The best lube overall is ID Glide followed by Sliquid. This is the quick answer. Read below for 7 more alternatives and for help choosing the best sex lubricant for you.
If you’ve been a reader of ours for a while, you’ll know that we often talk about lube. When it comes to this stuff, some people just grab whatever’s on sale at the supermarket – and you know what? That’s fine.
As for me, I’m a lube connoisseur. I know lube, I love lube, and I teach lube. As a certified sex therapist I have helped many couples choosing the best lube for them.
Thick, thin, water-based, silicone-based lubricants, anal lubes, lubes for vaginal penetration, lubricants for masturbation, lubricants for women – there are more types of lube than you can count, and we are going to talk about ALL of them today.
Table of Contents
Why Do You NEED Lube?
If you’ve ever had sex, or fooled around with someone else – hell, even if you’ve ever masturbated, you surely noticed one thing: dry friction will give you one hell of a burn.
Yes, burn.
It’s not comfortable, it’s not doable, and it’s not a good time.
If the type of sex you’re having is vaginal intercourse (or P-in-V, as I like to affectionately call it), chances are that there will be some self-lubrication present. If you’re fucking anything else, though – whether that’s an ass, a toy, or your hand – you’re going to need some slip.
Without the slip, you risk not only uncomfortable friction, but tissue tearing, and injuries.
Yes, it’s just as painful as it sounds.
How to Choose The Best Lubricant for You
Okay, but there’s like 48577536 types of lubricants out there. How the fuck do you choose just one? Well, that’s what I’m here for. Just call me Lube Lady.
No, seriously, don’t call me that.
So, how do you choose the perfect lube?
- It must be the right kind for the specific sexual adventure you are about to embark on
- It must be compatible with any partners-in-crime involved and any contraception you are using (the last thing you want is a swollen, itchy, burning, allergy-related nightmare – not that I have first-hand experience or anything)
- It must be comfortable, and long-wearing
- It must not taste like Satan’s sweaty, chemical-y balls
- It must not be impossible to clean
Best Lube For P in V Intercourse
The cool thing with regular P in V intercourse is that you can use most lubricants, depending on need and preference. So, why not branch out with something a little crazy? And this thing is A LOT crazy.
Other “sensitizing” products are especially made for your clit, and we’ll talk about something like that, but this baby is for your G-spot. That’s right, if you can’t find it or stimulate it to your satisfaction, this thing can.
You will NOT be sorry, but you WILL be coming.
P in V is most straight people’s ultimate goal, right? It’s what so many teen movies are centered around.
Yes, the vagina is self-lubricating, and that is AWESOME. However, not all vaginas produce enough lubrication to ensure a good time, and sex without painful dry friction.
Note to all you virgins out there: THAT’s why sex is painful, not because it’s supposed to be. Lube that shit up, and I promise you your first time
Hell, even if the vagina you’re touching doesn’t have lubrication issues, using some lubrication is still a great sexual aid. You can use most types of lube, depending on preference (flavored, tingly, etc.), and whether or not you’re using condoms.
Main takeaway
The world is your (well-lubricated) oyster – you can pick and choose a type of lube, depending on need and preference. The best ones replicate a “natural” sensation. Mmmm, doesn’t sound gross at all.
Best For Anal
This lube not only has a hilarious, cringy name, but it’s also as cheap as it can get, and comes VERY well reviewed. Over 1,200 people thought this is The Shit, and their assholes are happy as a clam. It’s water-based, doesn’t have a smell, and is thick enough without being a bitch to clean. I’ll take 3!
A lot of people watch exactly ONE (1) porno and they think they’re ready for anal. Those are the people who a) are 15 years old and b) end up with anal fissures and the wrong kind of lube.
Don’t be those people. If you ARE those people, LMAO.
Anal is very different than P-in-V sex and requires way more preparation, and that includes lubrication.
