QuickSearch

Believe it or not, there are four different types of personal lubrication:

• Water-based
• Silicone-based
• Petroleum-based
• Oil-based

Water-based lubrication

Soluble, easy to clean and generally considered to be the safest on the market, water-based lube is the darling of the lubrication world.

Some people believe that water-based lubrication can cause yeast infections for those who are already susceptible as they contain glycerine (which itself contains sugar). This theory has not been scientifically proved however, it is best to note that if you believe water-based lube causes uncomfortable yeast infections for you, you should consider alternatives. Luckily, there are plenty of other options as you can buy water-based lube that is glycerine free but it isn’t as easy to find in the shops and silicone-based lube is a superior alternative.

Sexy water babies should be aware that water-based lube is no good if you need a little bit of lubrication whilst enjoying sex in water. If you like to make love in the bath/shower, the sea or a private swimming pool, water-based lube is not the one for you.

Pros:

• Easily available
• Safe to use with all condoms
• Easy to clean off skin and bed sheets
• Dries out but easily reactivated with water (or saliva!)
• Thin solution which is easy to apply
• By reducing friction, some studies have suggested that condom breakage rates fall when a water-based lubricant is used

Cons:

• Some people may find that water-based lube could cause yeast infections although this link has not been scientifically proven
• Cannot be used in water
• Dries out and may need reapplying
• Some inferior brands may leave a sticky residue

Silicone-based Lubrication

Silicone-based lubrication has more durable qualities than competitor lubes but it has one massive draw back - some, but not all silicone-based lubes are not suitable for use with condoms. When purchasing silicone lube, please always check the label.

Fortunately, Turn Me On sells a silicone-based lube that you can use safely with condoms. You can view this product here:

In spite of this issue, silicone-based lubrication has some incredible qualities that rival the tenure of water-based lubes. Silicone does not absorb itself into the skin like water-based products do. It stays on the surface of the skin meaning it is much more durable so you don’t need to reapply it in the same way that you would have to re-apply water-based lubes. This means that it is harder to get off your bed sheets if there is a spillage however a good washing powder should solve this little inconvenience.

Pros:

• You don’t need to use much so a small bottle lasts for a long time
• You can use silicone-based lubrication in water and it won’t wash away too easily
• Couples report that silicone lubrication feels much better during love making as silicone lube doesn’t dry up so stays slippery for the duration
• Silky and luxurious to the touch
• A good alternative if you believe water-based lubrication causes you to suffer from yeast infections

Cons:

• Not all silicone lubes are safe to use with condoms
• Harder to clean up than water-based lubrication
• You can’t use silicone lube with silicone sex toys as they will get damaged and need replacing.

Oil-based Lubrication

Oil-based lubrication is not often recommended by doctors and sexual health professionals for use during sexual activity. This is because edible oils such as olive oil, sunflower oil etc can damage condoms and cause vaginal infections. Women may experience vaginal dryness at different stages of their lives or even menstrual cycle so using edible oils may seem like an inexpensive and natural way of lubricating the vagina but this method of lubrication causes damage. Oils such as olive oil are a poor substitute for lubrication compared to products specifically designed for couples to use as a sex aid.

Pros:

• Cheap alternative to purpose-specific lubrications

Cons:

• No good for using with condoms as edible oils can weaken the latex and easily tear them
• May be cheap and already available in the home but food oils are not designed for personal use and can cause vaginal infections.
• Messy to use and leaves grease marks on your bed sheets and clothing.

Petroleum-based Lubrication

Examples of petroleum-based lubricants would include petroleum jelly e.g. Vaseline and baby oil. Again, neither of these products or other petroleum based items are suitable for use with condoms as they weaken the latex, rendering them unfit for purpose. Despite being inexpensive and easy to get hold of, petroleum-based lubricants are notoriously difficult to clean from the body yet still leave a greasy feel on the body after usage as it is not water soluble.

Pros:

• Cheap and easy and discrete to buy in shops
• Thick viscosity – perfect for anal sex

Cons:

• Petroleum jelly has long been used by doctors for examinations however many have now switched to water-based lubrication as petroleum-based products are too difficult to clean
• Not safe for use with condoms