Your Guide to Sex Lube: Different Types to Get Started
You may be thinking, “Well, I’ve had plenty of good sex without lube.” That may be true. But was it good for your partner? Could it have been better? Do you still need sex enhancement pills? If you’re a man, you might not notice when your partner starts to feel uncomfortable.
Women can lose their natural lubrication for a variety of reasons before or during sex. During anal sex, penetration can get quite uncomfortable for the recipient without extra lube. So yes, lube is important. But what lube should we use? These are a few types of lubricants to consider.
Water-Based Lube
There’s no doubt that water-based lubricants are the most versatile of all lubricants. They can be used for all types of sexual play–vaginal, anal, masturbation, toys, hands, feet–whatever your preferences are.
As a result, it’s the best lube to use with any type of sex toy, such as silicone latex and non-latex condoms. Water-based lube is the cleanest lube. It washes off with water, doesn’t stain, and dries without leaving you sticky or crusty. It’s always a good idea to keep a bottle of water-based lube handy, even if you prefer an oil- or silicone-based lube for certain activities.
Oil-Based Lube
With just one application, you’ll be lubed all night long and never have to reapply it. Oil-based lube is the slickest and longest-lasting lube you can buy. Because of this, oil-based lube is popular for anal sex. Since butts do not produce natural lubrication like vaginas, longer-lasting lube is safer and more comfortable. Oil-based lube is also easy to use because there isn’t much of it needed. You just need a small squeeze, so it’s less messy. However, oil-based lubes are known for staining sheets and clothing. So, although you don’t need to use as much of it, be careful where it ends. Latex condoms should not be used with oil-based lubes, as they can break. Oil-based lubes tend to be too acidic for vaginal sex (more on pH levels later).
Silicone-Based Lube
If you want a lube that is both water-based (cleaner, but doesn’t last as long) and oil-based (ultra-long lasting but messy), silicone-based lubes offer the best of both worlds. The biggest benefit of silicone is that it lasts longer than water-based lube and is easier to clean than oil-based lube (though it can still stain sheets). In addition to being the most comfortable lube around, silicone can also be used for vaginal sex. It feels amazing on anything since it’s so silky and soft.
As a result, silicone-based lube is highly recommended for masturbation. You can also use it with latex condoms, which is a big plus. But silicone toys should not be used with silicone-based lube, as it degrades them.
Hybrid Lubricants
In hybrid lubricants, two or more bases are mixed. Some hybrids combine water-based lube with oil or silicone to create longer-lasting products. If you use condoms during sex, you may want a water-silicone blend that is latex-safe. Hybrids are often the sweet spot between cleanliness, comfort, and versatility. If oil-based lubes irritate your skin, you can get the same pleasure with a water-oil hybrid.
Organic Lube
Most natural and organic lubricants are made from natural vegan ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera, and avocado oil. The ingredients are often easier on the skin, full of vitamins, and less likely to irritate it. Unlike artificial lubes, natural lube does not contain parabens and glycerin, which can cause infection, especially in women. But natural lubes aren’t always the right choice. Any oil-based lube, including coconut oil, can cause condoms to break. Oils often have a pH level that is too high to be used in the vagina. Natural ingredients can stain or feel sticky as well.
We saw above how much lube there is and how it can enhance your sex life. But to get the best results in bed, you have to choose the right lube for your body and your type of sex.
