The Ultimate Women's Guide to Mind-Blowing Lubes for Out-of-This-World Sex
Posted by Will Rice on 20th Aug 2024
Reading Time: 15-18 minutes
Let's be real - great sex often requires a little extra lubrication. Whether you're dealing with vaginal dryness, want to increase pleasure, or need help with sex toys and anal play, using the right lubricant can be a game-changer in the bedroom.
But with so many different lubes on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs? From water-based to silicone, aloe vera to CBD-infused options, the lube world can be confusing to navigate.
That's why we've put together this ultimate guide to mind-blowing lubes. Consider this your go-to resource for understanding the benefits of lubrication, exploring different types, and finding the perfect lube match for earth-shattering intimate sessions.
The Power of Lubrication: Why You Need It
Using a high-quality lubricant isn't just a nice-to-have - it's essential for taking your sex life from "meh" to mind-bogglingly pleasurable. Here's why lube should be a staple in your bedroom:
Enhances Pleasure
Let's start with the obvious - lube makes everything feel sooooo much better. By reducing friction, lubricants allow for smoother gliding and increased sensations during intercourse, hand jobs, toy play, you name it. More glide = more pleasure.
Prevents Vaginal Dryness Discomfort
Vaginal dryness is incredibly common, especially during hormonal shifts like pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, and menopause. Dryness can lead to irritation, micro-tears, and just general discomfort during sex. A quality lube provides much-needed moisture to prevent these issues.
Assists With Toy & Anal Play
Using the right lubricant is crucial for safe and comfortable anal sex and play with sex toys/dildos. Lube helps prevent micro-tears, pain and allows for easier insertion and gliding.
Going in dry can lead to anal fissures, which are tiny tears in the delicate anal tissue that can cause severe pain and bleeding. No fun! Proper lubrication is an absolute must for any anal play.
The same goes for vaginal use of dildos and insertable toys - inadequate lube raises the risk of abrasions, discomfort and even small tears that can make you susceptible to infections.
Increases Duration
Some lubricants are formulated to help decrease friction and prolong sexual activity, allowing you and your partner to go for longer between the sheets. Specific "duration" lubes contain mild desensitizing agents to help delay climax.
However, it's important not to overuse desensitizing lubes, as prolonged numbness can lead to difficulty reaching orgasm and reduced pleasure over time. Everything in moderation!
Lube Basics: What You Need to Know
Causes of Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness has many potential causes beyond just hormonal changes. Some other common factors include:
- Medications like antidepressants, antihistamines or chemotherapy drugs
- Medical conditions like Sjogren's Syndrome, diabetes or hormone imbalances
- Douching or using harsh soaps
- Smoking cigarettes
- Lack of foreplay/arousal
- Breastfeeding
If you experience chronic or unexplained dryness, it's a good idea to consult your doctor or gynecologist to identify and treat any underlying issues.
Is It Safe to Use Lube When Trying to Conceive?
This is a common question we get asked, and the answer can vary depending on the type of lubricant.
Water-Based Lubes: Certain water-based lubes are safe for use when trying to conceive, such as Yes Water Natural, as they mimic natural cervical mucus. However, many commercial water-based lubes contain additives like glycerin that may slow down sperm motility.
Silicone/Oil Lubes: Silicone and oil-based lubricants are not ideal for conception, as their thicker consistencies can impair sperm mobility and transport through the female reproductive tract.
The bottom line - if you're actively trying to get pregnant, consult with your doctor about fertility-friendly lubricants or simply avoid lube altogether close to ovulation unless medically advised otherwise.
Now that we've covered some key lube basics, let's dive into those different types and what you should look for when choosing one.
