If you landed on this page, you probably have many questions about using lubricant with sex toys.
Is lube really necessary? What’s its purpose and which one should you choose? Don’t worry, I’ll answer all these questions and help you choose the right product.
There are so many sex lubes on the market that beginners can get confused. I’ve got you covered! After reading this article, you’ll know which lubes are compatible with your toys and which one you should choose.
- Why Should You Use Lube With Sex Toys
- Does Lube Degrade or Damage Sex Toys?
- Silicone Sex Toys
- PVC/TPE/TPR/Cyberskin Sex Toys
- Latex Sex Toys
- Lubricants Produced by Your Body – Are They Good Enough For Sex Toys?
- How to Pick a Lubricant
- Types of Lubricants
- Water-based Lubricants
- Warming/cooling lubes
- Edible lubes
- Silicone-based Lubes
- Hybrid Lubes
- Oil-based Lubes
- Top Lube Brands
- Our Top Picks For Sex Toy Lube
- Best Organic/Eco-Friendly Lube For Sex Toys
- Are Organic/Eco-Friendly Lubes Body-Safe?
- Things To Avoid When Using Lube With Sex Toys
Why Should You Use Lube With Sex Toys
Seriously, have you ever tried using sex toys without lube?
You can choose the best, softest sex toy material around, but without lube, you won’t get the most out of your vibrator. At worst, using it will be uncomfortable. After all, a sex toy doesn’t produce natural lubrication as a real penis or vagina does.
At best, it won’t be as pleasurable as you expected. Dryness is the worst enemy of pleasure. Without the right amount of wetness, the toy just creates friction against your private parts without creating the right stimulation.
The same applies to real penises and vaginas. You don’t have to suffer from vaginal dryness to introduce lube in your bedroom. When things become more slippery, the penis creates less friction inside the vagina and can glide more freely to reach the most sensitive spots.
Are you experiencing trouble getting an orgasm? Try a basic water-based lube, you’ll thank me later!
Does Lube Degrade or Damage Sex Toys?
It depends on the type of lube you’re using and the materials of your sex toy. Let’s explore the different toy materials and their compatibility with lubes.
Silicone Sex Toys
Do not use silicone-based lube with silicone toys! The silicone contained in the lubricant can degrade the material of your toy, creating a sticky patch that won’t go away even after repeated washing.
This is even more important as silicone toys tend to be costly. Stick to your usual water-based lube!
Some hybrid lubes — but not all — are compatible with silicone sex toys. I always recommend doing a patch test, just like you would do with a new face serum or mask. Apply a small amount of hybrid lubricant in a hidden area of the toy and let it on for a few minutes, then rinse off.
PVC/TPE/TPR/Cyberskin Sex Toys
These materials are intended to look and feel exactly like human skin. They can warm to your body temperature for a hyper-realistic feel. However, they tend to be delicate.
Stick to water-based lubricants when using these toys. After washing the toy, never forget to coat it with a generous dose of a specific powder, like the Fleshlight Renewer Powder. This way, the material of the toy will stay soft and won’t become sticky.
Here’s a simple trick to recognize TPE, TPR, PVC, and Cyberskin (aside from reading on the packaging of the toy, of course!). Most toys marketed as hyper-realistic come in these materials, so you can’t go wrong?
Latex Sex Toys
This also applies to latex condoms. You can use water-based, silicone, or hybrid lubes, but don’t attempt to put anything oily on your latex object. Avoid oil-based lubes, coconut oil, baby oil, body lotion, and hand lotion.
Anything that contains oily substances can break down latex and ruin your sex toy. Or cause your condom to break during intercourse, which is something you definitely want to avoid.
Not to mention the dangers of putting on your private parts something that is meant for other body parts. The mucous membranes of your vagina or penis have a different pH than the skin of your body. Body lotions, hand lotions, and baby oil can disrupt the pH of your intimate parts causing a variety of problems.
