With so many types of lubricants on the market, choosing the right one may become overwhelming. While the quality varies from one brand to another, the kind of lube fit for the sexual activity you want to have can significantly impact your overall experience.

Different lube types are better for oral, vaginal, and anal sex, masturbation, strap-on play, and squirting toys, so it’s essential to get the type of lube suitable for what you want to experience.

To give you an idea of what we’re saying and how to choose the right type of lube, we will go over a few of the most important aspects of choosing a lube and how to use it to get the best sexual experience.

What is lube?

Lube is a gel or liquid used in sexual activities to facilitate penetration and minimize friction between body parts. Its intended use and purpose are to make sex more enjoyable, but it also does wonders for reducing pain during sex, masturbation, or similar sexual activities. Some are also used as cum lube for squirting sex toys.

Types of lube

There are four types of lube: water-based, silicone-based, oil-based, and natural lubricants.

Water-based lube

Water-based lubricants are the most popular type of lube for vaginal sex. They have the most natural consistency similar to our body fluids, so they are most comfortable to use during sex. Because it’s mostly water, water-based lubricants are a great option for those that have sensitive skin, experience dryness, and want to use silicone toys (it won’t damage the material as silicone lube). It’s also compatible with latex condoms and doesn’t stain, so you can use it with or without a condom and clean everything up with a quick water rinse afterward.

The biggest flaw of water-based lube is that it tends to dry out faster than other lubricants, so you would need to reapply it more often during sex. This is also why most people avoid using it for anal sex, as this part doesn’t self lubricate and may result in irritation and itching.

Silicone-based lube

This is the most popular type of lubricant due to its consistency, which makes it easier to use for any type of sex. It’s longer-lasting than any other type of lube and safe to use with condoms, so you can use it during long sex sessions without reapplying often. The thickness of the lubricant makes it great for anal sex, but it’s also an excellent option for vaginal sex and masturbation. Silicone also holds well underwater, so it’s perfect when you want to take things in the shower, pool, tub, or another aquatic environment.

The biggest flaw of silicone lubricants is that you can’t use them with silicone toys, which are the most common sex toys. The friction of silicone lube with silicone material may cause the toy’s surface to start deteriorating, so you may want to avoid this type of lube if you don’t want to damage your favorite silicone toy. Another potential downside is that it can be challenging to clean up and stain clothes, so it will take longer to get the silicone lubricant off your body and clothes than water-based or natural lube.

Oil-based lube

As their name suggests, oil-based lubricants have an oily texture that makes them easy to use during any type of intercourse. Due to their consistency, oil lubricants perform best for masturbation, sensual massages, and hand jobs. Because oil holds well in water, many use it for sex in water and aquatic surroundings as well.

As with every other lube type, oil lube also has downsides. First, it stays in the body longer, so it may cause irritation and bacteria forming, so it’s not recommended for people with gentler skin. Because it’s based on oils, the lube is also more challenging to clean and can stain fabrics, so you would have to be careful not to stain anything while using it. Finally, oil lubes cannot be used with latex sex toys or condoms as they can cause them to deteriorate, which puts users at risk of STIs or pregnancy.

Organic lube

Natural lubricants are your best bet if you’re environmentally friendly and want to keep things organic. There are many natural lubricants, from aloe vera to homemade options and everything in between. Because they are typically made of natural ingredients, they are body-safe and are less likely to cause irritations or allergies unless it contains an ingredient you’re allergic to.

The biggest downside to using natural lubricants is the smell they may cause. After all, they are made from natural products, so some of them may have unpleasant odors. Another negative aspect is that they dry out faster than silicone or oil lubricants, so similar to water-based lubricants, they will also require frequent reapplication during sex.

Final Thoughts

Having the correct type of lubricant is key to having enjoyable sex. It’s good for anal, vaginal, or oral sex, masturbation, and pairing with different sex toys, so it’s a significant part of having a healthy sex life. However, different types of lubes are fit for different types of sex, so while one may feel fantastic for vaginal sex, it may not be suitable for anal sex, and vice versa.

When choosing the type of lubricant, make sure it indicates that it’s body-safe. Using high-quality lube will ensure you will have enjoyable and safe sex that will make you and your body feel good afterward.