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Lubricants

Types of Lubricants

There are many types of lubricants out there. Some are made for that purpose and some offer lubrication despite a different original use. Each kind of lubricant has its own pros and cons, and some their own range of health implications depending upon the person and situation. Here we will be covering lubricants that can and have been used for sexual interactions, particularly vaginal, anal, and toy use. When in doubt choose a lubricant type that best matches your own preferences and/or bodily needs. Learn a bit more about each type below:

Water Based

Easily the most popular commercial lubricant available, water based lubricant can also be considered the most versatile. As the name implies, it is formulated around water combined with a humectant to keep things wet and/or gelling agent to thicken. There are huge a variety of products available in this category and most people's first experience buying a lubricant is water based.

Benefits of water based lubricant:

- To meet varying preferences and uses (like anal or toys), it can come in a wide range of viscosities ranging from liquid to thick gels

- Is the closest match for the feel of natural vaginal lubrication

- Being water soluble, it cleans off and out of the body, surfaces, and fabrics easily

- It is very neutral with other materials and is compatible with all toys and condoms

- Compared to other commercial lubricants on the shelves, it is the least costly

- Has a relatively neutral flavor and comes in many different flavored versions

Negatives of water based lubricant:

- Being based on water, evaporation and absorption can result in a residual stickiness (depending on the formula)

- Because of the above it does not last as long as its other commercial lubes like silicone or oil

- Certain humectants and preservatives can irritate sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions in some people

- Often has a shorter shelf life than other lubricants

Hybrid

A hybrid lubricant is as it sounds, a lubricant that brings together two or more standalone types into one formula. This is done to bring together the preferred qualities of the component lubricants. For example, the most popular hybrid is a water-based lubricant containing silicone. It takes the natural feel of a water-based lubricant and makes it last longer and feel silkier with the added silicone. There are other formulas that utilize a water-based with various other natural oils and creams.

Benefits of hybrid lubricant:

- Last longer than a standard water-based lubricant.

- Maintains a thicker, more natural lubrication feel

- Usually associated with a "silkier" smooth feeling from the added silicone or oils

- Depending on individual preferences, the creamy white appearance is visually appealing and can also act as the fluid in semen play (ex: squirting dildos)

Negatives of hybrid lubricant:

- Usually the added silicone or oils is not significant enough to affect toys, but recommended to spot test compatibility if not otherwise stated by the manufacturer

- Contain more ingredients than either standalone water-based, silicones, or oils, increasing possibility of a reaction or irritation

Silicone

Silicone personal lubricants are the second most popular lubricant behind water based. They are created through an intense process that combines powered silicon with methyl chloride and then reacting with water to remove the chlorine. The resulting "silicones" are used in a multitude of ways ranging from kitchen utensils, caulks, cosmetics, and sexual lubricants. Silicone personal lubricants are thin, ultra slippery and last a long time. Check the pros and cons below:

Benefits of silicone lubricant:

- Are often ultra thin, though silicone gels are available (just not nearly as popular).

- Lasts a very long time, especially compared to water based lubricants.

- Since they contain no water (hence lasting a long time) they never become sticky and slowly dissipate.

- Are hydrophobic (repel water) and can be used in shower and other water environments.

- Silicone lube also works very well as a massage "oil" as it does not absorb and remains slippery for long periods of time.

- Considered hypoallergenic and recommended for very sensitive skins.

Negatives of silicone lubricant:

- Do not wash off or out of the body as easily as water based (same applies to fabrics).

- Silicone lubricants are not compatible with all soft toy materials.

- Cost quite a bit more than other lubricants though very little goes a long way.

Natural Oils

Natural oil lubricants include any lubricant that contains any of a large variety of vegetable or seed oils including (but not limited to) coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, and vegetable shortening (Crisco), Natural oils are very long lasting lubricants but one should be aware that oil is not always the best choice in some circumstances.

