When it comes to sex — or water slides — wetter is always better. But lube isn’t just for easing vaginal dryness during sex.
When it comes to sex — or water slides — wetter is always better. But lube isn’t just for easing vaginal dryness during sex. Different types of lube can make sex more pleasurable, reduce the risk of friction burn, give you new sensations, and even make playing with sex toys more fun.
If you’re new to lube, choosing the right one can feel a bit overwhelming. Each type has its own benefits and potential drawbacks.
Read on to learn why you should add lube to your bedside drawer. Plus, all you need to know about each type of lubrication.
Using lube during sex or masturbation helps reduce friction and heighten sensitivity, which can increase sexual pleasure and comfort.
While both the vagina and the penis produce their own natural lubrication during sexual arousal, the amount of lubrication varies. Plus factors like hormones and stress can impact wetness.
Even more, certain sex acts, like anal sex or sex toy use, may require more lubrication.
Studies show that using lubricants during sex can improve sexual health, pleasure, and overall well-being in men and women.
Lube can make sex more comfortable for women by easing menopause-related vaginal dryness. It also helps prevent painful vaginal or anal penetration.
Lube can enhance any type of sexual activity, including:
Vaginal sex
Anal sex
Oral sex
Masturbation
Play with sex toys like vibrators, dildos, cock rings, and prostate massagers.
Let’s go over some of the benefits of using lube in more detail.
Around 15 percent of pre-menopausal and up to 70 percent of post-menopausal women experience symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause — vaginal dryness being one of the most common complaints. This can lead to painful sex.
The good news? Using lube improves vaginal lubrication and minimizes pain — with minimal side effects.
Your anus doesn’t produce natural lubrication, so using lube can make the experience of anal play more pleasurable. It also helps to reduce the risk of anal tearing or injury.
For women ages 18-39, the top reason for using lube is simple: fun. Here’s why:
It improves foreplay.
It makes sex feel better and more comfortable.
It helps you get in the mood faster.
According to one 2013 study, women felt that more wetness during sex made it easier for them to orgasm.
Interestingly, women in their 40s were more open to using personal lubricants to increase wetness than women under 30.
Not sure which kind of lube to use? Let’s go over the differences between water-, silicone-, and oil-based lube.
Water-based lube is a versatile option with fewer harsh ingredients, typically making it a safe choice for sensitive skin. Some research even shows many water-based lubes won’t disrupt the delicate microbiome of the vagina as long as they’re pH -balanced.
A 2011 study found that water-based lubricants were linked to fewer genital symptoms than silicone-based ones. However, both types increased sexual pleasure during solo sex and penile-vaginal sex. And genital symptoms were rare with both lube types.
Water-based lubes are also safe to use with condoms. That includes latex condoms and polyurethane condoms, which are an alternative for people with latex allergies. You can also use water-based lubes with sex toys.
Hypoallergenic and usually safe for sensitive skin
Condom-friendly
Women’s health-approved (when pH balanced, it won’t cause yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis)
Easy cleanup (won’t stain sheets or clothes)
Some don’t like the watery consistency
May not last as long as other types
Silicone-based lube is another popular option with a thicker consistency than other varieties. It tends to last longer than other types of lube and you can safely use it with condoms.
Studies show silicone-based lubes are the top choice for anal sex and sex in water. That’s because they’re great at reducing friction, remaining slippery, and heightening sensitivity during sex. Plus, silicone-based lube is unlikely to disrupt the vagina’s pH — as long as they don’t contain harsh ingredients like glycerin.
But there’s a catch. Silicone-based lubricants don’t play well with silicone sex toys. They can damage the material.
Long lasting
Safe for condoms
Won’t disrupt vaginal pH
Can degrade sex toys
Difficult to clean up (can stain sheets and clothes)
Like silicone-based lubes, oil-based lubes tend to be longer-lasting. They can also double as massage oils, making them a solid choice for foreplay.
However, studies show that oil-based lubricants may not be a safe option for vaginal sex since they can cause yeast infections.
There’s also a link between petroleum jelly, which is a mix of oil and wax, and bacterial vaginosis (BV).
According to the CDC, you should also avoid using oil-based lubricants with latex condoms since they can weaken latex, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. That includes things like massage oils and body lotions.
Some people use household items like olive oil, coconut oil, or baby oil as personal lubricants. However, these aren’t ideal. They’re not meant for sexual intercourse and can potentially irritate the sensitive skin around the genitals .
Long lasting
Doubles as massage oil
Increase the risk of irritation
Not safe for use with condoms
Difficult to clean up (can stain sheets and clothing)
Some lubricants may contain ingredients that can trigger allergies, irritation, or disrupt the vaginal microbiome. These ingredients may include:
Glycerin
Propylene glycol
Parabens (preservatives)
Fragrances
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that lubricants designed for vaginal use maintain a pH level of approximately 4.5, and that they have an osmolality of 1,200 mOm/kg or less to promote healthy tissue.
You can explore the WHO’s lubricant testing results here, which includes a list of brand names.
Choosing a lubricant is a personal decision. What might work for one sex act may not work as well for another.
If you’re masturbating, an oil-based lube may work just fine, but if you’re having penetrative sex with a condom, a water-based or silicone-based lube is a safer option.
It all boils down to your exact needs and preferences.
If you have sensitive skin and you’re looking for something more natural, we recommend a fragrance-free, water-based lube without parabens, glycerin, or alcohol.
Want to upgrade your sex life? Adding lube to the mix is an excellent choice.
Let’s recap what we know about choosing the best lube for sex:
Lube reduces friction and enhances pleasure. Using lube during sex or masturbation can improve comfort and pleasure by reducing friction, preventing pain, and increasing sensitivity.
Different types of lube have different pros and cons. There are three main types of lubricants: water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based. Water-based and silicone-based lubes are a great choice for sensitive skin and are safe to use with latex condoms. Oil-based lubes may last longer, but they pose risks like yeast infections and condom breakage.
Choosing the right lube depends on your needs. The best lube for you depends on your skin type, type of sexual activity, and whether you're using condoms or sex toys. Ingredients like parabens, glycerin, and fragrances can irritate the skin in some people. If you experience any irritation when using lube, stop using it and contact a healthcare professional.
Looking for more ideas to improve your sex life? Try out new sex positions, find out how to increase blood flow to the penis, and explore our sexual health products ranging from condoms and lube to prescription erectile dysfunction medication.
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