Lubricants are one of the most widely used products in the adult industry. Every situation from solo masturbation to huge orgies can benefit from a good lubricant. Knowing what type of lubricant to use for each situation is very important, because not all lube is the same.

 Water based: this type of lube has the stigma of being the best lube to use in most situations, that assumption is not always true.

Water based lubes typically contain glycerin, parabens, polymers, and of course water. They are safe to use on any material found in the adult industry. They clean up easily with warm water and won't stain fabrics (unless they contain sugar). They can also come in a verity of flavors for delicious oral applications.

However, with all the positive aspects there are some down falls to water based lube. Some people have complained about water based lubes becoming sticky. What they are feeling is the glycerin left behind after the water in the lube has been absorbed into the skin.

We have three suggestions,  adding a little water or saliva to the glycerin that is left behind and that will rejuvenate the lubricant, or simply add more lube straight from the bottle, or they can try a silicone based lubricant.

If you are a person experiencing skin irritation when using water based lube, they are probably sensitive to the glycerin and parabens found in water based lube. Suggest trying a lube that is marked glycerin and parabens free.

A quick side note, warming lubes contain a high amount of glycerin, not a good choice for those with sensitive skin.

The general rule of thumb about water based lube is spring for the big bottle now because water based lubricants absorb into the skin quickly. You will find yourself running through this stuff like it was, well….. water. Because of the absorption rate of water based lube, it is not the best choice for anal play.

Silicone based : This type of lubricant is made from Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, and Cyclomethicone ( have fun with the pronunciation ) they contain no water and because of the size of the molecules in this lube it can not be absorbed into the skin, making this a very long lasting, silky, friction free lubricant that is great for anal play.

The only materials this lube is not good for is anything made of silicone and low grade cyber skin type materials. Silicone lube will bond to any silicone product and you won't be able to wash it off.  The same thing will happen to cyber skin materials if the material is of a low grade or if the silicone in the lube is of a low grade.

There is a little more to the clean up with this type of lube. It requires soap and water to remove it from the skin. When removing it from a toy, use warm water and lots of gentle scrubbing with a wash cloth, try to avoid using soaps on adult toys unless it's made of glass or hard plastic.

This lubricant will also stain fabrics so be cautious around bed sheets, clothes, carpets, and lingerie.

Lastly this type of lubricant does not contain glycerin or parabens like its water based counterpart and is a good choice for those with sensitive skin.

 Oil based: This lube can contain nut oils and it is important to have the customer check the ingredients before purchase if they are allergic to any type of nut.

Oils can ruin anything made of rubber, latex or silicone in less than 60 seconds and will stain fabrics.

It can be great for external messages, masturbation and flavored oils for oral applications.

Many oil based lubes are scented and work well as a bath oil too.

We do not recommend using oil based lubes for penetration; the body does not break down oil fast enough for it to be considered safe. Oils could remain in vaginal and anal tracks for days and create plenty of opportunities for bacteria infection to occur. Stick to water or silicone based lubricants for any penetration and save the oils for back rubs.