Because the anus and the anal cavity are, unfortunately, not self-lubricating (really, get it together, anus. #naturallylubricatedanus2020), they need A LOT more help in this department.
That means that the lubricant you choose must be thicker, and you’ve got to use a lot of it.
No, really, more than you think. Just like the bottle of whiskey that caused the horrific hangover after your 21st birthday, you need to keep pouring until you black out.
This is further complicated by the fact that anal sex can take place with or without a condom.
Thicker, higher viscosity lubes are generally silicone-based, but they are incompatible with latex condoms. So, you are tasked with finding a water-based lubricant that is thick and will stick around for longer.
Main takeaway
You are better off with a lubricant formulated specifically for anal play. If you must use an all-purpose one, look for one that is thicker and more viscous, and make sure it’s water-based if you’re using condoms.
Best For Oral
Sliquid is a top fave across multiple categories, because it ticks a lot of boxes. It’s water-based, it smells great, it tastes like pomegranate, AND it’s organic.
This site calls it “lickable”, which I guess is true, but like non-toxic glue or play-doh – fine to taste, but don’t replace your meals with this stuff.
I don’t know if you’ve ever taken a mouthful of lube, but I have, and lemme tell ya, I will never complain about the taste of other personal juices again, because that shit was the worst thing I’ve ever tasted.
Both during sex and outside of it.
Let’s just say that sex was over.
Most people would probably not think about it that much, but consider all the different ways you and your partner are exploring each other – one or both of you will, probably, end up tasting the lubricant, and you know who made the taste for lube?
The devil.
Enter flavored lube. Like flavored condoms, flavored lube comes in fun colors and enticing flavors to your heart’s content. Banana, strawberry, melon, bacon, cake, weed…it’s funny cause you think I’m joking, when I am actually tragically not, and someone did make a bacon-flavored lube. Bon appetit!
Main takeaway
Most lube tastes awful and chemical-y and decidedly un-sexy. Spare yourself the retching and pick a flavored one – fruit for the vegans, bacon for the carnivores.
Best Lube For Toys
Gotta give this one to the masters – if you’re using toys, the best lube will always come from the same company manufacturing them. So here is the best lube for Fleshlight for example.
This baby is water-based, so you know it won’t eat into your toy. It’s also a dream to clean, because cleaning Fleshlights is a fucking ballache, so they had to make it easy. You can squirt this shit all over your respective private parts and assorted toys – you won’t be sorry.
All sex toys are not made equal, and that means that different toys will work best with different types of lubricants.
If you’ve ever trolled sex shops late at night (I’d ask for a show of hands, but we all know you’re probably browsing a sex shop right now), you will know that a lot of them are made out of silicone.
That includes male toys, like sex dolls and masturbators, and female toys, like dildos and vibrators. What this means is that you generally need a water-based lubricant for these.
But of course, not all toys are made of silicone. There are also glass toys, metal toys, wooden toys, etc. You have a choice of using a silicone lube with these, as it will not destroy the material.
Main takeaway
You have a choice of water-based or silicone-based lube, depending on your toy. The most important thing is to check what your toy is made from, whether you’re using a condom with it, and what kind of lube is compatible with it.
If you’re ever unsure of what type of lube you can use with a toy, the website usually makes a mention. If not, customer service will always be able to help you out.
Best Lube For Condoms
Look, when it comes to water-based lubricants, a lot of the stuff on the market is the same, so it no longer comes down to just quality, but other features.
Case in point: I picked this because it’s excellent (good consistency, easy to clean, no shitty taste), but mostly because this stuff comes in a hilariously sized jug. Yep, it’s a Big Boi lube. 64.25 lovely ounces – I dare you to finish this up.
When it comes to sex with condoms, then your only option is water-based lube. As you already may know, silicone lubricants will wear down the latex in the condom, and you WILL have a really bad time.
Not pleasure-wise, but accidental-parenthood-wise or STD-wise. Nothing like a romantic emergency walk to the Sex Clinic to top a great evening.
