Types of Lube
Here’s a breakdown of different kinds of lubes
Water-based lube
What are the benefits of using water-based lubes?
Safe to use with almost all condoms, including latex, female, and non-latex condoms
Easy to wash off and will not stain your sheets
Cheaper and easier to find in stores than other lubes
Can be used with sex toys
What are some possible downsides of using water-based lubes?
Dries out quickly so you have to reapply it often during sex
Silicone-based lube
What are the benefits of using silicone-based lubes?
Safe to use with latex, female, and non-latex condoms
Doesn’t dry out easily, so you don’t have to reapply it
What are some possible downsides of using silicone-based lubes?
Stickier than water-based lubes
Damages silicone sex toys
Harder to wash off
Stains clothes and sheets
Oil-based lube
What are the benefits of using oil-based lubes?
Doesn’t dry out easily, so you don’t have to reapply it
What are some possible downsides of using oil-based lubes?
Are not safe to use with latex condoms or polyisoprene condoms
Cannot be used with latex sex toys
Stains clothes and sheets
Examples: coconut oil, vaseline, lotions, baby oil
We do NOT recommend using oil-based lubes.
Instead, use water-based or silicone-based lubes because these are safe to use with almost any condom.
When buying condoms and lubes, get into the habit of checking the labels to:
Make sure you have the right condom material and type of lube
Make sure the condom protects against HIV and STIs (not all condoms do!)