Which lube is right for you?

Choosing the best lubricant can be hard if you don’t know what you’re looking for? There’s a big wall covered with hundreds of bottles; where do you start? The first place to start is looking at what you want to use it for. Yes, you want different lubes depending on its purpose. Are you using it with silicone toys, glass, plastic or metal? Are you using it vaginally or anally? Are you using a penis or fingers or a fist? Are you using it as a lubricant for latex clothing? Do you have any allergies? All of this needs to be taken into account when looking at lubes. But don't fret we are gonna make it easy for you!

What Lube Should I use with Silicone Sex Toys

So when using silicone toys it is very important to use a water-based or hybrid lubes. (we call Hybrid Lubricants “toy friendly” however they are not always 100% toy safe!) this is because most of the time they have small amounts of silicone in them to keep them thick, usually less than 10%. It is always best to patch test your toys before using new lubricants and/or ask your friendly sex shop worker. If you use silicone based lubes with silicone toys they can break down the silicone in the toy over time, especially on the surface.

What About Glass, Metal or Plastic Toys?

Glass, plastic or metal toys: You can use water-based, silicone-based or hybrid based with glass and metal toys but you’ll have your own preference on which you like better. Plastic toys, they are porous so they will absorb silicone based lubes and will damage them over time, either use a condom over the toy before using a silicone-based lube or use a different lube.

What is the Difference between Anal and Vaginal Lubricant?

Vaginally or anally: The big difference I have found I need to take into account between vaginal vs anal is the thickness of the lube. I prefer Uber Lube which is a hybrid lube when having vaginal sex but I like a thicker silicone lube for anal. They make and label some lubes specifically for anal lube for this reason. 

The most important thing to know is that a lot of anal lubricants will have muscle relaxers in them and even sometimes contain numbing agents like benzocaine, We always recommend NEVER using lubricants with numbing agents, this is super dangerous as you won't be fully aware if something goes wrong! Also, ask your sale assistant about PH levels. Some anal lubricants will have a more alkaline PH to help reduce the stinging feeling some other lubricants can cause when using anally!

Penis, toy, fingers or fist?

Very much like above it depends on where you are going to be using the lube as to which fits the purpose better. I will say though for fisting whether it's vaginally or anally a thick lube is best to use. It will cover the whole surface and stay in place better.

Latex clothing:

Some latex clothing likes to be sliding on our skin not gripping and to facilitate this lube is used to help it be slippery. There are specific lubes to use for this as the lubricant will be sitting on the skin for a long period of time and may get warm from the body heat being trapped by the latex clothing. This lubricant is for external use only in most cases so check you’re using the right one for the right thing.

What If I'm Allergic to Lubricant?

Allergies are a big one. Every lube is different, they have different formulas and do different things. If you have a rash, itchiness or swelling after using a new lubricant; first wash it off with warm soapy water and second; don’t use it again. When these symptoms persist after use see your doctor! Some people have an allergy to the main component (sometimes the silicone) and others to one of the other smaller components.

When using two different silicone lubes if you have a reaction to both you may be allergic to the silicone. If only one it’s probably the smaller components of that specific brand. Take note of the brand and use others in the future. If you are allergic to the silicone, this can be confirmed by a doctor if needed but either way, stop using silicone-based lubes and try a water-based one instead. One of the best resources you have, is your friendly sex shop worker. They know the brands and products they are selling and can tell you which may be best for you.

System Jo Lubricant has a guarantee, which means if you don't like the lubricant or have a reaction to it, you can bring it back in and try another from their range. (conditions apply see in store for details)

Lastly don’t be afraid of using lube! Some people think they shouldn’t need it because vaginas are meant to be self-lubricating, but so much can impact this self-lubrication. Medications, mood and diet are just a few that can cause less self-lubrication, or if you are using a penis or having anal sex there is no self-lubrication there. Lube makes everything smoother and feels great. Don’t be afraid to use some. Trial and error, find what works for you.