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Lube & Body-Safe CareThe Complete Guide to Lube
Lube makes nearly everything feel better. Here's how to pick the right type for your body, your toys and your condoms.
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Water vs. silicone vs. oil: the quick answer
| Type | Pros | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Water-based | Safe with every condom and toy; easy to wash off | Dries faster, so you may need to reapply; some contain glycerin |
| Silicone-based | Lasts the longest; great in the shower; very slick | Can degrade silicone toys, so patch-test first; harder to wash out |
| Oil-based | Rich, moisturizing feel for external use and massage | Breaks down latex condoms; can stain sheets |
| Hybrid | Water-based with a little silicone for a creamy, longer glide | Same toy caution as silicone |
Our top picks
Best silicone
Uberlube
A luxurious, long-lasting silicone lube with nothing extra.
- No scent, no glycerin, no parabens
- Doubles as a skin serum
- Condom-compatible (latex and polyisoprene)
Best water-based
Sliquid H2O
A clean, simple water-based lube that many gynecologists recommend.
- No glycerin or parabens
- Vegan
- Safe with all toys and condoms
Best natural
Good Clean Love Almost Naked
Organic, pH-balanced and designed to be gentle on vaginal tissue.
- Made with aloe
- pH-balanced for the vagina
- Water-based, toy-safe
Ingredients worth avoiding
If you're prone to irritation or yeast infections, consider skipping glycerin, flavorings and fragrance, warming or tingling agents and nonoxynol-9. Very concentrated (high-osmolality) lubes can dry tissue out, which is one reason simple formulas tend to be the gentlest.
This guide is general education, not medical advice. If you have pain, bleeding, unusual discharge or symptoms that worry you, see a doctor or OB-GYN.