Ingredients
These following list of ingredients were collected from the labels of commercially available fisting lubricants:
Canola Oil
Qualities: Lubricity
A natural lipid from canola oil. Lipids are considered one of the standard lubricant bases.
Carboxymethylcellulose
Qualities: Viscosity | Lubricity | Emulsifier | Thickening Agent | Binder
Considered one of the standard lubricant bases.
Additional names for this ingredient include: Sodium carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose gum.
Citric Acid
Qualities: Buffer (Acid Mitigation) | Preservative
Citric acid is a naturally occuring substance that fulfills two purposes in lubrications and cosmetics. First, it helps manage pH of a substance. It can increase acidity or stabilize acidity at a specific level by working as a buffer. Second, increased acidity often deters bacterial and fungal growth.
Common Names
May appear on label as:
- Citric Acid
- Lemon Salt
- 2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
- Essential Oils (Citrus)
Concerns
Scientists have made these observations:
- Skin Sensitivity | in concentrations above 10%, citric acid may burn. At lower concentrations, it may cause redness, itching, or rash.
Fist Theory Philosophy
In anal fisting lubes, there is typically little cause for concern with this ingredient.
In vaginal fisting, lubes that affect the pH can disrupt the microbiota resulting in infection.
Fisters have been known to add a few drops of citrus essential oils to increase shelf life or create a citrus scent/flavor.
Chlorhexadine Gluconate
Qualities: Antispetic | Preservative
Chlorhexadine gluconate is a strong antimicrobial agent, capable of providing protection against many bacteria, fungi, and virus for five hours. It is common in mouthwashes, handscrubs (such as Hibiclens), and some antibiotic ointments. As a mouthwash, it may cause tingling. Most product labels indicate it should not be used on mucosal membranes, which includes the fist chute.
Common Names
May appear on label as:
- Chlorhexadine
- Chlorhexadine Gluconate
Concerns
Scientists have made these observations:
- Skin Sensitivity | chlorhexadine may cause redness, itching, or rash.
- Allergic Reactions | though extremely rare, chlorhexadine can cause system-wide allergic reactions, including hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Fist Theory Philosophy
Modearate concern when used in larger quantities typical with a traditional fisting session. High concern when injected or used for depth play.
Disruption of the microbiota within the vagina and fist chute are concerns. Vaginal concerns are much greater than anal concerns, as the ascending and transverse colons quickly repopulate the normal fist chute flora.
Some fisters use a few drops of chlorhexadine as an additive in lubricants; this is not recommended. See Apothecary | Lubrication Additives.
Laureth-7 | Laureth-9 | Laureth-12
Qualities: Surfacant | Emulsifier | Viscosity | Lubricity
Laureth- 7, 9, and 12 are surfactants and emulsifiers used to bind disparate, immiscible ingredients together (such as silicone, oil, and water). They also increase lubricity as well. Lauryl alcohol (from coconut or palm oil) is bound together with PEG in an industrial process to get Laurth- chemicals. The molecular weight of the PEG determines the number associated with the prefix laureth.
Common Names
May appear on label as:
- Hepataoxatriacontan or Hepataoxatriacontanol
- Hyptaethylene Glycol Dodecyl Ether
- Lauryl Alcohol Hexa(oxyethylene) Ethanol
- PEG-7,9,12 Lauryl Ether
- Polyethylene Glycol (7,9,12) Lauryl Ether
Concerns
Scientists have made these observations:
- Skin Sensitivity | At higher concentrations, may cause redness, itching, or rash.
- PEG Quality | PEG, if not processed correctly, contains carcinogens.
Fist Theory Philosophy
Low concern for those who fist more than once weekly as this is usually a cream or gel that isn't injected or used in high volume.
Methyl Parahydroxybenzoate
See Also: Paraben
Paraben
Qualities: Preservative
Parabens are a class of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in lubricants. They are used for their antimicrobial properties which prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.
Common Names
May appear on label as:
- Paraben(s)
- Methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, or benzyl paraben
- -hydroxybenzoate (with various common prefixes [butyl, n-butyl] or IUPAC nomenclature [4-hydroxybenzoate]).
- Sodium hydroxybenzoate (a paraben salt) or various IUPAC deriviatives for this salt [n-, p-, etc.].
Concerns
Scientists have made these observations:
- Endocrine Disruption | parabens mimic estrogen which may interfere with the endocrine system.
