Personal lubricants can be utilized during solo sessions, partnered play sessions or toy teasing sessions to reduce friction between a penis and vagina or anal area or on sex toys.
65% of women reported that using lubricants improved their ability, speed and quality of orgasm.
What is a lubricant?
Lubricants are liquid or gel products designed to reduce friction between surfaces, making sex more comfortable for vaginal, anal or oral sex. There are various kinds of lubricants on the market and each has different flavors, textures and sensations – some can even cause an allergic reaction in certain individuals! Some are safe for use with latex condoms while others contain ingredients which might aggravate existing rubber allergies or could even trigger unexpected reactions in individuals.
Liquid lubricants are generally composed of oils derived from mineral or petroleum sources and blended with additives to optimize performance in specific operating conditions. These may include viscosity improvers that promote thick liquid films between moving/sliding surfaces, corrosion inhibitors, extreme-pressure additives that form protective layers over metal surfaces to protect from wear (graphite, molybdenum disulfide and zinc dialkyldithiophosphate are examples), friction modifiers made of solid particles like graphite or PTFE; defoaming agents or solvents may also be added prior to lubrication.
Water-based lubricants
Water-based lubricants mimic the body’s natural fluids, making them safe options for masturbation or vaginal intercourse. Easy to use and often come in an assortment of flavours, water-based lubricants are condom-friendly as well – making them suitable options for couples using barrier protection.
Water-based lubricants may decrease the chances of condom breakage during anal sex compared to oil or saliva-based alternatives, while also increasing sensation and pleasure by reducing friction between skin and toys or condoms.
Some water-based lubricants are vegan or biodegradable and crafted with natural ingredients such as aloe or shea butter for optimal performance and tolerance, making them suitable for people with sensitive skin and generally well-tolerated by all parties. Warming or tingly options may even exist depending on what you want from a product such as this; finding something suitable to you personally and intimate situation – be it synthetic or natural – requires doing a skin test to see how your body reacts.
Silicone-based lubricants
Silicone differs from water-based lubes in that it doesn’t evaporate or absorb into your body, meaning it lasts longer and requires fewer applications. For people with sensitive skin, silicone may provide greater comfort while decreasing risk of irritation or itching.
Silicone toys and condoms remain undamaged by this natural lube. Furthermore, it stains sheets or clothing less frequently and rinses cleanly in water – providing an authentic natural lube experience!
Food-grade silicone spray is a liquid polydimethylsiloxane compound designed as a dry film lubricant to reduce friction between surfaces, such as cardboard on metal surfaces or production line boxes moving down production lines. Many food-grade lubricants have received NSF H1 certification, guaranteeing safe food contact without potential allergens.
Oil-based lubricants
Oil-based lubricants contain natural or synthetic oils as their main component, creating silky feel and long-term slickness compared to other forms of lubrication. Unfortunately, however, they can be messy, necessitating multiple washings with soap and water in order to clear away any residual particles that remain on skin or in condom latex material over time.
Oil lubricants can come in the form of baby oil, mineral oils, petroleum jelly or other household products. While they may come scented or flavored, others can even double up as massage oils – these should never be swallowed as this could coat the esophagus and pose a choking hazard.
If you are searching for a natural oil-based lubricant, organic coconut oil may be just what you need. Not only is it safe for vaginal and anal lube use but massage oil also benefits greatly from being organic coconut-based; you can purchase it easily at most natural food stores as well as online – providing a wonderful alternative to chemically-laden products which may inhibit sperm motility studies in laboratory.
