K-Y Jelly

K-Y Jelly is a water-based, water-soluble personal lubricant, most commonly used as a lubricant for sexual intercourse and masturbation. A variety of different products and formulas are produced under the K-Y banner, some which are not water-soluble.

K-Y
Product typePersonal lubricants
OwnerReckitt Benckiser
CountryUS
Introduced1904
Previous ownersJohnson & Johnson Van Horn and Sawtell
Websitewww.k-y.com

History
A tube of K-Y Jelly
The origins [and meaning] of the brand name 'K-Y®' are unknown. Two popular myths are that (1) it was created in Kentucky and (2) the letters represent the key ingredients used to make the lubricant. . . . [W]e can confirm that neither of these myths are [sic] true . . . .[1]

Introduced in January 1904 by pharmaceutical company and suture manufacturer Van Horn and Sawtell of New York City,[2] and later acquired by Johnson & Johnson, K-Y Jelly's original stated purpose was as a surgical lubricant, and it was often chosen by doctors because of its natural base. The product is now more widely used as a sexual lubricant to supplement the moisture required for performing sexual acts.[3]

Reckitt Benckiser purchased the brand in 2014.[4]

Properties

Unlike petroleum-based lubricants, K-Y jelly is biologically inert, reacting with neither latex condoms or silicone-based sex toys, and contains no added colors or perfumes. It is nonstaining and easy to clean up. Despite having a thick consistency and a tendency to dry out during use, it can be "reactivated" by the addition of saliva or water.

The product contains no spermicide and thus cannot be used to prevent pregnancy. A formulation containing nonoxynol-9 was removed from the market after the spermicide was found to facilitate the spread of HIV.[5]

K-Y Jelly has been available over the counter in the United States since 1980.[6]

Composition

K-Y NG uses glycerin and hydroxyethyl cellulose as the lubricant, with chlorhexidine gluconate, glucono delta-lactone, methylparaben and sodium hydroxide as antiseptic and preservative additives. The liquid form of the product combines glycerin with propylene glycol, sorbitol, and Natrosol 250H (a brand of hydroxyethyl cellulose) for lubrication, with benzoic acid, methylparaben and sodium hydroxide as additives.

Uses

In addition to its use as a personal lubricant, K-Y Jelly is employed by clinicians to perform prostate and gynecological examinations and by special effects technicians to create a "slimy" appearance or simulate saliva for animatronic monsters, most notably the Alien series.

References
  1. "K-Y FAQ's: What is the meaning behind the brand name 'K-Y®'?". Retrieved 2018-06-10.
  2. Antiseptic non-fatty and soluble lubricating jelly
  3. "K-Y Jelly Water Based Personal Lube". K-Y.
  4. Ballard, Ed (2014-03-10). "Reckitt Benckiser Buys K-Y Brand". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2017-03-09.
  5. Zimmerman, Rachel (2002-09-25). "Some Makers, Vendors Drop N-9 Spermicide on HIV Risk". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2017-03-09.
  6. Sauer, Abram (2006-08-27). "K-Y's Brand Identity Makeover". BusinessWeek. Retrieved 2017-03-09.
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