Choosing the Right Personal Lubricant

Intimate lubricants enhance pleasure and comfort during sex and can be used to assist with the insertion of period care products such as tampons, menstrual cups, menstrual discs, diaphragms, pessaries, dilators and pelvic floor trainers.

Types of Intimate Lubricants

There are three main types of core ingredients in lubricants; water, silicone or oil and lubricants. Hybrid lubricants are made from a mix of water-based and silicone-based lubricants.

Choosing the right personal lubricant can seem overwhelming so we've broken the pros and cons of each type. 

Water-Based Lubricants

Water-based lubricants are the most common and versatile type of lubricant available.

PROS

• Typically are hypoallergenic and have fewer additives - they are less likely to cause irritation and are suitable for sensitive skin
• Wide variety including flavours and warming and cooling variants. 
• Natural feel and is less heavy than silicone-based lubes.
• Best lubricants for oral sex and are available in flavours. 
• Easily washable with water and generally non-staining.
• Compatible with latex condoms.
• Compatible with all sex toys, pelvic floor trainers and dilators. 
• Compatible with period products such as tampons, menstrual cups and menstrual discs.

CONS

• Dry out faster than other types of lubricants and so may require frequent reapplication.
• May dry with a sticky feel on the skin.
• Not effective in the shower or bath.

Silicone-Based Lubricants

PROS

• Silky smooth feel.
• Longer-lasting glide when compared with water-based lubricants as they are not absorbed into the skin.
• Ideal for use in the shower, bath or underwater play as they are waterproof.
• Non-sticky and do not require frequent reapplication.
• Compatible with latex condoms.

CONS

• NOT suitable for use with silicone-based sex toys or products such as menstrual cups or pelvic floor trainers made of silicone. Compatible but compatible with other materials including rubber, metal and glass.
• May irritate sensitive skin.
• Difficult to clean up.
• May stain fabric.
• More costly than water-based lubricants. 

Hybrid Lubricants

Hybrid lubricants combine the benefits of water-based and silicone-based formulas.

PROS

• Offer the longevity of silicone-based lubricants
• Easier to clean than pure silicone-based or oil-based lubricants.
• Compatible with latex condoms.

CONS

• Easier to clean than silicone or oil-based lubricants but still not as easy to clean as water-based lubricants.
• May require re-application.
• See the manufacturer's recommendation for compatibility with other materials. If unsure, DO NOT use silicone-based lubricants with silicone sex toys or other silicone products such as menstrual cups, pelvic floor trainers or diaphragms. 
• May stain fabric.
• More costly than water-based lubricants. 

Oil-Based Lubricants

Oil-based lubricants are made of synthetic, mineral or plant-based oils such as coconut, seed almond or sunflower seed oil. They are generally recommended for external use only. 

PROS

• Provide excellent lubrication and a smooth glide.
• Long-lasting and suitable for extended intimate sessions.
• Ideal for stroking and sensual massage.
• Can hydrate and improve the elasticity of fragile sensitive skin.

CONS

• Feel oily and can leave a residue on the skin.
• Challenging to clean up and generally required soap to remove.
• Stains fabrics.
• Can be difficult to clean off sex toys and devices.
• May block vaginal and anal mucosal membranes.
• Can disrupt vaginal pH balance and increase the risk of infection.
• NOT compatible with latex condoms as they can degrade the latex, increasing the risk of breakage.
• NOT recommended for use with latex, rubber and silicone sex toys or devices.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

There are several factors to consider when considering a lubricant. These include;

Ingredients

• Opt for lubricants with high-quality, body-safe ingredients to minimise the risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
• Avoid lubricants containing glycerin, parabens, or other potential irritants if you have sensitive skin.
• Avoid scented, heating, cooling or sparkles in your lubricants if you have sensitive skin.
• Flavoured lubes are great for foreplay and oral sex but check the ingredients as some contain high levels of sugar which can change the vaginal pH levels and cause UTIs.

Texture and Consistency

• Consider the texture and consistency that align with your preferences. Some prefer thicker, gel-like textures, while others prefer thinner, more fluid formulas.
• Test different textures to determine which feels most comfortable and provides the desired level of lubrication. 

Purpose & Compatibility

Consider the intended use of the lubricant;

• Intercourse: Water-based lubricants are versatile and suitable for most intercourse activities. Opt for a high-quality, body-safe formula for maximum comfort.
• For Use with Sex Toys: Ensure the lubricant is compatible with any condoms or sex toys you plan to use. Read the product labels carefully, as using the wrong type of lubricant can damage condoms or sex toys and compromise safety. As a rule of thumb, use the following recommendations;
  * Water-based lubricants are safe for use with all sex toys.
  * Silicone-based lubricants can solidify with other silicones so should NOT be used with silicone sex toys.
  * Oil-based lubricants should NOT be used with sex toys made of soft materials such as silicone, latex or rubber but can be used with hard materials such as glass and metal. 
• For Use with Other Internal Products; For use as an insertion aid for menstrual products (tampons, cups and discs), pelvic floor trainers, dilators, diaphragms and pessaries, we recommend a water-based lubricant. 
• Water-based activities: Silicone-based lubricants are ideal for intimate activities in the shower, bath or pool as they do not wash away easily.
• Latex Condoms: If using latex condoms, ensure the lubricant is compatible to prevent degradation of the latex material - water-based lubricants are generally the best for use with latex condoms.
• Anal Play: Choose a thicker, longer-lasting lubricant specifically formulated for anal use to ensure comfort and minimise friction.

Skin Sensitivities

• If you have skin sensitivities or allergies, opt for a lubricant specifically formulated for sensitive skin or labelled as hypoallergenic.
• Individuals prone to getting yeast infections should avoid lubricants containing glycerin, which can promote yeast growth.
• Perform a patch test on a small area of skin before using the lubricant during intimate activities to check for any adverse reactions. 

Whether you prefer water-based, silicone-based, oil-based, or hybrid lubricants, there is a wide range of options to suit your needs and preferences. Experiment by purchasing smaller quantities or sample sachets initially to test compatibility and effectiveness before committing to a larger purchase.