Benefits of natural oils:

- Last longer and are thicker than most personal lubricants, making them ideal for penis masturbation or anal sex

- Widely available and in non-sexual packaging and locations (supermarket)

- Some, like coconut oil, have antibacterial qualities

- Provide skin moisturizing, depending on the oil

- Also excellent for massage or frottage (rubbing genitals on other external body parts)

Negatives of natural oils:

- Oils degrade latex, the most common material used for condoms (do NOT combine)

- Difficult to clean out or off the body and may stain some fabrics

- Presents an elevated allergy concern since they are from natural/plant sources

- Often have scent that may not be desired

- Since often sold in forms intended for other purposes than sex, be sure the oil you choose does not have added ingredients (ex: sugar) that may cause irritation or, worse, infections

Petrolatum Based

As it sounds like, petrolatum (petroleum jellies) are derived from the process of refining crude oil. Leftover hydrocarbon compounds are further refined to create the end product. One of the most prominent examples that most of us are familiar with is Vaseline. Petroleum jellies are extremely durable, long lasting, thick/protective, and widely available. The use of petroleum based lubricants for internal use is often discouraged, but it can be useful for some other activities.

Benefits of petroleum lubricant:

- Very long lasting and soft feeling lubricant

- Its durability and thickness make it suited to high friction activities like penis stroking, massage, or anal

- Does not absorb into skin

- Has a longer shelf life compared to water based or natural oils

- In pure form petrolatum is colorless (sometimes lightly yellow), odorless, and tasteless

Negatives of petroleum lubricant:

- Not condom compatible, will degrade and cause tears

- Difficult to wash off or out of the body and fabrics

- Use with caution for vaginal intercourse lubrication

- Products containing petroleum jellies were never intended for internal use, so it is advised to inspect for other ingredients that may cause reactions

Other Lubricants

There many other lubricant sources that people have used, or can use, for sexual activity. Not all are recommended over products designed for sex, or at least approved for sex. Some are just Here are some examples and our recommendations to use or avoid:

Saliva - A handy, easy source of "lubrication", many of us have turned to this natural supply without thinking. Yes, saliva CAN be used as a lubricant but it makes a relatively poor one. Its biggest downfall is it dries quickly and combined with its natural composition can irritate the very tissue we are trying to lubricate. More concerning is that saliva is can also transmit STI's. If you able, find something else to use as a lube before resorting to spit.
Butter - Butter just looks like it would make a good lubricant and no doubt it has been used as one. However, butter is a dairy product which carries all kinds of risks ranging from negative bacterial interactions to spoilage. Find something else and leave the butter for spreading or cooking.
Lotion - Some sort of lotion or moisturizer exist in near every household. This makes it a tempting lubricant due to its abundance and non-sexual intent. It may work well as a penis owner masturbatory aid, but is not recommended for internal use. There are far more ingredients to create reactions and it is intended to absorb versus lubricate.
Cooking oils - See "Natural Oils". A lot of the oils we use in our kitchen (ex: coconut, olive) are no different from the very lube oils we are referring to. The best advice is to be sure the oil has not had any other additives that create reaction or irritation concerns. Most of the time, if it is OK to eat, it is OK as a lube.

Aloe Vera

The famed succulent whose gel is known for its topical uses to soothe burns and irritated skin. The gel drained from its leaves also has lubricating qualities with the added bonus of moisturization and soothing effects. It is found in a wide variety of topical products and is even used orally to treat some conditions (more research is needed on that front).

Benefits of aloe vera lubricant:

- A natural, plentiful and widely cultivated source

- Has inherent moisturizing and soothing/healing qualities

- Being water soluble, it cleans off and out of the body, surfaces, and fabrics easily

- Compatible with condoms (except polyurethane) and edible

- Similar pH to vagina

Negatives of aloe vera lubricant:

- Absorbs and dissipates relatively quickly compared to other lubricants

- Thinner viscosity makes it a less ideal anal lube

- Possibility of allergic reaction

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