Other than that, your range of options is vast and exciting, unlike your dating life. Sorry, pal.
Main takeaway
Water-based Lube + Latex Condoms = YES
Silicone-based Lube + Latex Condoms = NO
Best For Water Play
This stuff is AMAZING – so good, in fact, that it is FDA-approved as medical-grade lube. High-quality, thick, smooth, long-lasting silicone that is latex-friendly; you won’t find this just anywhere.
Sure, the marketing is a little embarrassing, but you don’t need to show it to anyone, just use it.
It sure as shit ain’t cheap, but neither is your vagina. So hey, treat your genitals to something nice. They deserve it.
If you’ve ever had sex or even masturbated underwater, you will know that friction becomes a bigger problem than normal. Any natural lubrication washes away almost instantly, leaving you dry and raw.
No one wants to fuck that, not even you.
That’s why the most important quality you should be looking for, in a lubricant for water play, is that it’s silicone based. Silicone lube is generally thicker and has a higher degree of viscosity. That helps it wear stick around for longer. Water-based lube, on the other hand, dissolves and wears away fast, making it incompatible with use underwater.
Main takeaway
Silicone-based Lube + Water = YES
Water-based Lube + Water = NO
Best For Sensations
I don’t know what the secret ingredient in Tracy Cox’s sex juice is, but women are creaming themselves over this thing left and right.
Literally.
Hundreds of women swear that this not only offers some intense cooling and heating sensations, but it actually takes you where your high-school boyfriend has ever taken you before.
I’m usually skeptical about anything that guarantees you’ll come (especially Gary, who you met in a badly lit dive bar), but I can’t argue against THAT much enthusiasm.
Arguably, if the sex you are having is not giving you enough “sensations”, then you’re doing the sex wrong.
Who’s fucking you, that you need to “enhance” your experience with the equivalent of sexual hot sauce?
Either way, if you feel like your sex is bland, tasteless, vanilla, and you can’t upgrade the acts or the partner, or you’re just looking for something new to literally spice things up, then you may be interested in lube that offers different “sensations”.
Hot, cold, and everything in between, these slippery products will make your bits shiver, sweat, and tingle, and not in an STD kind of way.
Main takeaway
Take your sex to tingle town with the “enhancing” lube of your choice – unless you’re allergic to the tingly ingredient, that’ll have you tingling all the way to the emergency room.
Best Natural Lubricant
With descriptors like “botanically infused” and “paraben free”, you know this stuff is good enough to eat. I’m not saying actually go to town on gulping this thing down, but it’s a great product AND it’s not tested on bunnies or contains weird ingredients.
Sometimes, even if you’re into that natural lifestyle, natural lubrication does not come easy, or at all, depending on what you’re doing.
Free yourself from the oppressive shackles of uncomfortable, dangerous dry sex!
Ok, maybe that was a little overboard.
Before going down on your partner, have you ever asked yourself “But is this lube vegan?”.
Now that’s a surefire way to kill any boners on a ten-mile radius.
However, if you’re THAT person, you’ll be glad to know that there are lubes that are natural, organic, vegan, gluten-free and every other crunchy, granola-y buzzword out there.
Most of them are free of “chemicals”, and good enough to eat. Who says you have to choose between being the Perfect Socially Aware Millennial and a good fucking?
Main takeaway
Who knew there was lube for the loudest, most annoying segment of the population?
Best Cheap Lube
We’re not all flush enough to be able to afford fancy, expensive, tingly lube, and that’s perfectly fine. Cheap lube does not mean cheap sex, and I think this proves that. Thousands of people got off using this and if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for you. This is not the place to be boujie.
Just because you’re broke as fuck doesn’t mean you should be denied the comfort and sensations of frankly, superior sex. Good, comfortable sex belongs to EVERYONE, and I will give it to you.
Via a lube recommendation. Hey, we’re all doing what we can, right?
