What type of lube should I use?

If you’ve ever strolled down the family planning aisle at your local pharmacy, you’re probably aware that there are a LOT of personal lubricants to choose from. This can make it difficult to decide what type of lube you should use. But don’t let the rows of options intimidate you from trying one out.

Adding personal lubricant to your sexual activities (no matter your age or WAP factor) makes everything wetter and slicker. It also reduces uncomfortable friction that can lead to pain, tears, and even an increased risk of infections.

So, how do you know what type of lube you should use?

Types of personal lubricants

Despite the seemingly endless options and differences, pretty much all lubes boil down to three main categories: oil-based, water-based, or silicone-based (and sometimes a combination of these).

Silicone-based lube is popular, as it is the slickest, wettest lube available and lasts considerably longer—cue an all-nighter! It’s also condom safe and compatible with water play. The downside is that it can leave you feeling a little sticky and icky once the big climax is done. It also isn’t the best lube for silicone toys and could damage your favorite vibrator.

Water-based lubricants, on the other hand, are a little more gentle and work well with pretty much all toys and condoms. It also skips the gooey post-sex mess that comes with silicone lubricant. The downside? Well, it doesn’t last as long, so it may require some additional applications.

Oil-based lube is another option if you’re looking for something thicker than a water-based lubricant, but doesn’t feel quite as heavy as a silicone-based lube. Just be careful, as most oil-based lubes are made from nut oils, which can trigger allergic reactions. Oil-based lubricants can also damage certain sex toys and cause condoms, so it’s extremely important to steer clear of this one if you rely on condoms to prevent pregnancy or STDs/STIs.

Finding your personal preference often takes a little experimenting (and you may not always prefer the same lube all the time), so it could be worth starting with small travel-sized tubes until you find the one that is perfect for you.

Choosing the best personal lubricant for the job

Aside from personal preferences on thickness and clean-up, how you use your lube is another important factor. Some personal lubricants are best for oral or toy play, while others do better for shower sex and anal. Here is a quick run-through on which lube is best for different sexual activities.

Best lube for sex

Water-based or silicone-based lubes are the most common lubes for partner play. Choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference. If you want something lighter and easier to clean, opt for water-based. If you need something stronger and longer-lasting, go for a silicone-based lube for sex. If you’re using latex condoms, avoid anything oil-based, as it can degrade the quality of the condom and increase the risk of it breaking.

Best lube for anal sex

Anal sex can create a lot of friction, making lube a very important component of safe and comfortable anal play. When deciding on lube for anal sex, it’s best to reach for a silicone-based lubricant. Water-based lubes will dry out too soon, and oil-based lubes can degrade latex condoms. If you and your partner aren’t using condoms or are using condoms made of polyurethane, nitrile, or lambskin, an oil-based lube is fine.

Best lube for sex toys

Not all lube plays with your toys, so it’s important to check compatibility before getting buzzy. Water-based lube is safe for pretty much all sex toys and is a great lube to keep around if you have a larger toy collection with a variety of materials. If you have a silicone toy, which is a popular material for its smooth texture, you’ll need to steer clear of silicone-based lubes. And if you have a latex toy or plan to use condoms with your toy, you won’t want to use oil-based lube.

Best lube for oral sex

Whether you want a wetter oral experience or your partner wants to go down on you to make sure you hit the finish line, too, it’s important to know which lubricants are safe to ingest.

According to poison control, water-based and silicone-based lubricants, especially those marked as edible personal lubricants, are generally safe for oral sex. However, it can depend on other ingredients in your lube, such as fragrances, dyes, and parabens, which, in our opinion, you should avoid altogether.

Oil-based lube is generally a no-go when it comes to oral, as ingestion can cause nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting and diarrhea—not sexy. In some instances, it can also block the airway, causing choking, coughing, and breathing issues—also not sexy.

Best lube for shower sex

Without lube, shower sex can quickly go from sexy to painful. Aside from figuring out how to position yourself, hot water can dry out even the wettest vagina. Oil-based and silicone-based are the best lube for shower sex because they will provide a thicker, longer-lasting lubricant that will hold up against the steamy shower. Plus, post-sex clean-up will be a breeze since you’re already in the shower. Again, just make sure to avoid silicone-based lubes if using silicone toys in the shower and oil-based lubricants if using condoms or latex-based toys.

Invest in Iridescence

If you’re looking to bring more buzz to the bedroom, invest in Iridescence. A powerful dual-action vibrator with 12 vibration settings and three intensity levels, Iridescence will have you reaching for your nightstand drawer more often. Just be sure to steer clear of silicone-based lubricants to protect her smooth, skin-like medical-grade silicone exterior. Shop now to see why Iridescence will be your new BFF.