Silicone Vs. Water-Based Lube: Which Is Better?

Silicone Lube

Silicone lube is a personal lubricant made from a blend of silicone oils, more precisely, polydimethylsiloxane, known as dimethicone polymer. Silicone lube is thicker and more slippery than other lube types, and it has a transparent or whitish appearance, as well as a thick consistency. It is waterproof and does not dry out, which makes it suitable to use when having sex in water, like a shower, bathtub, or pool. Silicone lube also does not dry out, and you don’t need to reapply it as often as you would water-based lube.

There are downsides to using silicone lube. Silicone is not compatible with silicone toys, as it can damage their surface. Silicone lubes are compatible with glass or metal sex toys and are safe for skin-on-skin contact. Also, silicone stains sheets and clothes and is not easy to wash away, so we recommend you use specialized sheets for sex. The silicone lube can also be difficult to wash from the skin and may leave an unpleasant residue. It is also tricky to clean from other surfaces like the floor.

Who Can Use Silicone Lube?

We recommend silicone personal lubricant for people who want long-lasting lube with excellent lubricity that performs well during intense sexual activities. It is perfect for anal sex plays and when using metal dildos or glass butt plugs. We don’t recommend it for vaginal play, and it is not compatible with silicone toys.

Water-Based Lube

Water-based lube is, as the name says – lube that is based on water. It, however, has other ingredients in it, like thickeners, aloe vera extract, and even fragrances. Still, it is a very thin, runny, transparent liquid that is very similar in look and feel to the natural lubrication produced by the vagina. It works very well for people with sensitive skin and people who are prone to yeast infections, vaginosis, and UTIs, but we recommend you look for a fragrance-free option.

The water-based lube is non-staining and is effortless to wash from skin, sheets, and other surfaces. Water-based lube is compatible with all sex toy materials and works excellently with silicone dildos and condoms. However, it gets absorbed in the skin, so you may need to reapply it several times during play. You also can’t use it when playing in the water, as it gets dissolved and becomes ineffective.

Who Can Use Water-Based Lube?

We recommend water-based lube for people who want a thin, runny lube that looks like the body’s natural lubricant. It is very suitable for vaginal intercourse, and it pairs well with silicone dildos and vibrators and works great with condoms.

Water-based or Silicone-based Lube: How to choose?

When choosing between silicone and water-based lube, you must consider your preferences, needs, and sexual activities. If you want a long-lasting lube with increased lubricity and intense sensation, silicone lube may be a good choice. If you want a thin and runny lube similar to the natural wetness of the vagina, the water-based lube may be the best fit.

However, if you want to use sex toys in your games, then you must consider lube and sex toy compatibility. The same goes for condoms, as silicone and oil lubricants will damage the condoms and potentially ruin your experience. If you have silicone toys, then the safe route is to use water-based lube, which does not interact with the silicone coating. On the other hand, silicone lube can damage silicone toys, so never combine these two.

We hope we have answered the dilemma of which lube to use in what situation. If you are after long-lasting lubrication for skin-to-skin contact, then use silicone lube, and if you want to use toys or condoms, then we recommend you only use water-based lubes. Please check out our blog, where we have a long list of helpful guides, and browse our sex toy store, where we carry a broad range of personal lubricants, as well as a variety of vibrators, dildos, male toys, anal toys, BDSM gear and so much more.

FAQs

What is lube used for?

Personal lube is primarily used to reduce friction and increase comfort during sexual activities. You can use lube during masturbation, during penetrative vaginal or anal sex, and when using various sex toys.

Can we use coconut oil as lube for sex?

Coconut oil is a safe, natural option that you can use as lube, as it can help with vaginal dryness and reduce friction. Still, not all coconut oil is as safe as lube; we recommend you stay away from processed and bleached coconut oils. Instead, get unrefined oil, keep it in a small glass jar, and only use it for sex play.

What household items can we use instead of lube?

While we recommend you only use special lubes for sex, when you are in a bind, you can use olive oil, coconut oil, or aloe vera gel as lube. Still, you should not combine these with sex toys or condoms, as these are not compatible with many materials and can increase the risk of vaginal infection.

Can we use baby oil as lube?

Baby oil is made from mineral oils, and it can be safely used as a skin moisturizer; we do not recommend it as sex lube. The mineral oils in baby oil will break down condoms and significantly increase the risk of vaginal infection.