Want to try lubricant, but not sure where to start? Maybe you've tried lube before and were disappointed with your experience. Whether you’re a first-time user or someone who’s looking to spice things up with the perfect personal lubricant, you’ve come to the right place - We welcome you to the wonderful world of lube!
What exactly is lube?
Personal lubricants contain different ingredients, but the idea is the same -- they’re used to reduce the friction on your moving parts to make sex and masturbation easier and more enjoyable. Why are there so many different kinds of lubes out there? Like condoms and vibrators, different lubes offer different benefits.
Personal lubricants can come in liquid and gel forms, and each formula has a base ingredient that accounts for its unique texture. Let’s take a look at the three main lube bases and what they mean for you:
1.) Water Based Lubricant
Water-based lubricants are by far the most common, and for good reason. They’re water-based, they’re easy to clean up (and to wash out of clothing or sheets). Of course, since pure water is about the most natural ingredient out there, these lubes can also be very gentle and soothing to your skin.
Most water based lubes can be used with condoms without compromising their integrity. They can also be used with toys -- even those made of silicone material. Our most popular and favorite water based lubricant is Sluquid Natural Satin. (It can also be used as a daily vaginal moisturizer.)
2.) Silicone Based Lubricant
Silicone is a material made from alternate chains of silicon (a natural element) and oxygen atoms. It can come in many forms including rubber, resin and oil. Its liquid form is especially effective when used as the main ingredient in personal lubricants.
What makes silicone-based lubes so great? For one, they have a very unique, silky feel that is soothing to the skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth. Silicone is also hypoallergenic, so it’s a great choice for lube users with sensitive skin or allergies. And since these lubes contain mostly silicone instead of water, they often last longer and need to be reapplied less often. A great silicone lubricant we suggest is Pjur Original Concentrated Silicone Lubricant.
Like water based lubes, silicone lubricants are also latex safe and generally toy safe, though you should NOT use them in conjunction with silicone toys as they can break down the material. Silicone + silicone = a bad time!
3.) Hybrid Lubes
What makes hybrid lubes so great? They combine the very best aspects of water and silicone based formulas. With a hybrid lube you get to enjoy the natural feeling of water based lubes while also getting the benefits of a longer lasting silicone formula. There’s no need to have a plethora of lubes -- a hybrid lube formula can pull double duty. Just remember that, like any lube that contains silicone, a hybrid lube can put some wear and tear on your silicone toys, but hybrids are generally safe for use with silicone. We suggest Spunk Hybrid Lube, our best selling hybrid lubricant.
4.) Oil Based Lubes
Some people may prefer the sensation of an oil and oil-based options tend to be easier on skin that is easily irritated. However, if you’re thinking about using an oil-based lube, there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind.
The first is that oil-based lubricants aren’t safe to use with latex condoms. They can make the latex porous or even cause it to rip and tear. Another thing to consider is that oil-based lubes can also be hard to clean off of toys and skin, so be prepared for some extra clean-up afterward. Try Coconu Oil Based Organic Lubricant for a healthy and effective lubricant!
Which type of lube is best for you?
Now that you have a better understanding of diverse lube formulas, you can begin to get an idea of which lube is best for you.
Lube for Alone Time
People who are looking to use lube for solo masturbation have plenty of options. Water based, silicone based, or hybrid lubes can work well, as can liquids and gels. If you’re relying solely on stimulating yourself with your hands, you may opt for a water based liquid lube. Thinking of bringing toys into the bed with you? For toys coated in silicone gel or made with silicone resin, opt for a water based or hybrid lube that won’t cause the surface of your toys to break down. For toys made of other materials, both water and silicone based lubes will work wonders.
Lube for Those In Search of Adventure
Just looking to spice things up in the bedroom by trying something new? You may enjoy using lubes with special benefits. Warming lubricants, for example, produce a gentle warming sensation when it comes in contact with skin. This can increase blood flow and arousal, and can even help you and your partner relax and unwind.Flavored lubes can also be a fun addition to your routine, especially if oral stimulation plays a major part in your lovemaking. Enjoy the sweet taste of strawberry or chocolate the next time you give your partner some oral love!
If you and your partner want to become parents, it's important to know that many personal lubricants create an environment that isn't ideal for sperm to thrive in. Couples who are trying to conceive need to make sure that any lube they use is sperm-friendly like System Jo’s AGAPE` water based lubricant, which is formulated with compatible pH levels and osmolality that is perfectly compatible with the vagina.
Lubricant Isn't Just For Sex