Lube

Lube, or lubricant, is a fluid formulated to reduce friction, increase glide, and enhance comfort and pleasure during sexual activity. Since it reduces friction, lube also helps condoms work better.

First of all, let's bust a myth. Many people think that lube (or lubricant) is just for those struggling with natural lubrication (getting wet) during sex. But lube can be used by anyone – no matter your age, relationship status, gender, or body parts –  to experience more comfort and pleasure during any type of genital stimulation.  

For example, lube can be used during foreplay, vaginal, anal and oral sex, and masturbation. It can be used with sex toys, internal condoms (that go in the vagina or anus), external condoms (that go on the penis) and dental dams.

This can depend on where you live. You can normally buy lube in lots of places including pharmacies, health stores and supermarkets. Some sexual health clinics or doctors may even provide lube for free. If you are not sure where you can get lube near you, ask a healthcare provider. 

How do I apply lube?

Simply rub the lube between your fingers and apply it to the desired body part (this might be your own or your partner’s) or your sex toy.  

How much lube should I use?

A little bit of lube usually goes a long way! So, try starting with 2-3 drops. The amount you apply is all about what feels best for you. You can reapply lube as often as you need to and use as much as you need to make sure that everything is well-lubricated. 

When it comes to anal sex, more is usually better! This is because the anus doesn’t lubricate itself, so anal play can feel uncomfortable or painful without lube. We recommend using double the amount of lube for anal play.

Most condoms do have some lube on them already, but this amount usually doesn’t provide enough glide. So, lots of people find that using extra lube means more comfort and pleasure during sex. Remember that oil-based lube will damage latex condoms. Since most condoms are made from latex, when you’re using condoms it’s best to use water-based or silicone lube.

There are three types of lube: water-based, oil-based, and silicone-based lubes.  

Water-based lube is safe for most sexual activities, can be used with condoms, but dries out faster.  

Silicone-based lube is long-lasting and safe to use with most condoms, but can leave behind a sticky residue and can't be used with silicone toys or other silicone products. 

Oil-based lubes (such as sweet almond oil) provide long-lasting slip and glide and have a more sensual feel. BUT don’t use oil-based lube with latex condoms, latex diaphragms, or latex dental dams! Most condoms are made of latex and can be damaged by oil-based lube. If your condom becomes damaged, it will not protect you from STIs or unwanted pregnancy.  

Need more help choosing the right lube for you? No worries, check out our “In Detail” tab to help you decide! 

It can be tricky to decide which lube to use, as there are different kinds available, each with their pros and cons. So, let’s compare water-based, oil-based, and silicone-based lubes in more detail, to help you choose!

These are generally safe for most sexual activities and are: 

• safe with diaphragms  

• safe with latex condoms (always double check your lube is compatible with the protection method you’re using) 

• safe with dental dams 

• safe with sex toys  

• non-staining  

• safe if swallowed in small amounts during sex (check the packaging to be sure)  

• easy to wash off 

• a more natural alternative and have fewer chemicals than silicone-based lubes 

What should I be aware of when using water-based lubricants? 

They dry out faster, so you usually need to keep reapplying. It’s also not the best choice if you want to use it in the shower because it washes off easily.  

With their creamier texture, oil-based lubricants are excellent for: 

• long-lasting slip and glide  

• their moisturising, sensual feel 

• masturbation 

• foreplay and other sexual activities including hand jobs and fingering 

• Sex toy play 

What should I be aware of when using oil-based lubricants? 

Do not use oil-based lubes with latex condoms, latex diaphragms, or latex dental dams. Oil can dissolve and weaken latex products, meaning they can break.  

Look out for natural plant-based oil lubricants, such as sweet almond oil, as these are kinder to the body. As well as being a more natural alternative, sweet almond oil is also food grade (always check the product description before buying), which means that it is safe if you swallow it) during oral sex (e.g. blow jobs or licking out).

They are: 

• long-lasting 

• safe to use with most latex condoms, latex dental dams, and latex diaphragms (double-check the product instructions) 

• good for use in water 

What should I be aware of when using silicone-based lubricants? 

You can’t use silicone-based lubricants with silicone sex toys, silicone diaphragms, or other silicone products. This is because the silicone in the lube can damage silicone products. Silicone-based lubricants can leave behind a sticky residue.