As is the case with sex toys, there are many suppliers and types of lubricants to assist in sexual activities. Lubricants basically fall into four categories, water-based, silicone-based, oil-based and petroleum-based.

Water-based lubricants are available in every conceivable consistency; from thin as water to thick as shortening. Many people find thicker lubes better for anal play and easier for playing with toys. It is possible that a thicker lube creates an extra cushion of comfort for anal play, and certainly true that it's easier to use with toys as it stays on better than a thin lube will.

Beyond this functional consideration, it is entirely a personal preference. You should let your personal preference, and what you are using the lubricant for, be the guide when it comes to feel and consistency. Some people want a lubricant that will feel like natural lubrication while others like the slippery and sometimes messy fun of a lubricant that isn't like vaginal lubrication at all.

You may also want to consider how the lubricant feels when it dries. Most water-based lubricants will feel a bit tacky when they dry up. There are a few non-tacky products that are less sticky when they dry. When water-based lubricants begin to dry up they can sometimes be "re-activated" with the addition of a small amount of water or saliva.

Generally speaking, water-based lubricants are the preferred choice for vibrators and other sex toys. Water-based lubes won't damage any of the sex toy materials typically used and they work extremely well.

The following is a list describing the different varieties of lubrication and which sex toys they are compatible with.

1. Water-Based Lubrication: This is the most common form of lubrication used today. Containing mostly water, water-based lubes will not stain your clothes or sheets, are safe with all sex toys, and are often pleasant tasting. Available in both flavored and non-flavored varieties, these lubes are long lasting and easy to clean because they are water soluble.
   
   Three types of ingredients in water-based lubes that people with sensitive skin should be aware of are:
   • Preservatives and antiseptics. These are the ingredients that end with "parabens". Some people do react to these, and increased exposure to them increases the allergic reaction.
   • Glycerin. People who are prone to yeast infections probably should avoid lubricants with glycerin or sorbitol. While research hasn't been done on this, glycerin has some similarity to sugar and could feed the yeast that is naturally occurring in a healthy vaginal canal. Some warming lubricants contain additional amounts of glycerin and it may be best to avoid these.
   • Extras: Scented and/or flavored. In an effort to expand the market for lubricants companies offer their regular brands in flavored/scented varieties. While there is nothing necessarily harmful in these products, if you are already sensitive to products, stay away from these options and stick with the regular lubricants.
   
   
2. Silicone-Based Lubrication: The differences within water-based lubes, like consistency, ingredients, and lasting, don't apply as much with silicone lubricants. Silicone-based lubricants are a high-tech version of water-based lube and are very thin and slick. All the ingredients are the same, except that silicone lubes do not contain any water and are completely waterproof. They also don't dry out like water-based lubes do so they tend to last longer. Silicone lubricant is safe to use with all sex toys except those made of silicone. If you have a silicone toy, you must use a different type of lubrication or cover the toy with a condom to protect it.
   
   The main difference in brands is the consistency. Better quality silicone lubes use more of the denser ingredient called dimethicone. This ingredient is also more expensive. It feels more velvety and lush than the other ones. If you are comparing silicone lubricants check to see where dimethicone comes in the ingredient list. In the better quality, more expensive silicone lubricants it should come first.
   
   The benefits of silicone lubricants are:
   • Because there is no water in it, silicone lube never dries up. It stays slick for a very long time.
   • If you use a silicone lubricant without additives you are very unlikely to have any topical body reactions, irritations, allergic reactions. For this reason it is a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
   • Silicone lube is also great for full body massage, as a skin moisturizer, and you can use it for shaving.
   • Because it doesn't break down in water, silicone lube can be used in the bath or shower, or for any kind of water fun.
   
   The drawbacks of silicone lubricants are:
   • Silicone lubricant will destroy both silicone and "cyberskin" sex toys. You should never use a silicone lubricant on a silicone or "cyberskin" sex toy.
   • It is very difficult to wash off, especially sheets. Silicone is not water-soluble so it won't come off your sheets.
   • It is more expensive than water-based lubes.
   
   
3. Oil-Based Lubrication: Oil-based lubricants consist of common oils such as vegetable oil and are not recommended for use with sex toys. Oil-based lubes are OK for masturbation and generally considered safe for consumption, but they often leave an oily residue, can be difficult to wash off your body parts, may stain clothing and have been known to cause infection if allowed to stay in the vagina. Oil-based lubes are not compatible with latex based sex toys, condoms and some latex-based birth control devices.
   
   
4. Petroleum-Based Lubrication: Petroleum-based lubricants are made with mineral oil or petroleum jelly. As their name implies, petroleum-based lubes contain primarily petroleum products. While they are commonly used for masturbation and anal play because they do not break down easily, petroleum-based lubes tend to stain sheets and clothing and are not easy to wash off hands and other body parts. It is important to know that Petroleum will dissolve latex, and should not be used with latex toys or condoms as they can render a condom ineffective. Petroleum-based lubes are also not recommended for use in the vagina since they can trap bacteria and do not wash out easily.

Some commonly available lubricants were designed mainly for medical purposes like examinations and are not compounded to hold up for extended periods of time. The lubricants we offer are designed to hold up longer as their intended purpose is for sexual activities.

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