Personal lubricants are liquid gels that people of all ages, gender identities and sexual orientations can use to enhance their intimate experiences. Lubricants can provide relief during anal sex as well as vaginal dryness while increasing sexual satisfaction and improving satisfaction with intimacy.
When selecting a personal lubricant, ensure it contains body-safe ingredients and works well with any sex toys you plan on using. Be mindful if either of you have allergies that require special consideration.
Water-Based
Water-based lubricants are typically composed of natural thickeners like xanthan gum and agar-agar, making them gentle on skin while easy to clean up after masturbation and vaginal play. Water-based lubricants tend to absorb quickly into the body, necessitating interruptions during intercourse or foreplay to reapply; some varieties have longer-acting formulas as well.
Lubes with a silicone base, like ASTROGLIDE X Silicone Gel, tend to be waterproof and hypoallergenic lubes that can be safely used with latex condoms. Furthermore, they typically last longer than water-based alternatives, thus needing less frequent applications. Intimate lubricants often produce stimulating sensations like tingling or warmth and include flavors to add stimulation; some also produce stimulating sensations with stimulating sensations or flavors; these intimate lubricants may be called intimate lubes while many can produce stimulating sensations like tingling or warmth when applied; such intimate lubes should generally be compatible with most sex toys; however it’s always wise to test for compatibility before use with new toys to ensure compatibility before use.
Silicone-Based
Silicone-based lubricants are perfect for intimate moments for both men and women alike. Not requiring as frequent application as water-based options, silicone lubricants provide enhanced sexual experiences without needing reapply as frequently. Plus they can even be used with condoms! For the best natural experience possible look for formulas without oils, fragrances or preservatives as these create more of an intimate, sensual experience; while some silicone lubricants even feature mild warming sensations for an added boost in pleasure and intimacy!
Silicone-based lubricants don’t present the same risks associated with glycerin-based ones, like yeast infections and increased risks for vulva tears. Furthermore, they’re less messy or oily compared to their glycerin counterparts and easier to clean up should things become sticky or messy. Plus they feature low osmolality so won’t draw moisture out of your vagina, keeping you slippery for longer and decreasing friction between sex toys!
Natural
Natural personal lubricants are comprised of plant-based ingredients that are gentle on skin and free from harmful chemicals, making them better choices than their supermarket counterparts, which may contain glycerine and other additives known to lead to yeast infections.
Natural lubricants often incorporate moisturizing oils like organic coconut oil and shea butter, along with soothing ingredients like aloe vera for its soothing properties and silky texture that mimics our bodies natural lubrication system. Organic beeswax may provide thick consistency while vitamin E oil acts as a preservative; citric acid is another common organic ingredient, helping maintain vaginal pH balance.
Research confirms the efficacy of using lubricant to enhance sexual pleasure and satisfaction.3, 4 A study of women working in sex entertainment establishments who reported using lubricants reported less discomfort during insertion, anal penetration and condom breakage.5
Organic
As with your food intake, why not extend that same care and consideration when selecting vaginal lubes? Organic and natural lubes made from skin-safe ingredients like coconut oil can provide protection from irritation while being artificial preservative-, fragrance-, or chemical free.
These lubes can be used on both your partner and toys and boast silky textures with sweet scents that recall Girl Scout Thin Mints for added excitement! Some varieties even contain herbs known to increase orgasm and pleasure.
Be sure to read the label before buying. Some natural lubes use ingredients like ghee which may lead to infections like bacterial vaginosis. Also, some brands use cannabis which could potentially get you high and is illegal outside California; therefore it’s crucial that you carefully read through ingredients and consider potential allergic reactions before making your purchase.
