Ultimate Guide To Lube: Which Is Best For You?
When it comes to sex, wetter is better. A smoother ride means more sensation, more pleasure, and less pain. Simply put, lube makes sex better.
In the early days, civilization had to get creative with their lube use. The Chinese used a liquid from boiled seaweed, the Greeks used olive oil, and the Japanese used smashed-up yams. Today, we’ve come a long way from DIY solutions.
Thanks to science, there’s a whole army of lubricants in different categories ready to improve your sex life and give you better orgasms. But with great options comes great responsibility. Not all lubes are equal, and it can seem like there are never-ending options to choose from.
How to select the right lubricant for you
Experience lube at first sight with our trusty guide below.
Why you should use lube
Avoids injury, STIs and pregnancy
Sex lube can prevent abrasions, bleeding, and tears during sex. It does so by adding more moisture into the mix, and it reduces friction. When an intimate area is too dry, stretching it can cause injuries that can range from mild to serious.
It also has benefits for your sexual health. When used with a condom, this handy item stops breakage, which helps prevent pregnancy and STI transmission. In short, this is a must-use product in your toolkit for safer sex.
However, note that you cannot use all lubes with certain types of condoms, which we’ll dive into later.
Can improve sex
For people with difficulty lubricating naturally, this sexcessory is a game-changer. Just because you're not wet doesn't mean you're not aroused. Dryness can occur for many reasons.
However, it’s not just for when things have gone a bit dry. More lubrication means heightened sensation. Added glide means more pleasure, and people are more likely to orgasm (especially vulva owners) when they use it.
It can let you go deeper, faster, and longer, increasing comfort for everyone involved. Ultimately, it’ll make the whole experience more sensual!
Altered sensation
Warming lube, stimulating lube, and cooling lubes can all make for heightened sensations in the bedroom. No wonder they’re trending everywhere!
These unique personal lubricants take things to the next level, making your genitals tingle with pleasure. Using cooling or warming lube is the ultimate way to explore temperature play, either with a partner or a sex toy.
This variety of personal lubricant can come in any formula. If you’re looking for a new experience in the bedroom, this is it! Just remember to try a small amount first. Not all bodies are the same, and some sensation-enhancing products can sometimes cause discomfort.
Wicked Toy Fever Warming Lubricating Gel for Intimate Toys
Can taste delicious
Saliva can make things wetter in your nether regions during oral sex. But it doesn’t provide lasting moisture and evaporates quickly. To make any blowjob taste like dessert, add some flavoured edible lube into the mix. JO personal lube has decadent flavours like butterscotch, cotton candy and salted caramel.
Whether you’re into something fruity or something sweet, there are endless flavoured lube options to explore. You can lick edible lube off nipples, necks, or any other area that turns you on.
Why not turn your partner into a delectable treat?
JO Cocktails Water-Based Flavored Lubricant
Essential for anal sex
Slick and slippery is the name of the game for anal action. Since the anus doesn’t naturally lubricate, wetter is better down there.
Manufacturers design certain water-based anal lubricant specifically made for this activity, so opt for this when embarking on anal play.
Otherwise, it may not be moisturising enough and can cause tears. If you’re not using sex toys, the best lube for anal is a silicone option which ensures a plusher ride.
Makes masturbation better
If you have a penis or a vulva, lube can reduce the friction created when you rub yourself. In turn, this can make your solo session more enjoyable.
When you choose the right lubricant for your needs, it can take a regular masturbation sesh from ordinary to mind-blowing. Be aware that pleasure products made from silicone materials require additional care and are sensitive to certain lubes.
Perhaps you're a vulva owner who fingers themselves or use penetrative toys. Or maybe you're a penis owner that uses either their hands or a stroker to climax. Even toys like clit suckers, which provide a lot of direct contact, can benefit from lube for those with sensitive vulvas.
Reduces stress
Ok, so lube doesn’t exactly have a magic ingredient in it that reduces stress. But it can give you piece of mind if you’re worrying about your vagina being too dry.
Using lubricant can relieve anxiety about how you should be performing. It lets you lose yourself in the pleasure of penetration. It can also ease your partner’s anxiety since they won’t be worried about hurting you because of dryness.
