FINDING YOUR PERFECT PERSONAL LUBRICANT
THE ULTIMATE LUBRICANT GUIDE
Almost everything is smoother with quality lubricants.
They play a crucial role in enhancing intimacy and sexual satisfaction.
Lubricants are designed to reduce friction and/or enhance arousal during sexual activities, significantly increasing comfort and pleasure for all parties involved. They are particularly beneficial in addressing vaginal dryness, a common issue among women, or pain during intercourse. By facilitating smoother, more enjoyable sexual experiences, lubricants contribute to a more fulfilling and satisfying intimate life. Available in various forms such as water-, silicone-, and oil-based, they cater to diverse needs and preferences.
Let's help you to find the Right Personal Lube for your lovelife
It sounds simple: just add lube and enjoy smooth, silky intimacy. However, there's more to consider. Here’s the information you need to make the best decision for your lubricant needs.
The Different
Types of Lube
These are the main types of lubes: water-based, silicone-based, oil-based, and hybrids. They cater to different personal needs and preferences, underlining their importance in a healthy and enjoyable sexual journey.
Water-Based
These lubes are known for their versatility and compatibility with condoms and sex toys. Water-based lubes offer an easy tidy-up, but cheaper lubes may require more frequent re-application.
Pros for Water-Based
Condom + Toy Compatibility. Water-based lubricants are safe to use with all types of condoms and sex toys, making them a versatile option.
Easy to Clean. They are easy to wash off skin and fabrics, reducing the risk of stains and making clean-up simple and straightforward.
Non-Staining. Unlike oil-based lubes, water-based ones typically do not stain sheets and clothing.
Gentle on Skin. Generally, they are gentle and non-irritating, making them a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
Little to No Residue. They tend to leave less residue compared to silicone or oil-based lubricants.
Generally Cheaper. Water-based lubricants are often much cheaper than other types of lubes.
Cons
Frequent Reapplication Needed. Water-based lubricants can dry out or be absorbed into the skin, requiring more frequent reapplication during use.
Less Effective in Water. They are not ideal for use in water (i.e. showers and baths) as they can easily wash away.
Potential for Glycerin or Parabens. Some water-based lubricants contain glycerin or parabens, which can cause irritation or yeast infections in some people.
Variable Quality. The quality and consistency of water-based lubricants can vary significantly between brands and formulations. Some brands produce very low quality goods. Choose your products/brands carefully.
See Water-Based Lubes
Silicone-Based
These lubes offer long-lasting lubrication, are waterproof, and ideal for extended or water-involved activities. However, they are not suitable for use with silicone toys.
Pros for Silicone-Based Lube
Long-Lasting Lubrication. Silicone-based lubes provide longer-lasting lubrication compared to water-based alternatives. They don't dry out or get absorbed by the skin as quickly, making them ideal for longer sessions.
Water-Resistant. They are waterproof, which makes them a great option for activities in water, like in a shower or bath.
Safe with Latex Condoms. Unlike oil-based lubricants, silicone-based lubes are safe to use with latex condoms.
Smooth Texture. They typically have a very smooth and silky texture, providing a comfortable and pleasurable experience.
Less Irritant for Sensitive Skin. Many people find silicone-based lubricants to be less irritating, especially those who are sensitive to the ingredients in water-based products.
Cons
Not Compatible with Silicone Toys. Silicone-based lubricants can degrade silicone sex toys, making them sticky or damaging their surface.
Difficult to Clean. They can be harder to wash off the skin and other surfaces than water-based lubes, and might leave a residue on fabrics.
Potential for Staining. There's a higher risk of staining sheets and clothing with these lubes, compared to water-based ones.
Cost. Silicone-based lubricants are generally more expensive than water-based alternatives.
Our Silicone-Based Lube
Oil-Based Lube
Oil-Based Lube
Hybrid Lube
This is a blend of water and silicone-based lubricants, offering easier clean-up, and with the long-lasting effect of silicone. (Not suitable for use with silicone toys.)
Pros of Hybrid Lube
Balanced Lubrication. Hybrid lubes provide the long-lasting lubrication of silicone with the easier clean-up of water-based formulas. This balance can offer a comfortable and convenient experience.
Condom Compatibility. Like water-based lubes, most hybrid lubricants are safe to use with latex condoms, providing versatility without compromising safety.
Gentler on Skin and Toys. They are generally gentle on the skin and safe for use with most sex toys, including those made of silicone, as the silicone content is usually low enough not to cause damage. Read the instructions on the product packaging to be sure.
Less Sticky and Greasy. Hybrids tend to be less sticky than pure water-based lubes and less greasy than pure silicone-based options, offering a pleasant middle ground.
Less Residue and Staining. They typically leave less residue and are less likely to stain fabrics compared to silicone-based lubricants.
