What In-Home Lubrication Is The Best To Use For Sex?

Lube is definitely one of those things that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough! We often tell people to just use lubes but then don’t talk about what kind of lubes are available, and what the differences between them are.

Let me start by saying that there are a lot of products in your home  that could theoretically be used as lube but absolutely shouldn’t be used as lubes!

First let’s go over the basics. There are essentially three different types of lubes: water-based, oil-based and silicone-based.

If you’re using a water-based lube you may need to reapply it depending on how long you need to use it for, and it’s not as thick as some of the other options. You also need to think about things like pH and osmolality. Using a lube that isn’t the right pH can lead to infections, damaged tissue and just overall discomfort.

One of the main issues is that the pH of the vagina is different from that of the rectum, so you may need different lubes for anal sex and for vaginal sex.

If you want to read more about the science of all this, check out my articles on lube pH and osmolality.

Oil-based lubes are thicker than water-based lubes, and you don’t need to worry about pH. But, they will break down latex and polyisoprene condoms, so if you’re using those condoms for safer sex, than you want to skip the oil-based lubes.

Silicone-based lubes are thicker and so may be a better option for anal sex. The big issue with silicone-based lubes is that you shouldn’t use them with silicone sex toys.

So now let’s talk about what you can use at home as a lube alternative. If you’re using latex or polyisoprene condoms, you want to avoid anything oil-based. Also, some oils may not be safe if you have a nut allergy or nut sensitivity.

So what can you use? It depends on what you’re doing. If you’re having vaginal sex, I would say look to massage oils (but read the labels and make sure they’re safe!!) or aloe vera. But aloe straight from the plant can have latex in it so avoid it if there’s a potential issue with a latex allergy or latex sensitivity.

If you’re doing anal, I’d say try coconut oil, but try and get the most unrefined possible.

Oral sex? Avocado, almond or coconut oils might be an option. Avoid things like castor oil or essential oils.

Overwhelmed by all this? Let me give you three more links:

This quiz will help guide you to lube options based on what you’re doing and what your preferences are.

This article goes in depth into the safety of a lot of different things you might have around the house that you may be considering using as lube.

This one has recipes for making your own lube.

Until next time, be safe and have fun!

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