Lube 101: Everything You Need to Know for Smoother, Safer Play

Mechanism: Formulated primarily with purified water and water-soluble additives; mimics natural lubrication.

Pros: Toy-safe, latex-safe, easy cleanup, and often hypoallergenic.

Cons: Can evaporate or absorb into skin quickly—may require reapplication.

Best for: All-day sessions, beginner-friendly, and sensitive skin.

Example: Play Time Original 75ml

Quick Fact: Pair with a fine mist of water to revive slickness without extra product.

Mechanism: Made from medical-grade silicone polymers that resist water.

Pros: Long-lasting glide, excellent for water play, leaves skin velvety.

Cons: Not compatible with silicone toys; may feel too slippery for some.

Best for: Extended bath or shower use, intense sensations, and minimal reapplication.

Example: Prowler RED Silicone Based Lube 250ml

Quick Fact: A small dab can outlast multiple reapplications of water-based lube.

Mechanism: Combines water and silicone for both easy cleanup and extended glide.

Pros: Versatile, compatible with most materials, less residue than pure silicone.

Cons: May not last as long as pure silicone in water.

Best for: Versatile play, quick cleanups, and those wanting a middle ground.

Example: SPIT Hybrid Water-Silicone Based Lubricant 250ml

Quick Fact: Often includes skin conditioners like aloe vera for added comfort.

Mechanism: Adds sensate agents (menthol for cool, capsicum for warmth) or flavoring oils.

Pros: Heightened sensory experience, fun flavors, and tingle.

Cons: Possible irritation; not always toy-safe—check the label.

Best for: Experimentation, mood setting, and playful variety.

Example: PlayTime Tingle Sensation Lubricant 75ml

Warning: Always patch-test; some ingredients can irritate mucous membranes.

How it works: Different materials react uniquely—water in water-based vs. polymers in silicone.

Recommendations:

• Silicone toys: Always use water-based to protect the surface.
• Glass & metal: Water-based or silicone both work beautifully.
• Latex & nitrile: Water-based only to preserve barrier integrity.

Pro Tip: Check your toy’s product page for material details before you lube up.

Why it’s key: Fragrance, glycerin, and harsh preservatives can disrupt your pH or trigger reactions.

Look for:

• Fragrance-free, paraben-free, glycerin-free labels
• Hypoallergenic & dermatologist-tested

Avoid: High-sugar or alcohol-based formulas that can sting or feed bacteria.

Expert Tip: Patch-test new lubes on your inner wrist and wait 5–10 minutes before full use.

How to pick: You don’t need to splurge to get safe, effective glide.

• Under £10: Solid beginner water-based—toy-safe essentials.
• £10–20: Premium water-based or hybrids—longer glide, added skin conditioners.
• £20+: Specialty lubes (organic, warming/cooling, flavored)—elevate your experience.

Money-Saving Tip: Try sample sizes or travel kits to test before committing to full bottles.

Why it works: A small amount of lube spreads evenly, preventing overslip and preserving sensation.

• Start with a pea-sized drop; add incrementally.
• A little goes a long way—avoids waste and keeps control.

Pro Advice: Warm your drop in your palms first for better glide and comfort.

Best practice: Pause when friction starts—don’t force it. A quick top-up prevents discomfort.

• Keep your bottle within reach.
• Apply small amounts—over-application can lead to runoff.

Tip: Dab onto skin first, then spread to avoid blotches.

Quick wipe: Use a damp, lint-free cloth to remove most residue in seconds.

Full rinse: Warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap get everything off toys and skin.

• Silicone lubes: Use toy-safe wipes to avoid soap film.
• Water-based: Rinse under warm running water.

Bonus Tip: Dry toys completely before storing to prevent mold or damage.

Lubes with parabens, phthalates, glycerin, or high sugar can irritate skin or disrupt pH balance.

• Look for: Fragrance-free, paraben-free, glycerin-free labels.
• Avoid: Artificial dyes, harsh preservatives, and sugar-based formulas.

Tip: If you’re prone to infections, choose medical-grade, dermatologist-tested lubes.

Proper storage helps maintain lube integrity and prevents contamination.

• Keep cool & dry: Avoid heat and direct sunlight.
• Seal tightly: Close the cap firmly to block air and bacteria.

Expert Advice: Store upright to prevent leaks and contamination.

Lubes expire—using old products can cause irritation or infection.

• Jar icon: Look for “6M” or “12M” (months after opening).
• Expiry signs: Any change in smell, color, or consistency.

Pro Tip: Note the open date on the bottle so you never lose track.

Issue: Oil formulas weaken latex and polyurethane, leading to tears.

Solution: Always use water-based lubes with any barrier method.

Pro Tip: Check “condom-safe” labeling before purchase.

Issue: Combining bases (water, silicone, oil) can yield tacky or slippery results, and may harm toys.

Solution: Stick with one type per session; layer water-based then a tiny dab of silicone if needed.

Pro Tip: Test a small amount on a non-porous surface before mixing.

Issue: Too much lube makes control difficult and wastes product.

Solution: Begin with a pea-sized amount; add sparingly until you find the sweet spot.

Pro Tip: Warm it in your hands first for better spread and less waste.

Issue: Incompatible lubes (e.g., silicone on silicone toys) degrade surfaces.

• Silicone-based on silicone toys → surface breakdown
• Oil-based on elastics → dissolving the material

Solution: Match lube to toy: water-based for silicone, water/silicone for glass & metal.

Issue: Residue can trap bacteria, cause irritation, or stain fabrics.

Solution: Rinse toys & skin promptly; launder any slick linens.

Pro Tip: Use toy-safe wipes for quick clean when water isn’t handy.

Yes! Water-based lubes glide smoothly and won’t degrade the silicone head. Avoid silicone-based formulas—they can break down the material over time.

• Pro Tip: Warm a drop in your palm before applying for instant comfort.
• Reapply Wisely: A thin layer goes far—add more sparingly to maintain control.

No—oil-based lubes degrade latex and polyurethane, increasing tear risk. Always choose water-based or hybrid lubes labeled as condom-safe.

Quick Facts:

• Water-Based: 100% condom-safe
• Hybrid: Usually safe—verify on label
• Oil-Based: Never use with latex or nitrile

Irritation, redness, or itching may signal an allergy. Always patch-test new lubes:

1. Apply a small dab to your inner wrist.
2. Wait 5–10 minutes.
3. If discomfort occurs, rinse off and choose a hypoallergenic formula.

Mixing bases can yield tacky or overly slippery textures and might harm toys. If you need extra longevity:

• Apply water-based first, then a tiny dab of silicone.
• Never mix silicone with oil-based lubes.

Pro Tip: Test on a non-porous surface before full use.

Cleanup varies by type:

• Water-Based: Rinse with warm water or wipe with a damp cloth.
• Silicone-Based: Use toy-safe wipes or a soap-free cleanser.
• Novelty: Check for stickiness; use mild soap if needed.

Bonus: Fully dry toys before storing to prevent mold or residue buildup.