Choosing a Lubricant

The wrong lube can destroy a toy, break a condom, or simply dry out in ninety seconds. Here is the whole decision in one page.

Water-based — the universal default

Safe with every toy material and every condom. Washes off with water, leaves no residue, will not stain sheets. Its only weakness is that it absorbs and evaporates, so it needs reapplying — a splash of water revives it rather than adding more.

If you buy one bottle and want to stop thinking about it, buy this one.

Silicone-based — long-lasting, slick, waterproof

Does not absorb or dry out, works in water, and needs far less of it. The catch is the one that matters: silicone lube can bond with silicone toys and degrade the surface, leaving it tacky and permanently damaged.

Use it with glass, steel, ABS, or skin. Keep it away from your silicone toys, or patch-test on the base first. Requires soap to wash off.

Hybrid — a compromise that mostly works

Mostly water with a little silicone: longer-lasting than water-based, easier to clean than silicone. The silicone content is usually low enough to be safe with silicone toys, but check the bottle — “usually” is not “always”.

Oil-based — the one to be careful with

Long-lasting and good for massage, but oil destroys latex condoms. If condoms are in the picture at all, do not use oil. It also stains fabric and can be difficult to wash out of the body, which raises irritation risk.

The cheat sheet

• Silicone toy? Water-based.
• Glass, steel, or skin? Anything.
• Condoms involved? Never oil.
• In the shower or bath? Silicone-based — water-based washes straight off.
• Anal? Something thicker. The body does not self-lubricate there, and you will want more than you think.