Lube

What is lube?

Lube, short for personal lubricant, is a slippery liquid or gel that reduces friction during sex, masturbation and toy play. Most are water-based or silicone-based; others are oil-based, or hybrids that blend water and silicone. Some add a warming or cooling feel. Bodies make some natural lubrication, but how much varies, and the anus makes none, so anal always needs lube.

Types of lube

Water-based lube

The all-rounder: safe with condoms and every toy material, and it rinses off with water, though it can dry out sooner than silicone. JO H2O has a silky, silicone-like glide and is fragrance-free and non-staining.

Silicone lube

Silicone lube lasts longer and holds up in water, so it's the pick for long sessions and the shower. JO Premium Silicone is water-resistant; JO Xtra Silky is ultra-thin. Silicone lube can damage silicone toys, so pair it with glass, steel or hard plastic.

Anal lube

Because the anus doesn't lubricate itself, anal lube tends to be thicker and longer-lasting. JO Anal H2O is a thicker water-based formula and JO Anal Premium a thicker silicone one, both with no numbing agents. pjur Backdoor, enriched with jojoba, is extra-long-lasting.

Warming and cooling lube

JO Premium Warming heats up on contact, thanks to a warming agent from chili peppers. Sliquid Spark is a menthol-infused silicone lube that goes on cool and warms with friction. Patch-test either before it goes anywhere sensitive.

Massage glides that double as lube

The silicone-based JO All In One Warming Massage Glide warms on contact, and one drop does the work of at least 10 drops of massage oil. pjur Original Bodyglide, a concentrated silicone lube, doubles as a massage gel.

Novelty cum lube

Unscented Jizz Lubricant is a creamy, white, water-based lube that looks and feels like cum, made for body play and massage. It's non-staining, but it contains glycerin and isn't recommended for internal use, so keep it on the outside.

Oil-based and hybrid lube

Oil-based lube, coconut oil included, lasts a long time but weakens latex condoms and can damage soft toy materials like TPE. Hybrids blend water and silicone, often in a creamy formula that outlasts water-based and rinses off more easily than silicone.

How to choose lube

• Condoms and toys. Latex condoms: water-based or silicone, never oil. Silicone toys: water-based. Glass, stainless steel and hard ABS plastic: either.
• Where you'll use it. For anal, go thicker and use plenty. In the shower, silicone stays slick where water-based washes away.
• Feel. JO Xtra Silky is ultra-thin, JO's anal formulas are thicker, and most of our lubes say they never turn sticky or tacky.
• Sensitive skin. Fragrance, glycerin and warming or cooling agents bother some people, so patch-test. JO H2O and the Jizz lube list glycerin; Sliquid Spark has none but adds menthol.
• Cleanup. Water-based rinses off with water; silicone needs soap, and Sliquid Spark can stain some sheets and clothing.
• Size and budget. Start small: JO H2O comes in 2, 4, 8 and 16 oz bottles. Concentrated silicones like pjur Original Bodyglide need only a few drops.

How to use lube

1. Start with a coin-sized drop. You can always add more.
2. Warm it between your fingers first.
3. Apply it to the toy, the outside of a condom once it's on, or your body.
4. Reapply when things drag. A few drops of water can revive water-based lube.
5. For anal, use more than you think, and reapply often.
6. Silicone lube on a silicone toy? Better not. If you must, spot-test a dab on its base first.
7. Wipe up drips: silicone lube makes floors slippery.

Cleaning, care and safety

• Clean toys every time. The JO Refresh Foaming Toy Cleaner is fragrance-free: pump the foam over the toy, wait 60 seconds and rinse. It cleans but doesn't sterilize.
• Stop if it stings or itches, and wash it off. Talk to your doctor if irritation keeps coming back, or if you're pregnant.
• Skip anything numbing. It can mask pain, your cue to slow down. JO Anal H2O and JO Anal Premium have no numbing agents.
• Oil and latex don't mix. Oil-based products weaken latex condoms.
• Store it well. Cap it, keep it away from children and check the date on the bottle.

Lube FAQ

What does lube do?

It reduces friction, so skin, toys and condoms glide instead of drag. That makes sex, masturbation and toy play more comfortable, whether you're already wet or not. For anal it's essential, since the anus doesn't make its own.

Can you use coconut oil, baby oil or Vaseline as lube?

Not with latex condoms: oils and petroleum jelly weaken latex, which can make a condom break. They're also hard to wash off and can stain, and lotions often contain fragrance and alcohol. Skip the coconut oil, baby oil, olive oil, Vaseline, Aquaphor and lotion, and use a lube made for sex, especially with condoms or toys. Talk to your doctor about any irritation.

Does lube expire?

Yes. Most bottles carry an expiration or best-by date, so check yours, and don't use it past that date or if it smells, looks or feels different. Keep it capped at room temperature, away from heat and direct sun.

Is water-based or silicone lube better?

Neither wins everywhere. Water-based is the all-rounder: safe with every toy and condom and easy to rinse off, but it dries out sooner. Silicone lasts longer and stays slick in water, great for anal and the shower, but it needs soap to wash off and can damage silicone toys.

Which lube is safe with condoms?

Water-based and silicone lube are both safe with latex condoms; oil-based isn't. Most of our lubes say they're latex-condom compatible, and pjur's Backdoor and Original Bodyglide also list polyisoprene and polyurethane condoms. Add lube to the outside once the condom is on.

Which lube is safe with silicone toys?

Water-based. Silicone lube can damage silicone toys, and our JO Premium Silicone listing warns it bonds to their surface. JO H2O and JO Anal H2O both say they're safe with all toys, silicone included. Save silicone lube for glass, steel and hard plastic.

Where can I buy lube discreetly?

Right here. Every order ships in a plain box with no branding, free on orders of $75 and up. We ship to US addresses only, from several US warehouses, so multi-item orders can arrive in separate packages.

Picking a toy too?

Our 10 best butt plugs, 10 best pocket pussies and strokers and best vibrators for beginners guides each say which lube to use with them. Every order ships discreetly from the US, free over $75.