Cons
Potential for Irritation. As with any product, there's a potential for skin irritation, especially if the hybrid lube contains ingredients to which a user is sensitive.
Cleaning and Maintenance. While easier to clean than silicone-based lubes, hybrid ones may still require more effort to wash off than a purely water-based product.
Price. Hybrid lubricants can be more expensive than standard water-based or silicone-based options.
Variable Formulations. The proportion of water and silicone in hybrid lubes can vary, which affects their performance. Some might still require reapplication or might not be as waterproof as pure silicone lubes.
Oil-Based Lube
These are a blend of water- and silicone-based lubricants, offering the easy clean-up of water-based lubes with the long-lasting effect of silicone. (Not suitable for use with silicone toys.)
Pros for Oil-Based
Long-Lasting. Oil-based lubes generally provide longer-lasting lubrication compared to water-based alternatives, reducing the need for reapplication during prolonged activities.
Moisturising Properties. Many oil-based lubricants have natural moisturising qualities, beneficial for those with dry skin or vaginal dryness.
Fewer Additives. They often contain fewer additives, which can be advantageous for people sensitive to the ingredients found in other types of lubricants.
Versatility. Beyond sexual activity, they can be used for massage and other forms of body contact, thanks to their smooth, silky texture.
Cons
Not Safe with Latex Condoms. Oil-based lubricants can degrade latex, increasing the risk of condom breakage and thereby compromising their effectiveness.
Potential for Infections. Oils can trap bacteria and create an environment conducive to yeast growth, increasing the risk of infections, especially in the vaginal area.
Difficult to Clean. They can leave stains on fabrics and might be more difficult to clean off the skin and other surfaces.
Not Suitable for All Toys. Like silicone-based lubes, oil-based products may not be compatible with certain sex toys, especially those made of porous materials.
We bring respect + care to the arena of intimacy, which affects us all in different ways, throughout our lives.
Our LubeShop Vision
5 Great Reasons To
Love Lubricants
Less Discomfort
Lubricants help to decrease friction during intercourse, making it more comfortable, especially in cases of vaginal dryness or insufficient natural lubrication.
Safer Sex
Using lubricants with condoms can reduce the risk of condom breakage, promoting safer sex practices.
Reduces Friction
By reducing friction, lubricants can make sexual activity smoother and more enjoyable.
More Adventure
Lubricants are helpful for different types of sexual activities, including intercourse and the use of sex toys.
Health-Related Benefits
Conditions like menopause, certain medications, or medical treatments can reduce natural lubrication, making lubricants a necessity for comfortable sex
Some Extra Lube
Tips + Tricks
Silicone Lube. Go easy with it
With silicone lube, a little goes a long way. Use sparingly. When combined with the body’s natural moisture, it lasts a long time. Add a splash of water and it lasts even longer.
Water Based. Don’t skimp on quality
Cheaper water-based lubes are not always effective because they get sticky, making re-application necessary. Choose good quality and you won’t need to use much.
Anal Lube. The Ultimate Discretion Tip
Like all our products, Anal lube packaging has labels, which you might not want to be shown. So, keep your play-time preferences entirely discreet and convenient by decanting your anal lubricant into a discreet, attractive pump bottle. It’s convenient, and the contents will not be disclosed for all to see. Handy bottles can be found on our “Lube Accessories” page.
Layer the Lube. Best of Both Worlds
Perhaps you prefer water-based lube as your regular everyday one, but on occasion, you might want a super-long-lasting lube... simply make a blend - a drop of silicone lube with the water-based peer, or vice versa. This grants the best of both lubes.
Silky Silicone: Great for massage Too
A silicone-based lubricant can easily double as a massage oil. It's long-lasting, silky texture is perfect for full-body massages, including massage that leads to more intimate experiences…
Pre-Apply Lube. Convenience for her
If you know that intimacy is likely, then you can pre-apply a small amount of lube for ease and convenience.
Steamy Shower Sex. Use the silicone
If you’re planning sex in water, then silicone-based is the only way to go. It holds well and maintains its smooth properties in water, lubricating far better than any other lube. It’s one of the defining properties of silicone, and for good reason. Use just a little to start with. (A little goes a long way.)
Chaffing during Sports? Use silicone.
If you’re running, cycling or doing any sport that is chafing and/or giving you a rash, whether it’s under-arm, nipple, behind your knees or crotch, then simply use a tiny bit of silicone-based lube. It can do wonders to reduce friction, allowing hassle-free exercise.
To keep your lube
DISCREET + CONVENIENT
Consider transferring your favourite lubricant into a small, unmarked pump bottle. This is not only convenient, but is easier to dispense and is mess-free, alongside the privacy and subtlety value.
A pump bottle also allows for precise, no-fuss dispensing, reducing waste and spillage. Ideal for bedside storage or travel, this method adds a touch of mysterious elegance to your personal care routine.
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