Lube 101: Water-Based, Silicone-Based, and Oil-Based

Let us sing the praises of lubricant: the unsung diva of safer, more comfortable sex.

Lube can reduce friction, increase comfort, support condom use, and make many kinds of sexual activity feel better. It can be especially helpful for anal sex, longer sessions, sex with condoms, sex toys, hormonal dryness, certain medications, stress, menopause, gender-affirming care, or simply because bodies do not always operate on command like a Broadway lighting cue.

There are three major types of lube to know: water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based.

Water-Based Lube
Water-based lube is the versatile everyday option. It is easy to find, easy to clean, and generally compatible with latex condoms and most sex toys. If someone is building a basic safer sex kit, water-based lube is usually a good place to start.

The downside is that it may dry out faster than other types. If that happens, you can add more. Some water-based lubes can feel sticky as they dry, so it may take a little experimenting to find one you like.

Water-based lube is a good choice for:

• Latex condoms
• Internal condoms
• Dental dams
• Most toys
• Quick cleanup
• General safer sex kits

Silicone-Based Lube
Silicone-based lube tends to last longer than water-based lube. It can be especially useful for anal sex or longer sessions because it does not dry out as quickly. It is also generally compatible with latex condoms.

However, silicone-based lube may damage some silicone sex toys, so check the toy instructions before using them together. When in doubt, use water-based lube with toys.

Silicone-based lube is a good choice for:

• Longer-lasting lubrication
• Anal sex
• Latex condoms
• Water play, since it does not rinse away as quickly
• People who find water-based lube dries too fast

Oil-Based Lube
Oil-based products can feel slick and long-lasting, but they come with an important warning: oil-based lubricants should not be used with latex condoms. Oil can weaken latex and increase the chance of breakage. CDC guidance specifically warns that oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly and body lotions can weaken latex condoms.

Oil-based products may include:

• Petroleum jelly
• Baby oil
• Coconut oil
• Body lotion
• Massage oil
• Some moisturizers
• Cooking oils

Oil-based lube may be used for some kinds of external massage or solo play, but it is not the right choice with latex condoms, latex dental dams, or latex gloves. It may also be harder to clean and may irritate some bodies.

Lube and Anal Sex
Anal sex usually needs lube because the anus does not self-lubricate the same way a vagina may. More lube can mean more comfort and less friction. Water-based and silicone-based lubes are commonly used with condoms. Go slowly, communicate, and stop if there is pain. Discomfort is not a requirement, and “just push through it” is not a safer-sex strategy.

Lube and Dental Dams
Lube can also be used with dental dams. CDC guidance for dental dams recommends water-based or silicone-based lubricant to help prevent breakage.

Choosing the Right Lube
A few tips from the chapel of common sense:

• Use water-based lube if you want the most versatile option.
• Use silicone-based lube if you want something longer-lasting.
• Avoid oil-based lube with latex condoms, latex gloves, or latex dental dams.
• Check labels for condom compatibility.
• Avoid products that burn, sting, or irritate.
• Be cautious with heavily scented, flavored, warming, cooling, or numbing products.
• If irritation happens, stop using the product and consider talking with a healthcare provider.

Lube is not a sign that something is wrong. It is not only for older people. It is not only for anal sex. It is not a backup plan. Lube is a tool for comfort, pleasure, and safer sex.

Use it generously. Store it wisely. Share the knowledge freely.

The Sisters approve of less friction in all areas of life.