There isn’t that much to say here, other than the fact that some cheap lube is shit, but others are surprisingly good for the price.
Main takeaway
Expensive =/= best quality.
What is Lube?
Lube is a slippery liquid that people use to make sex more enjoyable. It can be used for vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be used to supplement masturbation or play with sex toys.
Lubrication is important for several reasons. First, it reduces friction during intercourse, which can lead to discomfort and even pain. Second, it can increase sexual pleasure for both partners. Finally, it can make intercourse last longer by reducing the need for additional lubrication.
Types of Lube
Here are the broad categories that lubes fall into:
Water-based lube
Water-based lube is the most commonly found type of lube. They are typically made from 95% water and have a feeling reminiscent of natural vaginal lubrication. If you are looking for an all-purpose lube, you probably want something water-based.
It is generally safe to use with all types of toys and condoms and for almost any sex act as well. The best lube for Fleshlight is water based for example. Water-based lube is easier to clean up than other lubes and does not stain sheets. It also comes off of the body quite easily. It also tends to be the cheapest option.
Silicone lube
Silicone lube is longer lasting than water-based lube and does not need to be reapplied as often; this makes it a great choice for anal play. It is also safe to use with all types of condoms.
Silicone lubes tend to be on the more expensive side, but just a little goes a long way, and because it doesn’t require continuous reapplication, the cost difference can be negligible. Silicone lube does not absorb into the skin. It’s also waterproof, so it can be used in a shower sex session.
Although it has tons of benefits, silicone lube can also be messy and more difficult to clean up than water-based lube.
Silicone lubes are generally considered some of the safest, gentlest and most effective on the market.
Oil-based lube
Oil-based lubricants are great for massages and can make sex feel more luxurious. However, they can break down condoms and shouldn’t be used with silicone-based sex toys. They can also be more difficult to clean up. If you want to avoid added chemicals, oil-based lubes are often made exclusively from all-natural oils. They’re also gentle and non-toxic.
Hybrid lubes
Hybrid lubes are usually a combination of water-based and silicone. Different brands will use different formulations and percentages. One nice thing about hybrid lubes is that they have the same long-lasting and smooth properties as silicone lube, but cleanup is easier. Hybrid lubes are less likely to leave permanent stains than oil or silicone based lubes. They’re also safe to use with condoms, but usually not recommended for use with silicone sex toys.
Flavored lubes
Flavored lubes are designed to add an extra dimension of taste and smell to sexual activity. They are generally safe to ingest and there is a wide array of flavors available. They are cleanlier and more convenient than incorporating real food like whipped cream or chocolate into your sex life. Flavored lubes can be a fun way to spice up your foreplay, but they’re only recommended for use with manual and oral sex.
Flavored lubes shouldn’t be used internally because they can cause irritation and create a pH imbalance in some women. The majority of flavored lubes are water-based.
Sensation lubes
There are a host of lubes on the market which advertise tingling, cooling or warming effects. These can be fun to experiment with if you enjoy a little extra stimulation during sex. Be warned, however, that some people find these sensation lubes to be too intense, or even irritating and painful.
If you’re new to using them, start with a small amount and see how you react before using more. You can also dab a small amount onto a part of your body other than your genitals to see if you like the feeling or not. Keep in mind that if you’re using it for couples sex, both partners will be experiencing the sensation of the lube, so it’s important that everyone is on board and finds the sensations pleasurable.
Other Properties of Lubes
There are a few important properties to know about how certain ingredients effect lubes.
Osmolality
Osmolality measures the total concentration of all substances in a particular solution. Osmolality is important because it determines the osmotic pressure of a solution. Osmotic pressure is the pressure that would be required to stop osmosis from occurring.
If two substances have different osmotic pressures, then the one with the higher osmotic pressure will tend to lose water to the one with the lower osmotic pressure You’re probably wondering how this all ties in with sexual lubricants.
