Ah, lubricants — the slippery goodness that ensures a smooth experience. From reducing friction to heightening pleasure, lubricants are a wonder, and they don’t get enough credit for it.
There are so many types of sex lubricants in the market today, and choosing the right one can often feel like navigating a maze. But you’re not alone; that’s why we’re here to break down some lubricant basics, such as the different types, their functions and differences, the ones that work well for sensitive skin, etc.
What are Lubricants?
According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, the definition of personal lubricant or sex lube is:
“A lubricant is a liquid or gel that women and their partners can apply during sex to make the vulva, vagina, or anal area wetter. Lubricant can also be applied to a man’s penis or a sex toy to make them more slippery.”
Why are lubes necessary? Well, during sexual arousal, a woman’s vagina typically gets lubricated, making it wetter and ready for sex. With the help of lubricants, there’s less irritation and potential for infections.
Types of Lubricants
Truly, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to lubes. Depending on what you’re using it for and the sensation you want to feel, there are different types of sex lubricants that fit every need. Here are some of the essential ones to get you started:
Water-based lubricants
Water-based lubricants are one of the most popular choices — versatile and widely available. They’re compatible with most sex toys and condoms. Water-based lubricants offer a natural feel and are easy to clean up after use. Not to mention, a lube choice for sensitive skin. You could say that they’re a staple for the bedroom and an all-rounder when it comes to sex or masturbation.
Silicone-based lubricants
Depending on your preference, some prefer a long-lasting slickness, if so, silicone-based lubricants are the ideal choice. These types of personal lubricants feature a silky smooth texture for long and steamy sessions. That said, silicone-based lubricants are not the best choice for use with sex toys as they can degrade its material over time.
Oil-based lubricants
This one’s the diva of all lubricants. Oil-based lubricants are rich and luxurious, meant for skin-on-skin contact or massages. They provide excellent lubrication for sliding and gliding as well as general hydration. Word of caution: do not use oil-based lubricants with latex condoms as they could cause breakage. So, if you don’t plan on being a parent so soon, knowing your sex lubes is a must.
Hybrid lubricants
Want the best of both worlds? Hybrid lubricants provide just that. These innovative lubes blend of water and silicone-based ingredients, offering the benefits of both types of lubricants, meaning long-lasting slickness, easy cleanup, and a natural feel. It’s no wonder they’re a popular choice.
Flavoured lubricants
If taste is something that matters to you, we recommend giving flavoured sex lubes a try. These are enticing and capture your attention with its exciting flavours. Some are fruity, and some taste like dessert, which excites your smell receptors. They’re a favourite for some engaging in some oral play.
Lubricants for Men & Women
There’s a fine line between the types of lubricants for men and women, and that line involves looking into the nuances that involve their functions, usages, and how to tell them apart.
While both male and female lubricants serve the same primary function — reducing friction and enhancing pleasure during sex or masturbation, depending on how each couple goes about their play session, lubes could take on different “roles” and fit multiple uses.
Lubricants For Men
Typically formulated to mimic the natural lubrication produced by the male body, male lubricants have their unique characteristics.
They have a thicker consistency and may contain ingredients like aloe vera or vitamin E to promote long-lasting hydration and comfort. Male lubricants are typically designed to complement solo play or intimate sessions with a partner.
Lubricants For Women
Unlike male lubricants, female ones are specially formulated to enhance vaginal moisture and comfort.
The texture is lighter and contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid or chamomile extract to soothe sensitive skin and encourage natural lubrication. Female lubricants are often used to alleviate vaginal dryness (due to hormonal changes, medications, or certain medical conditions), enhance arousal, and facilitate smoother penetration during sex.
Differences Between Male & Female Lubricants
When it comes to who uses what, we’ll have to identify what sex acts are involved. Here are some to help you understand what sex lubricants are suitable for:
- Vibrators or sex toy play
- Male-and-female penetration
- Strap on sex (with pegging toys)
- Anal sex
- Hand sex, fingering, or fisting
- Tribbing, grinding, and scissoring
Beyond that, paying close attention to the following could help too:
Packaging and marketing
It might seem pretty obvious, right? Choose the box with the picture of a male for male lubricants and the same for females. But don’t be fooled, sometimes, people get mixed up.
Typically speaking, to attract male audiences, companies tend to use bold colours to make a statement for male lubricants, emphasising the importance of performance.
For females, these products may feature softer colours and imagery that’s focused on comfort and intimacy.
Ingredients
Another way to tell lubricants apart is through their ingredients list.
Male lubricants usually contain ingredients like menthol or peppermint that offer a tingling sensation whereas female lubricants might include ingredients like botanical extracts or pH-balancing agents to support vaginal health.
Texture and consistency
As previously mentioned, male lubricants are thicker, while females are lighter. That said, male lubricants are also more viscous in texture, while females’ are more fluid. You can tell them apart based on how they feel to the touch.
Things to Know Before Buying a Lubricant
You’re pretty much ready to buy your very own lubricant, but here are just a few more tips to pick the right type of lubricant for you and/or your partner:
Sensitive skin
Whether you’re getting a lube for your solo or partner play, and either of you has sensitive skin or allergies. Do opt for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free options to avoid any irritation or discomfort.
pH balanced
Choosing lubricants that match the pH balance of your genital area is essential. The normal vaginal pH ranges between 3.8 and 5.0, which may vary as one age. Think of it as an important step to prevent flora disruption and minimise the risk of infections.
Ingredients
Pay extra attention to the ingredients list and avoid products containing parabens, glycerin, or harsh chemicals that may cause discomfort or allergic reactions. And, of course, seek medical help if such situations occur.
Shelf Life of Lubricants & How to Store
Like any other product, sex lubes have a shelf life too. Be sure to check its expiration date for optimal performance and safety. Do a regular check just to ensure you’re not using any expired goods.
Also, remember to store your lubricants in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent changing their natural composition and effectiveness.
Conclusion
And there you have it — a comprehensive guide to understanding the types of lubricants for sex, masturbation and beyond.
So, whether you’re seeking a silky-smooth sensation or tasty flavours, there’s a lubricant that suits your preferences and needs.
At Douxy, we believe in pursuing pleasure and being open to new and exciting possibilities. With that, happy experimenting, and may every ride be a smooth one. Don’t forget to explore our sex toys for men and sex toys for women here!
