Types of Lube Explained: Water-Based, Silicone, Hybrid, Aloe + Oil

Lube. The most underrated and underused bedroom product out there. Underuse it, and you're dealing with friction that can cause mild irritation all the way up to tearing. Just a little bit of slide can take an uncomfortable experience and make it an incredible one. Likewise, a lack of lube can cause a ton of friction (literally), and more of it than you'd think is doing the heavy lifting behind smooth, comfortable sex. Lubricant overuse? Simply doesn't exist.

There are five main types of lubricant, and knowing the difference can make all the difference in the bedroom.

Water

Water-based lubricant is always a great place to start. Since its base is water, you can rinse it off your skin and it won't stain your sheets. It also works with any sex toys, and condoms!

Pros: Easy clean up, works with silicone sex toys, works with condoms

Cons: Need to re-apply frequently, not suitable for shower sex

Water-based lubes we love: Sliquid Organics Natural Lubricant, Sutil Luxe Body Glide Lube, Sutil Rich Body Glide Lube, JO H2O Water-Based Lubricant, Pjur Infinity Water-Based Lube

Hybrid

Hybrid lubricant is water-based with a smidge of silicone to help it last longer. Many customers consider this the best of both worlds: the versatility and stain-free attributes of water-based, with some of the longevity of silicone-based.

Pros: Easy clean up, longevity, compatible with most toys, compatible with condoms

Cons: Less common, not suitable for any and all silicone toys (but works with most)

Hybrid lubes we love: FuckWater Hybrid Lube, Sliquid Silk Hybrid Intimate Lubricant, Wet Hybrid Lube, JO Classic Hybrid Lubricant, JO Cum Play Hybrid Lube, Wicked Simply Timeless Hybrid Lube

Silicone

Silicone lubricant is just that: a blend of silicone-based polymers. It provides an excellent slide factor and doesn't need to be replenished often. It's also water-resistant (shower sex approved!).

Pros: Long-lasting, waterproof, ultra-slick, great for anal play and penetrative sex

Cons: Not compatible with silicone toys (it can break down the material over time), harder to wash off skin and sheets

Silicone lubes we love: Uberlube Silicone Lube, Sliquid Silver Silicone Intimate Lubricant, JO Premium Silicone Lubricant, Wet Platinum Silicone Lube, Pjur Infinity Silicone-Based Lube, Wicked Simply Timeless Silicone Lube

Aloe

Aloe-based lubricants are created by dehydrating aloe, then rehydrating it with water. The result is a lubricant that's gentle, soothing, and closer to the body's natural chemistry than most synthetic options, a great pick if you're sensitive to glycerin or parabens, or just want something that feels a little more "green."

Pros: Gentle on sensitive skin, natural ingredient list, safe with condoms and most toys

Cons: Shorter shelf life, needs reapplication, harder to find in stores

Aloe lube we love: Alu by Dame

Oil

Oil-based lubricants are exactly what they sound like: plant oils or synthetic oil blends formulated for sexual use. They offer a rich, long-lasting glide and double beautifully as massage oil, making them a favourite for slow, sensual sessions.

Pros: Long-lasting, moisturizing, multi-use (hello, massage), great for external play

Cons: Breaks down latex condoms (use with internal condoms or none at all), can stain sheets, not suitable with silicone toys

Oil-based lube we love: Sex + Massage Oil by Dame

Tips for Using Lube

Apply it generously to both partners (or all partners) and to any toys in play, not just "down there," but anywhere skin will meet skin or skin will meet toy. Reapply as needed; there's truly no such thing as too much. Keep a bottle on your nightstand so it's part of the routine, and not an afterthought you have to run and grab. And if you're using condoms, always double check compatibility with your lube of choice before you get started.

So, basically...

Lube isn't a fallback for when things feel dry. It's a tool for turning good sex into great sex, solo or partnered, quick or slow, silicone toy in hand or not. The "right" one comes down to what you're doing, who (or what) you're doing it with, and how you want it to feel afterward. Keep a few types on rotation, pay attention to what your body likes, and don't be shy about reapplying. There's no medal for toughing it out dry.