How To Find the Best Lube for Intimacy

Finding the best lube for your personal needs is easy once you understand the different types along with their strengths and limitations. Lubricant for women is more than just a bedroom accessory—it's a game-changer. Whether you're looking to enhance pleasure, alleviate discomfort, or try something new, a great lubricant can make all the difference.

Why Use Lube

Proper lubrication makes sex more enjoyable, whether you’re enjoying a romp with your partner or flying solo. A quality lube can take foreplay to a new level and help sex sessions last longer and be more fulfilling.

Dryness during acts of intimacy can lead to discomfort, pain, and unwanted friction that not only results in irritation but also acts as a deterrent from sex in the future.

Personal lubricants are also great to use with sex toys and when experimenting with other types of sex, such as anal. Even if you don’t experience vaginal dryness, adding a lube to your sexual adventures can help you find pleasure you never thought possible.

Vella's Best Lubes

Finding the best lube to enhance your sex life can have a huge impact on your satisfaction and overall pleasure. Vella lubes are scientifically designed to increase your arousal, boost stimulation and lubrication, and help you reach amazing climaxes like never before. 

Our products were developed by doctors and are made using only clean ingredients.

• Super Slip & Slide: This silicone-based lightweight lube is incredibly slick but not at all greasy. Filled with moisturizing and nourishing ingredients such as squalane and sea buckthorn, this fast-acting lube is perfect for making your most tender and delicate areas super slippery. 
• Women’s Intimate Elixir: This lube was specially formulated with menopausal women in mind, but it is ideal for anyone needing a water-based lube that deeply hydrates and provides instant long-lasting wetness.  

Water-Based Lubricants

Water-based lubes are by far the most popular type due to their natural feel and versatility. The main ingredients are water, of course, and glycerin, which enhances slipperiness and thickness. Water-based lubes can be safely used for vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and they wash off easily with water. 

Most water-based lubes are non-staining, compatible with condoms, and usable with all sex toy materials. However, they tend to dry out during longer lovemaking marathons. Reapplication may be needed periodically. 

Some brands contain the humectants hydroxyethylcellulose or polyquaternium-15 to retain moisture better. If you’re prone to yeast infections, water-based lubes without glycerin are available too. 

Overall, water-based lubricants offer compatibility and safety across the board and should be a versatile staple in every bedroom.  

Pros:

• Mimics natural lubrication
• Safe to use with condoms and sex toys
• Does not stain
• Easy to wash off

Cons:

•  May need to be reapplied
• Could cause infections
• Often contain preservatives
• Might interfere with natural pH levels

Silicone-Based Lubricants

For those desiring a slippery smooth, long-lasting glide, silicone-based lubes deliver outstanding slickness that just doesn't quit. Silicone’s slick texture minimizes friction for enhanced comfort and sensation. Uncannily slippery, silicone lubes are perfect for hitting the G-spot or P-spot. 

A little goes a long way—these lubricants have high viscosity and cling tenaciously to skin and mucous membranes. Silicone lubes shine during extensive lovemaking sessions thanks to their staying power. They also work well for shower sex or aqueous adventures since water doesn’t wash them away easily.  

The downsides when using silicone-based lubes are cost and the potential staining of sheets. While safe for human use, silicone lubricants shouldn't be used with silicone sex toys because they could damage the material over time.  

Pros:

• Lasts a long time

• Can be used with condoms

• Good for sensitive skin

• Works well for sexual activity in showers, baths, pools, etc.

Cons:

• Can stain bedding and clothing

• Should not be used with silicone toys

• Silicone is synthetic

Oil-Based Lubricants

For the ultimate silky-smooth glide, oil-based lubricants can’t be matched—there’s a reason oils are used for erotic massages! Oils like coconut oil or almond oil provide a sensually viscous texture and skin-soothing properties. 

However, oils break down latex and cannot be used safely with condoms—this is a dealbreaker for many. However, oils make great choices for foreplay, handjobs, sensual massages, and oral delights. As with silicone lubes, don’t use oils when silicone toys are involved. 

While liquid oils may seem safe for the vagina, some research suggests that oils boost infection-causing bacteria, so it's best not to insert them vaginally. When engaging in backdoor fun, basic oils may dissolve the protective anal mucus lining, enabling irritation or infection. So proceed judiciously if considering anal play. 

Overall, oils can definitely enhance certain erotic activities. Just know their limitations regarding toys and latex barriers.

Pros:

• Very slippery

• Can be used as a massage oil too

• The effect lasts a long time

Cons:

• Can cause infections

• Can kill naturally occurring beneficial bacteria

• Should not be used with condoms or toys

• Can stain bedding and clothing

Hybrid Water/Silicone Blend Lubricants

Hybrid lubes provide the best of both worlds by blending aspects of water-based and silicone-based lubricants. They typically contain mostly water to enable easy cleanup and ensure condom and toy compatibility. Then silicone is added to boost glide and longevity compared to standard water-based lubes. 

These hybrid blends provide quality lubrication without being quite as thick and staining as pure silicone formulas. They strike a versatile middle ground in texture and versatility while mimicking natural moisture.

Pros:

• Generally safe for use with condoms and toys

• Lasts longer than water-based lube

• Feels more natural than silicone-based lube

Cons:

• Must check package/labeling for product compatibility

• May need to be reapplied

• Not as water-resistant as silicone-based lubes

Possible Side Effects To Be Aware Of

Personal lubes are generally safe to use as long as you are aware of their limitations. There are, however, a few potential issues you should be aware of before use. 

We recommend either looking up the testing results for the product you’re considering or contacting the manufacturer directly to make sure the product meets current safety guidelines.