Who would benefit from using lube?
Everyone! No matter your gender, age, or sexuality, personal lubricant can improve sex and masturbation for everyone.
Lube is the secret weapon you never knew you needed. You can use it on a variety of erogenous zones or apply it to a sex toy. Lube comes in different bases so you can experiment and find the one that’s perfect for your needs.
You should know about several lube myths that we’re here to debunk. For people assuming it’s only for older women experiencing menopause, think again! There are a multitude of reasons why sex may be painful. This can include medication side effects, high-stress levels, or disorders such as endometriosis.
Even if you don’t have any health issues, plenty of people experience poor natural lubrication during sex. In addition to using lube, you can increase the amount of steamy foreplay in your routine.
Things to be wary of when using lube
Silicone-based lube on silicone toys
It’s better not to use silicone lube with silicone sex toys like vibrators, dildos, strokers and butt plugs. This base can affect the quality and longevity of the toys. Many reports indicate that these lubricants can degrade softer sex toys. The same issue can occur with oil-based lube, so its best to stick to water-based to stop the surface from degrading.
For those trying to conceive, it can slow sperm
Lube can limit sperm’s ability to swim. As a result, it makes it harder for the sperm to reach the egg and fertilize it. For that reason, some experts suggest avoiding lubricants if you are trying to conceive. However, this can be tricky since some people on fertility medications experience vaginal dryness as a side effect.
If you are trying to get pregnant and need to use lube, look for formulas that are labelled as “sperm-friendly.” Additionally, the formula should be clean and avoid ingredients like glycerin, parabens, fragrances and silicone. For this reason, a water-based natural lube may be a better choice. Natural lube generally has a cleaner ingredient list for those with pregnancy in mind.
If you’re sensitive to yeast infections, BV and UTIs
Many people want to know: does water based lube cause yeast infections? The short answer is that not all vaginal lubricant with a water base causes yeast infections. However, some ingredients in them can trigger an infection in people.
Glycerin is a common culprit that’s known to disrupt pH. Since it’s a form of sugar, it can encourage the growth of bacteria. This leads to both urinary tract infections and yeast infections. If you’re prone to yeast infections, there are many glycerin-free version that will still get things nice and slippery.
For people who easily get BV or yeast infections, using as natural a lube as possible is best. These pH-balanced formulas are gentle for sensitive bodies. They are available in both water-based and silicone-based options. Sliquid Organics is a crowd favorite for those seeking the best natural lube.
Personal lube can expire
Does personal lube expire? Unfortunately, the short answer is yes.
Timing, however, will vary based on the products. Lube can expire after one to three years. Try to check the bottle for an expiration date to figure out when this is.
Proper storage methods
Store it in a dry, cool place. Factors like air exposure, direct sunlight, and heat can all speed up the expiration process. And don't forget to secure the cap after use to protect quality and hygiene! Following the proper storage methods won’t just prevent your lubricant from expiring early.
This can help protect the quality from degrading and prevent bacteria from tainting it. For added hygiene measures, you can even place the bottle in a cotton or silk satchel.
What lube can I use?
Four types of sex lube exist. This includes water-based formulas, silicone-based formulas, hybrid formulas, and oil-based formulas. Hybrids combine lube water based and silicone, blending the best of both worlds.
Water based lube
Water-based lube is suitable for all kinds of sex, including anal, oral, and vaginal. It can also be used with condoms and sex toys without degrading quality. In other words, it's a versatile superhero.
This makes it the perfect everyday choice to keep on your bedside table. The best water-based lube includes KY Jelly and Wicked Sensual.
Wicked Sensual Aqua Water-Based Lubricant
Pros: It’s versatile, can be used with all barriers, and is the best lubricant for silicone toys. It is gentle on skin and has a more natural feel than silicone-based lube.
Cons: It can dry out quickly, so you may need to reapply it. It’s also not effective for bath, shower, or pool action as it washes away quickly.
Silicone lube
Silicone lube is known for its long-lasting qualities and silky smooth touch. It feels incredibly sensual during intimate moments. Silicone based lube can also be used with latex condoms.
