Dear Shanna,
I believe you when you say that “Lube is Love.” But how am I supposed to know which lube I want to use? I see all of this stuff about water based vs silicone based vs oil based, and then all of this stuff about glycerin free lube.
Thanks!
Silvia
Seattle, WA
Silvia -
Great question! With all of the varieties of lubes out there on the market, it can be confusing when you go to choose one. Here’s a quick break down:
Oil-based; great for jacking off, not so great inside either vaginas or anuses. Also, not condom-compatible. Not very many places sell this kind any more.
Water-based; brilliant for pretty much everything, although it dries a little bit quicker than silicone based lubes, and since it’s water based, it isn’t ideal for sex in rain storms or in the shower. Compatible with all toys and condoms.
Silicone-based; this is a smooth, long lasting lube, but it is NOT compatible with silicone toys (sounds strange, I know, but it’s true). It’s great for sexual encounters near water, since it won’t wash away, and it does keep going a lot longer than water based lube. It is condom compatible.
Glycerin: This is an ingredient in lots of products from soap to baby shampoo, and it’s even in some water based lubricants. However, some women have bad reactions (allergic and yeast infections) to glycerin, because it’s made from glucose. Glucose is sugar, and we all know that sugar near the vagina can quickly result in yeast infections in many people. Not everyone has these reactions; if you don’t, it’s not a big deal, but glycerin free lubes are great for people who have reactions to glycerin, as well as everyone else. Also, glycerin free lubes tend to not get as sticky as quickly.
Good luck with finding the right lube, and remember, lube is love!
