Silicone Lubes

Silicone lube is known for one thing above all else, exceptional staying power. A small amount provides a silky, long lasting glide that does not absorb into the skin or evaporate in the same way as water based lubricant.

This makes silicone lubricant particularly useful for longer sessions, anal play, massage, water play and situations where frequent reapplication is inconvenient.

It also feels quite different from water based lube. Silicone tends to have a smooth, almost weightless slip rather than the wetter feel of many water based formulas.

What is Silicone Lube?

Silicone lubricant is made primarily from silicone ingredients rather than water. Common ingredients include dimethicone, dimethiconol and cyclomethicone, although formulations vary between brands.

Because silicone does not readily absorb into the skin, only a small amount is usually required. It remains slippery for considerably longer than most water based lubricants and generally does not become sticky or tacky as it dries.

What are the Benefits of Silicone Lube?

There are several reasons silicone lubricant can be an excellent choice.

Long Lasting

Silicone lube is exceptionally long lasting. It does not evaporate like water based lubricant, so there is usually much less need for reapplication.

This can be particularly helpful for longer periods of penetration, massage or anal play, where maintaining consistent lubrication helps reduce friction.

Excellent for Water Play

Silicone lube is water resistant, which means it does not simply wash away in the shower, bath or other wet environments.

In fact, water based lubricant can become less effective when surrounded by water, making silicone one of the better lubricant choices for shower or bath play.

One practical consideration, silicone lubricant can also make floors, baths and showers extremely slippery, so take care around wet surfaces.

Compatible with Condoms and Barriers

Most silicone lubricants are compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms and barriers.

Unlike oil based lubricants, silicone lubricant does not degrade latex.

As formulations and barrier materials can vary, it is still worth checking the packaging of both products for compatibility.

A Little Goes a Long Way

Silicone lubricant is concentrated and usually requires much less product than water based lube.

Rather than applying a large amount immediately, start with a few drops and add more if required.

Does Silicone Lube Work for Anal Play?

Silicone lubricant can be particularly well suited to anal play because of its longevity and ability to maintain slip.

The anus does not self lubricate, so adequate lubrication is important for reducing friction and making anal penetration more comfortable. Silicone formulas can be useful because they do not dry out quickly and usually require less frequent reapplication than water based lubricants.

Some silicone lubes are very light and silky, while others have a little more body and cushioning. Personal preference and the type of play will determine which texture feels best.

Can Silicone Lube Be Used Vaginally?

Many silicone lubricants are suitable for vaginal and vulval use, although the individual formulation still matters.

For sensitive genital tissue, look for a simple formula without unnecessary fragrance, flavour, warming or cooling ingredients.

People experiencing vulval sensitivity, menopause related dryness, vulvodynia or other genital discomfort may find the long lasting slip of silicone useful because less product and less reapplication may be required.

If a lubricant causes burning, stinging or persistent irritation, wash it away and discontinue use.

Can Silicone Lube Be Used with Sex Toys?

This is where a little more care is required.

Silicone lubricant is generally compatible with glass, stainless steel, ABS plastic and many other non silicone toy materials.

Silicone lubricant and silicone sex toys are more complicated. Some high quality silicone toys may tolerate some silicone lubricants, while other combinations can cause the surface of the toy to swell, become tacky or deteriorate.

Unless the manufacturer specifically states that a silicone lubricant is compatible with the toy, water based lubricant is the safest choice for silicone sex toys.

When in doubt, follow the toy manufacturer's instructions.

Silicone Lube for Massage

The long lasting glide of silicone lubricant also makes it useful for body massage.

Because it does not absorb quickly, a few drops can provide enough slip for an extended massage without repeatedly adding more product.

Silicone can be more difficult to remove from fabrics than water based lubricant, however, so protecting sheets and other delicate fabrics may be worthwhile.

Is Silicone Lube Good for Sensitive Skin?

Silicone itself is generally inert and many silicone lubricants contain relatively few ingredients, which can make a simple silicone formula an option worth considering for sensitive skin.

The complete formulation still matters. Fragrances, flavours and sensation enhancing ingredients can be irritating for some people regardless of whether the lubricant is water or silicone based.

There is no single lubricant that suits every body, so discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Silicone Lube vs Water Based Lube

Neither is universally better, they simply have different strengths.

Water based lubricant is easy to wash away, compatible with virtually all sex toy materials and available in an enormous variety of textures and specialised formulations.

Silicone lubricant lasts considerably longer, remains slippery in water and generally requires much less product.

For a bedside all rounder, water based lube is often the simplest choice. For longevity, massage, water play or extended penetration, silicone can be difficult to beat.

How to Clean Up Silicone Lube

Silicone lubricant requires a little more cleaning than water based lube because water alone will not readily remove it.

Warm water and a gentle soap or body wash can be used on the skin. Sex toys should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Silicone can sometimes leave marks on fabrics, particularly delicate materials, so washing sooner rather than later is sensible.

How to Store Silicone Lube

Store lubricant in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

Rather than assuming silicone lube lasts indefinitely, check the manufacturer's expiry date or recommended period after opening. If the appearance, smell or consistency changes significantly, it is sensible to replace it.

Choosing the Best Silicone Lube

The best silicone lube depends on what it is being used for.

For everyday intimacy, a lightweight formula may provide plenty of slip without feeling heavy. For anal play, a longer lasting formula with a little more cushioning may be preferable. For massage or water play, staying power is often the priority.

Ingredients, texture, intended use, condom compatibility and sex toy compatibility are all worth considering.

A Final Word on Silicone Lubricants

Silicone lube earns its place in the lubricant drawer because it does something exceptionally well, it stays slippery.

It can be an excellent choice for anal play, massage, water play, longer sessions and anyone who finds themselves constantly reapplying water based lubricant.

The main consideration is sex toy compatibility. When silicone toys are involved, check the manufacturer's recommendations or choose water based lubricant instead.

Otherwise, start small. With silicone lube, a few drops can go a surprisingly long way.