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Lube Guide

By the Holdure team · Updated · 2 min read

Most personal lubricants fall into three main types: water-based, silicone-based and oil-based, with hybrids that blend water and silicone. The base decides how long a lube lasts, how easily it washes off, and whether it’s compatible with condoms and toys.

The four bases at a glance

BaseFeel and clean-upLatex condomsToys
Water-basedThe most common type. Washes off easily and doesn’t stain fabric, but dries faster, so you may need to reapply.CompatibleCompatible with every material
Silicone-basedLasts longer and doesn’t rinse away in water, which makes it a common choice for the shower or bath. Harder to wash off and can stain sheets.CompatiblePlanned Parenthood advises against using it on silicone toys
HybridA blend of water-based and silicone-based ingredients.Check the labelCheck the label
Oil-basedUsually lasts longest; often used for massage.Not compatible: oil breaks down latexCheck the toy brand’s guidance

Lube and condoms

This is the rule health agencies agree on: with latex condoms, use water-based or silicone-based lube. The CDC, the NHS, the WHO and Cleveland Clinic all warn that oil-based products, including massage oils, body lotions, petroleum jelly and cooking oils, can weaken latex and cause a condom to break. In a 1989 lab study, 60 seconds of contact with mineral oil cut the strength of latex condoms by about 90%.

Oil also damages polyisoprene condoms. Polyurethane and other non-latex plastic condoms can generally be used with oil-based lube, but check the condom package to be sure.

Lube and toys

Water-based lube is a safe choice with any toy. Planned Parenthood advises against silicone lube on silicone toys unless the toy is covered with a condom, because the lube can react with the toy’s surface. Some lube and toy brands say particular combinations are fine; when they do, it’s printed on the product label, so check both labels.

Flavored, warming and cooling lubes

  • Flavored lube is made for oral sex. It’s usually water-based with sweeteners, and Scarleteen suggests keeping it to oral and external use.
  • Warming and cooling lubes are usually condom-compatible, but the ingredients that create the sensation can irritate genitals, and cooling or numbing products can stop you noticing that something hurts.

Reading the ingredients

If you’re prone to irritation, read the full ingredients list on the product page. A gynecologist quoted by Cleveland Clinic suggests avoiding scented lubes and those marketed as warming, cooling or tingling, and lists fragrances, glycerin, propylene glycol, chlorhexidine gluconate and spermicides among ingredients to avoid. If you have pain, irritation or other symptoms, talk to a doctor or nurse; lube is not a treatment.

Lube for anal play

The anus doesn’t make its own lubrication, so anal play needs plenty of lube. Thicker water-based gels and silicone lubes are popular; check the toy’s compatibility first. See our anal toys for beginners guide.

Choosing from our range

The lube collection includes water-based, silicone, hybrid, anal, flavored and fragrance-free formulas from brands such as pjur and Wicked. Each product page shows the brand’s own label information.

Sources