Water, silicone, or oil-based — which lubricant suits your body best?
Reviewed by Ladibug's Medical Advisory Board
Lubricants can provide you short-term relief from dryness and enhance pleasure by reducing friction during sex. You can use 3 types of formulations:
- Water-based
- Silicone-based
- Oil-based
The best option for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here's a breakdown of each type to help you choose what's right for you:
Water-based lube
Description
Water-based lubes are formulated primarily with water as the base ingredient, making them safe for use with latex condoms and silicone pelvic wands, dilators, and sex toys! They are non-greasy, easy to clean and are less likely to stain your bedsheets.
Heads Up
However, they can dry out more quickly - so if you want a longer lasting feel, we recommend silicone-based lubes.
Great For
Those using intimate devices like vibrators, vaginal dilators, or pelvic wands, water-based lube provides added comfort during use and is safe for silicone — it won’t damage the outer material!
Silicone-based lube
Description
Silicone-based lubes are thicker and longer-lasting, reducing the need for frequent reapplication. They are also water-proof, so they are effective in the shower and bath.
Warning
However, silicone lubes are a bit more challenging to remove and may occasionally stain sheets. Also, we recommend not using silicone lubes with silicone-based sex toys, vaginal dilators or pelvic wands, as it may damage the material of the device!
Great For
The peri-menopause and post-menopause community, who are often experiencing vaginal dryness and may benefit from a longer lasting formula.
Oil-based lube
Description
Oil-based lubes are typically made from coconut oil or mineral oil and offer longer-lasting lubrication compared to water-based lubes.
Recommendation
We recommend not using oil-based lube with latex condoms, because the oil can degrade the latex, making the condoms more likely to tear or break!
Warning
Oil-based lube is often associated with an increased risk of vaginal irritation, which can upset your vaginal flora and cause yeast infections. If you are prone to reoccurring vaginal infections, we recommend water-based or silicone-based instead.
The type of lube you choose is entirely up to you. Each formulation has it's own benefits and use-cases, depending on of your needs or stage of life
What is Fertility lubricant?
Fertility lube is a type of lubricant that is specifically formulated to be 'sperm-friendly', meaning it doesn't harm sperm or interfere with their movement or function. It is designed for people who are trying to conceive (TTC).
These formulations are pH-balanced and isotonic - meaning, it has the same concentration as the vaginal or cervical mucus, which helps to ensure that the lube does not dehydrate or damage sperm cells! Typically these lubricants are also FDA cleared.
It is important to note that fertility lubes are not marketed to help make you pregnant - rather, than can help create a more sperm-friendly environment during intercourse.
Ladibug's strict lubricant criteria
We do not stock lubes that:
- Contain ingredients that may upset your pH balances such as lubes with scents, fragrances or warming agents
- Contain harmful chemicals such as glycerin (can cause yeast infections), parabens (endocrine disruptor) and petroleum (can damage condoms).
Happy learning and browsing! You can find a full selection of lubricants we offer here.