Your Guide to Personal Lubricant: From Ah to Ooh

The benefits of using personal lubricant have been well documented: using personal lubricant is associated with less friction and greater pleasure for both partners during intimate moments. But how do you choose the best one for your sex life?

What Is Personal Lubricant?

Lubricants are products that are gel-based, liquid or oil-based and used to avoid discomfort and friction during sexual activity. They aren’t only for use during penetrative sex either- they can be used during foreplay, masturbation and anal sex too.

Why Use Personal Lubricant?

Personal lubricants are applied to the genitalia before and during sexual intercourse in order to reduce friction and reduce vaginal tearing. Vaginal tearing increases the risk of STI and HIV infection. And according to an Indiana State University study that involved 2453 women between the ages of 18 and 68, personal lubricants made sex more pleasurable in 70% of instances.

The study also found that when personal lubricants were used, genital pain was reported in less than 5% of instances, and vaginal tearing occurred in less than 1% of instances.

Personal lubricants make sexual intimacy wetter, more comfortable and more pleasurable – but female arousal is not only indicated by wetness. It’s important to note that the absence of wetness doesn’t mean you’re not interested in your partner or in sexual intimacy. 

Vaginal dryness could be the result of

• Certain medications you may be taking
• General dehydration in the body
• Using birth control
• Being a smoker
• Breastfeeding
• Undergoing chemotherapy

Personal lubricants are also recommended for use with condoms, as they can reduce the chances of a condom tearing.

What Type Of Personal Lubricant Is Best For You?

Lubricants are manufactured with different bases:

• Water
• Oil
• Silicone
• Hybrids (a combination of bases)

Water-based personal lubricants

Water-based lubes are quite versatile and can be used with latex and silicone condoms. If a water-based lube appeals to you, you’ll want to ensure that it is pH balanced. But, if you have very sensitive skin or would like to use the lube in the shower, pool or bath, it’s going to get washed away.

Silicone personal lubricants

Silicone lubricants are less likely to cause allergic reactions as silicone is hypo-allergenic. They are also long lasting but, if you want to use your lube with sex toys, you may want to reconsider silicone as it can corrode the surfaces of silicone toys. This causes little abrasions to occur, where bacteria can get trapped.

Silicone lube may not be great for toys, but it can be used with condoms.

Oil-based personal lubricants

Oil-based lubes are popular because a little goes a long way. That means you won’t have to reapply them as often. They are also pleasurable to apply and some can double up as a massage oil. On the downside, oil-based lubes should not be used with latex condoms as they can cause them to tear.

Natural lubricants

Commercially produced oil-based lubes can increase your chances of developing candida infections so it’s important to seek out products that contain natural and organic ingredients. Lubricants with fragrances and preservatives can cause irritation and infection too.

Natural lubricants can be used for massage, are safe to eat and can make foreplay much  more fun. They will probably have a shorter shelf life because of their lack of preservatives.

Not sure what to look out for on labels? Here are some ingredients you should avoid when shopping for a personal lubricant:

• Petroleum 
• Nonoxynol-9 
• Glycerin
• chlorhexidine gluconate 
• propylene glycol 

If you’re looking for a personal lubricant made with all natural, organic ingredients, be sure to try out Glide Sensual Lubricant.

If you would like a warming and arousing lubricant add Peak Female Arousal Balm to your cart.

For even more fun during foreplay, or for gifting someone special, try Love Butter and Lickable.