Well, if a lube has a higher osmolality than a bodily fluid it would be considered hyper-osmotic. When hyper-osmotic lube comes in contact with human tissues, cells will work to release water in order to maintain homeostasis. This can end up drying out and killing cells, destroying a layer of protection and making the vagina or rectum more susceptible to bacterial infection.
Lubricant for women are designed to prevent dryness, but unfortunately lubes which are hyper-osmotic will do just the opposite over time.
At the other end of the spectrum are lubes which are hypo-osmotic. This is essentially the reverse of hyper-osmotic products. To maintain homeostasis, your body will work to pull water out of the lubricant. Also not ideal.
A perfect balance would be a lube which is iso-osmotic, meaning its osmotic pressure is just about equal to the human tissue it will be interacting with.
Water has an osmolality of 0, while the vagina has an osmolality of 300 mOsm/kg.Because of additives like glycerin and propylene glycol, water-based lubes tend to have a higher osmolality than other lubes.
The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends using lubes that are below 380 mOsm/kg. However, most commercially available lubes are in the range of 1,000-10,000 mOsm/kg. So anything under 1,200 mOsm/kg is generally considered acceptable.
So, how do you determine the osmolality of a given lube? That can be tricky, as many lubes simply don’t list this information. If they do list it, it means it’s within a healthy range and they want consumers to know. So, if they don’t list it you can assume the osmolality levels are pretty high.
Silicone lubes are not generally hypo-osmotic, so their osmolality will always be within a healthy range.
Water-based lubricants l that contain petrochemicals like propylene glycol, benzene and benzoic acid are more likely to be hyper-osmotic.
pH Level
Another important variable in the world of lubes is pH level.
pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. You probably remember using pH strips to test various liquids in your science class at school.
pH levels are important when it comes to lubricant because they can affect the health of the vagina and the anus. While vaginal pH levels fluctuate naturally with the menstrual cycle, introducing foreign substances (like lube) can affect the body’s natural pH balance.
This imbalance can have negative consequences on a woman’s health because it can provoke bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. A healthy normal pH level for the vagina of a woman is anywhere from around 3.5-5.0. Rectal level is typically around 7.0.
So how can you determine the pH level of a lube you want to use? As with osmolality, the label usually won’t list it, unless the reading is very low. The good news is that most lubes range in pH from 3.0-6.0, which is generally considered acceptable. For water-based lubes, the WHO recommends using those that hover around the 4.5 range and don’t exceed 7.0.
Lube Ingredients To Watch Out For
The information contained in this section is general and although most people will be fine, everyone should always carefully read labels on the lube they purchase in case they have any allergies or sensitivities. Keep in mind that just because a product advertises organic ingredients it does not necessarily mean they are better than artificial ones. Unfortunately there’s no 100% safe way to tell you which lube to buy because every person is different.
Most commercial lubricants have a lot of added ingredients with complex-sounding names. Most of these are harmless and generally safe. Some of these ingredients can be problematic to specific people based on their individual sensitivities. Here are a few broad categories of added ingredients, and certain chemicals to look out for:
Humectants
Humectants are ingredients found in lube that help to keep them from drying out. They also help to keep the lubricant from absorbing into the skin by slowing down the evaporation of water. Often, humectants can affect the lubricant’s consistency by increasing viscosity.
There are a variety of humectants that can be used in sexual lubricants. Glycerin and propylene glycol are some of the most commonly used humectants.
Glycerin (or glycerol) is a sweet-tasting humectant that is often used in food products. It is also a popular ingredient in many types of skin care products. It can help a lube to retain water. Glycerin can affect the pH balance of the vagina. Unfortunately, it can also contribute to yeast infections for some women.
Propylene glycol is another common humectant (and preservative) in lubes. It is a synthetic ingredient that is often used in cosmetics and other personal care products. It can help to keep the lubricant from drying out. The Food & Drug Administration considers it to be “generally recognized as safe.” But it does have potential to alter pH balance and potentially create allergic reactions in some users.
