We’re heading into summer and that means one of two things: dry as a desert or hot and humid. What if I told you there was a way for you to be comfortable whether you’re in the Sahara Desert or the balmiest rainforest? Well, admittedly, I can’t control the weather (I’ll leave that up to mother nature), but I’m here to tell you that you can control your sexual ecosystem, no matter the dew point.
Basically, lubricant (aka “lube”) is the adult version of a slip and slide on a summer day… refreshing, hydrating, and tons of fun. Here’s what you should know about using, buying, and loving lube.
Lube isn’t just for comfort, but it actually makes your sexy time more pleasurable.
In multiple scientific studies, using lube was associated with significantly higher reports of sexual pleasure and sexual satisfaction. Plus, the majority of American women report using lubricant. Of course, this makes sense: if you’re comfortable, you can enjoy yourself more; but comfort is the bare minimum! I want you to be enjoying the sex you have, whether it’s anal, oral, vaginal, solo, or partnered.
Using lube doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you.
If you feel like you aren’t “wet enough,” you might feel like you aren’t good enough or like your body isn’t doing what it’s supposed to. You might even worry that your partner feels like they aren’t turning you on. I’m here to tell you that “wetness” does not reflect how turned on you are. The human body is unpredictable and vaginal lubrication is actually dependent on factors unrelated to how hot and bothered you are. How “wet” you become can be dependent on where you are in your menstrual cycle and even on how much water you’ve had that day.
Remember that you and your body are perfect just the way you are, even if you use lube. If a meal would taste better with salt, we add salt. If sex would feel better with more lubrication, why are we hesitant about adding some lube in the mix?
There are different types of lube for different occasions.
There are a few types of lube based on what they are made of: silicone-based, water-based, oil-based, and hybrid lubes. Check out the table below to learn more about each type:
| Safe w/ Latex condoms | Safe w/ Polyurethane condoms | Safe w/ Polyisoprene Condoms | Safe w/ Lambskin Condoms* | Safe with silicone toys |
Silicone-based | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Water-based | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Oil-based | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Hybrid | ⚠️ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ❌ / ⚠️ |
Silicone-based lubricants require less frequent reapplication, do not become sticky, and are very “glide-y.” They are not water-soluble, meaning they are ideal for bath or shower play, but are not as easily cleaned up as water-based lubes. Note that they should not be used with silicone sex toys because they will break down the material of the toy which increases opportunities for bacteria and even STIs to exist on the surface of the toy.
Water-based lubricants are very easily cleaned up because they are water-soluble. They are great for people with sensitive skin and can be used with silicone toys. They do require more frequent reapplication and tend to become a bit sticky (that’s when you should reapply).
Oil-based lubricants are a less versatile form of lubricant. They are long-lasting and require less frequent application, though they can stain sheets easily. If you are using something like coconut oil as a lubricant, the natural sugars in the oil can increase your risk of bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection.
Hybrid lubricants are made with a combination of water, oil, and/or silicone bases. They are very slippery and smooth, require less frequent reapplication compared to water-based lube, are often water-soluble, and are usually cheaper than pure silicone lubes. If they contain oil, they do still carry the increased risk of bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection and they probably shouldn’t be used with silicone toys.
Watermelon Sugar, bye.
When buying lube, regardless of the type, always check the ingredients list on the package and look for lubes that do not contain glycerin and glycerol. While the science varies a bit, I recommend against these two ingredients because certain types/quantities of them can supposedly increase your chances of yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis and make you more vulnerable to infection.
xoxo Gigi
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