Lube is one of the simplest ways to make sex, masturbation and toy play more comfortable, and it’s often the most overlooked item in someone’s bedside drawer. But not every lubricant works with every toy or condom. Choosing the wrong one can damage your favourite toy or weaken a condom. This guide explains the main types of lube, what each is best for, which products they’re compatible with and how to choose the right one for you.
If you’re shopping for your first toy at the same time, our
beginner’s guide to buying your first sex toy covers materials and care alongside lube.
Why use lube at all?
Lube reduces friction, and friction is the main cause of discomfort, chafing and small tears during sex and toy play. Natural lubrication varies from person to person and day to day. It’s affected by arousal, stress, hydration, hormones, the menstrual cycle, breastfeeding, menopause and many common medications, including some antidepressants, antihistamines and hormonal contraceptives. Needing lube is normal and has nothing to do with how turned on you are.
Lube matters even more in certain situations. The anus doesn’t produce its own lubrication, so lube is essential for any anal play. Condoms also tend to feel better and are less likely to break when there’s enough lubrication. And many sex toys, especially insertable ones, glide far more comfortably with a little lube than without it.
Lube compatibility at a glance
| Lube type | Silicone toys | Glass, metal and ABS toys | Latex condoms |
|---|
| Water-based | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Silicone-based | Not recommended | Yes | Yes |
| Oil-based | Check the toy’s instructions | Yes | No |
| Hybrid | Patch test first | Yes | Check the label |
The main types of lube
Water-based lube
Water-based lubricant is the most versatile and beginner-friendly option. It’s safe to use with every toy material, including silicone, and with every type of condom. It feels natural, washes off skin and sheets with just water, and won’t leave stubborn stains.
The trade-off is that water-based lube is absorbed by the skin and evaporates, so you may need to reapply it during longer sessions. A few drops of water or a little more lube will usually bring it back to life. Formulas range from thin and liquid to thick gels. Thinner lubes feel closest to natural lubrication, while thicker gels last longer and are popular for anal play.
Some water-based lubes contain glycerin, which adds slip and a slightly sweet taste. People who are prone to thrush or vaginal irritation sometimes find glycerin-free formulas more comfortable. If you’ve had irritation from a lube before, check the ingredients and try a simpler formula.
Silicone-based lube
Silicone-based lubricant is long-lasting and extremely slippery. It isn’t absorbed by the skin, so a small amount goes a long way and rarely needs reapplying. It’s also waterproof, which makes it the best choice for sex in the shower, bath or spa, where water-based lube would rinse away. Many people prefer it for anal play because it stays slick for longer.
Silicone lube is compatible with latex condoms, but it isn’t recommended with silicone toys. Silicone can bond with silicone, which may make a toy’s surface sticky, tacky or uneven over time and ruin its finish. It’s fine with glass, stainless steel and hard plastic toys. Silicone lube needs soap and water to wash off, it can stain some fabrics, and spills make floors and bath surfaces dangerously slippery, so wipe them up straight away.
Oil-based lube
Oil-based products include purpose-made oil lubes, coconut oil and
massage oils. They’re rich, long-lasting and feel luxurious, which makes them popular for massage and for penis masturbation, where staying power matters.
The key rule is that oil breaks down latex condoms, and it can weaken them enough to fail without you noticing. If you rely on condoms for contraception or STI protection, don’t use oil-based products with latex condoms. Some people also find that oil-based products increase their risk of vaginal irritation or infections, and oil is harder to wash off skin, toys and sheets. For most people, oil-based lube is best kept for external use and massage.
Hybrid lube
Hybrid lubes blend a water base with a small amount of silicone. They aim to combine the easy clean-up of water-based lube with the longer-lasting glide of silicone, and they often have a creamy texture. Because they contain silicone, test a hybrid on a small, hidden area of a silicone toy before using it all over. Check the label for condom compatibility.
