Which lube goes with which toy? The compatibility cheat sheet

The right lube makes everything more comfortable. The wrong one can damage your favourite toy or weaken a condom. Here's everything you need to know in two minutes.

The four types of lube

• Water-based: safe with every toy material and every condom. Easy to wash off and won't stain sheets. It can dry out, so you may need to reapply.
• Silicone-based: long-lasting and silky, and great in the shower. Safe with latex condoms, but don't use it with silicone toys, as it can break down the surface over time.
• Oil-based: great for massage. Never use it with latex condoms (oil weakens latex), and it can be harder to wash out of fabric.
• Hybrid (water and silicone): the slip of silicone with the easy clean-up of water-based. Patch-test it on a small area of a silicone toy first.

Quick compatibility guide

• Silicone toys: water-based ✔ · hybrid (patch test) · silicone ✘ · oil ✘
• Glass, metal and ABS plastic toys: water-based ✔ · silicone ✔ · oil ✔ (wash thoroughly afterwards)
• Latex condoms: water-based ✔ · silicone ✔ · oil ✘
• Non-latex condoms (e.g. polyurethane): check the packet, but most are fine with all types

Choosing for sensitive skin

If you're prone to irritation, look for lubes that are free from glycerin, parabens and fragrance, and are pH-balanced. Organic and natural ranges such as Sliquid Organics are a good place to start. Always patch-test a new product on your inner arm first.

Lube for anal play

The body doesn't produce its own lubrication there, so use more than you think and reapply often. A thicker water-based gel, or a silicone lube with non-silicone toys, lasts longest.

Flavoured lubes

Fun for oral play. Stick to water-based flavours, and check the ingredients if you're sensitive to sugars.

Our rule of thumb

If in doubt, go water-based. It's compatible with everything and the easiest to clean up.