The best silicone lube can be found from trustworthy brands like Swiss Navy and Doc Johnson. Since it’s not silicone toy compatible, you’ll want to stick with glass or metal toys when using this kind of lubricant. Silicone is great for anal or water play but might stain your bed sheets.
Pros: It’s a long-lasting option that doesn’t require reapplication and is hence cost-effective. It has a silky smooth feeling that offers amazing sensations and doesn’t absorb into the skin. This allows you to have a longer and more comfortable session.
Cons: It can be messy to use in the bedroom and tough to wash off fabrics, isn’t suitable to use with silicone toys, and can degrade them over time.
Hybrid lube
With the right hybrid lube, you can have your cake and eat it too! If you’re playing with toys or want a thicker, longer-lasting water-based formula, this is an ideal choice. The texture is luscious enough for different activities.
Hybrid lubes generally won’t compromise silicone pleasure products. They contain a very small amount of silicone, which makes them last longer in different settings.
Pros: Less harmful to silicone sex toys, doesn’t feel oily or greasy and washes off easily. It is a balanced formula that’s suitable for all barriers.
Cons: There’s a small chance they may still degrade sex toys, and they can still stain fabrics. Formulas can also vary, leading to texture differences based on which brand you opt for.
Oil based lube
For those who love the nourishing feeling of coconut oil, Sliquid Soul Coconut Oil Based Lubricant is a superb choice. Oil-based lubes are masters of multitasking. You can use them as a massage oil during foreplay and non-sexual activities. You can also safely use them on genitals.
Pros: They nourish dry skin and double as a sensual oil.
Cons: Oil can trap bacteria, causing infections. It can also damage latex or polyisoprene condoms and make them break. Plus, it can stain sheets and clothing and is harder to wash off toys.
Sliquid Soul Coconut Oil Based Lubricant
Silicone lube vs water based lube
If you plan on getting frisky with sex toys during partnered or solo sex, it’s better to avoid silicone-based lube. If you’re using toys, go by the motto, “if it’s not water, don’t bother!”
When it comes to water-based lube vs. silicone lube, water-based lube doesn’t last as long and may need to be reapplied. A silicone formula is popular for shower or bath play. Even when coming into contact with water, it'll still have lasting power.
That said, there are some water-based lubes designed for anal sex or people experiencing dryness. These have an extra-thick, plush feel that is just as moisturising as silicone formulas. This may be a better choice if you’re looking to make a splash in your sex life and get sexy in the shower, or indulge in some booty-based action.
How to use lube
We love a little extra slide and glide. But without some guidance, you may end up with stained bedsheets and a too-slippery situation.
- Choose the right lube for your activity and needs.
- Squeeze a small amount of the liquid into your palm. This will be less messy than squeezing it directly on your genitals.
- Warm the lube up in your hands before you apply it to the genitals, anus, or any other erogenous zone. This will make it feel more pleasant on your skin. You can also apply more precisely with a lube applicator.
- Start with just a few drops before adding more. This will help you understand the texture and how much you need for your purposes. Too much lube can reduce sensation.
- If you’re having anal sex, you’ll want to use a larger amount of lube.
- Reapply as needed
What to not use as lube
Lube substitutes might sound convenient, but they can be harmful. Going DIY is the fastest way to get an infection or trigger an allergy.
Products like baby oil, petroleum jelly, lotion, and soap can be irritants. Try your best to avoid them and stick with products explicitly labelled “lubricant.”
Although coconut oil is popular, plant-based oils can disrupt vaginal pH for some people. Ancient societies may have used olive oil, but things are different today. In modern times, manufacturers make some kitchen oils with pesticides unless they label them as cold-pressed and organic. For this reason, it’s better to stick with products made specifically for sex.
Low-quality lube often contains artificial fragrances, parabens, and glycerin, so it’s best to steer clear of those.
Finally, to answer the age-old question, don't use saliva instead of lube! It might be wet in the moment, but it’ll dry out quickly and isn’t slippery like a lubricant. Additionally, STIs and bacteria can be transmitted through saliva.
