How to Choose a Lube

You can use water- and silicone-based lubes with condoms. These varieties won’t break down any of the material. Unfortunately, oil-based lubes will break down your condoms, and should only be used for massages or penile masturbation.^[8]

Use polyurethane condoms with alternate, oil-based lubes. Unlike latex condoms, the polyurethane variety won’t break down or split when used with oil-based lubes. If you’re experimenting with different kinds of lubes, stock up on this type of condom ahead of time.^[9]

You can use coconut oil as lube, but not with condoms. Coconut oil is a great option if you have a lot of allergies, or if you aren’t a fan of traditional lubes. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work well with latex condoms.^[10]

Try vitamin E oil in place of traditional lube if you aren’t using a condom. Pick up a bottle of this oil from your local pharmacy and give it a try. However, don’t use it with a condom—unfortunately, natural oils like vitamin E can break down condoms.^[11]

• You can also try vitamin E oil as a suppository. You typically need a prescription to get this, though.

Spread your lube around your vagina in small amounts. Squeeze out a grape-sized amount of water-based lube or a blueberry-sized amount of silicone- or oil-based lube onto your palm. Rub it over both the inner and outer lips of your vagina, as well as your clit. If needed, squeeze out and apply more lube as you need to.^[12]

Apply lube over your skin. Rub the lube into any part of your skin where you plan on being massaged or pleasured. Start with a grape- or blueberry-sized amount of lube, using more product as needed.^[13]

Rub lube all over your toys. You don’t want any friction when you’re busy playing with yourself or your partner. Apply the lube all over the toy, so your playtime is as comfortable and smooth as possible.^[14]

• It’s a lot easier to feel turned on when your toys are lubed up.

Spread lube over your penis when you’re masturbating or having sex. Masturbation can lead to some uncomfortable friction—that’s where lube comes in! Rub some lube up and down the length of your penis so you can stay comfortable while you pleasure yourself.^[15] Lubing up before sex also makes things a lot more comfortable for you and your partner.^[16]

• A grape-sized amount is usually enough if you’re working with water-based lube, while a blueberry-sized amount will get the job done with silicone- or oil-based lube.

Watch out for a small handful of toxic ingredients. Chlorhexidine gluconate, parabens, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclotetrasiloxane, and cyclomethicone are all connected with different health concerns, like killing off healthy vaginal bacteria, causing irritation and rashes, and other issues. Ingredients like parabens, cyclomethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, and cyclotetrasiloxane are also connected with more serious concerns, like fertility and endocrine issues, along with other reproductive problems.^[17]

Stay away from vague flavors or fragrance. Some bottles of lube include ingredients like “fragrance,” “aroma,” or “flavor,” which aren’t great for your body. There’s no way to know what ingredients are these vague categories. In several cases, “fragrances” and “aromas” include toxins, carcinogens, and other bad ingredients.^[18]

• The World Health Organization tested a variety of different lubes. You can see the results here: https://www.womensvoices.org/osmolality-ph-properties-commercial-lubricants.