From best tasting to best-selling, find the ideal lube for you here…
Sexual lubricants are the unsung heroes of the bedroom. These nifty liquids or gels are designed to reduce friction and turn up the pleasure during activities like, you know, the fun stuff.
Whether flying solo or with a partner, these versatile companions help to ease dryness and discomfort, ensuring a seamless and heightened experienced.
Types of lubricants
Lubricants are often either water, silicone or oil-based. Water-based options are versatile and gentle on sensitive skin, with the added benefit of being less likely to stain fabrics. However, they may not be effective in water and can dry out quickly.
While silicone and oil-based lubricants provide longer-lasting effects, silicone-based lubricants can damage certain sex toys, and oil-based varieties may require extra care during clean-up and can disintegrate latex.
So, be sure to choose wisely, and enjoy the ride!
Best water-based lubricant:
Durex Naturals Extra Sensitive Water Based Lube
• Size: 100ml
• 100% natural ingredients
• Can be used with natural rubber latex & polyisoprene condoms
Elevate pleasure with this soothing, sensitive lube that’s free from artificial fragrances – meaning you can have a great time knowing it’s not filled with any nasties.
Best oil-based lubricant:
My Viv Oil Based Lube
• Size: 100ml
• Not condom compatible
• Paraben free
• pH balanced
Formulated with 100% natural ingredients and infused with hemp seed, jojoba and acai oils, My Viv’s Oil-Based Lube is thick, long-lasting and has a silky texture that leaves the skin feeling moisturised after use.
Choosing the right lubricant for different scenarios
When it comes to choosing the right lubricant, think about what you’re up to and the materials involved. For sex toys, go for water or oil-based lubes to prevent damage or deterioration. Thicker, longer-lasting lubes are suitable for anal sex to enhance comfort and reduce friction. For vaginal sex, water-based lubricants are great for versatility, while silicone-based formulas lend themselves to an easy glide. It’s all about what feels right for the job!
Best lubricant for sex toys:
Ann Summers Silky Waterbased Lube
• Size: 100ml
• Water-based lube
• Gentle, silky consistency
Enjoy a gentle, silky consistency, with this natural-feeling lube, making it the perfect choice for use with sex toys.
Remember, tempting as it may be, sharing sex toys can increase the risk of spreading and contracting certain STIs. To be on the safe side, keep your toys to yourself – and make sure you clean them thoroughly after use!
Best lubricant for vaginal sex:
Boots Silky Lubricant
• Size: 75g
• Odourless and water-based formula
• Bestseller on boots.com
Say goodbye to vaginal dryness during sex with this lubricant! Plus, it reduces friction mid-intercourse – typically associated with thin and dry genital tissue – for ultimate comfort at a great price.
Considerations when buying lubricants
When you’re on the hunt for the ideal lube, it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients. Glycerine and fragrances can lead to irritated skin or allergic reactions. While flavoured lubricants can add some spice to the bedroom, they might also bring along the risk of irritating your skin.
Be sure to check whether the lube is compatible with condoms. Some lubes, especially oil-based substances and petroleum jelly, can mess with the integrity of latex condoms, making them more likely to break. If you’re using non-latex condoms, you should be ok to use oil-based lubes.
Experiment with a range of lubricants until you find the right one for you and your partner – then let the fun begin!
Frequently asked questions about lubricants
Can you use household items as lube?
While the temptation to turn your pantry into a pleasure aisle might be strong, it’s not recommended to use household items as DIY lubricants. Save the kitchen experiments for cooking up a spicy meal instead!
Can lubricants cause any adverse reactions?
Yes. Be sure to explore the lube world with a little caution as some individuals may experience adverse reactions to certain ingredients. Water-based lubricants are often safer, but users should monitor themselves for any signs of irritation.
How to properly apply and use lubricants
Gently apply a dab of your chosen lubricant to the area you want or directly onto your sex toy. Follow the instructions on the bottle for a seamless experience and think about the type of lubricant (water-based, silicone-based, you name it) to keep things running smoothly.
Whether you’re preparing for some solo sex toy action or a partner rendezvous, make sure your chosen lube is ingredient-checked and condom-friendly, so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
