Lube Basics 101!
Posted on September 18 2017
Lube Basics 101!
Water Based Lubes
Pro's - Water-based lubes are great because they are compatible with all condoms, all toys, and all body-parts. Too, they are inexpensive, don't stain the sheets and are extremely easy to find. Not to mention, if you want to explore some flavoring with your lubes, then they are usually water based so ingestion isn't harmful. So, you get more variety and experimentation within the water-based lube family.
Then, you also need to make sure there aren't other not-so-good ingredients in the lube that can be harmful to your body and your lady bits. We will go over these in another post.
We like to recommend either Sliquid or Sylk. Both are amazing and do the job well. However, Sliquid has a few more options in the water-based department...Natural (all-around good basic lube), Sea (with healing carrageenan), Sassy (thicker for booty play), and Sizzle (for an extra warming treat). But Sylk is the only water-based lube that actually has Kiwi Fruit extract that is beneficial to your private bits! So either way, you have a great lube regardless.
Silicone Based Lubes
Hybrid Based Lubes
Oil Based Lubes
But, in all fairness in proper representation - I will say that oil-based lubes are extremely long lasting. So, generally speaking...it's good for external use only, such as massages and hand jobs.
However, there is one oil that is EXTREMELY good for you that can be used as a sexual lubricant as well. And that's coconut oil! You've probably heard all the hype about cooking with it and consuming it as being so good for you.
But, did you know that there are a thousand other things you can do with coconut oil such as eye makeup remover, body moisturizer, and even used as a lube?
Pro's - Coconut oil is so good because it contains no preservatives or parabens. It also naturally contains anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that are not only edible but healing as well. Not to mention, it's non-greasy and it soaks into the skin too.
Though, keep in mind...if you are using a condom, you still need to steal clear of coconut oil too. All oils are bad for latex condoms period! There are no exceptions to this that we know of.
We recommend Coconu. This coconut-oil based lube stimulates the senses while providing a long-lasting formula that is great for vaginal and anal use.
Plant Based Lubes
The last category of lube type is the plant-based lube. These can come in gel or liquid form, and usually, contain a blend of plant-based derivatives instead of silicone or petroleum products.
Pro's - Plant-based lubes provide a smooth feel and might contain aloe which is a great healing and moisturizing property. Too, these lubricants are generally edible making them candidates for flavoring adding to the adventure of sexual play and are certified organic which is appealing to many.
However, the downside of some plant-based lubes is that they often contain a natural form of glycerine that is derived from vegetable oil or plant cellulose. Often, this can lead to increased sugar in the vagina which contributes to acidic ph levels and yeast infections. So, you just have to check the label prior to purchase.
We would suggest using Coconu or the Sliquid Organics line if you are wanting to go au' natural. They have an amazing line of plant-based lube that is organic, certified vegan, glycerine-free, and paraben-free! You can find it here.
The Not-So-Good Things...
The last thing we would like to bring to your attention is a few of the ingredients you definitely will want to AVOID in any, and ALL, personal lubricants you purchase... The not-so-good things we mentioned above...One would think that these things would not be in the lubes, to begin with...But alas, this is not the case. Unfortunately, you will find them more often than not in many popular brands of lube such as Astro-glide and KY Jelly, among many others.- Glycerin - This acts like a sugar in your body which can increase your chances of yeast infections. Ladies...I don't know about you, but I am NOT trying to have a yeast infection! If you find that you frequently develop "womanly issues" after having sex, then check to see if Glycerin is hiding in your lube.
- Polyquaternium Compounds - This is found in many of Astroglides formulas. Ummm, the World Health Organization has found that this actually increases HIV1 replication. Need we say any more? This is also found in many hair care products!
- Propylene Glycol - A preservative known for causing genital irritation! Why would we intentionally use something that will cause irritation?
- Parabens - A preservative that mimics estrogen in the body.
- Non-Oxynol 9 - An abrasive spermicide that actually may increase your chances of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's). No thank you!
0 comments