What Type Of Lubricant Do I Need?

No sex toy collection is complete without at least one bottle of lube. And why’s that? Oh, we have so many reasons. 

For starters, personal lubricant is a simple yet effective ingredient for enhancing your pleasure during sex. It decreases friction between body parts, giving sex that delicious gliding sensation. 

Because of the reduced friction, lube may also help decrease irritation and the risk of injury during sex. When used properly, it may also decrease the risk of condom breakage. 

Finally, the slickness of lube also makes sex toys easier to use—and who doesn’t want that? 

There are several different types of lube on the market. Many of them are great, but not all of them are safe for all materials or activities. Before you buy a bottle of lube, read through this easy guide so that you choose the best lube for you.

Water-Based Lube

Water-based lube formulations are the most versatile of the bunch. They generally provide plenty of lubrication, and are safe to use with any sex toy material, including silicone, glass and stainless steel. Water-based lube is also safe to use with latex and non-latex condoms. Plus, it washes off easily—even off of bedsheets and clothes—so it’s convenient, as well. 

Water-based lube’s main downside is that it doesn’t last as long as some other lubricants. Most people find that they have to apply more lube or water to “wake up” the lube again after several minutes of play. If it sounds like the benefits outweigh the inconvenience, try water-based! However, if stopping to lube up will kill the mood, explore your other options.

Silicone Based Lube

Silicone-based lube is quite the crowd-pleaser. It’s longer-lasting than water-based lube, making it more comfortable for extended sex play and for more sensitive activities like anal sex. Additionally, most people find that a little goes a long way, so you’ll save some money. Bonus: it’s safe to use with condoms, just like water-based lube. 

However, silicone lube can’t be used with sex toys that are also made of silicone. Silicone lube on a silicone sex toy will slowly break down the toy’s surface. This disintegration creates tiny tears on the toy’s surface, making it easier for bacteria to grow. When using your silicone lube, put the silicone toys away. (Might be a good time to try a stainless steel or glass toy!)

Oil-Based Lube

Nothing compares to oil-based lube for longevity. If silicone lube can run a 15K, then oil-based lube can take on a whole marathon, baby! If you want slick, silky lube with all-night staying power, then oil-based lube is definitely for you. 

Time to lay down the play sheet, though. As you might imagine, oil-based lube can leave tough stains on your bedding. Take care to use it on an easily-cleaned surface like a massage sheet.

Oil-based lube has another downside: it’s not condom-friendly, so unless you’re in a monogamous relationship (and on birth control, if it applies), stay away from oil-based lube to prevent pregnancy and STI transmission.

Which Is The Best Lube?

Technically, the best lube across the board doesn’t exist. Everyone’s body, sexual preferences, toys and needs are different, so the best lube for you depends on those specific factors. The best water-based lube for one person might be very different from the best silicone-based lube for another. 

The only way to find out which lube is the best for you is to start trying it out! Check out our huge online selection of lubricants and get ready to experiment. And if you have any questions about how to choose the best lube for you, our customer service team will be happy to help you.