Natural alternatives to these chemical humectants include jojoba oil, shea butter and honey.
Preservatives
Many popular brands of lubricant contain preservatives.
Parabens are commonly added to personal lubricants to extend their shelf life. However, there is some concern that they may be absorbed through the skin and contribute to hormone imbalances. Generally, they are considered safe
There are a few paraben-free lubricants on the market, and more are likely to become available as consumer demand grows.
Sorbates and benzoic acid are other common preservatives that are often used in foods, but also in lube. They can make lubes last longer and kill off harmful bacteria. But they can lead to allergic reactions in some users.
Flavored lubes often contain preservatives as well. Your best bet is to use them strictly for oral sex and keep them away from the vagina.
Spermicides
Some lubricants advertise their ability to prevent conception through inclusion of spermicides like nonoxynol-9.
While it may sound great to use a lubricant as a contraceptive, spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 are generally one of the least effective contraceptives unless used in combination with other contraceptive devices (like a condom). They also don’t prevent the spread of STDs.
Additionally, nonoxynol-9 can create irritation and result in bacterial infections.
Anti-Bacterials
Many common, commercially-available lubes contain chlorhexidine gluconate, an antibacterial which is also used to make mouthwash. While antibacterial may sound like something you’d want, keep in mind that the vagina houses healthy bacteria which are necessary to maintaining good health. Specifically, the lactobacillus bacteria (a probiotic that is commonly found in the digestive and urinary tract) can be killed off by chlorhexidine gluconate.
Pain Killers
Some lubes advertise their ability to numb your penis so that you can last longer. This is usually achieved with the addition of benzocaine or lidocaine to the lubricant. These pain-killing agents are generally considered safe when used in small amounts, but can be toxic if used to excess. When using numbing lubes, make sure to be frugal.
How to Choose the Best Lube For You
If you can’t decide which lube to get, here are some tips for choosing the right one:
1) If you’re using sex toys, water-based lube is a must
Silicone is an incredible material and it is used to make a plethora of sex toys. This is because of its soft, squishy, flesh-like feel. Unfortunately, silicone toys are not compatible with silicone lube. When silicone lube rubs against a silicone toy, it can break down the toy and cause degradation over time. This is unfortunate because many people swear by the gentle slipperiness of silicone lube. The good news is that any water-based lube will be just fine and allow you to get the most out of your toys.
2) If you’re concerned about osmolality, silicone lube is your friend
Added ingredients in water-based lubes are typically the culprit in making lubes hypo-osmotic. Silicone tends to be safer in this respect, as any silicone lube will have an osmolality that is similar to the vagina or rectum. That being said, there are some water-based lubes on the market that do have a low osmolality, so it’s definitely worth doing your research before making a purchase.
3) If you’re looking for anal lube, a thicker consistency can be better
Anal play can be tons of fun, but it necessitates the use of lube more than any other sexual activities. That’s because the anus does not self-lubricate like the vagina does. For anal, you’ll want to use a lube that is thick enough to provide adequate slipperiness and cushioning. This will help make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable. A thicker lube designed for anal will last longer, meaning you won’t have to re-apply in the middle of a session, or worry about the pain and discomfort that a dried up lube can create.
4) If you’re having sex with a condom, use a silicone or water-based lube
Condoms are an important part of safe sex, but they can sometimes cause discomfort. Using a lube can help make sex more enjoyable and help reduce the risk of condom breakage. Oil-based lubes can break down latex and many of the most common commercially available condoms are latex. So when using a condom, always stick with silicone or water-based lubes.
5) If you want to make oral more exciting, try a flavored lube
There are all sorts of flavors to choose from, so you can find one that suits your taste. Make sure to test the lube on your skin before using it on your partner. This will help you avoid any potential allergic reactions. Because flavored lubes are usually water-based, if it tastes too sweet, you can add a little bit of water to dilute it.