Lubricants Produced by Your Body – Are They Good Enough For Sex Toys?
Sorry but no. Think about it a little bit. When you have sexual intercourse with a human being, both the penis and the vagina (or the two vaginas, or the two penises) produce natural lubrication. Right?
The same should happen when you play with a sex toy. If you produce natural lubrication and your toy doesn’t, very probably there is not enough wetness.
Even if you’re comfortable using your toy without lube, you’re not getting the most of it. Add a tiny drop of lube and you’ll instantly find it more pleasurable!
Oh, and don’t forget that the anus does not produce natural lubrication at all. I strongly advise against trying to insert a dry sex toy in there!
How to Pick a Lubricant
Sex is not one-size-fits-all. Therefore, the lube recommended by your friends or a popular website might not work for you.
There is nothing like trial and error to find the right lubricant for your needs. I’d recommend buying single-use packets from different brands and trying them all. This way, you’ll be able to discover which lubes work for your body.
It’s important that you consider the material of the toys you’re going to use the lube with. If you’re mostly going to use silicone or Cyberskin toys, skip the silicone-based lube and choose a water-based formula.
If you want to use the lube with a partner and you suffer from vaginal dryness or discomfort, a silicone-based lube is your best bet.
If you have sensitive skin, make sure to read the ingredient list carefully and choose a glycerin- and paraben-free formula. If you suffer from Candida, ask your doctor before buying a lube, but a glycerin-free formula should be a safe option.
Types of Lubricants
There are countless types of lubricants on the market. Here’s a short guide to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Water-based Lubricants
These are the bread-and-butter of great sex! Their water-based formula won’t stain clothes or bed sheets, and that’s why most people love them!
Modern water-based lube formulas are non-sticky. There is a huge variety of water-based lubes available, so you can try something different every time you’re up for a sexy time:
Warming/cooling lubes
Most warming lubes contain very small doses of capsaicin, an active principle contained in chili peppers. Capsaicin creates a sensation of warmth on the skin.
On the other hand, most cooling lubes contain menthol, which is responsible for the cooling effect. Whatever type you choose, the small temperature change will make your private parts more sensitive and responsive to sexual pleasure.
Edible lubes
Strawberry, cherry, banana, chocolate… You can find edible lubes in any flavor. These are great for couple play. They encourage oral exploration of each other’s bodies and can make oral sex more pleasurable to people who don’t like it much.
Silicone-based Lubes
Silicone-based lubricants contain the same silicones used in high-end cosmetics, such as dimethicone.
Have you ever tried a face primer underneath your foundation? Those dimethicone-based primers smooth fine lines effectively and create a film on the skin, which acts as an even base for your make-up.
Basically, a classic silicone lubricant does the same thing. It creates a super-smooth film on your private parts, so a penis or toy can enter easily and give you enhanced pleasure.
These lubes are water-resistant. Try them in the shower, it will be super fun! They tend to last much longer than water-based lubes, so you won’t have to reapply them as often.
Hybrid Lubes
These lubes are both water-based and silicone-based, so they offer the best of both worlds. They tend to last longer than regular water-based lubes but they’re thinner and lighter than most silicone-based ones.
Oil-based Lubes
Oil-based lubes are not that common nowadays because they’ve been replaced by effective and latex-friendly silicone formulas. Most oil-based lubes have a butter-like texture and are intended for anal use, if not for extreme sex acts like fisting.
Top Lube Brands
There are so many lube brands out there that choosing the right one might be challenging. Here, I listed my favorite ones. They never let me down so I strongly recommend them!
- Pjur. This German brand produces some of the best anal lubricants on the market. They tend to cost a little more than those from other brands but they’re worth every penny. All silicone-based and water-based formulas are long-lasting and non-sticky.
- Lovehoney. Are you looking for lubes with a good quality/price ratio? If so, Lovehoney might be the best brand for you. This UK-based brand offers playful lubes in many flavors, including watermelon, bubblegum, and birthday cake! The brand also offers effective anal lubes.
