one.

Vibeology Throbe Stroking and Massage Cream is available from Shevibe for $19 for 120ml or $29 for 236.5ml.

Thanks to Shevibe for sending me this product to review. All views, as always, are mine. Affiliate links appear in this post.