Go-To Guide for Choosing the Right Lube

Lubricants can significantly enhance sexual pleasure and comfort, whether you're flying solo, enjoying intimacy with a partner, or using sex toys. But with so many options available, choosing the right lube can feel overwhelming.

The key is to understand the types of lubricants, their properties, benefits, cleaning needs, and compatibility with condoms and toys. Let’s break it down.

 

Types of Lubricants and Their Properties

There are four main types of sexual lubricants:

1. Water-Based Lubricants

Water-based lubricants are;

• Lightweight and versatile
• Absorbed into the skin
• Easy to clean with water
• Best for: Most sexual activities, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex

Benefits:

• Safe to use with all condoms (latex, polyurethane, polyisoprene)
• Compatible with all sex toy materials (silicone, glass, metal, etc.)
• Widely available and often inexpensive

Drawbacks:

• May dry out faster than other types (but can be reactivated with a few drops of water or saliva)
• Some may contain glycerin or parabens, which can irritate sensitive skin or promote yeast infections

 

2. Silicone-Based Lubricants

Silicone-based lubricants are;

• Silky in texture 
• Long-lasting
  
• Waterproof (great for shower or bath play)
• Non-absorbent - do not absorb into the skin
• Best for: Long sessions, water play, and anal sex

Benefits:

• Extremely long-lasting – ideal for marathon sessions or anal sex
• Hypoallergenic and often free from irritating additives

Drawbacks:

• More difficult to clean (requires soap and water)
• Not recommended with silicone sex toys, as it can degrade the material over time

3. Oil-Based Lubricants

Oil-based lubricants are;

• Thick and rich in texture
• Made of natural or synthetic oils
• Best for: External stimulation and couples not using latex condoms

Benefits:

• Natural options (like coconut oil) are body-friendly and nourishing
• Long-lasting glide
• Excellent for external massage or extended foreplay

Drawbacks:

• Not safe to use with latex condoms (can cause breakage)
• Can be difficult to wash out of fabrics and off skin
• May lead to clogged pores or infections if not cleaned properly

4. Hybrid Lubricants

Hybrid lubricants are;

• Medium in thickness and glide
• Typically made from a blend of water and silicone bases but can also be a blend of oil and water bases
• Best for: Users looking for longer-lasting lubrication with easier cleanup 

Benefits:

• Offers the best of both worlds: long-lasting yet easier to clean than pure silicone
• Usually safe with most condoms (check labels)

Drawbacks:

• May still not be compatible with silicone toys
• Slightly more expensive than single-base lubes

Other Lubricating Products

Feminine Moisturisers

Feminine moisturisers are specially formulated products designed to relieve vaginal dryness and maintain natural hydration in the vulva and vaginal area. They’re different from lubricants used during sexual activity because they’re intended for daily or regular use, often as part of personal care and provide long-lasting moisture to vaginal tissue. They help a natural pH balance, relieve symptoms like itching, burning, or tightness and support tissue health, especially during hormonal changes such as menopause, postpartum and breastfeeding.

Choosing Lubes for Different Activities 

For Vaginal Sex

Water-based for everyday comfort and safety or try silicone-based if you need longer-lasting glide or suffer from vaginal dryness.

For Anal Sex

Silicone-based is preferred for its lasting power and slickness. Hybrid and water-based can also work if it's thick and designed for anal use.

For Oral Sex

Flavoured water-based lubes are best. Never use silicone or oil-based for oral.

For Sex Toys

Water-based is universally safe with all sex toys. Silicone-based should be avoided with silicone toys as it can cause degradation of the material. Glass, metal, or hard plastic toys are generally safe with any type of lube. See the full table below 

Masturbation Creams

Masturbation cream is a type of lubricant specifically designed to enhance the sensation, comfort, and pleasure of solo play, particularly for people with penises. It typically has a thicker, creamier texture than standard lubes and may include ingredients that add warmth, cooling, or tingling effects for added stimulation.

 

Lubricants and Condom Compatibility

Lubricant Type	Latex Condoms	Non-Latex Condoms	No Condoms
Water-Based	✅ Safe	✅ Safe	✅ Safe
Silicone-Based	✅ Safe	✅ Safe	✅ Safe
Oil-Based	❌ Not Safe	✅ Usually Safe	✅ Safe
Hybrid	✅ Usually Safe	✅ Usually Safe	✅ Safe

Note: Always check the packaging for specific compatibility instructions.

Lubricant Compatibility with Sex Toy Materials

Toy Material	Water-Based	Silicone-Based	Oil-Based	Hybrid
Silicone	✅ Safe	❌ Not recommended*	✅ Usually safe	⚠️ Check label
Glass (Borosilicate)	✅ Safe	✅ Safe	✅ Safe	✅ Safe
Metal (Stainless Steel)	✅ Safe	✅ Safe	✅ Safe	✅ Safe
ABS Plastic	✅ Safe	✅ Safe	✅ Safe	✅ Safe
TPR/TPE (Jelly/Rubber)	✅ Safe	⚠️ May degrade	❌ Not recommended	⚠️ Use with caution
Latex	✅ Safe	⚠️ Can degrade over time	❌ Not recommended	⚠️ Check ingredients
Wood (Sealed)	✅ Safe	✅ Safe	✅ Safe	✅ Safe

Important Notes:

• Silicone lube can bond with silicone toys, causing a sticky texture or degradation over time. If you must use silicone lube with a silicone toy, patch test a small area or use a high-quality, medical-grade toy with a barrier (like a condom).
• Jelly and porous toys (like TPR, TPE) are often more prone to bacteria buildup and material breakdown. Use condoms with porous toys for better hygiene and replace them regularly.

Legend:

• ✅ Safe – Generally compatible with no issues
• ❌ Not recommended – May degrade the material or harbor bacteria
• ⚠️ Use with caution – May vary depending on specific toy or lube formula; read labels carefully

 

Cleaning Up After Lube Use

• Water-based lubes clean easily with warm water and a mild soap.
• Silicone-based lubes require more effort — use a gentle soap and warm water or a toy cleaner for residue on toys.
• Oil-based lubes can stain fabric and linger on the skin — use warm water, soap and possibly a washcloth to remove completely.

Note: It's important to wash your toys with the appropriate cleaner after each use, especially when switching between anal and vaginal play.

 

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of products and consider keeping a few on hand for different scenarios — a water-based lube for toys, a silicone-based lube for shower play and a flavored one for oral sex. 

Always read the ingredients list, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. And when in doubt, opt for body-safe, paraben-free, and glycerin-free formulas.

Happy exploring — and stay smooth!