How to Choose the Best Lube for Yourself
Lubricant is possibly one of the most useful sex accessories available. It is a liquid or gel that reduces unnecessary friction during intercourse, resulting in a more pleasant encounter. Almost every sexually active individual might benefit from keeping a reliable lubricant (or two or three) on hand. It's especially useful for vulva owners who are unable to create as much wetness as they would want, whether due to ageing, birth control, medicine, or something else.
Nowadays, there are a range of lubes with diverse functions, ranging from conventional friction-fighters to tingles, warming sensations, and more! There is no one-size-fits-all lubrication, so choose wisely based on your intended use. Some of the elements to consider are whether you'll use it alone or with a partner, if the sex will be penetration, and whether you want to use it with sex toys (and, if so, what material those sex toys are made of). This article will help you find out which lubricant is best for you!
Water-based
The most often used lubricant is water-based. The advantages of using water-based lubrication include cost and accessibility, quick cleanup from skin and clothing, and compatibility with condoms and all sex toy materials. In terms of downsides, water-based lubes penetrate into the skin faster than their equivalents, leaving some sticky residue (which can be problematic for individuals with sensory difficulties), so you may need to reapply more regularly. Additionally, search for water-based lubes with a low osmolality, which indicates they have a higher concentration of the substance and few to no chemical additives, because lubes with a high osmolality are more likely to cause irritation.
Oil-based
Oil-based lubricant is a particularly slippery, long-lasting choice that also works as a massage oil! The most essential caution is that it cannot be used with condoms since it degrades them. Another disadvantage is that they can discolour cloth.
Silicone-based
Silicone-based lubes are popular because they last the longest. They are also the most preferred lubrication for anal intercourse because of their long-lasting properties. They also withstand water, making them ideal for shower sex. Silicone, like water-based lubes, is safe for use with latex condoms. The disadvantages are that silicone lubricant is more difficult to remove from skin and fabric, more costly, and cannot be used with silicone-based sex toys since they deteriorate.
Hybrid lubricants
Hybrids are lubricants that combine silicone and water to increase their longevity. It will not harm silicone devices in the same way as pure silicone lube will, and it is also easier to clean up than silicone.
Sensory Lubricants
Sensory lubricants are lubes that are designed to make you experience a feeling such as warmth or tingling. They are a wonderful way to mix up your sex routine and try something new. However, the substances required to create the experience can occasionally be irritants (see components to avoid below), so keep an eye out for this.
Lubricant additives to avoid
For every healthy lubricant on the market, there are an equal amount of low-quality, irritant-filled lubes. When looking for the right lubrication, keep an eye on the components and avoid the following.
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- Glycerin
- Nonoxynol-9
- Petroleum
- Propylene Glycol
- Parabens (mostly methylparaben)
- Chlorhexidine Gluconate
- Diazolidinyl Urea.
- Polyquarternium-15
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On the subject of lubes to avoid, while you may be tempted to use household goods such as baby oil, olive oil, or Vaseline, stay away! Comedogenic products can cause skin irritation and/or infection, as well as alter the pH of the vagina. In a pinch, you can use coconut oil, but it should not be your first option because it has the aforementioned hazards.
Lube touches the most sensitive portions of your body, thus it's critical to pick a suitable, safe alternative for your lifestyle and anatomy. It may take some trial and error to find your favourite, but it is worth it! A decent lubrication may make all the difference and increase the pleasurability.