The essential guide to choosing the best intimate lubricant

Contrary to what you might think, intimate lubricant is not only recommended for people who struggle with a lack of natural lubrication, but for anyone who engages in sexual stimulation, whether alone or with someone else. Even if you feel like your body produces enough natural lubrication, you could be missing out on a world of extra pleasure with lubricants.

Furthermore, it is important to highlight that the anus does not produce any lubrication, and therefore it is essential to use a good lubricant for anal activities.

If you are new to the world of lubricants or are simply curious about the options available on the market, we have put together a comprehensive list so you can choose the best option for your adventures.

Water-based lubricants

This is the most widely used and popular type of lubricant on the market, as it is a neutral gel, with no taste or odor, which provides a light and natural sensation, almost like natural lubrication.

It is safe to use with any sex toy material and compatible with condom use.

It does not stain and can be easily removed with water.

Within water-based lubricants there are also organic lubricants, which are the ideal choice for those with extremely sensitive skin and for those who want a more environmentally friendly option.

See our selection of water-based lubricants here.

Silicone-based lubricants

Silicone-based lubricants have the advantage of lasting much longer until they dry and have a more velvety texture to the touch. They are waterproof, which makes them perfect for playing in the shower, for example.

It is suitable for use in any type of sex, solo, vaginal or anal.

These lubricants, however, should not be used with toys made of silicone, as they can easily degrade the toy's material.

Unless specifically stated on the label, silicone-based lubricants are also compatible with condom use.

See our selection of silicone-based lubricants here.

Oil-based lubricants

Oil-based lubricants may be a little more limited than the rest on the list.

They tend to include skin-regenerating ingredients like Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and Almond Oil, so they are excellent for external stimulation.

However, they should not be used internally (vagina or anus), especially for people who are more sensitive to irritation and/or infections.

You should also not use this type of lubricant with latex condoms, as it can tear them with friction. You can use it with non-latex condoms.

It is only compatible with glass or metal toys.

Edible Lubricants

Although there are silicone and oil-based edible lubricants, the most popular and definitely the most versatile are water-based edible lubricants. They share the same characteristics but with the addition of a scent, which means they have exactly the same benefits, with a delicious touch.

With these lubricants you can play with your senses of taste and smell, so that your encounters become even more aphrodisiac, existing in any flavor or aroma you can imagine.

See our selection of edible lubricants here.

Anal Lubricants

Although an anal lubricant can be made from all the ingredients we have already mentioned here (water, silicone, oil), the big difference here is that a good anal lubricant is much thicker and more viscous, so that it lasts longer and offers more protection and comfort during activity, but many anal lubricants will also contain some ingredients with anesthetic properties, or with relaxing properties for the sphincter, which are two different characteristics.

What we recommend most is a lubricant with a relaxant and not an anesthetic. The function of the anesthetic is to remove almost all sensitivity from the area, which is unfortunate if you eventually want to feel pleasure from the activity (we seriously hope so) and can also make the activity a little riskier, as any fissure or accident that may occur, the area is numb.

In turn, lubricant with relaxant is ideal because it does not remove sensitivity from the area, but protects the entire area and relaxes the sphincter muscles, so that penetration can happen comfortably, without pain but with pleasure.

As for use with condoms, in this case it is advisable to always read the label to confirm that it is compatible.

See our selection of anal lubricants here.

Lubricants with extra effects

Of all the bases we have already mentioned, each of them also has the option of a lubricant with a heat effect, a cold effect and a stimulating effect that causes a tingling or pulsating sensation in the applied area.

They are a fun and simple option to spice things up in the bedroom, and can be a huge asset if you want to try a different sensation, but don't yet want to venture into stimulating creams, which usually cause more intense sensations.

As for use with condoms, in this case it is advisable to always read the label to confirm that it is compatible.

See our selection of effective lubricants here.