Lubrication 101

Silicone Lubricants provide the slickest form of lubrication of commercially available personal lubricants.  High quality silicone lubes will cut down on "bad" friction, while keeping enough of the "good" friction that stimulates erogenous zones.  The main disadvantage to Silicone lubricant is that it is to be avoided while using silicone toys.  Silicone bonds with itself at a molecular level and so over time, Silicone lubricant can wear off the outer layer of your favorite Silicone toys. It is however safe with latex condoms, Glass, metal or ABS plastic toys.

Hybrid Lubricants are a mixture of Silicone and Water-based lubrication.  Some have such trace amounts of silicone that they have been deemed safe to be used with silicone toys. Wicked carries several options for this.  Hybrids are also safe with all other toy materials as well as condoms.

Water-based Lubricants are some of the most common and widely-used formulas of personal lubricants. They are safe on all materials but come in a variety of formulations, so if you begin to notice any sensitivities while using a Water-based lube, check the ingredients for Glycerins, Parabens, or even organic ingredients such as plant-based materials that could be causing a reaction.

Oil-Based Lubricants, are generally not recommended as they are harder to clean off of toys, sheets and bodies.  Oils are also known to break down latex condoms. Some oils, such as coconut oil, which are safe topically, can be irritating internally due to their natural antibacterial properties.  This can cause a yeast infection by disrupting the good flora that maintains vaginal balance.