Exploring Lube Types: Pros, Cons & Top Picks
In the lube world, there's no one-size-fits-all option. Different formulas offer unique properties and considerations:
Water-Based Lubes
Pros:
- Compatible with latex condoms & sex toys
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Easy to clean up
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Tends to dry out quicker than other lubes
- May need to reapply frequently
Top Water-Based Pick: BuzzPinky Otium WB Personal Lubricant
Silicone-Based Lubes
Pros:
- Incredibly long-lasting & moisture-replenishing
- Waterproof for tub/shower fun
- Smooth, silky feel
- Requires less frequent reapplication
Cons:
- Not compatible with silicone toys (will degrade them)
- Can stain fabrics
- Harder to clean up
- Higher cost than water-based
Top Silicone Pick: pjur ORIGINAL
Aloe-Based Lubes
Pros:
- Soothing aloe provides moisture
- Compatible with condoms & toys
- Mimics natural lubrication
Cons:
- Some may have aloe sensitivity
- Some can get sticky over time
Top Aloe Pick: pjur WOMAN Aloe
Oil-Based Lubes
Pros:
- Ultra long-lasting, great for massage
- Incredible for daily intimate moisturization
- Smooth, luxurious feel
Cons:
- Not compatible with latex condoms (will degrade them)
- May increase infection risk
- Can stain fabrics
Top Oil Pick: YES Plant-Oil Natural Personal Lubricant
CBD Lubricants
Pros:
- May help relax pelvic floor muscles
- Provides moisturization
- Potential pain-relieving properties
Cons:
- Limited regulation of CBD industry
- Oil-based = not safe with condoms
- Higher cost than other lube types
Top CBD Pick: FIST IT CBD Lubricant
What To Look For When Choosing a Lube
With all those different lube varieties, there are a few key criteria to consider to find your perfect match:
Ingredients
The simpler, the better! Some lubes may contain parabens, glycerin, petroleum and synthetic fragrances/dyes which can cause irritation. Look for ones with minimal ingredients.
pH Balance
Our vaginas have an acidic pH between 3.8-4.5. Using a lube with a similar pH prevents disrupting vaginal flora and bacterial vaginosis.
Osmolality
This measures particle concentration. Lubes with high osmolality can irritate vaginal/rectal tissues and lead to infections, so go for low/iso-osmolatic options.
Compatibility
Will you be using condoms or toys? Ensure your lube doesn't degrade them. Oil-based = no, no with latex condoms. Silicone lubes are incompatible with silicone toys.
Consistency
Do you prefer a thicker cushion or lighter, silkier feel? Some lubes are ultra-concentrated while others are more liquidy. Consider your activity too - thicker lubes are often considered better for anal play.
Personal Sensitivities
Have any allergies or intolerances to specific ingredients? Always check labels carefully before use. Do a patch test if you have very sensitive skin.
Our Top Personal Lube Recommendations
Best Water-Based: While it may seem biased, we have to recommend our own BuzzPinky Otium WB Personal Lubricant. With years of experience curating top lubes and listening to customer needs, we sought to create a formula that checks every box. This organic, 100% natural ingredient lube boasts a luxurious, silky smooth consistency that is pH balanced, dermatologically tested, and ideal for even the most sensitive skin. As a company passionate about sexual wellness, we truly believe Otium WB delivers an unparalleled water-based experience.
Best Silicone: For a premium silicone lube, pjur ORIGINAL delivers extremely long-lasting lubrication ideal for sex and massages, with its low-ingredient, odourless formula that has been praised by publications like Men's Fitness USA and author Charlotte Roche.
Best Aloe: Pamper your intimate areas with pjur WOMAN Aloe, a water-based lubricant containing natural aloe vera to moisturize and increase skin elasticity while being tailored to the female pH balance.
Best Oil: For those seeking a natural oil-based option, YES Plant-Oil Natural Personal Lubricant stands out with its certified organic, skin-nourishing formula free of synthetic ingredients.
Best CBD: Enhance your intimacy with FIST IT CBD Lubricant, a water-based lube infused with CBD that is condom-compatible, dermatologically tested, and free of fragrances/dyes.
Best Anal: When vigorous anal play calls for a premium lube, pjur BACK DOOR Relaxing Silicone Anal Glide provides extra-long lasting silicone moisture with jojoba extracts to relax and smooth the delicate anal area.
At the end of the day, there's no such thing as a "bad" lube when used properly. It's all about finding formulas that fit your body's unique needs and preferences. If one doesn't work for you, don't get discouraged - there are so many incredible options to explore.
And remember, if you ever experience burning, irritation or other issues with a lube, discontinue use immediately and consult your doctor. Some lubricants can affect vaginal flora or pH, so it's always wise to pay attention to your body's cues.
But overall, having a high-quality personal lubricant in your bedside drawer is a must for enhancing intimacy, preventing discomfort and unlocking a whole new world of blissful, out-of-this-world sexual pleasure and exploration.