Understanding and Using Lube Safely

Lubricants each have their advantages and drawbacks. Water-based lubricants are gentle on sensitive skin, while silicone and oil-based ones last longer but can harm toys and condoms. Natural options like olive oil are usable but come with potential risks.

When it comes to sex, the rule "the wetter, the better" often applies, and lube fits this perfectly by providing more moisture. If you only link lube to vaginal dryness, it’s time to broaden your perspective. Consider it for reducing friction, enhancing smoothness, and improving sex overall—regardless of gender, age, or life stage.

Silicone-based lube has become one of the most popular lube options, as it is one of the best alternatives to water-based lubes. This type of lube contains no water, making it last longer on the skin as it is much thicker and evaporates much slower. Silicone-based lube stays wet and slick longer than water-based lubes, which dry quickly and leave a sticky residue.

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What is a Lubricant?

Personal lubricant, or “lube”, is a liquid or gel designed to reduce friction during sex. It can be used for various sexual activities, including penetrative and anal sex, masturbation, and is often safe with sex toys.

Types of Lube

Consider the various types of lube when selecting the one that’s right for you. Lubes come in several bases:

• Water
• Silicone
• Oil
• Hybrid (a mix of the above)

Hybrid lubes usually combine water and silicone. There are numerous formulations available to meet your specific needs.

Decisions, Decisions

So, how would you choose which lube to buy?

Price: There are plenty of affordable and safe lube options available. We've included a range of choices to suit different budgets.

Base: Lubricants come in various bases, such as oil, water, or silicone. We've selected a variety to help you find the one that best meets your needs.

Customer Rating: While choosing a lube is a personal choice, we've featured options with high user ratings to guide your decision.

Pros & Cons of Each Lube

1. Water-based lube

Pros: a versatile choice, condom-compatible, pH balanced, and does not stain sheets and washes out easily

Cons: some users find it overly sticky, and others find it too watery

2. Silicone-based lube

Pros: Mentle on sensitive skin, long-lasting, crafted from high-quality ingredients, and condom-safe

Cons: May damage silicone toys, as some ingredients in silicone-based lube can chemically react with the surface of silicone toys, ruining their intended finish.

3. Oil-based lube

Pros: long-lasting and can double as a massage oil

Cons: Oil can degrade latex, increasing the risk of your condom breaking/leaking if you use lubricants like Vaseline, coconut oil, or baby oil. To prevent this, opt for water-based or silicone-based lubricants with latex and synthetic condoms. However, lambskin and polyurethane condoms are compatible with any type of lubricant.

4. Natural lube

Pros: vegan and paraben-free, pH balanced, and safe for use with silicone toys

Cons: less long-lasting than other options, and some users find it irritating for sensitive skin

How to Use Lube (Properly)

Jokes. There is no “right” way to use lube. If you need it to masturbate, but your body isn’t getting the message and won’t start lubricating… you can go right ahead and apply the lube generously.

Jenny is a 26-year-old woman who couldn’t produce enough lubricant for sex. She chose to use lube with her partner during foreplay by rubbing it on their genitals and adding more when she started to feel uncomfortable. 

Kate is a 27-year-old account manager and avid lube user, uses lube 75% of the time when she is masturbating or when she’s having sex with her partner. She also mentioned that, even when she is wet, she would still prefer to have that little bit of extra help from lubricant.

So, apply the lubricant as much as you want, wherever you need it. (on the vagina, penis, or anus)

Once you’ve chosen the right lube for you, consider warming it in your hands first. While not essential, it can help avoid the cold sensation. If using a condom, remember to apply a non-oil-based lube on the outside.

Regardless of whether you use condoms, diaphragms, or dental dams, lube can reduce friction and enhance pleasure.

Choosing Your Lube

Personal lube can significantly enhance your intimate experiences, though the variety of options might feel overwhelming. Since the main purpose of lube is to reduce friction and boost comfort and pleasure, finding the right one for you is a personal choice.

When choosing a lube, consider how you plan to use it. If you’ll be using condoms or silicone sex toys, select a compatible option.

Water-based lubes are a good starting point as they are versatile and suitable for sensitive skin. Silicone-based lubes last longer but can damage silicone toys over time by breaking down the material.

Oil-based lubes also offer long-lasting performance but should be avoided with latex condoms, as they can cause them to tear or break.

What to steer clear of entirely

When shopping for lube, you’ll encounter a variety of options: flavored, natural, warming, and tingling. While these can add some fun, it's important to check the ingredients and use litmus strips to test the pH of over-the-counter products, just like in science class.

A healthy vagina has a pH level between 3.5 and 4.5, so ideally, your lube should be within this range. However, many lubes don’t specify the pH level on the packaging, making it challenging to verify.

You’ll need always to be aware of the ingredients listed on the product as there are a few ingredients you may want to avoid in case of irritation or inflammation:

• Glycerin
• Nonoxynol-9
• Petroleum
• Propylene glycol
• Chlorhexidine Gluconate

To reduce the risk of infections, it is also recommended to choose a lube free from parabens, glycerin, and petroleum. Look for a lube compatible with latex, rubber, and plastic for use with condoms and toys.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use coconut oil as a substitute?

Yes, coconut oil is generally considered a safe, natural lubricant that can help reduce friction and vaginal dryness.

However, be aware that unrefined coconut oil is less processed and bleached. It’s best to use a fresh jar specifically for sexual activities to maintain cleanliness.

What can I use instead of lube?

You can use various common household items as alternative lubricants, such as olive oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, and aloe vera. However, some of these may raise the risk of yeast infections and damage condoms, so you might prefer to choose a lube from our recommended list instead.

Can I use coconut oil as a substitute?

Baby oil is not recommended as a lubricant. While baby oil is safe for use as a skin moisturizer, mineral oil-based products like it can increase the risk of vaginal infections and can damage latex condoms.

What is lube used for?

Personal lubricant aims to minimize friction and irritation during sexual activity. It can be used during sex with a partner or during masturbation. There are many safe options available, depending on your preferences.

The Key Takeaway

Regardless of why you use lube, remember that it is an easy and enjoyable way to enhance your sex life. So don’t be afraid to try new things and go ahead and apply it!