Looking to reduce friction and increase pleasure? A sex lube could be just what you need. Lots of people find that using lubricants make both sex and masturbation feel better. If you’re not sure whether to go with an oil-based lube or a water-based lubricant, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll help you decide if a water-based lubricant or a lube with an oil base would be better for you.
Oil-Based Vs. Water-Based Lubricants – What's the Difference?
There are many differences between oil-based lubricants and water-based lubricants, including how they can be used (internally or not) and what they can be used with (i.e., condoms, sex toys, masturbators, etc.). At the core of these differences, however, are the ingredients. Oil-based lubricants either contain synthetic or natural oils like coconut oil or sunflower seed oil. High quality water-based lubricants, on the other hand, are made with natural thickeners and water to deliver a smooth texture.
Is One Type of Lube Better Than the Other?
As with many elements of sex and/or masturbation, personal preference will likely determine whether an oil-based or water-based lube is preferable to you and/or your partner.
For some people, an oil-based lube doubles as a massage oil that they use during foreplay. Many find it to be easy to spread and simultaneously moisturizing. Keep in mind, however, that oil-based lubricants tend to stain clothing and sheets, so if that’s of concern, it may be advisable to avoid oil lubes.
If you’re looking for a lube to use with a sex toy or a condom, it must be a water-based lubricant. This type of lubricant is also safe to use with condoms and for sexual intercourse, which makes water-based lubricants undeniably safer and more universal than their oil-based counterparts.
Why Choose Water-Based Lubricants Over Oil-Based Lubes?
Oil-based lubricants used to be pretty popular, but they have fallen out of favor in recent years for several reasons. First, oil-based lubes cannot be used with latex condoms, as the ingredients in the lube can dissolve the material of the condom. This type of lube should also be kept away from most sex toys, regardless of their material, as well as diaphragms. We also recommend always reading the instructions for non-latex condoms prior to using oil-based lubes with them.
This is not an issue with water-based lubricants, which can be safely used with latex and non-latex condoms as well as sex toys.
Another consideration when using lube is the bacteria and infections. Individuals may be more susceptible to yeast infections and bacteria getting trapped in sex toys and/or body parts when oil-based lubricants are involved. Once again, this is not of concern with water-based lubricants.
Ready to test out a water-based lubricant for yourself? Main Squeeze has 3! Choose from our original Water-Based Lube, our Warming Lube, or our Cooling/Tingling Lube and see which one does it for you. Order a water-based lube for your Main Squeeze stroker today!