6) If you want the long-lasting and smooth feel of silicone without the messy cleanup, try a hybrid lube
Hybrid lubes are a mix of water and silicone, so they have the best of both worlds. They are long-lasting, sticky and slippery like silicone lubes, but they are easy to clean up like water-based lubes. Unfortunately this means they’re less likely to be waterproof.
What to Look For in a Lube
Here are a few things you can look out for when deciding which lube to purchase:
- The right price
Water-based lubes tend to be cheapest and silicone lubes are more expensive. A bottle of lube can cost anywhere from around $5 and all the way up to around $70. There’s a lube for your budget, no matter how much you’re willing to spend.
- Made for your intended use
There are different types of lube for different purposes. Make sure you get a lube that is designed for the type of activity you’re planning on using it for. For example, if you’re intending to use it for anal sex, you might consider getting a lube that advertises itself as an anal lube. These products will tend to have a better thickness and viscosity for anal. If you know you are going to be using a condom, make sure to go water-based or silicone. If it’s for a sex toy, water-based is the only safe bet.
- Free of glycerin and parabens
These ingredients can cause irritation, so it’s best to avoid them if possible. You can check the ingredients on the back of the package.
- Reputable brands like Swiss Navy, Gun Oil, Sliquid and Uberlube
High-quality lubes come from trusted brands like Swiss Navy, Gun Oil, Sliquid and Uberlube. While these brands may carry a higher price tag than other lubes, their products are tried and true and work effectively.
- Waterproof
This is a good option if you want to use your lube in the shower, pool or hot tub. Usually only silicone or oil-based lubes will be waterproof.
How To Use Lube
Lube can be used for a wide variety of sex acts. Here’s how to put it to use:
1) Apply Lube
Using one hand, distribute lube from its container into your other hand. Keep one hand on reserve as the ‘clean hand’ to deal with any mess or stickiness the lube might create. Apply the lube to your body, your partner’s body, your condom or your sex toy. In all cases it’s important that both parties are adequately lubricated to get the most out of the experience.
Start with a small amount of lube and see how it feels. More can always be applied later. Silicone lube will require less quantity than water-based.
2) Have fun with your lube
After lube is applied you can use it for a plethora of fun sexual activities. Obviously it works great for making vaginal and anal sex more comfortable and pleasurable, with our without a condom. But you can also use it to make oral sex (both cunnilingus and fellatio) more slippery without drying out your mouth. It can also help out while fingering your partner’s vagina or stroking a penis. Both men and women can use it to enhance solo masturbation. To get the most out of almost any sex toy, lube should be utilized as well. Keep in mind that if you’re using water-based lube it will likely need to be re-applied a few times during your session.
3) Clean up
Lube will almost always need to be cleaned up from your body and sheets. Silicone and oil-based lubes will be more difficult to clean.
First, wipe up any excess lube with a clean towel. If there is lube on your sheets, spray liberally with stain remover and let sit for a few minutes before running it through the washing machine.
If there is lube on your body, simply wash it off with soap and water. Silicone lubes may require a little more effort and may require a shower. If there is lube on your toys, wash them with soap (or sex toy cleaner) and water.
Benefits of Using Lube
Lubes have a host of great benefits:
- Reduces friction during sex
- Necessary for a great anal experience
- Can make sex more pleasurable
- Can prevent condoms from breaking
- Can be used during foreplay as a fun bridge to sex
- Enhances masturbation, anal, vaginal, oral and manual sex
- Water-based lube helps you get the most out of your sex toys
Disadvantages of Using Lubes
Some downsides of using lubes:
- Silicone and oil-based lubes can be difficult to clean
- Water-based lubes may require repeated re-application
- Added ingredients can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some users
- Silicone lubes can damage sex toys
- Sensation lubes can be painful for some users
Lube FAQ
What effect does lubricant have on sex?