Specialty lubes
Beyond the main bases, there’s a wide range of lubes designed for specific experiences:
- Warming lubes: warming lubricants create a gentle heating sensation on contact with skin or when you blow on them. They’re best tried externally first, as the sensation can be stronger on sensitive areas.
- Cooling lubes: cooling lubricants use ingredients such as menthol for a tingling, cooling effect. Some people love them, while others find them too intense, so start with a small amount.
- Flavoured lubes: flavoured lubricants are designed for oral sex. Some contain sugars or sweeteners, so check the label before using one internally, especially if you’re prone to thrush.
- Anal lubes: these are usually thicker and longer-lasting to provide extra cushioning. Avoid numbing or desensitising anal products. Pain during anal play is your body’s signal to slow down or stop, and masking it increases the risk of injury.
How to choose the right lube
Match it to your toys
If you mainly use silicone toys, which most modern vibrators and plugs are, water-based lube is the safest choice. If you’re not sure what a toy is made from, check the product listing or the packaging, or use water-based lube until you know. Our guide to the
types of vibrators explains which materials are common in each style.
Match it to your condoms
Water-based and silicone-based lubes are safe with latex, polyisoprene and polyurethane
condoms. Oil-based products are not safe with latex or polyisoprene condoms. Many condoms come pre-lubricated, but adding a little extra lube can improve comfort and reduce the risk of breakage.
Match it to the activity
For general use, a thin water-based lube is a great all-rounder. For anal play, choose a thicker water-based gel or a silicone lube that won’t dry out quickly. For water play, silicone is the clear winner. For massage, oil-based products work beautifully, as long as no latex condoms are involved. For oral sex, choose a flavoured or unflavoured lube that’s labelled safe to taste.
Consider sensitivities
If you have sensitive skin, allergies or a history of irritation, read the ingredient list carefully. Some people react to fragrances, flavours, warming or cooling agents, glycerin or certain preservatives. Before using a new lube intimately, do a patch test: apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist or elbow and wait to see if any redness or itching develops. Stop using any product that causes irritation, and see a GP or sexual health clinic if symptoms continue.
How to use lube
Start with a small amount, about the size of a coin, and add more as needed. It’s very hard to use too much, but easy to use too little. Warm the lube between your fingers first if you don’t like the cool sensation. Apply it to the toy, the condom or the body, or all three, and reapply whenever things start to feel dry or draggy. Saliva is not a good substitute: it dries quickly and doesn’t provide enough slip, particularly for anal play.
After use, wipe off any excess and clean your toys as usual. Water-based lube rinses off easily, while silicone and oil-based lubes need warm water and mild soap or a dedicated
toy cleaner.
Storing your lube
Keep lube in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, with the lid firmly closed. Check the expiry date. Lube that has changed colour, smell or texture, or has separated, should be thrown away. For travel, single-use
lubricant sachets are lightweight, discreet and airline-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best lube for beginners?
A water-based lube is the best place to start. It’s safe with all toys and condoms, easy to clean up and gentle for most people. Once you know what you like, you can explore silicone, hybrid or specialty formulas.
Can I use silicone lube with silicone toys?
It’s not recommended. Silicone lube can react with silicone toys and damage their surface over time. If you really want to try it, test a small amount on the base of the toy and check it after a day. Some toy makers state whether their products are compatible, so check the instructions too.
Is coconut oil a good lube?
Coconut oil is popular for external use and massage, but it breaks down latex condoms and may cause irritation for some people when used internally. If you use condoms, choose a water-based or silicone-based lube instead.
What is the best lube for anal?
A thick water-based gel or a silicone-based lube is usually best, as both provide long-lasting glide. Use plenty, reapply often and avoid numbing products.
Can lube help with vaginal dryness?
Yes, lube can make sex much more comfortable when natural lubrication is low. If dryness is ongoing or painful, or linked to menopause, pregnancy or medication, it’s worth speaking with your GP, as other treatments may help as well.
Find the right formula in our full range of
lubricants, from everyday water-based gels to silicone, warming and flavoured options.
