Water, Oil or Silicone? Choosing the Right Lube

Here's something we wish more people heard early on: using lube doesn't mean something is wrong with you. It just makes things feel better. Almost everyone benefits from it at some point, and the right one can turn “that was fine” into “that was really good.”

The tricky part is choosing. Water, oil, silicone, hybrid, flavoured, warming... the options are endless. So here's the quick, practical version, organised around what actually matters when you're deciding.

The three main types

Water-based

Good for: everyday use, latex condoms, toys of any material, easy clean-up.

Things to know: it can absorb or dry out faster, so you may need to reapply. A splash of water or a little more lube usually brings it back. Water-based is the most versatile choice and the safest starting point if you're not sure.

Our Hydro Glide Relief is a pH-balanced, water-based CBD serum with aloe. It's glycerin-free and coconut-free, and it's condom-compatible. It won Innovative Product of the Year at the 2021 White Label World Expo.

Oil-based

Good for: long-lasting glide, massage, solo time, people with dryness who want something that doesn't fade quickly.

Things to know: oil breaks down latex, so never use oil with latex condoms. It can also stain sheets and takes more effort to wash off. Some people find oils don't suit them internally, especially if they're prone to infections, so notice how your body responds.

Our Intimate Oil is just two ingredients, organic coconut oil and CBD. It's our original bestseller. Soothe is its next-generation version, a hydrating oil in a pump.

Silicone-based

Good for: very long-lasting slip, sex in the shower or bath, latex condoms.

Things to know: it can be hard to wash off, and it can damage some silicone toys. If you want to use it with a silicone toy, do a spot test on the base first, or just stick to water-based for toys.

Quick picks by situation

• Using latex condoms: water-based or silicone-based. Not oil.
• Using silicone toys: water-based.
• Dealing with dryness from menopause, breastfeeding or medication: many people love an oil for staying power, or a gentle water-based formula without glycerin. Pair it with a regular vaginal moisturiser if dryness is ongoing.
• Sensitive or easily irritated: short ingredient list, fragrance-free, no flavours, no warming agents. Patch test first.
• Prone to yeast infections or BV: look for water-based, pH-balanced, glycerin-free formulas.
• Massage that turns into more: oil-based, as long as there are no latex condoms involved.
• Want more sensation: a sensation product with a gentle tingle, like our water-based Hydro Glide Sensation spray (peppermint plus a touch of capsaicin) or the oil-based Bluum arousal oil. Start with a small amount.
• Shower sex: silicone stays put in water better than anything else.

Ingredients worth a second look

You don't need to become an ingredients expert, but a few things are worth knowing if you're sensitive:

• Glycerin. Common in water-based lubes. Some people find it irritating or linked to yeast infections. Others are fine with it.
• Fragrance and flavourings. Common irritants for vulvar skin.
• Parabens. Preservatives some people prefer to avoid.
• Warming or numbing agents. Warming products are meant to be felt and are fine for many people. Numbing products are a different story. Pain is a signal, and numbing it can lead to injury.
• Petroleum jelly and baby oil. Not designed for internal use. Skip them.

You may also hear about osmolality and pH. In plain terms, lubes that are very concentrated can draw water out of vaginal tissue, and the vagina is naturally a little acidic. Lubes designed to be gentle on both counts are a good choice if you're sensitive. Brands that care about this usually say so on the label.

How to use lube well

1. Use more than you think. A coin-sized amount is a good start, and reapplying is completely normal.
2. Warm it first. Rub it between your hands for a few seconds, especially water-based formulas.
3. Apply it to everyone and everything involved: you, your partner, the condom, the toy.
4. Keep it within reach. Nothing kills the mood like hunting for a bottle.
5. Patch test any new product on your inner arm 24 hours before.

“How do I bring this up with my partner?”

Keep it light and make it about pleasure, not a problem. Something like “I picked something up I want to try with you” usually lands well. We've got more ideas in How to Introduce Lube Into Your Relationship.

Still deciding?

If you want both options on hand, our Glide Together Duo pairs Hydro Glide Relief with Hydro Glide Sensation, and The Peach Pair pairs Soothe with Bluum. For a deeper comparison of every type, read our full guide on water-based vs silicone vs oil-based lubricants. Or take the quick quiz on our homepage and we'll point you to a match.