- Accumulation | Stores of paraben have been found in body tissues.
- Health Risks | Possible association with breast cancer.
- Environmental Impact | While not a forever chemical, parabens accumulate in water, affecting living organisms.
Fist Theory Philosophy
Low concern for fisting in chromosomal males with a healthy BMI who fist less than twice weekly and do not inject lube into the upper fist chute.
Trans men and men with Klinefelter syndrome may want to consider other options until further scientific research is completed.
California and the EU are attempting bans on propyl parabens (E 216, E 217, CAS 67-42-5).
Parafin Liquidum (Mineral Oil)
Qualities: Lubricity | Viscosity
A refined petroleum product. Petroleum distillates are considered one of the standard lubricant bases.
Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly)
Qualities: Lubricity | Viscosity
A refined petroleum product. Petroleum distillates are considered one of the standard lubricant bases.
Polyethylene Oxide (PEO)
Qualities: Viscosity | Lubricity | Emulsifier | Thickening Agent | Binder
Polyethylene Oxide (PEO) is considered one of the standard lubricant bases.
Additional names for this ingredient include: PEG.
While sometimes used interchangeably, PEO generally refers to higher molecular weight polymers (>20,000 g/mol), whereas PEG refers to lower molecular weight variants.
Propyl Parahydroxybenzoate
See Also: Paraben
Propandiol
Qualities: Binder | Preservative | Lubricity | Emulsifier | Humectant
Propandiol is used to increase lubricity as well as prevent lubes from drying out on the shelf. It also helps bind ingredients together that are otherwise immiscible. It has a synthetic formulation (1,2) that is made from petroleum and a natural formulation (1,3) made from corn sugar.
Common Names
May appear on label as:
- Propylene Glycol (PG)
- 1,2-Propandiol (PG)
- 1,3-Propandiol
- 3-diol
Concerns
Scientists have made these observations:
- Skin Sensitivity | 1,2-propandiol at higher concentrations, may cause redness, itching, or rash.
- Allergic Reactions | 1,2-propandiol can cause system-wide allergic reactions, including hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Fist Theory Philosophy
Modearate concern for those who fist more than once weekly or that inject lube into the upper fist chute.
While propandiol is not under any ban or potential ban in Europe, Canada, or USA when used in very small quantities, at larger quantities, some negative issues have been observed. Quantities in traditional fisting are much much higher than recommended daily allowances. Volume used with depth fisting are very concerning.
Shea Butter
Qualities: Lubricity
A natural lipid from seeds of the shea tree. Lipids are considered one of the standard lubricant bases.
Stearate
Qualities: Emulsifier | Emollient | Surfactant
Stearates are derived from stearic acid and will provide different qualties to lube based on molecular partners. For example PEG-Stearate is primarily an emulsifier used to bind disparate, immiscible ingredients together (such as silicone, oil, and water). Stearates can also increase creaminess which can result in more drag. The higher the number associated with the stearate, the higher the creaminess factor. Glycol stearate is unique among the stearate family of ingredients as it is responsible for creating a pearl-like shininess and color to a lubericating cream.
Common Names
May appear on label as:
- Stearic Acid
- Steareth-2,21
- Sorbitan Stearate
- Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
- PEG-6,8,20,32,45M,100 Stearate
- Glycol Stearate
- Gylcerol Stearate
Concerns
Scientists have made these observations:
- Dryness and Irritation | Stearates can pull moisture from mucosal tissue that can result in dryness and irritation.
- Partner Molecule Issues | Since stearates are often a component of a pair, the paired ingredient may produce undesired complications.
Fist Theory Philosophy
Low concern for those who fist more than once weekly as this is usually a cream or gel that isn't injected or used in high volume.
Xanthan Gum
Qualities: Viscosity | Lubricity | Emulsifier | Thickening Agent | Binder
Considered one of the standard lubricant bases.
Additional names for this ingredient include: Gum.
Yellow 5
Qualities: Coloration
Yellow 5 is a synthetic dye that adds color to cosmetics and food.
Common Names
May appear on label as:
Concerns
Scientists have made these observations:
- Hyperactivity | Yellow 5 at higher concentrations, may cause hyperactivity in small children.
- Cancer | Yellow 5 at high or sustained concentrations can affect the DNA of white blood cells. Damage cells cannot be repaired.
Fist Theory Philosophy
Modearate concern for those who fist with lubes that contain this ingredient. It is to be phased out by 2027.
