In this blog, we will be looking at one of your questions, with this one being all about lubricants and what the difference is between water, silicone and hybrid lubes; their uses, pros, and cons. So, whether you call it Lub, Lube, Grease, Oil or some Slick for your Stick, read on and let us explain the difference.

Water Based.

Let’s start with water based; and as the name suggests, it is water based! This style of lubricant is generally thicker, but unlike silicone, it will probably need to be topped up during play.

The Pros: Water-based lubricant is a great all-round lube. It is perfect to use on any toy, regardless of the material, and it won’t damage the toy. Water based works well for both penetrative and toy play, with some styles designed to stick to the toy, as the toy goes in, so does the lube (Check out Lubido Anal). Water based lubricant cleans away easily and will not stain clothing or bedding.

The Cons; There aren’t many with water based, but the main one is it does dry out during play. The body absorbs the water, leaving behind the residue, and you may need to re-apply during play.

Silicone Based.

On to silicone lube. Slicker and thinner than water based, silicone lube can have the feel of being oil based, but it isn’t!

The Pros: Silicone is designed to sit on the surface of the skin and because it doesn’t soak in, it doesn’t dry out. Generally, one application is all you need, and it will last for hours. Silicone lubricant doesn’t wash off like water based either, so if you like fun in the bath or shower, silicone lubricant will stay in place as lube with the water running off it, until you add soap or shower gel. 

Silicone is great for use as an anal or vaginal lubricant and can be used on most toy materials, creating a slick finish to your rubber toys and clothing!

The Cons: If you use silicone lubricant on a silicone toy, you really do have to clean it as soon as you have finished playing, and its soap and hot water to get rid of it. If you leave silicone lube on a silicone toy it will start to deteriorate the toy. It’s like rubbing sand on glass.

As silicone lubricant needs soap and hot water to clean it away, if you get it on clothing or bedding you will need to put it through a hot wash to get rid of any marks. If you don’t, the stain will remain.

Hybrid.

And now to hybrid lubricant. Imagine a wedding of two different lubricants, usually water and silicone; the union is hybrid! This is often thought as the best lubricant, as you have advantages of both types without all the issues.

The Pros: You can use hybrid lubricant on any toy and any body. Hybrid is generally a mix of 80% water and 20% silicone, so it will not affect your toys, so if you don’t want to clean them straight away it wont harm the toy. It also washes away easily. With the 20% silicone content it also lasts longer than standard water based!

Hybrid lubricant is generally a creamier feel and though water and silicone is the most common variety, you can find hybrid lubes in more natural mixes, including a coconut oil and water hybrid where you get a silky smooth lube and a light coconut scent, and other varieties containing CBD oils.

The Cons: Hybrid doesn’t last as long as pure silicone.

Conclusion.

All these lubes are completely condom safe and are all suitable for anal or vaginal play.

The above 3 styles are the base for the majority of lubricants we sell, but within our full range you will find some that are oil based, with these being designed for fist play. Oil based lubes are not latex and condom compatible, so be careful if using around your rubber toys, condoms and clothing.

This isn’t the full spectrum of the lubricants available, as there are also lubes for Anal and Sensation Play as well as Flavoured and Fisting Lubes that you can explore, but most will be either water, silicone or hybrid based.

Anal Lubricants will feature thicker, numbing, or relaxing formulas which are all designed to assist and make anal play more enjoyable.

Sensation Lubricants will include tingling, warming and cooling lubricants, which are designed to create additional sensations either to the surface of the skin around the vagina or anus, but will also stimulate internally as well. These lubes will also work well on nipples to create a seductive sensation.

So, there you have it!

Water based is a great all-round lube, and our biggest selling style. You can find the range here.

Silicone is perfect for fun where you want it to last a long time or are playing with moisture in the air. You can find the range here.

Hybrid gives you the best of both with ease of clean. You can find the range here.

All our lubes are body friendly, but as with all things, some may cause a reaction. So, check the ingredients list to see if there’s anything you know you have had a reaction from before, and remember we are here to help and advise too. If you have any questions about any of the products online, drop us an email at help@nnn-online.co.uk, or contact us on live chat or instore.

Until the next time, we will just slip out the back door!

Love Team Nice ‘n’ Naughty.

P.S. Some lubes contain Vitamin E and Aloe Vera, why we hear you ask!

Vitamin E is a potent skin hydrator and helps with tissue repair while Aloe Vera adds hydration and reduces skin irritation.

Check out our full range of lubricants here.

Our brands include: ID, Gun Oil, Lubido, STIMUL8, and System Jo.