Lube Makes Everything Better!

Which Lubricant is Best for You?

There are a variety of lubricants on the market, ranging from drug-store brands to chic, women-friendly packaging. There is now even a prescription product that boasts to help women through the menopausal transition, however, not without a bevy of health warnings. So what are you really using lube for, how does it help and what is in the lube you are using? Not all lubes are created equal. Did you know most commercial brand lubricants contain Parabens, chemical preservatives that are found in 99% of breast cancer tumors?

A good lubricant may also save you time and frustration, says Ava Cadell, a sex educator and founder of Loveology University in Los Angeles. “With age—and as frequency of sexual intercourse decreases—the stimulation time required for the body to produce vaginal lubrication may increase.” Lubricants, she says, can help your body feel ready for sex when your mind does—with no lag time in between.

Lubricants also reduce friction, thus reducing pain and increasing pleasure. They are great for both intercourse, foreplay and self-pleasure. Both men and women can benefit from using the right lubricant.

Here are some different types of Lubricants:

Water-Based Lubricants

Water-based lubes are the most widely available. They dissolve in water and the product is designed to be absorbed in the body. Many of these lubricants contain glycerin, which can make the lube sticky and can promote yeast infections. They are easy to clean up, non-staining, feel like natural lubrication, and are safe to use with condoms and all sex toys. Water-based lubes can dry up quicker and are not effective in water, so not a good choice for the shower or hot tub. We recommend Sliquid Organics or H2O, which are thickened with plant cellulose from cotton fibers, which are naturally absorbed by the body and cause no irritation. Our top selling this category is the Sliquid Organics Oceanics or Sea, which is thickened with Carrageean from organic seaweed. Carrageean has been shown in lab tests to help prevent the spread of HPV (Human papillomavirus). Water-based lubes also are available in a Gel formulation that is thicker, lasts longer and is more suited for anal play, such as Sassy or Organics Gel.

Silicone Lubricants

Silicone lubes are super slippery and tend to offer a silkier, more desirable sensation for the users.Silicone molecules are larger than the cellular wall so they are not absorbed by skin. They also do not contain water, so they last longer and create a layer on the skin. Silicone is what you would want to use when getting frisky in the shower or hot tub. A little bit goes a long way so less product is used. Silicone can stain sheets and is not easily washed out of clothing, so watch the amount used. Silicone can usually be used with condoms, cervical caps, diaphragms. It is often said that silicone lubricant cannot be used with silicone toys because silicone breaks down silicone. However, Sliquid Silver, Uberlube and Pjur are a pharmaceutical grade, and have tested safe on medical/platinum grade toys i.e Tantus, We-Vibe, Fun Factory, JimmyJane, Lelo(the brands Entice Me sells). I would not use silicone with brands other than Platinum cured, as many toys labeled silicone are not 100% silicone nor medical grade. Silicone is especially great with glass and stainless steel sex toys. Men usually prefer silicone for self-pleasure.

Hybrid Lubricants

Hybrid lubes are a combination of silicone and water based product.Sliquid Silk is approximately 88% water-based to 12% silicone, so even for those that are somewhat sensitive to silicone, we have found most are able to tolerate, and even prefer this hybrid. The combination of the two formulas result in a creamy/lotion-like texture, and with the 12% silicone infusion it is able to lock in moisture … so much that many medical professionals treating cancer patients will recommend the Sliquid Silk products to use as a moisturizer to lock in added moisture following a shower or bath. Again, this formulation is safe for your sex toys. even mid-grade silicone toys.

Oil-Based Lubricants

Oil-Based lubes are emollient and lock in moisture. It is important to use a natural oil based lubricant and not a petroleum based product, as petroleum can cause irritation and infections. The product Entice Me carries isSex Butter. It is blend of organic oils and essential oils. It has healing properties that really help with vaginal dryness. It is great for vaginal atrophy and helps repair torn and sore tissue. It is truly amazing for use after chemotherapy and surgery. Sex Butter has consistently been our top selling accoutrement each and every year. Oil-based lubricant can also be as simple as Coconut Oil. Oil-based lubricants are not compatible with most latex condoms. I say most because Sex Butter has been tested for safety on 100% latex condoms (which most are not) such as Sir Richards. Polyurethane condoms should be fine, but check the labels for sure.

Flavored Lubricants

Flavored lubes are a water-based formulation with flavoring to enhance performing oral sex. Avoid products with artificial flavors, colors and sugars, as they can cause irritation and infection. The Sliquid Swirl line is flavored with essential oils.

Stimulating Lubricants

Stimulating lubes can be warming or cooling depending on the make up of the product. This formulation is usually a water-based product with essential oils of menthol, peppermint, and/or cinnamon added. This can change things up and also help facilitate quicker orgasms for both men and women. Some products stimulate by using high concentrations of alcohol or chemicals, such as propylene glycol, so read the label! Sliquid Sensation is what we recommend, as it contains organic ingredients and is chemical free.

So next time you are getting down, try using a lube, it will make your experience that much better! A great way to find your favorite is by trying our sample paks for only $7 or individual packets for $1.50 each. They are easy to toss in your bag, purse, suitcase or even place between the cushions on your couch for spur of the moment fun!

UPDATE:
I have been seeing a lot of hype about “Fertility-Friendly” lubricants, with cute little babies on the package. I decided to check them out because one time that you really need lube is when you are trying to get pregnant and having lots of sex. These so called “sperm-friendly” lubricants still contain chemicals, such as parabens, that have been shown to stay in the soft tissue. According to the Health area on about.com, “Regular lubricants, like Astroglide and KY Jelly, have been shown in research to inhibit sperm movement, cause DNA damage, and even kill sperm.”