Lubes 101: Which lubes to use?

The definitive guide to which lubes to use with which sex toys

Lubricant is one of those things that sounds simple until you start reading the labels and realise there’s rather a lot to know. Use the wrong type with the wrong toy, and you can permanently damage an expensive product, or worse, cause irritation or infection. Use the right one, and everything feels better, lasts longer, and is genuinely safer. This guide covers everything you need to know about which lubes to use with which sex toys.

Do I actually need lube if I’m using a toy?

Almost always, yes. Lube is truly non-negotiable for anal play and nearly always recommended for exploring with sex toys. It reduces friction, minimises the risk of irritation or abrasion, and makes for a smoother, more enjoyable experience. Friction can also cause wear and tear on your toys, so a well-lubricated toy supports both body comfort and product longevity. Even if you produce plenty of natural lubrication, many toy materials — particularly silicone — have a slightly grippy texture that benefits from lube. And for anyone experiencing vaginal dryness due to menopause, hormonal changes, medication, or stress, lube stops being optional and becomes essential.

What are the different types of lubes?

There are four main categories, each with distinct properties:

Water-based

The most versatile and widely recommended. Safe with all toy materials and all condom types, easy to clean up, and gentle on sensitive skin. The main drawback is that it can dry out during longer sessions and require reapplying.

Silicone-based

Long-lasting, ultra-smooth, and waterproof, making it ideal for shower or bath use. Safe with condoms, but cannot be used with silicone toys.

Oil-based 

The longest lasting of all, silky and luxurious. Works well with glass and metal toys, but degrades latex condoms, making them unsafe. Oil-based lubes are also harder to clean and can stain fabrics.

Hybrid 

A blend of water and silicone, designed to be as toy-compatible and easy to clean up as water-based but with the longevity of silicone-based. Hybrid lubes are compatible with any condom, barrier, and sex toy, including silicone toys, making them a good middle ground.

Is there a golden rule for lube and toys?

The single most important rule is this: never use silicone-based lube with silicone toys. Silicone-based lubricants cause silicone toys to degrade, go sticky, discolour, and melt. When this happens, your toys become less sanitary because it creates abrasions in the silicone where bacteria can grow. This applies even to high-quality, expensive toys; the material reaction is chemical and unavoidable.

Since most vibrators and sex toys are made from medical-grade silicone, this rule matters for most people most of the time. When in doubt, reach for water-based lube.

What lube works with each toy material?

Here’s a clear breakdown:

Silicone toys (most vibrators, dildos, butt plugs)

Water-based lubricant is the best and safest choice. It will not damage the material and is easy to clean. Hybrid lube also works. Never use silicone-based or oil-based.

Glass and stainless-steel toys

The most lube-friendly materials available. Compatible with all lubricant types — water-based, silicone-based, oil-based, and hybrid lubes. For prolonged sessions or water play, silicone lube is particularly effective on these surfaces.

ABS plastic toys (common in bullet vibrators)

Water-based and silicone-based lubes both work well. Oil-based lubes are best avoided as they can be difficult to clean from small crevices and buttons, allowing bacteria to build up and cause internal infections.

TPE / TPR toys (soft, realistic-feel toys and masturbators)

TPE and TPR are softer, more porous materials. Both oil-based and silicone-based lubes can cause the material to break down, become sticky, or swell. Only use water-based lubricants with these toys.

Latex or rubber toys

Water-based only. Oil-based and silicone-based lubes both degrade latex over time.

What about using lube with condoms on toys?

If you’re using a condom over a toy, to make cleaning easier or for hygiene reasons when sharing, the rules mirror those for condom use generally. Water-based and silicone-based lubes are both safe to use with condoms. Oil-based lube is not compatible with latex condoms and can degrade these materials, compromising integrity and safety. If in doubt, water-based is always the safe choice.

Are there ingredients in lube I should avoid?

Yes, and this is worth paying attention to regardless of toy compatibility. Some common lube ingredients can cause irritation, disrupt vaginal pH, or increase the risk of infections:

Glycerin is a sugar alcohol used as a moisturiser in many lubes. It can support the growth of bacteria and yeast, leading to vaginal infections. Avoid if you are prone to yeast infections.

Parabens are preservatives found in many mainstream lubes. They can cause painful allergic reactions on sensitive tissues, and there are concerns about links to endocrine disruption. Look for products labelled paraben-free.

Fragrances and flavourings, basically anything that tingles, sparkles, or smells, should be avoided for internal use, as these ingredients can disrupt vaginal pH and contribute to UTIs or yeast infections.

Propylene glycol is a synthetic, colourless, odourless, and faintly sweet syrupy liquid. It acts as a versatile solvent, preservative, and moisture-retaining humectant. Widely used across industries, it is classified as safe for consumption and topical use, but in larger amounts can cause irritation and disrupt the vaginal microbiome, leading to infections.

Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is frequently used as a makeshift lubricant, but it will permanently damage silicone toy surfaces and can block sensitive mucous membranes in the vagina and anus, potentially leading to infections.

What to look for instead: Gynaecologists recommend water-based or silicone lubes that are free of irritating ingredients. In water-based lubes, ingredients like citric acid, aloe vera, potassium sorbate, and xanthan gum are well regarded. Look for organic lubes formulated to maintain natural vaginal pH (between 3.8 and 4.5), which are a good choice for sensitive skin.

Can I use coconut oil or other natural oils as lube with my toys?

It depends on the toy material. Coconut oil is an oil-based lube, so it is not safe for silicone toys or TPE/TPR toys. Using it with a silicone vibrator will cause the same degrading reaction as a silicone-based lube, ruining your toy. It works fine with glass or stainless-steel toys, but coconut oil can disrupt vaginal pH, potentially leading to infections, and is not compatible with latex condoms. For most people using silicone toys, a quality water-based lube is a safer and more practical choice than any DIY alternative.

My lube dries out during use. What can I do?

This is a common frustration with water-based lubes, which are water-soluble and do absorb into the skin over time. Before you reapply, try adding a little water to rehydrate the lube. This often works well and means you don’t need to reach for the bottle as frequently. If you find you’re constantly reapplying, it may be worth switching to a hybrid lube, which offers much better longevity while remaining safe with silicone toys. Silicone lube is the longest-lasting option, but it is only appropriate for non-silicone toys.

How much lube should I use?

More than you think. Most people start with far too little. Begin with about a 50p coin-sized amount on your hand, toy, or body. There’s no harm in adding more whenever you need it. For anal play specifically, lube should be applied generously and reapplied regularly, as the anus does not self-lubricate.

How do I clean lube off my toys afterwards?

This varies by lube type. Water-based lube washes off easily with warm water and mild soap. Silicone-based lube is more stubborn and requires proper soap and scrubbing to remove fully. Oil-based lube is the most difficult to clean, particularly from toys with textured surfaces. Whatever lube you use, always clean your toys thoroughly after every session and leave them to air dry before storing. This is especially important because porous materials like TPE and TPR can harbour bacteria even after cleaning, which is the main reason body-safe, non-porous materials are always preferred.

Quick reference guide

	Lube type
	Water-based	Hybrid	Silicone	Oil-based
Glass/Steel Toys	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Silicone Toys	Yes	Yes	No	No
TPE/TPR Toys	Yes	Yes	No	No
Latex/Rubber Toys	Yes	Yes	No	No
ABS Plastic Toys	Yes	Yes	Yes	Avoid

The short version is, when in doubt, use water-based lube. It’s safe to use with every toy material, every condom type, and every body.