The Ultimate Guide to Lubes: Slippery Fun Made Simple

Lube makes everything smoother, more enjoyable, and often safer. Even if your body produces its own lubrication, adding lube can enhance the experience for everyone. It’s an absolute must-have for anal play, and there are so many types to explore! Here’s everything you need to know about lube types, specialty formulas, ingredients to watch for, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Water-Based Lubes

The most versatile option, water-based lube is safe for all toys and condoms. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and feels similar to the body’s natural lubrication.

Things to Know:

• Dries out faster, so you may need to reapply.
• Some formulas may irritate sensitive users (we’ll discuss ingredients to watch for below).
  Best Uses: Pretty much anything.

Silicone-Based Lubes

Long-lasting and perfect for water play, silicone lube is ultra-slick and hypoallergenic. It doesn’t absorb into the skin, making it ideal for extended sessions.

Things to Know:

• Silicone lube can damage silicone toys—always test first!
• May stain sheets and requires soap for removal.
  Best Uses: Anal, water play, and long-lasting sessions.

Hybrid Based Lube

Combining water and silicone, hybrids offer the best of both worlds: easy cleanup and a silky feel. Some are even marketed as safe for silicone toys (though always patch-test to be sure).

Things to Know:

• Not as long-lasting as pure silicone.
• Always double-check compatibility with silicone toys.
  Best Uses: Long sessions, anal, or anytime you want a mix of benefits.

Oil Based Lube

Natural and hydrating, oil-based lubes like coconut or sweet almond oil are popular for massage and post-menopausal dryness. Many also double as body moisturizers.

Things to Know:

• Oil breaks condoms—don’t use with latex or latex-free barriers.
• Can stain sheets and irritate sensitive skin if scented.
  Best Uses: Massage, anal, or hydration.

Specialty Lubes

• Warming Lubes: These create a heated sensation but often use glycerin, which can cause yeast infections, especially for those with vaginas. Be cautious!
• Cooling Lubes: Peppermint or menthol create a cooling effect but may irritate sensitive areas.
• Numbing Lubes: Great for advanced users during anal play or for reducing gag reflexes. Use carefully, as numbing can mask discomfort, leading to injury.

Flavored Lube

Flavored lube is typically designed just for external use during oral play. It’s designed mainly for the giver and make the experience more enjoyable. The biggest thing to be aware of is that these flavored lubricants use sugar. Lots of it. Typically it comes in the form of sucralose, honey, or glycerine. Sugar will make the yeast that naturally lives on the skin and in the vagina to go haywire, which can lead to yeast infections. Make sure it is all washed off and do not use it for penetrative sex. 

Note, there are some brands of flavored lube that ARE safe for general use, however, they are few and far between.

Ingredients To Be Aware Of For Sensitivities

Some lubes contain irritants or chemicals that may not be suitable for everyone. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Glycerin: Common but problematic for those prone to yeast infections.
• Parabens: Preservatives that may disrupt hormones and irritate sensitive users.
• PEGs (Polyethylene Glycol): Can dry out tissues and make them more susceptible to irritation.
• Sugar (Sucralose, Honey): Found in flavored lubes; avoid for penetrative sex as it can cause infections.

Choosing the Right Lube for the Right Play

• Vaginal Sex: Water-based is a safe go-to, especially for sensitive users.
• Anal Play: Silicone or oil-based lubes work best due to their long-lasting properties.
• Oral Play: Flavored lubes can add fun but avoid using them for penetrative play afterward.
• Toys: Stick to water-based lubes for silicone toys, unless using high-quality hybrids.

Conclusion

There’s a lot to consider, but don’t worry—we’re here to help! If you’re unsure about which lube to choose, stop by or reach out. We’re happy to guide you toward the perfect match for your needs.

Stay safe, stay slippery, and happy playing! 💖