Do I Need Lube?

Many folks find they have different lubrication needs in different stages of their life, and that without proper lubrication, pleasurable sensations may be replaced by discomfort and irritation. While the vagina and the penis both produce natural lubrication with sexual stimulation, this can vary from person to person. The anus is an example of an orifice that is not self-lubricating, therefore any form of anal play will require the use of lubrication. Personal lubrication can also be affected by many factors including age, stress, pregnancy, or even medication.

Water-based lubricants are the most common type of lubricant and are, therefore, the most recognizable for most folks. The more lubricant you use the wetter it feels. Water-based lubricants are compatible with latex and all toy materials, so they are wonderful for solo or partnered play. If the lubricant becomes sticky you can reanimate it with a little saliva or water. With friction, water-based lubricants will eventually absorb into the skin, so many folks find cleanup to be a breeze.

Silicone-based lubricants have a slick feel and some very interesting properties. First off, silicone is inert so it doesn’t interact with your body’s chemistry, making it a wonderful choice for folks with sensitive skin or allergies. Silicone-based lubricants are long-lasting and never get sticky or tacky, and because your body does not absorb it, a little bit will go a long way. Silicone lube is not compatible with silicone toy products of any kind, but it can be used with non-silicone toys. Silicone-based lubes can be a little tricky to clean up - soap and water is often required - but this makes them great for any kind of water-play; whether in the shower, hot tub, or even the ocean.

Hybrid lubricants are water-based lubricants, but contain an element of silicone (specifically Dimethicone). The texture of these lubes is intended to mimic the natural lubrication of the human body. Hybrid lubricants provide the convenience of water-based lubricant with the non-stickiness of silicone-based lubricants. However, it is still suggested that Hybrid lubricants not be used with silicone toys because it can affect the finish of the toy.

Oil-based lubricants and massage oils are often a go-to option for folks who lean toward organic options, however Oil-based lubricants and massage oils are not latex compatible and will negatively affect the structural integrity of any latex barriers. Therefore, AVOID using oils with latex (this includes coconut oil).

A warning on lube. Lube is very helpful, but it is not currently covered under FDA regulation. There are some lubes where the company has gone out of their way to get a lube FDA certified, however no lube company is required to get FDA approval to sell their lube to you. Why? Because lubricants live in the legal grey area of “novelties”. So there is one more category of lube you may come across

Novelty Lubricants may contain ingredients that will increase your risk. It is important to always inspect the ingredient list of your lubricant and insure it will not irritate. A good tip is to spot test the lube on your lip, the skin here is a much better representative for the skin on your genitals. If you are going to have a negative reaction, you don’t want it to be when your junk is smothered in it.

• Numbing: Any lubricant that contains numbing agents like “lidocaine” or “benzocaine” is going to dim the sensation to local neurons making them unable to signal the brain. Pressure is normal, discomfort during adjustment to insertion is normal. But pain is your body telling you that you need to adjust your position or re-apply lubricant not apply a numbing agent. If you numb an area all you are going to do is hurt yourself, but you won’t realize it until the next day (when you are walking funny).

• Flavored: Flavored lubricants are intended for use during oral sex and therefore they may contain sugars. Sugars can feed yeast and can lead to yeast infections (and both vagina and penis havers can get yeast infections). If you are prone to irritation or yeast infections try and seek out flavored options that don’t contain “sucrose”.

• Tingling: These lubricants are intended to stimulate the skin, however they may irritate depending on your sensitivity. Often the main ingredient is “menthol” which many people find irritating to their skin. “Peppermint” can be a more subtle ingredient and it also adds a pleasant smell and flavor along with a tingle.

• Warming: Most warming lubricants contain the active ingredients “PEG-4” and “PEG-8”. What is a PEG? PEG is the abbreviation of polyethylene glycol, which is a mixture of polymers that have been blended together. PEGs will often be followed by a number and that number indicates the molecular weight. The lower the number the easier it is for the compound to penetrate the skin. So PEG-4 and PEG-8 will absorb very efficiently into skin, and for some people this causes a burning not a warming sensation. Natural ingredients like “cinnamon” (often “Cinnamomum” on ingredient labels) can create a warming sensation without irritating sensitive skin.

If this seems overwhelming, think of finding a lube that works for you like shopping for any other speciality toiletry (like shampoo, lotion, or fragrance) it may take time to find what you like. You may also find you need different lube for different activities. Most lubricant companies offer affordably prices sample packs. So check out your local sex shop, get a variety of lube sample types, and do some homework.

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