Whether you’re looking to reach new pleasure heights during sex, reduce friction or experiment with some backdoor play, lube is an exciting, slippery-fun way to add a new twist to your sexual repertoire. Fun aside, it’s also important to know that, because of their ingredients, some lubricants interact differently with various toys and contraception, which is why it’s super important to know the differences. You may find you prefer one lube for all your sexual encounters, or different lubes depending on the type of sex or toy you’re using. To make this lube decision easier, we’ve grouped them into three basic categories with all the must knows. Get ready… You’re in for a treat!
Water-Based Lubricants
WHAT MAKES THEM AWESOME:
- Most common, all-purpose lube that’s easy to clean off
- Comparable to natural body fluids or personal lubrication
- Safe to use with all sex toys and latex contraceptives like condoms, diaphragms, and sponges
- Most do not contain alcohol or fragrance
- Safe for vaginal and anal sex
- Formulated to be nonirritating
- Flavored, edible water-based lubricants are a great, tasty way to switch things up
WHAT TO CONSIDER:
- Dry quicker than silicone lubes, but adding some water or saliva can replenish their slippery feeling
- Flavored, edible water-based lubricants can contain yeast-encouraging sugar
Silicone-Based Lubricants
WHAT MAKES THEM AWESOME:
- Hypoallergenic
- Perfect for sexual encounters in and underwater: showers, pools, tubs, lakes, you name it!
- Last longer than water-based lubes
- Safe to use with latex contraceptives like condoms as long as they don’t contain silicone
- Some versions double as massage lotions (bow chicka wow wow!)
- Contain less irritants
WHAT TO CONSIDER:
- Typically more expensive, but they last longer than water-based lubricants
- Cannot be used with silicone sex toys or diaphragms because of silicone-on-silicone reactions
- Harder to wash off bedding and clothing
Anal Lubricants
(Some sort of lube is necessary for anal sex because the booty region isn’t self-lubricating)
WHAT MAKES THEM AWESOME:
- Typically silicone-based, very slick and last much longer than water-based lubes, which is why they’re suggested for anal use
- Cream-based anal lubes are a great option for larger partners, fists or toys
WHAT TO CONSIDER:
- Numbing and desensitizing lubes often contain Benzocaine. Some users may develop a resistance over time, which makes the numbing effects less effective
Now that you know, go ahead and experiment away until you find one that works best for your sexy time! Want to learn more? Find out how lube can make sex even better.
