What Type of Lube Is Best?
There are many reasons to be a fan of using lubricants in your sex life. They can be used by everyone and anyone. They come in a few different types, so there is definitely one that will suit you and your needs. With a little experimenting and trial and error, you will find one that is just right for you.
I would like to bring up the fact that they are all different, some are better than others and I will explain to you why one might be a better option for you than another. So, we have natural lube, oil-based lube, silicone-based lube, and water-based lube.
Natural lube- those who have a vagina and are turned on, will produce their own lubrication as a part of the female response cycle. Sometimes we don’t produce as much moisture as we would like, for a number of reasons. It could be due to not being turned on, not being turned on quite enough, certain medications, breast-feeding, menopause, low estrogen levels, various medical conditions, or certain hygiene practices. When we need a little extra, there are a few options that we can consider.
Oil-based lube- is definitely a good choice when water is involved. You know what they say about oil and water…they don’t mix, so oil-based lube will hold up in a pool, or in the shower, or wherever you decide to play. It is a slippery lube, it is moisturizing, and it lasts a long time too. A massage could even become a lot more sensual when this lube is used. Oil-based lubes can clog pores or stain fabric so be please aware of this. They also should NOT be used with condoms because the oil degrades the latex and polyurethane/polyisoprene, increasing the risk of breakage.
Silicone-based lube- is definitely the most slippery of lubes to choose from. They tend to last the longest too, so there will most likely be no need to reapply, even during the longest of marathon sessions. Silicone-based lubrication is great for shower sex as well, it doesn’t wash away quickly at all. This lube is not recommended when using silicone-based toys though, as it will break them down over time. Feel free to use toys made of other materials if using silicone-based lubricant. It is also a bit more effort to clean up after, you will need soap and water. Be careful with your sheets and floors too, it could leave a stain if you are not careful.
Water-based lube- is your best bet for most types of sexual activity and is known to be the least irritating of your choices to purchase. It is safe to use with your sex toys, it tends to be the most popular, and it is the least expensive. It does not stain fabrics and can be ingested in small amounts. Water-based lubricant is safe to use with condoms but is not the best choice for anal sex, you will probably want to try a slipperier lube for that activity. Water-based lubricants will not stain fabric and are easy to clean up but they can get a bit sticky and you might need to reapply when needed.
A lot of us have become accustomed to reading labels before we buy our groceries, well I would like you to carefully look at the labels when purchasing lube too. Two things that I suggest you look at before you consider buying a certain lubricant are:
1. pH- this represents how acidic or alkaline the product is. Your chosen lube should be compatible with the pH of your vagina, which is typically in the 3.8-4.5 range. Many of the leading lubricants have pH levels that are well above that and can lead to unpleasing side effects such as bacterial vaginosis so keep an eye on the pH level.
2. Osmolality- this number represents the ability of the product to draw moisture out of tissues and cells. Choosing a lubricant with a higher osmolality than natural vaginal secretions leads to irritation and breakdown of the mucous membranes that protect your vagina from infection. Many of the leading lubes have higher than recommended osmolality as well. You should try to find a lube that works for you, one that has an osmolality of under 380 milli-osmoles per kilogram. You are essentially trying to find a lube that is closest to the osmolality of your vagina, which tends to fall in the 285-295 mOsm/kg range of hydration levels. The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends that we try to pick lubes that have an osmolality below 1200 mOsm/kg.
When you carefully choose a lube that will work best for you, it will pay off. You will be less likely to have irritation or any other unpleasant side effects but you will experience some serious relief and a lot more fun.
A few important things to note and to remember:
· Be careful with lubricants that have fancy flavors or smells to them, the chemicals in them may cause irritation and nobody wants any of that.
· If you and your partner are using condoms, make sure you are NOT using oil-based lube. They will break down the condom and the tendency for them to tear, break, rip, or disintegrate is high which means your condom is useless.
· If you are an individual that is sensitive to certain ingredients in your chosen lube, please choose another that will be more suitable for you and your needs. Here’s another opportunity to check out the label. Inflammation and/or irritation can occur from:
1. chlorhexidine gluconate- an antibacterial that can kill off healthy bacteria needed to balance a healthy vagina
2. nonoxynol-9- an ingredient in spermicide that may irritate genital tissue
3. glycerin- may increase the risk of yeast infections
4. parabens- preservatives that have shown to irritate the vaginal mucous membranes, cause rashes, and have been linked to fertility problems and endocrine disruptions
5. propylene glycol- may cause vaginal irritation, if you are sensitive to it
Here is a list of some recommended personal lubricants for you to try and see what you think:
Good Clean Love Almost Naked Lubricant
Sliquid Organic Lubricating Gel
Sliquid Sassy Natural Lubricating Gel
Aloe Cadabra Natural Aloe Lubricant
Isabel Fay Natural Water-Based Lubricant
Organic Glide Personal Lubricant
Uberlube Luxury Lubricant
Sutil Lubricant
***Check my Recommended Goodies page for links to purchase.***
So to lube or not to lube? Many women find lubrication to be an essential in their sex tool box, whether they produce ample vaginal fluid or not. Women find lube helps to eliminate or highly reduce the irritation and the friction during sexual intercourse, if they are experiencing vaginal dryness. It makes penetrative sex more comfortable, more enjoyable and a lot more fun. It also makes sex toy play and masturbation a whole lot more pleasurable!