The Lube Guide
Lube isn’t optional. It’s the difference between a good experience and a bad one. Here’s everything you need to know to choose correctly.
Why Lube Matters More Than You Think
Friction is the enemy of both pleasure and safety. Lube reduces friction. That sounds simple, but the downstream effects touch everything: comfort, sensation, risk of injury, toy longevity, and how your body feels the next day.
The mistake most men make isn’t using the wrong lube. It’s using too little, or stopping too soon. Reapply. It’s not a sign of something wrong.
The Four Formulas
Each formula has strengths and tradeoffs. The right one depends on what you’re using it for.
Water-Based
The most versatile formula. Safe with all toy materials including silicone. Easy to clean. Doesn’t stain. The only drawback: it dries out faster and needs reapplication.
Best for: All toys, all activity, beginners
Silicone
Longer lasting than water-based. Doesn’t absorb into skin. Excellent for anal play. Critical note: silicone lube degrades silicone toys. Do not use with silicone toys.
Best for: Anal play, glass, metal, skin-on-skin
Hybrid
Water-based formula with a small percentage of silicone. Lasts longer than pure water-based but generally safe with most silicone toys. Read the label — silicone percentage matters.
Best for: Extended sessions, moderate toy use
Flavored
Water-based formula with flavoring. Designed for oral use. Not suitable for anal play due to sugar content — sugar promotes bacterial growth where you don’t want it.
Best for: Oral only
The One Rule You Cannot Break
Silicone lube + silicone toys = damage. Use water-based lube with silicone toys. Full stop.
Silicone degrades silicone. The surface of the toy becomes tacky, then breaks down. It’s not always visible immediately, which makes it worse — you’re putting a degraded surface inside your body.
Glass, metal, and ABS plastic are compatible with all lube types. No restrictions.
Quick Reference
| Silicone toy | Water-based only |
| Glass toy | Any formula |
| Metal toy | Any formula |
| ABS plastic toy | Any formula |
| Anal play | Silicone or water-based |
| Oral | Flavored or water-based |
Three Rules. Remember These.
Use More Than You Think You Need
The most common mistake. Reapply during, not just at the start. Friction building up is a warning sign, not something to push through.
Match the Formula to the Activity
Water-based for toys. Silicone for skin-on-skin or extended sessions. Flavored only for oral. One rule protects everything.
Read the Ingredients
Avoid glycerin (promotes yeast growth), parabens, and numbing agents. Numbness removes feedback. Feedback is what keeps you safe.
Keep Reading
How to Choose the Right Lube
A shorter version for when you just need the formula breakdown.
Read Guide →
Getting Started
Everything you need to know before your first purchase.
Read Guide →
Gear Care 101
Clean, store, and maintain your toys so they last.
Read Guide →
Shop Lubes
Every formula we carry is body-safe and worth it.
No glycerin. No parabens. No compromises.
