How to Choose the Best Lubricant for Your Sexual Life
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Which Lube Is Right For You?
If you’ve ever wondered how to choose the best lubricant for your needs, it can be tricky 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’re going to make it easy for you to choose the best lubricant for your body, your toys, and your preferences.
What Lube Should I Use With Silicone Sex Toys
When using silicone toys, knowing how to choose the best lubricant is essential, in most cases, that means 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.
Uberlube Silicone Lubricant
$39.95
Voted No.1 Silicone lube for good reasons! Überlube is currently one of the best silicone-based lubricants that boast many possible uses:not only can this function...… read more
Anal vs Vaginal Lubricants, What’s the Difference?
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.
A Word Of Caution Around Numbing Lubes
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! Understanding pH balance is part of learning how to choose the best lubricant for safe and comfortable anal play.
Pjur Back Door Comfort Water Based Anal Glide
$19.95
A water-based personal lubricant that feels almost like silicone, has a very long-lasting lubricating effect and yet still delivers all the benefits of water. This...… read more
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.
Jo H2O Original Lubricant
$69.95
JO H2O Original, our most versatile (and best-selling!) formula, truly sets the standard for water-based lubricants. Its sensual, comforting glide and silky-smooth feel are perfect...… read more
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 sensitive skin or allergies, it’s especially important to choose the best lubricant that works with your body’s needs. 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.
Identifying the Allergen
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)
| Toy Safe | Condom Safe | Vagina Safe | Anal Safe | Easy To Clean | Long Lasting | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Based | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠ |
| Silicone | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Hybrid | ✅⚠ | ✅⚠ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠ |
| Oil | ❌ | ❌ | ❌* | ❌* | ❌ | ✅ |
*Oil Based Food Products ARE NOT PERSONAL LUBRICANTS and should never be used as such, always use oils that are specifically designed not to mess up you PH or cause and infection.
*Hybrid Lubes are only sometimes toy and condom safe, its best to stick to water based lubes with toys.
Lastly Don’t Be Afraid to Use 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 is the easiest way to choose the best lubricant and discover what works perfectly for you.
TL;DR
Can I use the same lubricant for vaginal and anal sex?
Not always. Anal play often requires a thicker, longer-lasting lube to reduce friction and discomfort. Vaginal use can benefit from lighter, water-based lubes, especially if you have sensitive skin. Some lubricants are labelled for both uses, but check the product details before buying.
Why can’t I use silicone-based lube with silicone toys?
Silicone lube can break down the surface of silicone toys over time, making them sticky, porous, and unsafe. Stick to water-based lubes or patch-test a hybrid lube before use.
Are flavoured lubes safe for internal use?
Generally, no. Flavoured lubes are best for oral play and external use. Using them internally can upset your vaginal pH and cause irritation.
What lubricant is best for people with sensitive skin or allergies?
Water-based lubricants without glycerine or parabens are a great starting point for sensitive skin. Always patch-test on a small area first, and consult your doctor if you experience irritation or swelling.
Can I use oil-based lubricants with condoms?
No. Oil-based lubricants weaken latex and polyisoprene condoms, increasing the risk of breakage. If you’re using condoms, choose water-based or silicone-based lubes instead.
How do I know if I’m allergic to a lubricant?
Common signs include itching, redness, swelling, or a rash after use. Stop using the product, wash the area with warm soapy water, and switch to a different formula. If symptoms persist, see your doctor.
Should I try lubricant if I’m naturally wet?
Yes! Lube reduces friction, increases comfort, and can enhance pleasure even if you already produce natural lubrication. It can also help during longer sessions when natural wetness may not last.
What’s the difference between hybrid and silicone lubes?
Hybrid lubes combine water and silicone for longer-lasting glide with less stickiness. They can be toy-friendly, but always check the packaging and patch-test before using with silicone toys.
Can I use household oils like coconut oil as lube?
It’s not recommended. Household oils can disrupt vaginal pH, cause infections, and damage latex condoms. Use only products designed for sexual use.
