Lubrication is one of the most essential factors in safe and pleasurable sex. More lubrication means less friction, resulting in fewer microtears. Microtearing increases the risk of contracting/spreading STIs, so prevent them by using a lubricant of your choice. But which lubricant should you use? It's easy to be overwhelmed by choices, and even easier to end up with a lube that is low quality with potentially harmful ingredients. This page includes information about different categories of lubricants, ingredients to avoid, and other resources about lubrication. Different people prefer different lubricants, so don't be scared to explore and try different ones! If you'd like brand recommendations, visit our suggested retailers page.

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Water Based Lubricants​

Water based lubricants are the most common and versatile lubricants available. Thicker water based lubricants tend to offer more "cushion" in their consistency when rubbed between skin. It's safe to use the lubes with all toys and barriers, and is easy to clean up with soap and water. Because it's water based, these lubricants will absorb into your skin over time, so make sure to re-apply it frequently and liberally. Adding moisture through saliva or water can be used periodically to extend/revive your water based lubricant between applications. 

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Silicone Lubricants

Because it doesn't easily absorb into skin, silicone lubricant is the longest lasting lubricant to use and is extremely slippery. Silicone lubricant is typically thinner in consistency compared to water based, thus giving less of a "cushion" between skin. These lubricants are safe to use with all barriers, but don't clean up as easily as water based lubricants. **It can stain fabrics, and should never be used with silicone toys! It will surely absorb into the toy and degrade the material.** Silicone lubricant comes in handy for more than just sex; it can be used as a household lubricant, help to de-frizz and shine hair, and is a great solution to problems with chafing. 

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Hybrid Lubricants

Hybrid lubricants bring the best of both worlds from water and silicone lubricants. As a blend between the two, hybrid lubricants last longer than water based lubricants and have some of the best "cushion" available in consistency. Hybrid lubricants are safe to use with all barriers. **Avoid using hybrid lubricants with silicone toys, as they may degrade the material**​

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Oil Based Lubricants

Oil based lubricants aren't marketed as commonly as the previously listed lubricants, but still offer a number of advantages. Oil based lubricants are easily absorbed into the skin and are safe for all parts of the body, making them useful as an alternative to massage oils, but in need of frequent reapplication. Oil lubricants can be used with all kinds of toys. **Oils degrade the quality of latex; do not use oil based lubricants with latex barriers. It is also important to note that everyday oils differ from oil based lubricants designed for sexual use; while coconut oil is generally safe, do not use any culinary or scented oils as lubricant (olive oil, peanut oil, essential oils etc).**

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Flavored Lubricants

Flavored lubricants are not intended for internal use, and should be used cautiously. Oftentimes, the ingredients used in flavored lubricants are a surefire ticket to a yeast infection when used internally. Only use flavored lubricants on external body parts.

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Tightening/Numbing products

Should never ever be used, period. "Tightening" products inflame and dehydrate the vaginal/anal passages, putting you at great risk for tearing. If you're concerned about vaginal tightness, consider doing kegel exercises or getting kegel balls to improve the strength of your pelvic floor muscles.

Sex shouldn't be painful, but numbing products aim to block the body's pain response. This too greatly increasing your risks of tearing. If pain during sex is persistent in every encounter despite using lubricant and adequate foreplay, talk to your doctor. Be kind to your body, and never use dangerous products like numbing or tightening agents.

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Resources

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Lube Guide (Blog post)

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An In-Depth Look at Personal Lubricants (Printable PDF)

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Lube's Effect on the Body (Webpage)

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