Water-based Lubes
Water-based lubes are the most popular category on the market. This is largely because of their no-brainer versatility. They’re condom safe, compatible with all sex toy materials, and water-soluble, which makes them a breeze to clean up. This same water-solubility also means that water-based lubricants are easily absorbed into the skin, and may require occasional reapplication to keep things moving. (Our water-based lube pick? Mood Water-Based Glide.)
Silicone-based Lubes
Silicone-based lubricants don’t dry out as quickly as water-based lubes. They are great for longer-lasting sexual encounters. They also have the advantage of being latex compatible and condom safe.
If it’s water-play you’re after, silicone-based lubes are the perfect pick. They will stay slick until soap is applied. It is generally recommended that you avoid using silicone lubes with silicone sex toys because the lube can degrade the silicone in the toy. (Our top silicone-based pick? Sliquid Silver Lubricant.)
Hybrid Lubes
Hybrid lubes are a blend of water- and silicone-based lubricants, and they have some of the best properties of each. They’re safe to use with condoms and are usually compatible with silicone sex toys (when in doubt, try doing a patch test first). Hybrids also last longer than regular, water-based lubricants and are more likely to stay slick underwater. (Our top hybrid lube pick? Bella Amore Passionale.)
Oil-based Lubes
Oil-based (AKA petroleum-based) lubricants can be great for male masturbation thanks to their thick and long-lasting properties; but they’re not ideal for internal use. That’s because oil-based lubes can cause irritation and promote bacterial growth in the vagina and rectal lining. Do not use oil-based with condoms or other latex barriers. They can cause the latex material to break down.
