New to Lube? We’re here to glide you through the wild wet!
Do you need a guide to lube?
You may not be aware, but everyone who has sex can benefit from the smooth and slippery sensation of lube. Personal lubricants make sex more comfortable by reducing friction and enhancing intimate kinetic sensation. While our vaginas make moisture when we get aroused, lube helps make things even more ‘wet’! The other bonus of using lube is that they help lovemaking sessions last longer. So, for those all-night marathoners, lube will help safeguard you and your partner from chaffing.
Quick facts:
The amount of natural lubrication a woman produces fluctuates throughout her cycle and also varies with alcohol consumption.
Vulva skin, like oral tissue, is considered to be one of the most permeable parts of our body, with studies suggesting 7-10 times more so than exposed skin. Because chemicals are almost immediately absorbed into the bloodstream it is of paramount importance to read the ingredients and choose the right lube.
There are three basic types of lube, but a myriad of variations. Here’s your lube 101 breakdown and Intimate Wellbeing’s guide to lube:
Water-based: These lubes are the most widely used and versatile personal lubricant. With their thin and natural feeling consistency, they can be paired with most latex or non-latex condoms, and pleasure devices - plus they do not stain sheets or clothing. Water-based lubes are typically the least irritating, plus they are often paired with other natural moisturizing ingredients. Their one downside is that they dry out faster and you may need to reapply more often.
Silicone-based: These are "the silk sheets" of lubes. Silicone-based lubes are perfect for sex in the shower. They are thicker, more slippery, and last longer than their water-based counterparts. They tend to be hypoallergenic and designed to stay on the skin’s surface, but oddly enough can also tend to affect those prone to skin irritations. Silicone is safe with condoms but cannot be used with silicone sex toys. They are waterproof, however, this can be a downside because they cannot be washed off with water. They also may linger in the vagina longer which can be problematic for those prone to yeast infections.
Oil-based: These kinds of lubes don't receive our highest recommendation in our guide to lube. We might even say they should be used as your last resort - unless you use a plant-based option. The main shortcoming is that oils can go rancid easily. We also recommend that you stay away from using Baby Oil or Vaseline - these two products are known for staining, disrupting the vaginal pH, causing yeast infections, and degrading latex condoms, which can compromise your sexual safety. If oil is your pleasure, we suggest you choose natural and plant-based varieties: coconut, grapeseed, almond, or sunflower oil.
Variations of lube
Anal: Where there is no natural lubrication acting in your favour, we recommend using a silicone-based lube. Anal lubes are specifically designed to be thicker in viscosity for a longer-lasting, comfortable glide.
Organic: Organic lubes are gaining in popularity - they are a chemical-free and a natural alternative to traditional choices. Whether you have sensitive skin or are very particular about what you apply down there, organic is a sensible choice. Because these are plant-based they tend to have additional moisturizing benefits to the skin.
Warming: A warming lube creates a warm, tingling sensation to enhance and heat up your intimate moments. There are many of these types of lubes on the market, but be careful when choosing. Our selection is vegan, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and enhanced with olive leaf extract.
Cooling: These lubes are tantalizing and designed to keep you cool. Our selection includes natural peppermint, ginger, and menthol varieties to enhance your sensual pleasure.
Masturbation: These kinds of lubes are specifically designed for stroking and massage, and are not recommended for intercourse due to the oil-based composition.
Sex, Style & Sport: We can’t say enough about this unique offering. They are silicone-based and are as versatile as they are sensual. As the name suggests, they can be used for sensual sexual experience, to calm frizzy hair, and to prevent chaffing in fitness activities.
Hydrating: These are specifically designed for dual purpose, daily use, and personal lube. They are ideal for women who are experiencing dryness due to menopause or medication.
Hybrid: These lubricants might be the best of both lube worlds. They are a combination of the base elements: water and silicone. They are typically super slick, but not as thick as silicone-based. They are longer lasting than water-based and potentially less irritating. Hybrid lubes can be used with all pleasure products.
The lowdown on lube: We suggest you steer clear of the following which may cause inflammation or irritation: parabens, glycerin, sugar, petroleum, propylene glycol, chlorhexidine gluconate, and fragrance.
We hope this guide to lube helps you find the lube that gives you the best sex and most pleasure. (Don’t forget that lubricant can also be used to treat dryness. They are great for everyday use as well as for sexual activity.)