Lube for Shower Sex
Water-based lubes will wash away in the shower, so select a thicker, silicone-based lube for shower and tub play, whether solo or partnered. Astroglide Diamond Silicone gel offers a waterproof formula that is also compatible with natural rubber latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene condoms.
Lube for Hand Jobs
Because your hands don’t lubricate themselves (sweat simply won’t cut it), many people prefer a silicone-based lube for hand-play.
Lube for Oral Sex
You might assume that you don’t need lube for oral sex, but many folks find that oral is more comfortable and pleasurable if they add a drop or two of lube. This is particularly useful if you’re trying to get a little bit of a grip as you lick, slip, slide, suck and twist away. For oral on a penis, consider adding a drop to your lips; for oral pleasure on the vulva, you might want to add a few drops to your warm cheeks. I like Astroglide Organix, which contains no parabens, hormones, fragrances, or flavors. You could also try a flavored lube like Sex in the Shower's Lickable Warming Lube.
Lube for Sex toys
If you’re using silicone sex toys, it’s advisable to use a water-based lube, as silicone lube can lead to the deterioration of softer sex toys. If your sex toys are made of harder materials like wood, steel or glass, you can use almost any type of lube according to your preference.
Lube for Sex With Condoms
If you’re using condoms, you’ll want to use a lube that is condom tested per ASTM condom compatibility guidelines as laid out by the FDA. All of Astroglide’s lubricants undergo this testing and different lubes are compatible with different condoms. For example, Astroglide Liquid is compatible with latex condoms, their Gel formulation is latex and polyurethane compatible and their Natural version is compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms. Their Diamond Silicone Gel is compatible with latex, polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms. Most water-based lubes are compatible with latex, but be sure to do a little research if you aren't sure.
What about Oil-based lubricants?
Do not use Vaseline, baby oil coconut oil or body lotions that contain oil as lubricant if you’re using latex condoms, dams or gloves as part of your safer sex practice. Oil-based lubes and lotions are not designed to be used with condoms and can weaken latex causing it to break. You may, however, prefer a lube that contains oil for full-body massage and other forms of sensual touch. Some people like oil-based lube for anal play as well.
Lube for Slow Sex
If you’re planning on prolonging the experience, you'll likely want a lube that will stay slippery for a longer period of time. Silicone lubes tend to be the best fit, but whatever you use, you can always apply a bit more as needed.
The Bottom Line
Make sure that whatever lube you choose, it contains high-quality ingredients. That said, if you’re in a pinch, Lauren Streicher, medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause in Chicago, says it’s probably OK to turn to whatever you have on hand. "It’s better than the alternative, which could be painful sex,” she says.