My Girl Connections Guide to Lube
Lubricants are one of my most loved topic to discuss, not to mention some of my favorite products to own. This is a quick guide to cover the basic essentials, and information that should be considered before purchasing a lubricant.
Okay lets get started
Many people are led to believe that when women are aroused, their bodies naturally produce enough vaginal lubrication that they don’t need, or shouldn't need to use a lube. Natural lubrications follow hormonal fluctuations among other influences, and is not solely dependent on being aroused. Adding a lube as part of sexual play can decrease discomfort and pain from vaginal dryness, increase pleasure during toy or anal play, and be a way to experience new sensations. Lubricants can be a step in having a healthier and happier sex life.
There are many different styles of lubes to choose from, different brands, sensations, flavors, etc. It can feel overwhelming at first, but set aside brands and fancy features, and what you are left with is simply 3 different based lubricants. These 3 base types are as called:
Water-Based - Water, (Water soluble)
Silicone based - Silicone, (Not water soluble)
Oil Based - Oil, (Not water soluble)
These 3 main bases are important to know and consider when making your selection, as each one can be better equipped for assisting in comfort and satisfaction during different types of sexual play.
Questions to ask yourself when buying lube:
WHAT PART OF THE BODY IS THE LOBE BEING USED ON?
Is it going to be used for oral pleasure, intercourse, masturbation or both?
Is the lube compatible with condoms, skin, or latex latex products?
Will you be using this lube with silicone toys?
Below are the pros and cons of the lubricants. By answering the questions above and applying the information provided below, you will be able to find the best lube for every occasion.
Oil-Based lubricants: Oil-based is a bit outdated, and not widely used. It was used due to the fact oil is not water soluble. this means it does not absorb into the body or skin, and not dissolve in water. This provided a long lasting feel. Oil-base lube is not recommended for these reasons:
Pros
If you are a penis owner Oil-Base Lubricants can still be used as a long lasting option for solo masturbation.
Cons
Oil-Bases degrade Latex, which is the most common material use for condoms. This will increase the risk of condom breakage during intercourse. This also includes dental dams, diaphragms, glove and any rubber or silicone toy it comes in contact with.
Oil will not absorb into the body and can linger in the vagina, there is no way to be flushed out of the body, this can cause a variety of vaginal health issues for women, including PH imbalance, bacterial infections, irritation and sensitivity, and yeast infections. For many of the same reasons we do not recommend Oil-Bases to be used for anal play.
Because Oil-bases are not water soluble they can be extremely hard to clean up, and in most cases will can cause stains on sheets and clothing.
In conclusion, Oil-Base used to be the only option for long lasting lubrication, but the industry has evolved and there are so many healthier and safer options. Though you can still find products that are Oil-Based, other than personal prefer, there isn’t a benefit of using oil over an alternative lube such as silicone.
Silicone-Based lubrication: Silicone-Base lubricants are not water soluble, Meaning silicone lubes are long lasting, they do not absorb into the skin or body, and do not dissolve away in water. They have a sleek, oily, but non greasy consistency, that comes in a variety of thicknesses.get for tub/shower play, long lasting pleasure sessions, sensation play, annnd masturbating!
Pros
Silicone-Based lubes are completely safe to use with latex. most pre-lubricated condoms use a silicone lube. It is also safe to use with dental dams, diaphragms, and any other latex products.
Silicone Molecules are too large to be absorbed into the body so they are considered non toxic and though we do not recommend using silicone lubes for oral play, if it is ingested,even though it is not RECOMMENDED it will not cause harm.in light doses.
Silicone Lubes are taste-free
Slicone lubes do not contain water or glycerin. They stay slippery almost indefinitely. This makes silicone for getting wet and wild.
Because of it variations in thickness and long lasting properties, thick silicone Lube is often used for anal play, the thick consistency can provide an extra barrier and the feeling of comfort and aid in discomfort
Cons
Silicone lubricants do not interact well with rubber or cyber skin toys. If these toy materials come in contact with each other or silicone lube it can cause a chemical reaction that will effect the smooth surface of your toys. this reaction can cause them to feel sticky and look as if they were melted.
Silicone can be harder to clean off of the body and any surfaces it comes in contact with. You will need soapy water or a toy cleaner in order to remove the sleek feeling from the body, surfaces and toys.
In conclusion, Silicone Lubricants are an excellent choice for masturbation, intercourse, intamte massage/body sessions and water play. they do not absorb making them great for long play. Because Silicone Lubes come in a variety of thicknesses, youwont have to reaply as often as water-basd lube.silicone can provide extra comfort for anal play as well as helping vaginal pain and discomfort during intercourse. Silicone is latex and body safe. Though it is harder to clean up with water alone, using soap or a toy cleaner will affectively clean any residue left behind. Generally washes out of sheet and clothes and rarely stains.
Water-Based Lubricants: The all purpose lubricant, is the Water-based It is formulated to be nonirritating to genital tissues, tasteless, easy to clean up with just water and will never stain your clothes or sheets. Water-Based lube is water soluble, and will absorb and become sticky. Though many water-based lubes used to be made with Parabens and Glycerin, most are now Paraben and Glycerin free. Water-based lubes are less expensive, but the need to reapply during play is more frequent.when using water base have water near by to reactive lube as it starts the dry.
Pros
Water-Based Lubricants are safe to use with any toy, it will not breakdown silicone, rubber or cyber skin toy material.
