Water Based vs Silicone Lube

Sure, the end result is the same- slippy. But these two have some very different properties. Here’s the gist. 

Let’s start with water based. Friendly and reliable, a good quality water based lubricant is suitable for use with all toys and for pretty much any purpose. However, it’s better for some things than others and here’s why.

Firstly, it has a tendency to dry out. You might find yourself needing to reapply a water based lubricant several times during a session as it disappears after a little while. Obviously it feels it has better things to do with its time than stick around and help you out.

It, as you might expect, has a distinctly wet feel to it. By which I mean it can feel a little messy but.. what’s not to like? It’s more likely to go everything but won’t stain and is very easy to clean, so go wild.

Pro: Makes that gorgeous, wet, slapping noise. You know the one. 

Con: You will go through the bottle in less time than it takes you to undress. 

Silicone lube has one major selling point. It’s long lasting. A few little drops go a long way, making it a good choice for longer sessions or activities where you don’t want to keep applying. In contrast to water based, silicone lube has a silky, glidey feel that is less noticeable during play. On one hand, that means you barely know it’s there, but on the other hand… you barely know it’s there. Sometimes wetter just feels better, even if the silicone option is doing a perfectly fine job- but it’s all a matter of preference.

One very important thing to know is that you cannot use silicone based lubricants with silicone toys as it damages the surface. So if you decide that silicone is for you, whack a latex condom over your toy and apply your lube on top.

Silicone lubricant generally runs more expensive but that is due the value of it’s ingredients. Overall, it works out just as cost effective because you use so much less of it.  

 Pro: You won’t wake up the next morning all sticky. At least not from the lube.

Con: Sometimes it just doesn’t feel right unless there’s a decent amount of fluid happening places.

Make good choices, people! 

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