Lube reduces friction during sexual intercourse, making sex acts more comfortable and pleasurable. They also reduce the risk of condoms breaking, meaning lube assists in preventing the spread of disease and unwanted pregnancy.
Is it ok to put lube inside your body?
Yes, most lube is made to use inside your body. Be sure to choose a type of lube that is safe to use with your chosen method of sex. For example, don’t use flavored lubes for anything except oral.
Is silicone lube better than water-based lube?
It depends upon your needs and preferences. Silicone lube is longer lasting, more slippery and more difficult to clean. If you prefer a flavored or sensation-inducing lube, you will mostly find water-based options.
Water-based lubes tend to be more budget-friendly.
Can I use lube with a condom?
Yes, lube can and should be used with condoms. It is important to use a water-based or silicone lube, as oil-based lubricants can damage the condom.
Can I use baby oil as lube?
It’s not recommended to use baby oil as a lubricant. While it is safe to use on the surface of your skin as a moisturizer, baby oil can cause irritation in the vagina when used as a lubricant. It also has the potential to break down condoms. It’s safer to use a commercial product specifically made for sexual purposes.
How do you lubricate before sex?
Always start by applying lube to your hands, not directly to your genitals. Start with a small amount and rub it a bit. Then slowly apply it to yourself, your partner or both. Keep in mind that you can apply a bit of lube inside of the tip of a condom and on the tip of your penis as well. If you or your partner experience any discomfort, apply more.
Lube FAQ
It turns out that people have A LOT of questions about lube – can you eat it? What happens if you spill it? Can you use it with condoms?
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How do you use lube?
In order to use lube efficiently, you squirt a bit into your hand and then spread it as evenly as you can on the offending member, whether that’s a vagina, an anus, a penis, a hand, or a toy.
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Is lube healthy?
Using lube isn’t like eating an apple a day or anything, but you won’t die from it and it probably won’t give you cancer. Using lube is quite common as this study suggests.
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Is lube safe to use with condoms?
YES. Water-based lube is safe to use with latex condoms. Silicone-based lube is not.
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Is lube safe to use with sex toys?
The short answer is YES.
BUT just like with condoms, it’s a YES for water-based lube and a NO for silicone-based lube. That is if your toys are silicone. If they’re glass, wood, or metal, you can use silicone lube.
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Is lube safe to ingest?
Look, I wouldn’t recommend picking up a jug and gurgling it for shits & giggles, but if you’re going down on your partner, and you get it in your mouth and swallow it, you’ll be just fine. It’s why they make flavored lube.
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Does lube stain?
Certain types of silicone lube have a bad reputation for staining the SHIT out of your sheets and any other textiles it lands on. Thankfully, modern silicone lubes shouldn’t do that, and water-based lube never really does.
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How do you clean off lube?
Lube should always come off easily with water and soap. Again, silicone lube is known to be a bit more stubborn because of the inherent viscosity, but newer formulas are light and easy to clean.
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Can I use lube in the bathtub or shower?
Yes, silicone-based lube can be used in water. Water-based lube will just disappear.
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Can I use lube to masturbate?
Using lube to masturbate is not only possible, it’s recommended!
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Can I use the same lube for all kinds of sex?
Certain acts, like anal, may need special lube because it requires a thicker texture, but generally speaking, you can get away with using the same all-purpose lube for most things, as long as it’s water-based.
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Do I need lube if I’m having P in V sex?
You may not 100% NEED it, depending on the vagina’s generosity in dispensing slippery fluids, but it ALWAYS makes things better.
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Do I need lube if we’re just using hands?
While you may not NEED it, depending on what you’re doing, lube is always a helpful and pleasant third partner in your sexual escapade. Both male and female anatomy can benefit from it.
Don’t forget: dry friction HURTS LIKE A BIOTCH.
More Lubricants
Roundups
Anal lube
Silicone lube
Flavored lube
Lube for Fleshlight
Lubricant for women
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