A healthy vagina maintains a pH between 3.5 and 4.5. Anything higher than this opens the door for yeast and bacteria to take over, and before you know it, you’re dealing with pain, discharge, bad odor, itching, and burning—not a good time in any sense. Look for products with a pH at or below 4.5. 

Damage to Vaginal Tissue

Lubes with a high osmotic concentration can actually draw moisture out of tissues. This causes your sensitive vaginal tissues to shrivel and become dry, which leads to irritation and possible infection. It also increases your risk of contracting an STD. 

Check the osmolality of the lube before purchasing to be sure it is below 1,200. Otherwise, your lube could produce exactly the opposite effect you were trying to achieve.

Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities to Ingredients

Some ingredients, such as glycerin, parabens, flavors, and fragrances, can cause allergic reactions or irritation. Rashes and itching are also possible. In general, the smaller the ingredient list is, the better. 

Infections

Infections after using a lubricant are not uncommon. This is because many lubricants have pH levels that are higher than that of a healthy vagina. High pH levels lead to infections.

Good bacteria that naturally protect the vagina can be harmed by lubes as well. Without healthy proportions of good bacteria, bad bacteria overwhelm the environment, and infection sets in.

Disruption of Vaginal Microbiome

The vaginal microbiome, when healthy, is full of Lactobacillus bacteria, which are good bacteria that fight harmful microbes to prevent infection. Any change to the delicate vaginal environment can impair its ability to control pathogens and keep you healthy. 

Preservatives and oils used in lubes can kill off your good bacteria and increase your chance of developing an infection.

Important Considerations

When you use personal lubricants, follow these pointers to ensure safe, successful fun:

• Carefully check lubricant packaging to determine condom and sex toy compatibility. 
• Do not use oil-based lubes when using latex protection. 
• If you have sensitive skin, use specialty lubes made with nonirritating ingredients and ideally a silicone base.
• Those undergoing fertility treatments should select only sperm-friendly lubes. 
• Pregnant women should speak with their doctors about lubricant ingredients.
• Diabetics should opt for glycol-free lubricant formulas. 
• If you experience recurring yeast infections or UTIs, avoid glycerin-based lubricants. 
• Analyze ingredients carefully, and watch for irritation over time.
• Never apply anesthetic desensitizing lubricants internally. 
• Store personal lube away from direct sunlight in a cool area not accessible to children or pets.

How To Choose

Selecting a lubricant is ultimately a personal choice, but there are a few important considerations that should help guide your decision.

Consider the following carefully, and remember that there’s nothing wrong with keeping more than one kind on hand (or in your purse for those unexpected surprise encounters!).

Condom Use

Oil-based lubricants should not be used with condoms as they can cause the material to deteriorate and rip. This could lead to unplanned pregnancies or disease transmission. 

Water- and silicone-based lubricants are safe to use with all types of condoms. Even if you only use condoms occasionally, having either one of these at the ready could be a lifesaver!

Use of Sex Toys

When using sex toys, water-based lubes are definitely your best bet as they won’t cause any damage and can be washed off easily. 

Oil-based lubes can damage the surface of sex toys, leaving them feeling gummy and creating a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Silicone lubes can cause similar damage, so sticking with water lubes is really the only option for occasions when toys are invited to the party. 

Proneness to Infections

If you have a history of developing UTIs and vaginal infections, limit your use of lubes to those with a silicone base, few ingredients, a pH below 4.5 and an osmolality under 1,200. 

The Best Lube Is the One That Works for You!

Each of the different types of lubes has advantages and limitations, but no one knows your needs like you do. Try experimenting with a few different lubricants to see which one you and your partner enjoy the most. You might find that having two or more types available allows for spontaneity so that you’ll be ready for whatever comes along! 

Quality matters! If you’re looking for the best lube products available, Vella lubes are your answer—backed by science and clinically proven to support female pleasure!

Frequently Asked Questions

• What lubes do gynecologists recommend?

  Silicone lubes are highly recommended by professionals because they last a long time and generally don’t increase the risk of infection or cause changes in the pH of the vagina. Water-based and oil-based lubes can cause infections and interfere with vaginal pH levels.

• Is lube safe to swallow?

  According to Poison Control, “Small and unintentional ingestion of a personal lubricant is unlikely to cause anything beyond mild stomach upset.” So, while you should not go out of your way to swallow lube, getting a little in your mouth during a sexual encounter shouldn’t pose much of an issue. 

• What is the best lubricant for lasting longer?

  Desensitizing lubes are available to help men last longer in bed than they normally would. They work by producing a numbing effect; however, a condom should be used when using these products to prevent the lube from affecting your partner, and your sexual enjoyment might be reduced.

• How do I choose the right lubricant?

  Choose water-based lubes if you want to mimic natural lubrication, are using a condom or sex toy, and don’t want to stain sheets and clothing. They are considered safe for nearly any sexual activity. Silicone-based lubes are also quite versatile and last a long time, but they shouldn’t be used in conjunction with silicone toys. Oil-based lubes are great for foreplay, handjobs, sensual massages, and oral sex, but they shouldn’t be used internally or with sex toys and latex condoms. 

• What lube stays wet the longest?

  Silicone-based lubes retain their silky slipperiness longer than water-based or oil-based lubricants do. Although they might cost a bit more than other options, silicone-based lubes won’t need to be reapplied nearly as often, so a single tube will last a long time.

• Does lube help a woman climax?

  Because lube reduces friction and helps prevent irritation, women who use lube tend to relax and enjoy sex more, which makes it easier for them to experience an orgasm. Some lubes produce warming, cooling, or tingling sensations while others contain additional ingredients like CBD to enhance female arousal and pleasure.