Ok, all you sexy people, lubrication class is in session! We all know that when our sexy bits slide better, it makes everything feel better, of course. But how can you choose from all the dozens (HUNDREDS, even) of sex lube types and styles to truly find the right one for the job? Well, in this article you’ll learn all about the differences between sex lubes, and which one you should choose to make your sexy time even more enjoyable. Now, let’s slide on in & get started!
There are a lot, and we mean A LOT of sex lubes to choose from. Not to brag (ok, maybe we’re bragging a little), but our sex lube category has over 600 products in it! That’s some seriously slippery selection, isn’t it? While each one has its own delightful qualities and can definitely bring amazing pleasure, there are certain times when you’ll want to choose a specific type of lube in order to get the best sensations.
Before we get into the differences of each type of sex lube, we’re going to give you a quick review of the benefits and advantages to using sex lubes during all kinds of sexual activities, no matter if it’s solo fun time or a sex marathon with your partner.
Benefits of Sex Lubes
First things first, friction is not your friend when it comes to sex. There’s a reason some of us (women) get wet when they get turned on, and also a reason why pre-cum beings to show up when penis owning-guys start to get it on. These natural fluids help things slip and slide along much more comfortably, and help enhance sensation during sex.
To sum up: without enough lubrication, you could experience things like soreness, abrasion (ouch!), or less-than-pleasurable sensations during sex. Honestly, the last thing you want to experience during a good sex session is any sort of kind of pain, discomfort or injury. There are all kinds of reasons your or your partner’s body might not cooperate with enough natural slipperiness for the job, but that’s where lube comes in! Sometimes nature just needs a helping hand to make sure everything stays fun, and more importantly, safe.
But wait, there’s more! Helping things slide along pleasurably and more safely isn’t where the sexy benefits of lube stop. Sex lubes are also beneficial in their ability to help kick foreplay up a notch pleasure-wise, and can assist when it comes to (pun intended) helping get both of you ready for the main event more - shall we say - speedily than nature might allow for. Yes, we’re talking about quickies, folks!
Lubes are also a basic necessity when using many types of sex toys, and are a great way to enhance the pleasure we get from all manners of masturbation. Finally, you can also find lubes that have their own special effects to deliver different sensations. There are lubes that have warming effects, some are tingly, and others have tasty flavours for when you just can’t (or don’t want to!) keep your lips off of your partner. Yum.
You’ll be amazed at the difference the right lube can make in the pleasure and sensations you can get from all kinds of solo play, and from the intimate time you spend with your partner. There are countless spectacular slippery sensations to enjoy. So, now that you know about all the benefits that lubes can bring to your sex life, it’s time to start exploring the wide, wet world of sex lubes and discover all the different types that you can choose from!
Types of Sex Lubricants
In general, sex lubes can be categorized into three main categories, water-based, silicone-based and oil-based. Within these three categories, there are a few different textures (or viscosities, if you prefer) lubricants can take. Most lubes come in liquid, gel, cream, glide or balm form. Thinner liquid or gel lubes tend to be more common and versatile for all types of sexy play, while thicker creams and balms tend to be more specialized and designed for specific types of activities like anal sex and masturbation.
We’re going to get into those three main types of sex lube now, and then, just for kicks, talk about a few more.
Water-Based Lubes
The most popular, versatile and common (but not boring!) sex lubes are water-based. Very deserving of all that popularity, water-based lubes are, as the name suggests, formulated using water and various other slippery substances. Safe to use with condoms, all types of sex toys and great for skin-on-skin sexy contact, water-based lubes have a ton of advantages.
Easy to clean off skin and fabric post-playtime and usually non-staining, water-based lubes should be a go-to for most sexy doings. If there’s a downside to water-based lubes, it might be that some tend to lose slipperiness a little faster than you might want. This isn’t a big problem, since you can just re-apply to keep things sliding smoothly.
Silicone-Based Lubes
Silicone-based sex lubes are famous for their amazingly silky-smooth feel, long-lasting slipperiness, and hypo-allergenic properties. If you have any allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients, then pure silicone lubes are generally going to be your safest bet to avoid any potential reactions. Silicone-based lubes are known far and wide for their won’t-quit moisture. One application will last a very long time, plus, since silicone lubricant formulas are waterproof, they’re excellent options if you want to have some fun in the shower, and still keep things extra-slippery.
One thing you’ll need to keep in mind about silicone-based lube is that it can’t be used with a silicone sex toy. Silicone lubes can react with silicone toys, which could break down a fave silicone toy’s surface over time. Better to be safe than sorry when you’re investing in some top-notch sex toys, so let’s avoid that!
Oil-Based Lubes
Oil-based sex lubes keep things sliding for a very, VERY long time. These types of lubes definitely stay put once they’ve been applied, which makes them great for erotic massages and people who want to apply just once. However, they have some limitations you’ll definitely want to keep in mind.
Oil-based lubes should only be used externally, never inside the body. They should always be avoided when using condoms, as their ingredients can affect the latex material of the condom and potentially cause rips or tears. As you can guess, this is not exactly ideal. Oil-based lubes also have a tendency to stain fabrics such as sheets and clothing. Because of this, it’s best to avoid using them around your fancy bedding.
Flavoured Lubes
If you’re looking for a lube that you can use to slick things up AND simultaneously provide a delectable flavour for some oral sex fun, then a flavoured sex lube is what you’re after. You’ll find no shortage of taste options this sex lubes category, so whatever you’re craving, it’ll usually be available on the flavoured lube menu!
You’ll find a wide array of fruity flavours like cherry, strawberry, peach, and watermelon or if you’re more in the mood for something sweet you may prefer tastes like chocolate, caramel, or vanilla. And that’s just the proverbial tip. When it comes to sex lubes, you’ll never run out of exciting new tastes to try!
Warming, Tingling, and Pleasure-Enhancing Lubes
For those on the hunt for a stimulating new sensation, there are lots of options for enhancing sex lubes that can provide a fascinating range of pleasures to try. There are lubes with special ingredients that are designed to produce a gentle, warming sensation wherever they’re applied. These feel great for massages, handjobs, fingering, and anything else you want to try.
Take it from us, the creativity never stops in the labs of sex lube scientists!
Getting the Most from your Sex Lube
If there’s one tip that you take to heart from this article, make it this one; USE LOTS OF LUBE. The most common misconception with lube is that you just need a drop or two, but when it comes to lube, more is almost always better! Like we said at the beginning of this article, friction is no friend to you, so kick it to the curb with a healthy helping of slippery sex lube. You’ll thank us, your partner will thank us, and if your sex toys could talk, they’d thank us, too!
One last thing you should remember is that exploring new lubes is a lot of fun. You’ll be amazed at just how different each type of lube will feel, and you never know when you’ll find your new favourite. Whether it’s a tasty flavoured treat, a sinfully sexy warming sensation, or a long-lasting lube for those all-nighter sex sessions, the right lube can make a huge difference.
That’s it for now, so slide on over to our Sex Lubes section and start browsing some of hundreds of mind-blowing lubricants that are ready and waiting for you!