9 ‘Skincare-Grade’ Lubes That Will Actually Change Your Sex Life”
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I am a lube lover. And I’m not ashamed. Just like anything sex-related, there are a plenty of misconceptions about this slippery liquid and when it is (or isn’t) needed.
But if there’s one product that can improve your sexual experiences, it’s lube.
You might think you don’t ‘need’ it, or it’s just another unnecessary thing to think about in the heat of the moment, but the truth is that lube is something we can all benefit from.
“Lube is for everyone, there is a huge misconception that lube is only necessary if something is ‘wrong’ or during menopause,” says Lauren Short, founder of sexual wellness brand Ples’Jour.
“These statements are not based on any factual information. Lubricant isn’t about fixing a problem, it’s about enhancing your experience.”
Whether you’re playing with sex toys, or going manual, lube can result in more pleasure, and also contribute to overall sexual health. So it’s about time we start giving it the love it deserves!
What are the benefits of lube?
For those with vulvas that experience vaginal dryness, which is a common symptom during menopause, store bought lube can step in to replace natural lubrication.
You might think it’s not necessary if you’re already aroused. But here’s something no one’s telling you: there’s no such thing as being ‘too’ wet.
“Even when you are fully aroused, lubricant enhances the experience,” Short explains.
But lube isn’t just about adding moisture down there, it can also contribute to your mental experience and presence during sex.
“Lube increases sensitivity and allows the body to relax more deeply into the moment creating a more fluid, connected experience,” says Short.
“On average women can take around 20 minutes of foreplay to become aroused and even then, external factors can impact the body’s response. Lubricant supports you regardless and enhances your experience whether your body is at 50% or 100%.”
As well as adding much-needed slip ‘n’ slide during intimacy, lube can also prevent unwanted side effects.
“From a biological perspective, lubricant also helps reduce micro-tears that can occur during intimacy, even when natural lubrication is present, and can minimise post-sex discomfort or soreness,” Short explains.
And this isn’t just a surface-level pursuit: stopping micro-tears could prevent bacteria from spreading and reduce the risk of infections. So it’s win-win, essentially.
The different types of lube and compatibility
If you’re officially convinced to use lube, there are a few things you need to know before you splurge out on one.
Lube comes in several formulas, and each one has its benefits and drawbacks. These are the main types of lube on the market:
- Water-based: This is the most versatile type of lube, as it can be used with condoms and sex toys.
- Silicone-based lubes: The most durable type of lube, but it can’t be used with silicone sex toys as it can degrade the surface of the toy and make it more likely to transmit infections or cause tears. It can be used with condoms, however.
- Oil-based: Although coconut oil is a popular lube option, there is evidence that it can disrupt the pH balance of the vulva. It’s also not compatible with condoms or dental dams, as it can make them more likely to rip or tear, nor with sex toys.
How I tested lube
Having written about sex for the last six years, I’ve tested more than my fair share of lubes.
When testing lube, I first consider what kind of lube it is, including if it’s compatible with sex toys, condoms, and dental dams. I tested each lube for consistency, how long it lasts, and whether it had added benefits like skin-friendly ingredients, added flavouring, and sensation enhancers like CBD.
I also think about the bottle it comes in – not just because it can look pretty (a bonus, IMO) but also because it can impact how easy the lube is to dispense in the heat of the moment. And that’s the bulk of the battle!
The best lubes to shop now
We’re obsessed with everything Smile Makers Collection makes, and yes, that includes lube! I love that this tube is non-dribbly (mhm, that’s a scientific term) and it’s extremely skinny, so you can easily pick it up with one hand mid-action without having to stop. These things are important to think about, okay?!
Admittedly, I am a bit of a lube obsessive (something I never thought I’d say). So if you’re not as bothered by all the added extras in your slippy stuff as I am, that’s completely understandable. For a standard lube that’ll last you a long time, this Lovehoney option makes a great option.
If you have sensitive skin like me, you’ll worry that everything you put on it is going to break you out in a rash. Add to that the risk of UTIs and thrush, and it’s a pretty disastrous combo. Thankfully, this lube is created specifically for sensitive skin – so you don’t need to worry about it!
If there’s one sexual wellness product I use more than anything else, it’s this lube. It’s been sat at my bedside for the best part of a year, and I use it every single time I have sex, without fail. I love it so much I even bought the baby version for the next time I go away. Genuine. Not only is it water-based, so it can be used with toys, condoms, or just au naturale, but it’s infused with CBD, which increases blood flow, and therefore sensations, wherever it’s placed, making for some of your best work.
I’m still trying to figure out how to reuse this bottle for something other than lube. Because, I mean, you’d never guess that’s what it homes, right? But it’s home to a premium silicone lube, which not only is pH balanced, so it won’t disturb your microbiome down there, but unlike other silicone lubes, can be used with silicone sex toys as it magically has been tested to prove it won’t disintegrate their surface!
I think we forget that our intimate areas have skin on them too; they might be a different kind of skin, but they’re skin, nonetheless. So we need to treat it just as kindly as we would any other area of our body! This water-based formula from Sitre is blended with aloe vera, blueberry extract for just that reason: it maintains moisture and hydrates. Not to mention, it comes in yet another great bottle.
Think you’re worthy of a lube that looks like a luxury perfume? Well, duh, you are! This LELO lube is as premium as they come, as it’s not too watery, and not too jelly, and it’s also not at all greasy, so it won’t stain your sheets.
This lube is caramel flavoured in case you feel like injecting a sweet treat into your bedroom activities. Don’t worry, though, if that’s not your flavour of choice, Satisfyer has every flavour under the sun available for you to choose from.
Planning to spend your entire holiday in bed? Valid. Extremely valid. This tiny canister of lube is the perfect travel companion, as it can squeeze into even the tightest of bags (not a euphemism) and lasts a long time thanks to being silicone-based, so you can keep going all night long. Just don’t use it with any silicone sex toys you’ve managed to get past security.
How to use lube
Before you even touch that bottle of lube, hold up and ask yourself: is this lube going to be compatible with the kind of sex I’m about to have?
Water-based lube is the most versatile kind of lube, so it could be wise to keep a bottle of this on-hand for every kind of sexy scenario you might find yourself in.
Once you start having sex, there’s no need to play a waiting game – you can integrate lube from the off.
“Introduce lube during foreplay, for both men and women,” says Short. “It functions far better than saliva and provides a smoother more silky glide.”
You can also use lube during penetrative sex, masturbation, or when using sex toys.
“It can also be used during penetrative sex, this can be applied beforehand or reapplied as needed to maintain comfort and ease,” Short explains.
“Two areas that are often overlooked are masturbation and the use of toys. In both cases, lubricant can significantly enhance sensation, reduce friction, and create a more pleasurable, fluid experience.”
And who doesn’t want that?