Lubricant 101: What Is Personal Lubricant?
Personal lubricant, commonly called lube, is designed to reduce friction during intimate activity and make penetration more comfortable. Its primary purpose is to emulate the body's natural lubrication and enhance pleasure. There are three primary types of lube: water-based, silicone-based, and hybrid.
Water-Based Lube
As the name suggests, water-based lube contains water, making it compatible with all condoms and toys. However, water-based lube can dry out during use and may need to be reapplied. Popular water-based brands include Sliquid and Valencia Naturals Sensuva.
Silicone-Based Lube
Silicone lube contains dimethicone, a form of silicone, giving it a slick, long-lasting feel. Silicone lube is not compatible with silicone toys but is condom-safe. Top silicone lube brands include Pjur and Wicked.
Hybrid Lube
A hybrid lube contains a blend of water and silicone to provide the best of both worlds. Hybrid lube lasts longer than water-based lube alone while being toy and condom compatible. Hybrid lube brands include Sliquid and Wicked.
Types of Personal Lubricants: Water-Based, Silicone-Based, Hybrid
When choosing a personal lubricant, you have three main options: water-based, silicone-based, or hybrid. Each type has pros and cons, so consider what’s most important for your needs.
Water-Based Lubricants
Water-based lubes are very popular and compatible with all sex toys and condoms. They feel light and natural, resembling your body’s fluids. However, water-based lubes can dry out quickly, so you may need to reapply. Popular brands of water-based lube include Sliquid and Slippery Stuff.
Silicone-Based Lubricants
Silicone lubes are slippery and long-lasting, so you typically don’t need to reapply as often. However, they can damage some sex toys and aren’t compatible with silicone toys. Silicone lubes also tend to feel heavier and more challenging to wash off. Popular silicone lube brands are Pjur and Sensuva.
Hybrid Lubricants
Hybrid or “water-silicone” lubes aim to provide the best of both worlds. They contain water and silicone, so they last longer than water-based lubes but feel lighter than pure silicone ones.
Hybrid lubes are compatible with most sex toys and condoms but may still damage some silicone toys. Sliquid Silk is a famous hybrid lubricant brand.
Choosing the Best Lube for Sex and Masturbation
Water-Based Lubes
Water-based lubes are incredibly versatile and compatible with all sex toys and condoms.
Water-based lubes provide natural-feeling lubrication but can dry out during long sessions, so keep some nearby for reapplication. They come in a variety of consistencies, from thin and slippery to thick and cushioning. They're a great place to start exploring.
Silicone-Based Lubes
Silicone lubes provide a luxurious, silky glide and last longer than water-based lubes. However, they can damage some sex toys and shouldn't be used with silicone toys. Test a small amount on an inconspicuous area first.
Silicone lubes also require soap and water for cleanup. If you want a lube for extended play or water activities like shower sex or hot tubbing, silicone is a fantastic choice.
Hybrid Lubes
Hybrid lubes combine water and silicone to provide the benefits of both in one bottle. They have a silky feel, last longer than water-based lubes, and are safer for use with condoms and some sex toys.
However, they may still damage some silicone toys, so do a patch test first. For most needs, hybrid lubes offer a nice balance of glide, cushion, and longevity.
Lube Ingredients to Avoid
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives used in many cosmetic and skincare products to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. However, parabens may be endocrine disruptors and skin irritants for some. If you have sensitive skin, choosing a paraben-free lube is best.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant often added to lubes to keep skin moisturized. While glycerin is non-toxic, it can promote yeast infections in women or alter vaginal pH levels. It also makes lube sticky, which some find unpleasant. For these reasons, you may want to choose a glycerin-free formula.
Petroleum
Petroleum-based ingredients like petroleum jelly are sometimes found in lubricants. Petroleum isn’t water-soluble and can be challenging to wash off, trapping bacteria against the skin. It may also stain fabrics and damage sex toys. Water-based or silicone-based lubes are better alternatives.
Dyes and fragrances
Artificial dyes and strong fragrances are common irritants and allergens for sensitive skin. They serve no purpose as lubricants and are best avoided. Unscented, dye-free formulas are the most body-safe and hypoallergenic options.
How to Use Lubricant for Maximum Pleasure
Choose a Formula
Select a lubricant based on your activity and preferences. Water-based lubes like Sliquid and Sensuva are versatile, condom-compatible, and easy to clean up, making them ideal for most uses. Silicone lubes last longer and are great for water play but can damage some toys.
Hybrids or natural oils like coconut oil offer natural alternatives. Flavored lubes add tasty fun for oral while warming or tingling lubes create exciting sensations.
Start Slow
Apply the lube gradually and massage it in as you go. Start with a few drops, then add more as needed. Too much lube can make things messy and reduce sensation.
Apply it directly to the genitals and any toys or barriers you’re using. Reapply as often as needed to keep things comfortable and slippery.
Explore and Experiment
Don’t be afraid to try different lubes and amounts to discover what you enjoy. Apply lube to other erogenous zones of the body, not just the genitals, to stimulate new pleasure points.
Try lubes with different sensations, flavors, and consistencies. Mix and match lube for customizable experiences—the possibilities are endless!
Clean Up
After play, wash off any remaining lube and residue. For water-based lubes, warm water and mild soap will do the trick. Silicone lubes may require an oil-based cleanser. Be sure to wash any toys used and let them air dry thoroughly to avoid bacterial buildup before subsequent use.
Best Lubricants for Anal Sex
Water-Based Lubricants
Water-based lubes are a popular choice for anal sex. They provide ample slickness but absorb into the skin, so you may need to reapply. Look for a lubricant that contains soothing aloe vera or chamomile, like Sliquid Sassy.
