What Is Lube? Everything You Need to Know
Sex. Whether with a partner or flying solo, the goal is to enjoy yourself. Unfortunately, skin chafing, dryness and pain can get in the way. It’s important to keep things nice and slippery down there, as friction can easily cause discomfort. That’s where lube comes in handy!
But what makes a good lube? What exactly does lube do and why is it used? You might be wondering about these questions and more. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Here’s what we’ll explore:
- What is Lubrication (Lube)?
- Different Types of Lube.
- When and How to Use Different Lubricants.
- Conclusion.
If you’re curious about how lube works, you’re in the right place. We will explain everything you need to know about using lubes!
Let’s Define Lube
Lube, short for “lubricant,” is a liquid used by many to enhance pleasure and create a smoother experience during sex or masturbation. Its primary purpose is to reduce friction, which can otherwise lead to irritated skin and discomfort — not what you want when you're aiming for pleasure.
Artificial lubrication is by no means a new invention. People have been using lubricants since around 350 BCE, with olive oil being a common choice of the time.
In 1919, the first manufactured lube arrived on the scene, in the form of KY jelly, originally developed as a surgical lubricant1. Today, products intended for sexual purposes are commonly labelled “personal lubricants” to distinguish them from other types.
Different Types
Now that we’ve established what lube is and how it can help, let’s take a look at what lube is actually made of.
Personal lubricants generally fall into three categories:
- Water-based
- Silicone-based
- Oil-based
Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll cover in more detail later. For now, let’s examine each type in more detail.
Water-Based
Water-based lubes are among the most versatile and popular choices2 because they are:
- Safe to use with most condoms and sex toys
- Easy to clean up
- Gentle on the skin
When practising safe sex with condoms, water-based lube is an excellent option: you get all the slickness you need for a great experience while staying safe — sounds like a win/win!
Oil-Based
Next up, we have oil-based lubes, where the main ingredient is — surprise! — oil. Various oils, such as coconut oil and olive oil, can serve as lubricants.
However, it’s important to note that oil can damage condoms, so it's best to reserve oil-based lubes for other types of sexual activities or circumstances.
Advantages of oil-based lubricants:
- Long-lasting: They don’t dry up as quickly, reducing the need for frequent reapplication.
- Unique slickness: They offer a distinctive type of slickness that many find pleasurable.
- Moisturising: They are not easily absorbed into the skin and can provide additional moisture and nourishment.
While oil-based lubricants can be excellent for intimate massages and sex, they can also increase the risk of certain bacterial infections if they linger in intimate areas. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after use.
Silicone-Based
Our final contender for satisfyingly slick sex is silicone-based lube. Made from silicone oil and containing no water, this type of lube, sometimes referred to as “gel lube”, can be a fantastic choice for many people. Here are some key points to consider if you’re thinking about using silicone lube:
- Waterproof and slippery: It’s more slippery than water-based lube and thicker in consistency.
- Long-lasting: It doesn’t dry out quickly, which means it lasts longer.
- Non-absorbent: It doesn’t absorb into the skin or evaporate.
- Ideal for intense situations: Great for intense sex or sex in water — shower sex just got easier!
Silicone lube is somewhat of a hybrid between water and oil-based lubes. However, avoid using it with silicone sex toys, as it damages them4.
When and How to Bring Out the Lube
When and why do people use lube? Lube is commonly used during penetrative sex to enhance pleasure and comfort, including activities like penis-in-vagina intercourse and anal sex. It is particularly recommended for anal sex.
Unlike the vagina, the anus doesn’t produce any natural lubrication5. Therefore, if anal sex is on the agenda, it's important to use plenty of lube to ensure everything is properly slicked up.
Incorporating lube into your bedroom adventures is rarely a bad idea. While excessive lube can lead to too much slickness, it's generally better to have more lubrication than too little. Lube can also be beneficial for vaginal sex, with over 65% of women using lube for it6. Vaginal lubrication varies from person to person and can be affected by factors like breastfeeding, certain contraceptives and hormonal changes. Using lube can help address vaginal dryness and enhance comfort.
Conclusion
People use lube not just for specific sexual activities but also for simple enjoyment. Whether you’re engaging in solo play or indulging in steamy shower sex, understanding what personal lubricant is and how to use it can elevate your experience.
Our opinion? Lube is fantastic! Feel free to refer back to this guide whenever you need. Remember, everyone’s body is unique, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find what works best for you. Go forth and lubricate!
FAQs
What Is Water-Based Lubricant?
Water-based lubes contain water plus natural thickeners from plants. It’s hypoallergenic, making it a good option for people with sensitive skin. Water-based lubricants also have no fragrance so they rarely cause skin irritation.
What Is Spermicidal Lubricant?
Spermicides are a type of contraceptive that hinders sperm from reaching an egg. Spermicides are usually lubricants in and of themselves. They’re available in creams, gels, foams and jelly. For some, a spermicidal fluid offers enough lubrication. Others may need normal lube in addition.
Is Lube Healthy to Use?
Overall, yes. It can increase personal pleasure and prevent uncomfortable friction. Some lubes may cause vaginal irritation7. Avoid lubes with fragrances and sugars. Always rinse off any lubrication to prevent infection.7
References
Men’s Health, 2019, A Brief History of Lube, From 350 BCE Onward, Accessed 5 November 2024 https://www.menshealth.com/sex-women/a27017053/history-of-lube-sex/
The Body, 2020, What’s the Best Kind Of Lube for the Sex You Want to Have?, Accessed 5 November 2024 https://www.thebody.com/article/best-lube-sex-toys
Smart Sex Resource, Date Unknown, Pleasure and Safer Sex, Accessed 5 November https://smartsexresource.com/sexual-health/sexuality/pleasure-and-safer-sex/
Women’s Health Interactive, 2024, Can You Use Silicone Lube With Silicone Sex Toys?, Accessed 5 November https://www.womens-health.com/silicone-lube-with-sex-toys
National Institute of Health, 2021, Lubrication Practices and Receptive Anal Sex: Implications for STI Transmission and Prevention, Accessed 5 November 2024 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8240147/
National Institute of Health, 2014, Women's use and perceptions of commercial lubricants: prevalence and characteristics in a nationally representative sample of American adults, Accessed 5 November 2024 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24521034/
National Institute of Health, 2021, Clinical and personal lubricants impact growth of vaginal Lactobacillus species and colonization of vaginal epithelial cells: an in vitro study, Accessed 17 December 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8793461/
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