To begin with, what are lubricants? Lubricants are agents that help remove the friction that occurs when two or more surfaces come into contact. For example between our genitals and other people's genitals, hands or toys. Now that we've cleared that up, in this beginner's guide to lubricants you can read what types of lubricants there are and how they are used. So let's begin…
Lubricants vs natural lubrication:
If we talk about the human body, only the vagina and the mouth have natural lubrication. On the other hand, the penis and the anus do not have it. This means that the contact between hand and penis and penis and anus requires lubrication for a frictionless experience. The natural humidity of the vagina varies and depends on various factors (stress, hormonal imbalance, birth control pills, etc.). That's why adding lubricant makes penetration easier and makes intercourse much more pleasant and painless.
It is good to use regardless of vaginal dryness, as it increases arousal. It also allows for a faster and more passionate rhythm without discomfort. It is an absolutely necessary addition to anal sex, as neither the anus nor the rectum have natural lubrication.
It is desirable to use them lubricants with most sex toys. Very small amounts of lubricant are needed with toys made of metal, glass, ceramic and certain types of silicone that do not create friction to the touch, that is, they are completely smooth.
Other types of silicones are less smooth to the touch and when you run your fingers over them, you will feel resistance. They, along with some other materials (PVC, TPE, TPR) need larger amounts of lubricant to get slippery. By using a lubricant you will avoid discomfort or even pain. Of course, where anal stimulators (regardless of material) lubricant is a must.
Types of lubricants by composition
Water-based lubricants
Water-based lubricants they can be completely liquid or very thick, like a gel. This is because their main ingredient is water, the mucous membrane absorbs them, but when the rest of the water evaporates, the lubricant dries and needs to be applied several times.
Tips and tricks – instead of applying a new lubricant, we can reactivate the existing one by applying a few drops of water or saliva on it. Thanks to the high water content, you can clean these lubricants very easily and remove all traces (whether from the body, toy, sheet or furniture) – just a little warm water and soap is enough. They can be used in any sexy scenario: vaginal, anal or oral sex and with all kinds of toys. Just keep in mind that since they dissolve in water, these lubricants are not the best for use in the shower, pool, or water in general.
Water-based lubricants are also recommended for use with condoms. Unlike oil-based ones, they do not affect the elasticity of the condom, do not make it porous and do not increase the risk of breakage.
Silicone lubricants
Silicone-based lubricants they usually have only a few ingredients and do not contain water. That is why they are not absorbed by the mucous membrane but remain on the surface of the skin and therefore last much longer. They do not dissolve in water (unlike water-based lubricants), so they are more difficult to wash off and can leave stains. Due to the addition of silicone, they create a permanent layer (film) on the skin that reduces friction much better. This creates the most slippery feeling of all lubricants, extremely similar to natural lubrication. They are thicker and silky to the touch. These qualities, along with longevity, make them great for anal sex.
THEY ARE NOT RECOMMENDED for use with silicone sex toys, as an adverse reaction may occur.
They are safe for use with condoms and compatible with latex and rubber. Most condoms come lubricated with silicone lubricant.
Hybrid lubricants
Hybrid lubricants are newer and are the result of trying to get the "best of both worlds" from water-based lubricants and silicone-based lubricants. In terms of composition, hybrid lubricants are mainly water, but even a very small amount of added silicone drastically changes the properties of a water lubricant – like silicone, hybrid lubricants are slippery, creamy and silky to the touch and last much longer. On the other hand, due to the water base, they are easier to clean, do not leave marks on the sheets and can be used with silicone sex toys. They are completely safe for vaginal, anal and oral sex and compatible with condoms.
Lubricating oils
They have a pretty bad reputation. The reason is that they are corrosive to latex and rubber and can damage the condom or diaphragm. They are also not recommended for use with rubber toys. They are used a lot because they are at our fingertips: petroleum jelly, baby oils, mineral oils, even cooking oils. Furthermore, they are used because they do not contain additives and preservatives like some water and silicone. Because they are oil-based, cleaning is also more difficult and stains are possible.
Types of lubricants by purpose
Anal lubricants
Most of the "universal" lubricants can be used for anal sex, but there are lubricants specifically made to make anal stimulation more pleasurable. As a rule, they are thicker than the standard ones and often come in the form of a gel rather than a liquid. Because of this, the lubricant for anal sex it stays right where you apply it.
Stimulating lubricants
Stimulating lubricants contain ingredients like mint that create warming effect or cooling the skin, causing a completely new sensation or increased sensitivity. The increased sensitivity makes them popular with women who have difficulty reaching orgasm.
Flavored lubricants
They're ideal additions to oral sex as they increase pleasure for both partners – edible lubricants come in a range of popular flavors (from simpler ones like strawberry and chocolate to more complex, like pina colada and the like) and their use will literally make oral sex more refined. They effectively solve the problem of anyone who does not feel comfortable with the smell or taste of their own genital organ.
There are also lubricants with the same color and viscosity as real semen, which is ideal for realizing different fantasies, either in a partner scenario or alone, with or without toys.
How to choose?
The best and safest choice is water and hybrid lubricants. You can hardly go wrong with them. Safe for use with condoms and sex toys, they are easy to remove and leave no stains.
Silicone lubricants, on the other hand, are the best choice for use during anal sex. They do not damage latex and are almost as safe for health as classic water-based lubricants.
We would not recommend oils, especially not with the use of condoms.
Lubricants are a definite recommendation waterfeel with excellent quality, the megapopular Durex and American System JO.
How to use lubricants?
If you know you have an allergy, be sure to study the ingredients of the lubricant before buying it. All of our lubricants come with a complete list of ingredients for this very reason.
If you are not sure if you are allergic, try a small amount of lubricant on the forearm - rub it into the skin and wait ten minutes. If redness occurs, rinse thoroughly and do not use this lubricant.
If everything is fine, apply a small amount of lubricant to everything you intend to use – vagina and vibrator, penis and masturbator, penis and anus, etc. If you suffer from vaginal dryness, you cannot use too much lubricant, and the same rule applies to anal sex. When using toys, it is recommended that you apply a smaller amount of lubricant and gradually increase it until you reach the right ratio for you.