Thicker gels, like Sliquid H2O or Intimate Earth Gel, stay in place longer. For enhanced comfort, choose an anal-specific formula with numbing agents, such as Anal-Ese.
Silicone-Based Lubricants
Silicone lubricants provide a silky, long-lasting glide that won’t dry out during extended play. They do not absorb into the skin, so less product is needed.
Popular options like Sensuva and Swiss Navy are high-quality silicone lubes designed for anal use. Be aware that silicone lube can damage silicone sex toys, so do a patch test and use a water-based lube with silicone toys.
Hybrid Lubricants
Hybrid lubes contain water and silicone, offering the best of both worlds. They provide an initial silky glide from the silicone but last longer than a water-based lube alone.
Many hybrids like Sliquid Silk and Sensuva are safe for toys and free of potential irritants. They tend to cost slightly more, but you get what you pay for in terms of performance and quality.
Flavored Lubes for Oral Sex
Cherry, Banana, Vanilla - Oh My!
Flavored lubes come in various mouth-watering flavors to suit any craving, from fruity favorites like strawberry, blueberry, and cherry to sweet indulgences like chocolate, vanilla, and honey.
Spicy cinnamon or mint lubes provide an invigorating tingle for those who prefer a kick. With so many flavors to choose from, you’re sure to find one that makes oral sex simply irresistible.
Sugar-Free but Sweet
Flavored lubricants are formulated to taste delicious while still being body-safe. They are sugar-free to avoid irritation, but natural and artificial flavorings recreate the taste of your favorite treats. While flavored lubes have a mild sweetness, they are not meant to be ingested in large amounts, so use them according to the directions.
Enhancing Intimacy
By engaging another sense, flavored lubes can enhance intimacy and pleasure for both partners during oral sex.
The sweet taste and aroma add another dimension of enjoyment for the giving partner while the receiving partner experiences the lubricant’s smooth glide and long-lasting moisture. Flavored lubes transform oral sex into a multi-sensory experience that is both exciting and comfortable.
Reviews of the Top 5 Personal Lubricant Brands
Intimate Earth
Intimate Earth is one of the most popular water-based lubricant brands. Its lubricants are made from high-quality latex-compatible ingredients, are hypoallergenic, and are pH-balanced.
The company offers lubricants for all needs, from the original Intimate Earth for natural vaginal moisture to strawberry-flavored formula for oral play. If you have sensitive skin, try their Intimate Earth Sensitive Skin Gel.
K-Y
K-Y is a reputable brand that offers a variety of water-based and silicone-based lubricants. Their Jelly lubricant is a popular and affordable option for natural moisture replenishment and comfort during sex.
For enhanced stimulation, try their Warming Jelly or Tingling Jelly. If you prefer an all-natural formula, K-Y also offers lubricants free from parabens, fragrances, and dyes.
Sliquid
Sliquid is a high-quality brand that focuses on all-natural, vegan and body-safe lubricants.
Their water-based formulas, like Sliquid H2O and Sliquid Silk, are glycerin-free and paraben-free and formulated to moisturize while protecting sensitive skin. For silicone lubrication, Sliquid Silver is a premium option. Sliquid also offers flavored lubricants and intimate moisturizers to keep skin soft and hydrated.
LELO
LELO is a luxury brand that creates premium lubricants using the highest quality ingredients. Their water-based Personal Moisturizer and silicone-based Personal Glide are designed to enhance intimacy without irritation.
LELO lubricants are free from glycerin, parabens, and fragrances and are designed to provide a luxurious experience. For enhanced pleasure, try their warming Sensation Lubricant or tingling Arousal Gel.
Sensuva
Sensuva creates high-performance lubricants from medical-grade silicones. Their Sensuva silicone lubricant is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and provides a silky smooth glide.
It’s compatible with all condoms and toys and long-lasting for extended play. Sensuva also offers a water-based lubricant for natural moisture free from glycerin, parabens, and dyes. For the best experience, Sensuva is a premium choice.
FAQs About Personal Lubricants: Your Top Questions Answered
Trying a new lubricant for the first time can raise many questions. Here are some of the most common FAQs to help you choose the best option.
What's the difference between water-based, silicone-based and hybrid lubes? Water-based lubes are compatible with all sex toys and condoms but can dry out quickly, requiring reapplication.
Silicone-based lubes last longer but can damage some sex toys. Hybrid lubes offer the best of both worlds, lasting longer than water-based while still being toy-friendly.
Are flavored lubes safe for internal use? Flavored lubricants should only be used externally or for oral sex. The sugars and fragrances in flavored lubes may lead to yeast infections if used internally. For penetrative sex, stick to a non-flavored, body-safe formula.
What does hypoallergenic or sensitive mean? Hypoallergenic and sensitive lubricants are free from common irritants like fragrances, glycerin, or parabens. They contain gentle, natural ingredients that are less likely to cause a reaction. These lubricants are a great choice if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
How do I know if a lube will stain my sheets? Water-based and hybrid lubes are less likely to stain since they can be washed from sheets and toys. Silicone-based lubes may leave grease stains.
First, do a patch test in an inconspicuous area. During play, use a protective blanket or towel under you to help prevent stains from any lubricant.
What's the shelf life of lubricants? As with any product, lubricants have a limited shelf life. Unopened, most lubricants will last 2 to 5 years. Once opened, water-based lubes last 6 to 12 months, silicone-based 1 to 2 years, and hybrids 6 to 18 months.
Be sure to check the expiration or 'use by' date before using and discard any lubricant that changes color, scent, or consistency.
Conclusion
So don't settle for anything less than the best - your pleasure is worth it. Our wide selection of top-quality lubricants offers something for every preference and need. Whatever your desires, we have the perfect lube to take your intimate play to the next level.
Shop now and explore a world of silky smooth glide and sensual thrills. You deserve the ultimate intimate experience.
