Lube 101
Lubricant is one of the easiest things you can use to enhance just about any sexual experience. Adding lube to a toy reduces friction and lets the toy move more freely so you can manoeuvre it to exactly the right spot. Oral sex can reach amazing heights of pleasure using one of the dozens of varieties of flavoured and stimulating lubricants to add new tastes and sensations. Masturbation creams and gels stop chafing and allow for faster strokes by preventing friction drag. Even sex becomes more exciting with lubes that let you slip and slide your way to orgasm! No matter what floats your boat… wetter is better! There are several types of lubricants on the market available, and while some are better for specific activities, others are safe to use for just about anything you can imagine.
Water Based Lube
These are your ‘go-to’ lubricants for when you’re not quite sure what the night (or day) may hold. They’re safe for use during oral, vaginal, or anal play, and can be used with or without condoms. Water-based lubricants are also compatible with any toy material, so if you’re looking to lube up your vibrator, this is the one to go with. They are available in flavoured versions for your oral delight, and are safe for ingestion if you swallow them. They also come in warming and cooling varieties if you’re looking for something a little different. Try a warming one the next time you masturbate for a real-feel experience! Water-based lubricants come in a variety of viscosities (thicknesses) to suit your needs.
The thicker the lube, the better it is at ‘staying put;’ so if you put a thick lube on a toy, for example, it’s less likely to run down onto the floor. Thinner lubricants are great if you just want a little slip but are looking for a no muss, no fuss clean-up afterwards… these will absorb right into your skin like a moisturizer would so there’s no need to shower them off. You may also come across “Glycerine-free” varieties which are ideal for those with sensitive skin, and you can even go the organic or vegan route if you choose. All in all, water-based lubricants are a great choice for just about everything.
Silicone Lube
Silicone is made of sand, but don't let that fool you, it's just about the smoothest liquid material there is. It is refined over and over again until it gains a slippery, smooth consistency and because silicone can't be absorbed by the skin, it keeps its consistency for very long periods of time. This makes silicone lube ideal for long trysts or cases of extreme dryness. It may last longer than you do! High quality silicones are safe for condom use, but not all silicones are, so if you're unsure, you should stick to water-based to be safe. Silicone lube can be used for use on non-porous toys (glass, metal, ceramic), but is not recommended for use on other materials as it bonds with like-materials and effectively melts them over time. Because silicone is hydrophobic (repels water), it's great for shower play because it won't rinse away like a water-based lubricant would. You can find silicone lubricants in warming and cooling varieties, but not in flavours as it is not edible. For the longest-lasting, silkiest ride, silicone is definitely the way to go. As a side note: pure silicone is often used as a hair, skin and tattoo conditioner! It is a fantastic alternative to hair serums and will brighten even the most faded tattoos to make them look brand new
Cream/Petroleum Lube
These are really designed for male masturbation. Cream and oil or petroleum-based lubes contain ingredients that are not particularly ideal for the vaginal area as they can promote yeast infections, and they are not recommended for use with condoms or toys. That being said, for male masturbation (or hand jobs), you can’t get much better. They have an amazing texture that mimics vaginal secretions almost identically and they virtually eliminate chafing and foreskin tearing.
Silicone/Water Hybrids
The mix of two types of lubricant, these hybrids seek to bridge the gap for those consumers that want the longevity of a silicone with the no-muss, no-fuss clean-up of a water-based lube. They are much less sticky than some water-based, and though not quite a silky as a silicone they come very close. They will not stain sheets like some silicones may and require only water to wash away.
Coconut Oil Hybrids
This is a unique lubricant because although it contains an oil, it does not promote yeast infections. Its consistency is much like a silicone/water hybrid, and while it does not last as long, it will leave the skin feeling supple and moisturized after use. It is also a great option for women with recurrent urinary tract infections or yeast infections since its antimicrobial and its antibacterial properties will not promote microbial growth. Many people prefer the ‘natural’ real-feel of coconut oil hybrids where a cream or petroleum-based lubricant is not an option.
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