Water-based, oil-based…What the hell!?
Currently there are hundreds of different lubricants out
there on the market. Buying lubricants can be very confusing when all
these different manufacturers throw so many different features in each
product that we end up not being able to decide what is best for our
intended purposes. Well in this article, I will try and clear up some of
the myths about lubes so you will have a clear understanding or what you
are buying.
First of all, you have to decide what you are using the
lubricant for. Is it for vaginal intercourse? Is it for anal penetration?
Is it for masturbation? Or is it for fun? If you can answer my first
question, then you are on the way to choosing a lube. Currently there a
two kinds of base for lubricants, water-based and oil-based. Let's start
with water-based lubricants.
Water-based lubricants are a lot thinner in texture than
oil-based lubes. They are safe to use on all toys whether they are made
with silicone or latex. They are also usually the ones that come out with
flavored lubricants. I will talk more about flavored lubricants later.
Water-Based lubricants can be used for all intended purposes whether you
are using it for vaginal or anal penetration. However, beware of using any
flavored lubricants for penetration. The flavored lubricants all contain
glycerin or sugar which gives them the sweet flavor as you have seen in
some lubes like Motion Lotion or Joy Jelly Lubes. The sugar in these
novelty lubricants will change the sensitive pH level of a woman's vaginal
making her susceptible to yeast infections. These lubricants have flavors
like strawberry, lime and kiwi. They are only meant to be used for fun
like licking them off each other's nipples etc. There are some fantastic
water-based lubricants for penetration out on the market. However, when
you want lubricants for anal insertion, I would recommend using oil based
lube.
Oil-based lubricants are usually made from natural
products, such as vegetable oils and nut oils, oil-based lubes tend to
stain fabrics and can be difficult to wash off, but they are safe for use
with the vagina. Oil-based lubes also destroy latex, so, like
petroleum-based lubes, they should never be used with condoms, diaphragms
or cervical caps. Oil-based lubricants are great for anal sex, vaginal
intercourse, and male and female masturbation.
There are more oil-based lubes to choose from than your
thought. Brands like Tantric Oil and Spanish Fly are just a couple. I have
a bottle of Tantric Oil that I always use for masturbations and massages.
They stay wet for an extremely long time so you don't have to re-apply the
lubes as often as other brands.
Well, I hope I clarified the differences about
water-based and oil-based lubes. Have fun and always remember to be safe.