How to Choose the Best Lubricant

If you have any experience with lubricants, you know how much they can add to sex. Whether it’s your goal to “go all night,” or you simply want to help your favorite sex toy slide in (anywhere) easier, you’ll want some good quality lube.

By the same token, we want our precious sex toys to last a long time, too. (I’m talking years, not hours…) Using the right lubricant on sex toys of various materials will prolong their lifespan, make clean-up easier, and permit you even more enjoyment from your sex toys.

Here’s a quick and easy reference guide to lubricants and the toys and activities they are compatible with:

Water-based lubricants: Think of water-based lubes as the Swiss Army knife of lubricants. They work with any sex toys or condom material, under nearly any circumstance. They are long-lasting, easy-to-clean up, and won’t stain sheets or clothing. Water-based lubricants may have different consistencies. As a general rule, seek thicker (gel-like) water-based lubricants for more intense play, including anal sex or when you’re looking for a long-lasting lubricant.

There’s one time (ironically), when you don’t want to use a water-based lube: when you’re having sex in the water. It will wash right off. Instead, choose a silicone lubricant, which is not water-soluble and is safe to use with condoms.

You might buy: Astroglide, ID Glide Lube, or Wet Original Lubricant

Silicone lubricants: More expensive but also typically longer lasting than water-based lubricants, silicone lubricants are slippery smooth, luxurious, and great for all types of play — except one. Do not use a silicone-based lubricant with your silicone-containing sex toys, including toys made from Cyberskin and similar materials. It will wear down your silicone-based toys faster than a porn star can get it up.

You might buy: Pjur Eros, Toko Silicone Lubricant, or Gun Oil Silicone Lube

Oil-based lubricants: Oil-based lubricants are longer lasting than water-based lubes, making them a desirable choice for many people. Oil-based lubes are suitable for water-play, since they’re not water soluble. However, oil has some major drawbacks. It can:

• stain fabric
• break down latex condoms (they are safe with polyurethane condoms)
• damage certain sex toys

Oil-based lubricants can harbor bacteria, causing vaginal infections in women. It’s best not to use them during penetration (even with a toy) for women, although they are okay for penetration of men during anal sex.

You might buy: ID Cream lubricant or Jack Jelly.

Lubricants with glycerin and sugar: Lubricants with glycerin and sugar or high-fructose corn syrup (for instance, some flavored lubes) can also cause yeast infections in some women. These are best used for external play only.

Save the Olive Oil for the Salad
While we’re on the topic of “flavorful lubricants” — a note about Olive Oil as a lubricant: Olive oil is sometimes recommended as an “all-natural” lubricant. Olive oil doesn’t make the best lubricant at all, because it can breed bacteria, is not very thick or long-lasting, and is fairly expensive. Keep the olive oil in the kitchen; if you’re looking for an inexpensive, natural lubricant, go with a water-based lube.

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