Q: I’m so honoured to speak with you, Dr. Eilber! I love your products at GLISSANT and am thrilled to be able to ask you how you got your start. And to learn more about your organic lube line. This is one of those days where I really love my job… What drew you to this industry and making this product in particular?
A: It is an absolute pleasure to discuss this — as you know women's sexual health and wellness is an area that doesn't get nearly enough attention. I was drawn to this industry mainly because of my patients. I have so many women who avoid sex because of dryness and the pain associated with it. They wanted a lube free of chemicals or hormones, and I wanted them to have a lube that not only lubricated but was good for the vagina too. Many lubricants contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the vagina and increase risk of infection. GLISSANT lubricants are made from the highest-quality, natural ingredients that not only lubricate but increase vaginal blood flow to improve arousal. And because CBD has pain and anxiety relieving properties, our CBD & CBG Huile d'Amour is great for women whose main issue is pain. When CBD and CBG are blended together, they have an "entourage effect" meaning each one's individual benefits are amplified so not only is pain lessened, but women can decrease their anxiety related to fear of pain with sex.
A: In addition to the carefully curated ingredients that are good for the vagina, GLISSANT is special because it doesn't look like a typical lube — it's chic, discreet, and travel-friendly. My co-founder, Renee Garacochea, is a beauty industry veteran and was instrumental in designing our packaging. We wanted women to have a lube that they could discreetly travel with or display on their nightstand or vanity with other beautiful products. The no-mess spray means no worries about spilling it in the heat of the moment, and the packaging is sustainable with a reusable outer shell.
Q: Oh how enticing… I’ve tried a few lubes that haven’t tasted particularly good. How does GLISSANT rank?
A: Our water-based sea salt & caramel lube has just enough sweetness to make anything taste better (and, frankly, smell better too!), especially if condoms are used. We recommend using it with non-lubricated condoms since the ingredients used to lubricate condoms can be irritating to a lot of people. If you don't know your partner, at least know the lube.
Q: Is it oil/water based? How is it made?
A: There is one of each! The water-based, Sea Salt & Caramel Intimate Lubricant is FDA-cleared, and the CBD & CBG Huile d'Amour is oil-based. The FDA does recognize CBD products at this time. Although my co-founder and I were involved in formulating the lubes, they are technically made by chemists at our manufacturing facilities.
GLISSANT Bottles Q: What’s the best way to use GLISSANT? Is it good for toys? What about pH balance and all that good stuff down there?
A: The best way to use GLISSANT lubes is however they can make you feel good. The water-based lubricant is great for all toys, and the CBD & CBG oil-based lube can be sprayed in the mouth to enjoy the benefits of CBD, CBG and the herbal aphrodisiacs such as ginseng, maca, and horny goat leaf. We recommend 4-5 sprays in the mouth 10-15 minutes prior to sexual activity. Both lubes contain ingredients that are naturally antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and increase arousal.
Q: You’re a Dr.! What’s your educational background?
A: I am a urologist with double board-certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. I went to medical school and did my urology training at UCLA. Conditions that I treat can have a significant impact on a woman's sexual function which is how I became an advocate for women's sexual health and wellness to begin with. I teach the medical and surgical treatment of women's pelvic floor disorders to both urology and gynecology trainees.
Q: Who do you work with?
A: On a day to day basis I work with my urology colleagues and our fellows (doctors who are specializing in my field). Depending on what a woman needs, I also do combined surgeries with gynecologists, colorectal surgeons, and even plastic surgeons.
Q: Where does Renee come from and how did you meet? What’s it like having a business partner?
A: Renee and I met over ten years ago when she was a patient. We immediately hit it off because we have so much in common. We have the same taste in music, use the same brand of lip gloss and even have the same china pattern! Fortunately, we also have a similar work ethic. Having a business partner is much like a marriage — there is a lot of fun and laughter, but there can also be difficult times that you get through because you are dedicated to each other. The success of a business or personal relationship relies on the willingness of both parties to respect each other's opinions and compromise. What's really great is our different professional backgrounds resulted in the blending of beauty and science to make our amazing lubes.
Q: Your blog is also fabulous. So informative and real. Why is it important for women to know about their bodies?
A: It's important for women to know about their bodies because knowledge is power. There are so many variations of "normal" but we don't openly discuss how our bodies change with age, so many women don't know what's normal and what's not. It really is a shame that except for a junior high school health class, there is no other universal education of women. We are generally ill-prepared when it comes to pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause.
Q: What advice would you give to any blossoming business women out there?
A: Find a work wife!
Q: A work wife! I love that. And which product are you most proud of? Or do you think everyone should have?
A: I am most proud of our FDA-cleared Intimate Lubricant because we were able to get FDA clearance through our own hard work, as opposed to hiring a third party to do it for us. But I think everyone should have both lubes to double the fun!
FDA Approved Lube Q: More fun sounds up my alley. Who are your products for?
A: Our products are for vagina owners who use lube either because of dryness or just like to change it up and appreciate carefully chosen, quality ingredients that are good for the vagina… and that like pretty things too! But of course even those without a vagina can enjoy the lubes as well.
Q: In all the work you’ve done, what are you most proud of?
