Which lube? Water, silicone and oil-based lube explained
What each base is safe with, how long it lasts, what to skip, and which lube to pick for toys, condoms, anal and the shower.
By the editors · 5 Oct 2026 · 6 min read
Lube is the cheapest upgrade in any sex shop, and the most confusing shelf. Almost everything comes down to one choice: the base. Water, silicone or oil decides what it's safe with, how long it lasts and how it washes off.
| Base | Safe with | Lasts | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-based | Every toy material, every condom | Dries out; add water or more lube | Glycerin and high-concentration formulas can irritate some people |
| Silicone-based | Latex and other condoms, glass, steel, ABS plastic | A long time, even in water | Can damage some silicone toys; slippery on floors |
| Oil-based | Polyurethane and nitrile condoms | A long time | Breaks down latex condoms; harder to wash out |
| Hybrid (water and silicone) | Most condoms; patch-test silicone toys | Longer than water | The silicone part can still affect silicone toys |
Water-based: the safe default
If you only buy one, buy this. It's safe with every toy material and every condom, it rinses off with water, and it won't stain sheets. The trade-off is that it dries out, so you'll reapply. A splash of water often brings it back.
Not all water-based lube is gentle. Some are very concentrated, which can pull moisture out of skin and leave it irritated. The World Health Organization suggests lube for vaginal and anal sex stays under 1,200 mOsm/kg; few brands print the number, but the ones that do are worth noticing. If you're prone to thrush, look for a glycerin-free formula.
Silicone-based: for long sessions and the shower
Silicone lube barely dries out, works in water, and a little goes a long way. It's popular for anal sex for exactly those reasons, and it's safe with latex condoms.
The catch is silicone toys. Silicone lube can make some silicone toys tacky or rough over time. If you want to use them together, test a dab on the base of the toy first and leave it for an hour, or just use water-based lube with silicone toys.
Oil-based: massage, mostly
Coconut oil and oil-based lubes feel lovely and last ages, but oil breaks down latex condoms, so they're out whenever latex is involved. They're also harder to wash out of fabric and bodies. Many educators suggest keeping oil for external use and massage.
What to skip
- Numbing lubes, especially for anal sex. Pain is your body telling you to slow down; numbing it removes the warning.
- Warming, tingling and flavoured formulas if you have sensitive skin. Try them on your wrist first.
- Anything that won't list its ingredients.
- Things that aren't lube. Spit dries fast, moisturiser and body lotion aren't made for the inside of anyone, and petroleum jelly breaks down latex.
Which lube for what
- With silicone toys: water-based.
- With latex condoms: water-based or silicone-based. Never oil.
- Anal sex: a thicker water-based gel or a silicone lube, and more than you think.
- In the shower or bath: silicone-based.
- Sensitive or prone to thrush: water-based, glycerin-free, unscented.
Where to buy it
Supermarkets and pharmacies stock two or three basics. Sex shops stock the full range of bases, sizes and sensitive-skin formulas, and send them in the same plain packaging as everything else. Our where to buy lube page lists the shops with the widest choice, and the body-safe guide covers which toy materials go with which lube.