What’s the best lube to use?

There are so many lubricants on the market, how do you know which one is best? Of course, I will start off by answering with the infamous physical therapist answer: it depends. It is valuable to understand the differences between different types of lubricant before making a decision about which one will be right for you. If you have allergies or sensitivities, or if you are experiencing hormonal changes such as during pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, or hysterectomy, this can be extremely important. 

There are 4 main categories of lubricant, defined by their primary ingredients: water-based, oil-based, silicone, or hybrid silicone and water. They each have different properties which make them suited for different uses, personal preferences, and specific bodies.

Water based

Water based lubricants are the most common type and you will see them on the shelves of almost any store. They are affordable and available in various consistencies from thick gel-like to thinner liquid. Water-based lubricants feel most like the body’s natural lubricant, which is a pro if you are striving for a natural feeling. Water based lubricants are compatible with most condoms, which is an important factor for many people to consider when choosing a lube. 

Water based lubricant dries out the fastest, which is one of the biggest downfalls. Reapplication is often necessary because the lube evaporates or absorbs into the skin. Water based lubricants also usually have a laundry list of ingredients, including preservatives, which can irritate the skin or mucosal tissues. 

Oil based

Oil based lubricants can be helpful with hydration and improving elasticity of sensitive skin or mucosal tissues. They last longer than water based lubricants but not as long as silicone lubricants. Plant oil based products are recommended, such as coconut oil, and not petroleum based oils like vaseline. We will discuss that further in a little while. Oil based lubricants also take longer to clear out of the body so these might be a type to avoid if you have recurrent bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, or yeast overgrowth/infections. Oil based lubricants are usually NOT compatible with condoms. They may stain fabrics or clothing. 

Silicone

Silicone based lubricants are usually hypoallergenic, because they don’t soak into the skin and don’t require preservatives. They last the longest out of the 4 types of lubricants. Silicone based lubricants are compatible with most condoms, and silicone is usually what is used for most pre-lubricated condoms. Silicone lubricants can be harder to find, but there are usually several options at most pharmacies or grocery stores. Silicone can be harder to clean up, since it doesn’t dry up quickly and remains on the skin for longer periods of time. It may also stain fabrics or clothing. 

Hybrid water and silicone

Hybrid lubricants contain water and silicone, and are somewhere in between for most of the factors we have discussed. They are less irritating than most water based lubricants, but are not hypoallergenic like silicone alone. They last longer than water based alone, but not as long as silicone alone. These types of lubricants are less available in stores and may need to be purchased online.

Other considerations

One thing to consider if you are going to use a water based lubricant is pH. pH is the measure of acidity or basicity on a scale from 0-14, with 7 being neutral. Vaginal pH helps maintain the balance of healthy bacteria and yeast, and acts as a defense against pathogens. Vaginal pH rises and falls with the menstrual cycle and changes based on estrogen and progesterone levels. A typical vaginal pH is between 3.8-5.0 (Diagnostics Journal) During childbearing years, the range is usually closer to 4, but during and after menopause, it usually raises to above 4.5 and may be closer to 7. When the pH of the vagina raises, it can leave the genitals susceptible to BV, UTIs, yeast overgrowth, or pathogens. Sometimes, when the pH rises, acidic lubricants can cause burning, stinging, and pain. 

Some common water based lubricants that are close to the natural vaginal pH are Good Clean Love Restore (pH ~3.4), Good Clean Love Almost Naked (pH ~4), Slippery Stuff Liquid (pH~4.3), Astroglide Liquid (pH~4.4), KY Jelly (pH~4.55), Astroglide Sensitive Skin Gel (pH~4.6), Slippery Stuff Gel (pH~5.5), and Coconu water-based (pH~5.5). 

Other ingredients

The last thing to consider when buying a lubricant is the ingredients list. You may have sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients, so it is important to read the ingredients list before using a lubricant! There are some ingredients that should generally be avoided for most people, which we will discuss now. 

Glycerin breaks down into sugars and has been linked with yeast overgrowth and infections. This may not be the case with everyone, but if you are prone to yeast infections, you may want to avoid glycerin in your lube.

Petrochemicals such as propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and petroleum should be avoided. Propylene glycol  is derived from petroleum and has been linked with BV. It has also been shown that the more you are exposed to it, the more likely you are to have allergic reactions to it.

Nonoxynol 9 and chlorhexidine gluconate are surfactants (agents that act on the surface tension of cell membranes). They are meant to kill microbes in order to make them sterile, but this also kills healthy bacteria and can compromise the integrity of cells. These can cause a stinging or burning sensation and leave the body more susceptible to infections and pathogens.

Petroleum oils, such as Vaseline, are breeding grounds for bacteria and take a long time to be cleared from the inside of the body so they are not recommended to use as personal lubricant.

Polyquaternium-15 is used as a preservative and as a skin adherent in some water-based lubes. It can increase the infection rate of HIV and similar viruses, so it is not recommended to use when STI transmission is possible.

Benzocaine is a numbing agent and can irritate the skin. Remember to listen to the body’s pain response. If penetration or friction is painful, a numbing agent will not solve the problem, even if the sensation is dulled.

Sugars, such as glucose, honey, maltodextrin, can be used for flavor, but are not advisable because sugars feed yeast, can dry sticky, and can throw off the natural balance of the vulvovaginal environment.

Parabens are used as preservatives and can disrupt hormones in the body, harm reproductive organs, and increase the risk of cancer. They can also cause skin irritation.

In summary, the major factors to consider are: base ingredients, goals of using the lubricant (length of time, natural feeling, compatible with condoms, etc), sensitivities, pH, and harmful ingredients and additives. 

Information applied from Smitten Kitten’s Shopping Guide to Lube: Every Body Edition