- System JO. Most flavored lube brands offer a limited range of flavors: strawberry, cherry, and chocolate. System JO, instead, offers a huge variety of unique lube flavors. From Hazelnut Espresso to Raspberry Sorbet, you’ll truly be able to surprise your partner!
Our Top Picks For Sex Toy Lube
Do you still need help finding the right lubricant for your needs? Don’t worry, here’s a list of my favorite ones!
Like all sex-related things, choosing the right lube is subjective. The products I rave about may not work for you and vice versa. Still, this list contains only high-quality lubes with body-safe formulas and long-lasting properties.
Sliquid Sassy
Latex, rubber, plastic & silicone toy friendly
Non-staining, unflavored and unscented
Uniquely blended to emulate your body’s own natural lubrication
Überlube
No stains, easy to clean
Long-lasting lube
Latex compatible
Wicked Jelle
Latex Friendly & Long Lasting
Enhanced with Olive Leaf Extract
Vegan: No Animal by-products or testing
Pjur Aqua
Dermatologically tested
Non-irritating
Vegan
This list is definitely a good place to start when you’re hunting for your next favorite lubricant:
- Sliquid Sassy. This popular water-based lube is marketed for anal sex because it has an ultra-thick texture. However, you can use it for vaginal play as well. It’s water-based, so it’s compatible with all types of sex toys. Its formula is free from glycerin and sugar derivatives to help prevent the risk of Candida infections.
- Uberlube. This is hands-down the best silicone-based lube on the market. It has a very simple ingredient list, with few ingredients and the addition of vitamin E to nourish the skin. It’s incredibly long-lasting and its silky formula makes it a great choice for sensual massage. Avoid using it with silicone sex toys.
- Wicked Jelle. Yes, the famous pornographic film studio has its own lube brand! The Jelle lube contains bio-static olive leaf extract, a powerful ingredient that makes it super long-lasting. This water-based lube is a great choice to play with butt plugs and anal dildos.
- Pjur Aqua. The Pjur Aqua lube has one of the most long-lasting water-based formulas on the market. It’s dermatologically tested and non-irritating. Plus, it’s vegan and paraben-free to help prevent allergic reactions. There’s nothing not to like about it!
Best Organic/Eco-Friendly Lube For Sex Toys
The Sliquid brand makes the best organic and eco-friendly sex lubricants on the market. Products from this brand are recommended by many relationship specialists and sexologists.
All lubricants from the brand come in recyclable bottles. They contain aloe vera and other botanical extracts meant to soothe and moisturize the skin.
Are Organic/Eco-Friendly Lubes Body-Safe?
Of course! Most organic and eco-friendly lubricants on the market are body-safe and won’t disrupt the pH of your vagina or penis. The shorter the ingredient list, the healthier the product is!
Things To Avoid When Using Lube With Sex Toys
Using lube with your sex toys may seem pretty straightforward, but there are a few rules you must follow for a pleasurable experience. Here are the don’ts of sex lubricants:
- Using too little water-based lube. While a drop of silicone-based lube goes a long way, you’ll need to apply a more generous dose of water-based lube for the best comfort.
- Not washing the sex toy after use. Lubricant residues aren’t good for your sex toy. If silicone or Cyberskin materials stay damp after playtime, bacteria and mold can quickly build up. Wash your toy well after use and pat it dry with a lint-free towel.
- Using silicone-based lube with silicone or Cyberskin toys. We’ve already said that doing this may damage your costly vibrator. It’s a simple rule, but remember to follow it at all times!
- Using oil-based lubricants with latex condoms. With all the types of latex-friendly lubricants available, there are no excuses! Read carefully the label to learn whether your lube is condom-safe or not. When in doubt, just use a water-based lubricant!
Now, you know everything about using a sex lube with your adult toys. Are you ready to make your playtime even sexier?
