‘Learning About Lube’

Question:  I’ve never bought lube before. Partners of mine from the past either didn’t need it or already had it. Last time I went to the drugstore I stopped in the lube section but immediately got overwhelmed by the options. Is there a big difference between all the brands out there or are they pretty much all the same? I feel like I should have learned this at some point growing up but now I’m an adult and feel too embarrassed to ask a partner or friend. Thanks! -Anonymous

Answer: Hey, no need to feel embarrassed, there’s lots of different lubes on the market and it’s hard to know what the right choice is when you have so many options. Regardless of whether you or your partner need it, a good personal lubricant enhances your experience, making it even more pleasurable in most cases. Everybody can benefit from finding the right lube for them, but there isn’t any one-size-fits-all option. I’ll give you the rundown on lube basics here and if you want more personalized suggestions you can come into Self Serve and talk to a sex educator about what lube would work best for you.

Personal lubricants come in 3 categories based on their main ingredient: Water, Silicone, and Oil.

– Water-based lubes are the most versatile; they are latex (condoms, dental dams, etc.) safe, toy (silicone, plastic, jelly rubber) safe, and come in a variety of viscosities, consistencies, colors, and flavors! Water-based lubes, however, are not long-lasting and most often will need to be reapplied or rehydrated after prolonged use. Brands I recommend: Sutil, Sliquid, Wicked Simply

– Silicone-based lubes are great for anyone who wants a hypoallergenic option (make sure it is glycerin free) because many brands only have one or two liquid silicone ingredients and little to no fillers. It is also the longest-lasting personal lubricant option; it will stay put until you clean it up, so clean-up is a must! Silicone lube is latex (condoms, dental dams, etc.) safe but not safe on all toys. Use silicone lube on plastic, metal or glass toys but avoid using it with softer toy materials like silicone, jelly rubber, or CyberSkin. Brands I recommend: Uberlube, Sliquid

– Oil-based lubes are the most moisturizing and skin-nourishing option making them perfect for anyone with dry, damaged, thin, and/or sensitive skin due to allergies, hormones, radiation, medication, etc. Not to be confused with a jar of coconut oil from your pantry, oil-based personal lubricants will often have ultra-refined and filtered versions of the oils you use to cook, making them safe for sexual use. However, oil will break down latex, so it should never be used as a personal lubricant when using latex safer-sex barriers (condoms, dental dams, etc.). Brands I recommend: Foria, The Butters

No matter what lube you choose, avoid these common fillers that can be irritating to the skin, mucous membranes, and ph balance: glycerin, propylene glycol, petrolatum, nonoxynol-9, and parabens.

Visit us in person or at selfservetoys.com to view our selection of body-safe personal lubricants. If you need further assistance finding the best lube for your specific needs, our staff are all highly trained and ready to help!