When searching for the right lubricant, you might be completely certain, totally confused or not even know where to start. In the case of those who are lost and confused, not to worry! The following is a list of things to consider with each lubricant type (ie. water based, silicone, etc.) and what their uses are as well as the importance of lubrication.

First off, the important of lubrication cannot be stressed enough. Whether you’re having anal fun or more traditional intercourse, lubrication is an important step. Now, unless you’re 22 and still slippery without a problem, most of us need some lubrication assistance and that’s fine. Myself included, we are not as fresh and wet as we once were, but that’s the point of a lubricant and there’s absolutely no reason why this should hinder your sex life AT ALL.

Why lubricate at all?

Lubrication, whether natural or provided through the use of your chosen lubricant, assists in facilitating sex of any kind. This is really important because if you choose to go without lubricating, you are running the risk of causing internal or external damage or both to yourself and possibly your partner. This can range from small cuts and rashes on the vaginal or testicle area caused from dry chafing or rubbing to something more serious. Most people only ever suffer from these small cuts, but if you are someone with multiple sex partners, you should be careful as these small cuts can allow infection and bacteria directly into the body and may cause more serious issues. That being said, ALWAYS USE PROTECTION!! Not only that, but think about razor bumps. If you have razor bumps, it can be irritating enough, but razor bumps combined with non-lubricated sex can worsen the bumps and cause further irritation and discomfort that can take weeks to heal.

• Organic Lubricants: This is my number one recommendation for those who have sensitive skin or suffer from allergens or irritation. This is also a great natural alternative to those who are environmentally conscious or those who live vegetarian or vegan lifestyles. These lubricants are made will all natural ingredients and usually pose skin benefits from using them. Many are also glycerine and paraben free. They are usually all toy safe unless otherwise stated.
• Water Based Lubricants: Water based lubricants are the most simple option for those who really don’t want flavored or silicone lubricants and don’t want to pay for or don’t have a preference for organic lubricants. Water based lubricants are great for toys, normal erotic play and they are often times made with moisturizing ingredients such as vitamin E that are beneficial to the skin. This lubricant generally provides basic lubrication, plain and simple; it gets the job done.Water based lubes are all toy safe.
• Silicone Based Lubricants: Silicone based lubricants are meant for VERY slick lubrication. This type of lubricant is NOT meant for PVC or silicone made toys as it will degrade the condition of your toy. Silicone lubricants are great for anal play, water fun in the shower or pool and anyone who wants a VERY SLICK long lasting lubrication during sexual intercourse or other erotic acts as they tend to be longer lasting than water based, have a thicker consistency and will not wash off as easily. Silicone Lubes are NOT toy safe.
• Hybrid Lubricants: Hybrid lubricants are the best of both worlds. Hybrid lubricants combine qualities of both water based and silicone lubricants, creating a lubricant that is both safe with toys, long lasting and also easily washed off with water. Hybrid lubes are toy safe.
• Stimulating Lubricants: Stimulating lubricants can be any kind of lubricant, hybrid or water based, but with added stimulating formulations such as warming, cooling or arousing. These lubricants give added sensations during use and can be especially enjoyable for oral pleasure. Hybrid lubes are usually all toy safe unless otherwise stated.
• Anal Lubricants: Anal lubricants are just that. These lubricants are formulated specifically for anal play and many of them come standard with benzocaine, a numbing ingredient that helps you relax during anal fun. Others are formulated with like ingredients for similar effects and all anal lubricants have strong, long lasting lubrication qualities as lubricants tend to wear off more quickly during anal play. Anal lubes may be toy safe, but you should check the formula and box for indications of this.
• Flavored Lubricants: Flavored Lubricants are most often water based formulas and come in a variety of flavors. More commonly, they are made with sugar free formulas so as to be non-irritating, but be sure to check the packaging for confirmation of this! If they are not sugar free formulas, the lubricant can cause a yeast infection in women. For men out there right now passing over this without a care: if you’re a straight man, just a warning, yeast infections are contagious and can be transferred to you from your woman if she gets one from a sugar based formulated lubricant.Aside from that, sugar free formulas are safe and taste just as delicious if not more because they are usually very low in calories. This type of lubricant can be great for oral pleasure and work well for any kind of erotic sexual fun.These lubricants are almost always safe to use on toys, but again, please consult the packaging to confirm.
• Oil Based Lubricants: These are less common nowadays, but can be very enjoyable for those who favor anal play. Oil based lubricants are also commonly used for solo masturbation fun. Extremely lubricating, oil based lubricants are VERY long lasting, but also harder to wash off. These lubricants are not to be used with latex condoms and some may or may not be safe for toy use.

Don’t know where to begin?

Check out Toy Friendly Lubricants, Latex & Condom Safe Lubricants OR Pick Out a Fun Lubricant Kit to try a little bit of everything!

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