Lube 101 and How to Find the Right Lube For You
Not all lubes are created equal, and some even have funky ingredients in them that are not good for your body - especially when it comes to mucus membranes (your genitals!) as they absorb just about anything you put in or on them. Here's a little break down on lube 101 and how to find the right lube for you:
Water-Based Lubes: This means they are water-soluble, which also means your body absorbs them, so they don't last as long as other lubes, and if you are extra sensitive or care about the quality of ingredients you put in or on your body, consider sticking to organic lubes or ones with "clean" (meaning not overloaded with weird additives you can't pronounce) ingredients. One of the benefits of water-based is they are compatible with all sex toys, condoms and other safer-sex products. Our current top picks in this category is Waterslide, Sliquid Organics Oceanics, and Aloe Cadabra.
Silicone-Based Lubes: These lubricants are made of silicone synthesized into a long-lasting liquid, and rarely have any other additives. Long-lasting means they don't get sticky, tacky, and you don't need to reapply as often as a water-based lube. Also, your body doesn't really absorb silicone, so certain silicone lubes can be great for those extra sensitive folks who get reactions from lubes. Our favorite silicone lubricant - in fact our all-time favorite lube in general is Uberlube (it even has a little vitamin e in it to add a moisturizing feel). Silicone lube is compatible with latex and non-latex polyisoprene condoms, but may not be compatible with your silicone toys. To learn more about this and how to test it with your toy, click here
Hybrid Lubes: Hybrid lubricants are a combination of water-based and silicone and usually are a little thicker with a creamy consistency. Some people prefer that feel over gels or slippery silicone. Another added benefit of a hybrid is it lasts longer than water-based lubes but can still be used with all toys including ones made of silicone. If this is your jam, Sliquid Silk might be right up your alley, and we have heard good things about Wicked’s Simply Hybrid.
Oil-Based Lubes: Oil-based lubes also have a thicker feel, and can be helpful for folks experiencing dryness. However, they tend to hang out for a long time, so if you are prone to yeast infections then we recommend staying away from oil-based lubes. Also, oil-based lubes are not compatible with condoms and other safer-sex products. If an oil-based lube is your jam, check out CocoNu Oil-Based Lubricant
