I’ll scream it from the mountaintops as often as I need to: your bedroom should have a bottle of lube! Ideally several. Whether you’re flying solo or with one or more co-pilots, too much friction is a bad time for anyone. Even if it seems like you don’t need lubricant, it’s better to use a little to protect yourself from friction and microtears on sensitive tissues. We’ve tried different types, from silicone and oil to water – these are the best lubricants we’ve tested.
Be sure to check out our guides to the best sex toys and the best vibrators for more WIRED-tested recommendations.
Updated April 2024: We added Gun Oil Silicone Lube and Uberlube Silicone Lube.
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Silicone vs. water vs. natural oil-based lubricant
Photo: Lady
There are two main types of lubricants to consider: water-based lubricants and silicone-based lubricants.
Water-based lubricant are by far the most common and least expensive option you can find online or in a sex shop, and for most people they are the right choice. High-quality water-based lubricants could therefore also be referred to as aloe-based lubricants Aloe barbadensis Leaf gel is the main thickener in almost all of them. It provides a high level of smoothness without leaving any sticky residue. (A mushroom extract is also sometimes used to create a silky-smooth texture.) However, not all water-based lubricants are created equal, and some can feel sticky. They have a bad habit of being quickly absorbed into the skin, which is why they need to be reapplied more often than other lubricants. Still, they are safe for the body and toys, making them by far the most hassle-free option.
Silicone lubricantOn the other hand, because they are oil-based, they reduce friction much more and last longer because they are not absorbed into the skin as quickly. Because they are oil-based, you need to be careful when using them to avoid staining your bedding or clothing. Additionally, silicone lubricants can break down silicone toys over time. Therefore, it’s best to keep most of your toys away from silicone lube (although glass toys and silicone lube get along well).
Natural oil-based lubricant are becoming increasingly common and typically use vegetable oils such as coconut oil or avocado oil to provide lubrication. The advantage of this is that they work well with silicone toys and do not attack them, as is the case with silicone-based lubricants. And since they’re made from natural oils, they usually smell pretty good. The downside is that they are a little more delicate and don’t provide as much lubrication as silicone-based lubricants.