10 Types of Lubes and What They’re Used For

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10 Types of Lubes and What They’re Used For
January 12, 2021
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Anal Lubes

Anal sex is completely different than traditional penis-in-vagina sex in all the obvious ways, but also in terms of preparation. Many people believe numbing lubricants are for anal, but nothing is further from the truth. Discomfort (and maybe even some pain) reminds you to go slow to avoid injury. There are no one-size-fits all when it comes to lubricants, especially those for anal sex: some swear by water-based while others insist on silicone. But it’s worth looking into anal lubes that are condom-friendly, like Pjur’s Back Door Anal lube, or that have ingredients that keep tissue around the anus moisturized and help with healing, suck as Swiss Navy’s Premium Anal Lubricant with clove leaf oil that benefits skin. Couples should also look at investing in a lube shooter (CalExotics’ Lube Tube or XR Brands’ Cleanstream Silicone Lube Launch are great choices) to ensure there’s plenty of lube for anal sex. 

Cream Lubes

Cream lubes lets couples apply a generous amount of lube without a lot of mess. Cream lubes don’t run or drip, and they are easy to see how much you’re using at once. System JO recently released new cream lubricants specifically designed for masturbation: Bucked Smoky Wrangler comes with a light smoky leather scent, while Bucked Wrangler is unscented. Boy Butter is considered an elite cream lubricant and its uses extend beyond sex: it also can be used to soften and moisturize rough skin on hands, feet, elbows, and more.

Desensitizing Lubes

Oftentimes, these types of lubes are marketed for anal sex, but they’re best used afterward to help with healing and recovery. For penis-in-vagina sex, they can help men dealing with premature ejaculations to relax and last longer. Most rely on lidocaine or benzocaine as the numbing agent, which effects lasting a few hours at best. Just remember that sensitizing lubricants will affect both partners, meaning they could have an impact on her enjoyment. Anal-Ese from Nasstoys is one of the original products in this category.

Flavored Lubes

These are the lubes that have come the furthest in recent years. It wasn’t long ago the options for flavored lube were strawberry, watermelon and mint and not much else. Not only were flavors limited, but they also often had a medicine-like aftertaste, much like cough syrup. These days, there are gourmet flavors like Adam & Eve’s Cotton Candy lube, Intimate Earth’s Salted Caramel Natural Flavors Glide, Wet Dessert Flavored Lubricant (flavor options include Whipped Cream, Bananas Foster and Frosted Cupcake) and Wicked Sensual Care’s Aqua flavors of Sweet Peach, Cherry, Pink Lemonade and more. Look into multi-packs or sample packs that let you try a few flavors with one purchase. The true quality of a flavored lube? If you can eat it over ice cream and enjoy the great flavor!

Hybrid Lubes

If you really want to settle on just one lube for all purposes, consider a hybrid. These water-based formulas are blended with silicone to create a longer-lasting lubricant that might not be as heavy. Sensuva’s Hybrid Formula Personal Moisturizer is designed for people who are sensitive or have delicate tissue. Hybrid lubricants are safe for use with most toys, including silicone sex toys, such as Sliquid’s Silk Hybrid Lubricant, which is hypoallergenic and safe for use with latex and rubber, too. 

Massage Oils

It might seem odd to use massage oils as lube, but many these days are designed for dual purposes. Earthly Body is a leader here, with edible massage oils in amazing flavors like Banana, Pineapple, and Mango in formulations that combine hemp, almond, grade seed, apricot, and vitamin E oils for moisturizing. All of the ingredients combine for a slick glide too and pare healthy enough for any body.

 Natural Lubes

Couples are getting more and more educated on the ingredients they are using on and in their bodies, even when it comes to sex, and rightfully so. Natural lubes use more natural and organic ingredients and avoid some chemicals that might be harsher for vaginas and anuses. Most natural lubes are free for paragons, petroleum, glycerin, and other sugars. Sliquid’s entire line of lubricants and other products fall into this category, and Sensuva, Swiss Navy, Wicked Sensual Care, and Wet all boast amazing products for those looking for natural items.

Silicone Lubes

Long praised for their long-lasting gliding effect, silicone lubes are where a little goes a long way. They don’t dry out or get tacky and there’s no need to keep applying during long play sessions. They should not be used with silicone toys, however, because they can break down and destroy the toys. Alchemy’s Silicone Personal Lubricant is safe for use with condoms and other latex items, as is Body Action Products’ Extreme Glide.

 Stimulating Lubes

Some lubes warm up, while others provide a calling sensation. And there are some companies developing two lubricants that pair together, kind of like “two great tastes that taste great together.” Warming and cooling lubricants are the perfect first step to dabble in temperature play. The most common ingredients are cinnamon or mint. Sliquid’s Spark uses food-grade menthol that cools when applied but then warms up with friction. Swiss Navy, a leader in the lubricant category, offers Infuse, side-by-side products to “excite his passion and delight her senses.” A long-time bestseller for Doc Johnson, GoodHead Warming Head Oral Delight Gel is great for use during blowjobs, since they warm his penis or her labia, and come in great flavors: Strawberry, Cotton Candy and Watermelon.

Water-Based Lubes

Consider the all-purpose lube, water-based lubes are safe for use with any people, as well as any toys and condoms. They closely mimic a woman’s natural lubrication, which is a major plus, but they can dry out pretty quickly, meaning you need to reapply often. Adam & Eve’s Pheromone Water-Based Lube blends with your body’s chemistry to increase attraction, and Pjur’s We-Vibe Water-Based Lube is great to use on its own but is specifically formulated for use with pleasure products from We-Vibe, manufacturers of premium sex toys for couples. 

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