Lube 101: Water-Based, Silicone, or Hybrid?

Lubricant isn't an add-on for when something isn't working — it's a normal part of comfortable, enjoyable intimacy for most people, most of the time. The type you reach for depends mostly on what it's being used with.

Water-based

The most versatile option. Safe with all toy materials and all condom types, easy to clean up, and gentle on skin. The tradeoff is that it dries out faster than other types, so you may need to reapply during longer sessions. This is the right default if you only want to keep one bottle around.

Silicone-based

Lasts much longer than water-based and works well in water (shower, bath). The catch: it degrades silicone toys over time, so avoid pairing it with a silicone vibrator or dildo. It's a great match for condom-only use or non-silicone toys.

Hybrid

A water-based formula with a small amount of silicone mixed in, aiming for the longer-lasting feel of silicone with less of the toy-compatibility risk. Still worth checking the specific product's compatibility notes before using it with silicone toys.

One habit worth building regardless of type: patch-test anything new on a small area of skin first, and avoid flavoured or warming lubes internally unless the label specifically says they're formulated for it.