Welcome to lube 101; class is now in session. Choosing the right lube? You’re probably thinking, “Who needs the stuff when the vagina naturally produces it?” Natural lubrication occurs when the vagina is sexually stimulated and blood flow increases to the genitals. Also, depending on the menstrual cycle, vaginal discharge can appear despite the time and place. While your body creates these lube-like substances, the amount of fluid produced may still not be enough.
Lubricants can make your sexual experiences more pleasurable and will help reduce friction. Decreased amounts of natural lubrication, or vaginal dryness, can result from factors such as stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, taking certain medications, or maybe it’s just your body taking too long to catch up to your turned on brain. Don’t worry, using lube is perfectly normal and is nothing to be embarrassed about. You’ll want to know what works together and what doesn’t.
We’re going to break down the different kinds of lubes available to help you find the best one to suit your needs.
#1 WATER-BASED LUBRICANTS
Water-based lubricants are the most popular, safest, and effective of the lube varieties. It is used the most with toys since it's easier to clean and won't break down the materials. We recommend looking for a water-based lube that is glycerin-free and paraben-free.
SYSTEM JO
H2O Personal Lubricant Original
ITEM # 0500-14
$9.99
PROS
- Safe and effective for most skin types
- Water-soluble and most widely used
- Easy to clean off of skin, fabrics, and more
- Safe for most adult toys
- Condom-compatible
- Usually flavorless and easy to add with flavored products
CONS
- Evaporates quicker and you may need to reapply more frequently as needed
- Not best for bath- or shower-use as it disperses or dissolves
#2 SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANTS
Silicone-based lubes do not contain water. They are not absorbed by the skin and tend to last longer than its water-based counterpart.
SYSTEM JO
Personal Lubricant Original
ITEM # 0500-01
$17.99
PROS
- A little goes a long way
- Great for shower sex and other liquid play (caution advised)
- Great for anal sex
- Stay wet for a long time
- Doesn’t leave a tacky residue
- Tend to be hypoallergenic
- Typically safe for sensitive skin
- Most are condom-compatible (double-check with the label)
CONS
- Known to stain fabrics
- Can damage and eat away at silicone toys
- Resistant to water; will need to be washed off with soap
#3 HYBRID LUBRICANTS
Hybrid lubes are basically the best of both worlds, but made mostly of water-based lube with a bit of silicone added.
SYSTEM JO
Coconut Hybrid Original
ITEM # 0406-56
$20.99
PROS
- A little goes a long way
- Water-soluble
- Easy to clean off of skin, fabrics, and more
- Condom-compatible
- Stays wet longer than the average water-based
- Safe for most skin types
- Won’t damage or eat away silicone toys
CONS
- Not as thick as silicone
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Suitable for silicone toys, but must be washed off thoroughly and immediately (try using a small amount to test on your toy)
OTHER LUBRICANTS
- Anal Lubricants: Anal lubes are produced thicker than other water-based lubes to maintain viscosity and reduce the chances of tearing. These are better for anal play since the anal canal does not produce natural fluids. Some anal lubes may also contain a percentage of an active numbing ingredient to ease penetration.
- Oil-Based Lubricants: Lovers Playground does not regularly carry oil-based lubes, but they are out there in the world. Some will use avocado, coconut, and olive oil lube are great for massages and last longer than water-based. They will cause latex to break, will stain fabrics, and can lead to skin irritation. Oil lubes are harder to clean off latex toys and to clear out of your body.
- Flavored Lubricants: Flavored lubes can be used for oral sex. However, this lube should be used with caution. Check the label or with the clerk to see if any sugars have been added. Sugars in the flavoring can lead to yeast infections or bacterial infections if not cleaned thoroughly. We recommend trying a sugar-free flavored lube.
- Sensations Lubricants: Warming, cooling, numbing, tingling are different kinds of lubes you may enjoy. Temperature-play or an added sensation will add something new, but these aren’t for everyone. Warming tends to feel heated and not hot. Cooling adds a menthol, cold feeling similar to when you brush your teeth. Try a little at a time to find out what you’ll enjoy.
- Organic Lubricants: Organic lubes are made with certified natural, organic ingredients. This means no parabens, hormones, fragrances, or added flavors. Even some organic packaging is made from sustainable materials.
- Hemp/Marijuana/CBD Lubricants: Hemp/CBD contains a variety of cannabis with less than 0.3% THC, while marijuana contains a variety of cannabis with more than 0.3% THC. Mostly California based companies produce higher, THC-infused lubricants. The THC helps produce a euphoric feeling, reduce inflammation, and can help with penetration pain. Since laws are different in the states where our Lovers Playground stores are located, some of our stores will carry CBD-infused lubes. These lubes ensure purity from pesticides, microbes, solvents, and other toxins. Check with your local Lovers Playground for product availability). These lubes are great for penetrative sex and on the skin use.
Lubes are amazing for sex, helpful for masturbation, great for sensual massages, and helps with dryness. Our lube prices range from 99 cents to $40+, depending on the material. We highly suggest using lube for couples play or solo use because of its ability to make sex more comfortable and pleasurable! Other lube companies, such as Wet® brand offers a formula quiz to see which type would be best for you: Find Out Which Lubricant Formula Is Good For You! If you’re still unsure, ask a Lovers Playground associate to see if there are any sample-size lubes available for free or with purchase.
Sources:
"Find Out Which Lubricant Formula Is Good For You." Wet, www.stayswetlonger.com/right-formula.