Water-Based Lubricants are safe to use with latex, dental dams, diaphragms and any other latex products.
Women who are sensitive and reactions to silicone lubes can often times use a water-based lubricant without irritation.
Water-based lubricants will not stain sheets or clothing.
Water-Based lubricant is great for those who want to add lube to a toy or partner without feeling too “wet” or enjoy a little extra fiction.
Applying just touch of water to the area lube was used can reactivate it and will be come slippery again.
Cons
Water-based Lubricants are formulated with water, which absorbs into the skin within a short period of time once applied, often leaving the area feeling tacky or sticky. This can cause friction and discomfort, and will need to be reapplied more often.
Some water-based lubes can be stringier than others, and may form a long lasting residue on skin, hair and hands.
Because this type of lubricants can dry up quickly, it can have a tendency to “ball” up leaving little gooey balls of residue on the skin, clothes, sheets, and often inside. This can cause irritation and UTI’s for women.
In conclusion, Water-based lubricants are great to use when playing with toys, but can cause friction when used for massage or intercourse. This type of lube is less pricey, but needs to be reapplied during use and will need to be replaced more frequently. It is wate soluble making it easy to clean up, but not ideal for water play, sonce i will just wash away. This lube Can be used during solo masturbation, with or without toys.
Along with a simple water and silicone option, most brands also carry wide variety of lubes designed specifically for different play and sensitivities. Below are some examples of lube you may see while shopping for lube:
Flavored- Flavored lubes are water-based and are edible. Designed and most often used for oral sex, even thou it abosor s the mouth is wet and keeps it slick durning oral,
Make note and beware that oral body stimulation. Flavored lubricants are not recommended as a lube for intercourse or with women prone to UTI’s or yeast infections. Flavored lubes contain glycerin or sugar and can contribute to these infections. If you are looking for a Flavored lube we recommend Sliquid Swirl flavored lubes. This product is organic with amazing flavors that will have your taste buds dancing!
Pros: IF YOU FIND YOUR FLAVOR AND A A GOOD BRAND, this lube can take your body licking adventures to the next leve, did we mention the oral sex? Who doesnt want to lick and taste their favorite flavors off the favorite part!
Cons: that amazing taste comes from somewhere…. Glycerin the FANCY NAME for sugar. On the body no prob but some women get irritated its used for pussy play. So hard fun and explore that delicious foreplay, rinse and leave the rest to silicione!
Hybrid- This lubricant is made up of a silicone and water base mixture. This allows for the easy clean up of a water-base plu the longer lasting feature of silicone. This lube stays slicker longer but is still water soluble and can become tacky and sticky with time and friction. Should not be used with rubber, silicone, or cyber skin toys. Hybrid lube is safe to use with latex products.
PRO: who doesnt like the best of both worlds? Longer lasting that regular water-based with the easy clean up
Cons: we all know those balls of lube that find their way everywhere including that vulva it can take time to discharge and in the meantime be quite uncomfortable with infections, UTI’s and just plain irratation.
Anal- This Style of lubricant can be water-based or silicone based. This lube is typically has a thicker consistency than regular lube. This thicker consistency can provide comfort and an extra lasting barrier during anal play. Many popular brands add botanicals, such as jojoba extract to help aid in relaxation of anal muscle and sphincters sono geoss nubing cream needed. We recommend using a silicone based anal lubricant for any anal activities that dosen’t include rubber toys. For anal toy play with rubber toys please use a water-Based version or 100% medical grade silicone toys. Some anal lubes We recommend
Pjur Back Door, with natural botanicals to assist in relaxation without desensitizing, its thick formula can help ease into anal without feeling numb.
Organic/Vegan- Organic lubes are most often times vegan and not tested on animals. They are formulated with organic ingredients and are hypoallergenic. Glycerin and paraben free. We recommend Organic lubes for women who are sensitive and easily irritated. Most are water soluble and safe to use with all toy materials.
Sensation- This lube can be a water-based or silicone based. Types of sensations include: cooling, warming, tingling, aphrodisiac. Sensation lubes can work great for those needing a little extra stimulation during sexual play, but are also feel nice during massages as well. Cooling and tingling versions are normally formulated with menthol. Not recommended for anyone that is sensitive or has sensitivities to menthol. This type of lube can be intense when applied, and can become more intense with friction. Start of by applying small amounts of this lube to small areas of the body. This allows you to test the sensation level before applying it to you or your partners sex bits. Sensations can last after the lube is washed off. If irritation occurs do not continue and wash off immediately. Warming has a CINNAMON feel to it. Warm, but again cold f sensitive it will feel hot and more with friction. Doing a test patch on any sensation lubes is a good idea.
Glycerin Free- Glycerin Free lubes are the best and safest lubricants for women who are prone to UTI’s, yeast infections and other sensitivities. This lube is hypoallergenic and is least likely to cause any irritation to women’s skin or genitals. This lube can come in a water or silicone-based lubricant.
I hope you enjoyed the basics of all things lube from My girl connection. Remember wetter is in fact better. No more spitting bacteria and get your self or your partner a bottle. Level up you can thank me later.
For more in-depth details on lubricants, their variants, uses, do’s and dont’s, as well as a look into some of our highest ranking and favorite lubricants please check out My Girls Blog titled “Lubrication”.
From our sex bits to yours with love
-my girl connectioN
This post has been updated on august 25 2023
And will continue to be updated with new information as the industry expands with new and exciting lube product!