Slippery When Wet: A Guide to Lube
Contrary to some of our ex’s beliefs, spit is not lube. There’s a lotta lube in the world and the options can seem overwhelming, but here’s the knowledge you need to make your lube shopping smooth, slippery sailing!
The purpose of lube, AKA personal lubricants, is to create a slippery barrier between surfaces (toy+body, body+body) and/or to provide moisture to delicate vulvovaginal or anorectal tissue that isn’t producing its own. Lube is also an important ingredient in safer sex, as it reduces friction and the chance of condoms breaking or skin tearing, and can increase sensation for everybody, during all kinds of sex – penetrative (inside) or non-penetrative (outside), by yourself or with a partner, with toys or without.
The main types of lube are: water-based, silicone-based, hybrid, and oil-based.
WATER-BASED LUBE
Water-based lubes are safe to use with all types of condoms and sex toys, externally, vaginally and anally. Water-based lubes do tend to dry faster than silicone-based lubes though, so you may need to reapply while you play. Not all water-based lubes are alike – we especially like Wicked Simply Aqua, Waterslide, and Sliquid H2O, since they’re free of petrochemicals, glycerin*, parabens, and other harsh ingredients.
*Glycerin, like oil, can trap bacteria and increase chances of yeast or bacterial infection in some vaginas. Others don’t have any problems with it. The general advice is to avoid lubes with glycerin.
Pro tip: after you’ve reapplied once, rather than adding more lube, just add a bit of water – this will rehydrate the ingredients that are still on you, rather than using up all your precious lube and making for an even stickier situation.
SILICONE-BASED LUBE
Of the three main types of lube, silicone provides the best, longest-lasting glide. This makes it particularly good for anal sex, penis masturbation, and vaginal dryness, since it’s very slick and doesn’t need to be reapplied often. While it’s super slippery like an oil, silicone lube is typically hypoallergenic so it’s less likely to cause irritation or infection in the event of micro-tears during penetrative sex. It’s also safe to use with any type of barrier (condom, dental dam, glove), but it should not be used on silicone toys, as it will damage their texture.
Silicone is also waterproof so it’s great for shower sex. Just be careful not to slip!
We like Swiss Navy for penetrative booty play, and Überlube for an all-around great silicone lube that doesn’t feel greasy.
Pro tip: if you want to use silicone lube with a silicone toy – which many people do with anal play – put a condom on it! For smaller toys, try a “slim” or “snug” condom for a better fit. Check out Iron Grip or Glyde Slimfit.
Pro tip: if you want to use silicone lube with a silicone toy – which many people do with anal play – just put a condom on it! For smaller toys, try a “slim” or “snug” condom for a better fit, like Glyde Slimfit Condoms.
HYBRID LUBES
The best of both worlds! Hybrid lubricants are essentially a water-based lube with some silicone blended in. They offer a superior, longer-lasting glide than regular water-based lube, but wash off easily like water-based, and are safe to use on most silicone toys. (I recommend you do a patch test before slathering on and plunging in – put a dab on the base or back of the toy, leave for a couple of hours, rinse and dry, and then rub the spot with your finger – if the texture has changed, don’t use that lube on that toy!) I’m a fan of Wicked Simply Hybrid and Sliquid Silk.
OIL-BASED LUBE
Do not use oil with latex or polyisoprene condoms! Oil can cause them to break, which can expose you to an STI and/or unwanted pregnancy. So, if you use latex barriers (most condoms & dental dams), or polyisoprene condoms, such as Lifestyles SKYN® and Durex Avanti™, save that delicious coconut oil for your hair and baking, and read on to find a safe, slick alternative for doin’ it. If you rely on condoms but can’t live without that coco, consider switching to polyurethane (PU) condoms, such as Trojan Supra. PU condoms are safe to use with any lube, including oil-based.
Most oils are not ideal for use in vaginas and anuses, because oil can trap bacteria and cause some serious infections in there. Coconut oil-based lubes, like Coconu, may be the exception, though, due to coconut oil's antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. Keep in mind that oil can stain sheets and be harder to wash off than water-based and hybrid lubes.
FLAVORED LUBES
Flavored lube can be a fun addition to oral sex. Jellywink carries water-based, sugar-free flavored lubes to keep you safe while you play – sugar is food for yeast, so keep it away from your vag and tip of penis!
STIMULATING LUBES & GELS
All of the above-mentioned lubes enhance sensation by providing glide between your body and your toy or partner’s body. For folks seeking a little extra umph, we carry several lubes and gels/serums that increase sensitivity in your fav erogenous zones, e.g. clit, nipples, head of penis, perineum, g-spot. These lubes create tingly, cooling and/or warming sensations that stimulate blood flow, making your parts more sensitive. I love Sliquid Sizzle - a warming water-based lube - and ON Arousal Oil.
WHAT'S THE BEST LUBE FOR ANAL PLAY?
Since the anus does not produce it’s own lubrication, its very important to use plenty of high quality lube during anal penetration. Silicone-based lubes are popular for anal play because of silicone’s super slippery, long-lasting glide. Silicone doesn’t contain any water so it doesn’t dry out like water-based lubes. We recommend Überlube, Sliquid Silver, or Swiss Navy Silicone Lubricant.
Silicone lubes can stain sheets, can be difficult to wash off, and can damage silicone toys, so some folks prefer water-based lubes. If you’re going for water-based, we recommend a viscous (thicker) option such as Wicked Simply Aqua Jelle or Sliquid Sassy.
For the best of both worlds, I recommend you go for a hybrid lube. You get the better glide and longer last of silicone, without the greasiness and without damaging silicone toys. I recommend Wicked Simply Hybrid, Wicked Simply Hybrid Jelle, or Sliquid Silk.