Lubricants 101
Lubricant can make most kinds of sexual activity more pleasurable, and for certain kinds of play, some kind of lubrication is a necessity. What kind of lubricant you choose will depend on what kind of sex you are planning to have, what formula or ingredients work best with your body and your toys, and whether or not you need the lube to be latex-compatible.
All lubricants that are sold for sexual use pretty much fall into four categories: water-based, silicone-based, hybrids, and oil-based.
Water-Based lubes are the most common and the most versatile kind of lube. They are compatible with latex condoms/dams/gloves and with all kinds of sex toy materials, as well as being generally friendly for vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Water-based lubes tend to feel the most natural (our body fluids are mostly made of water), though they will evaporate and absorb into the skin as you use them, meaning that you may need to reapply or re-wet them periodically to keep them slippery.
Silicone Based lubes feel incredibly slippery, and they do not readily absorb into the skin. As such, they often last longer than water-based lubes. Silicone does not wash away with water alone, making it good for underwater play– though this quality also makes silicone harder to clean up afterwards. You’ll need soap and water to wash it away, and sometimes it can stain fabrics. Silicone lubes are compatible with latex condoms/dams/gloves, but will damage silicone toys– stick with water-based lube if you are using silicone toys. Silicone can also be difficult to wash off of porous toy materials like TPR or elastomer, leaving behind a residue. When in doubt about your toy material, it is best to stick to water-based lubes!
Hybrid lubes refer to formulas that combine water-based and silicone-based ingredients. This is usually done to create the natural feel of water-based lubes while gaining the added longevity and slipperiness of silicone. Hybrid lubes are compatible with latex condoms/dams/gloves, but whether they will damage silicone toys will depend on how much silicone is in the formulation. When in doubt, read the label or ask a reputable, knowledgeable source about toy material compatibility.
Oil-based lubes are a bit less versatile than other lubes, but they have their uses. They are not compatible with latex condoms/dams/gloves (though oils are safe with polyurethane and nitrile barriers). It is difficult for the vagina to clear out oil-based lubes, and residual oil in the vaginal canal can harbor bacteria and cause health issues (different bodies will react differently, and it might even depend on the type of oil for any given individual). All that said, oil-based lubes can feel rich and long-lasting. They can be used for external masturbation/stroking, or for anal play if a latex condom is not being used. Oils are often not compatible with certain soft toy materials like TPR, latex, or elastomer, so check with manufacturer recommendations before using oil-based lubes with your toys. 100% silicone toys are typically compatible with oil-based lubes.
OTHER LUBE INFORMATION
There are lots of different ingredients in lubes, but some of the most common ingredients can cause problems in some users. If you or your partner are having trouble with irritation, here are some lube ingredients you may want to avoid:
Glycerin or Glycol: Used to make lubes feel slippery, but some users report links to yeast infections and other imbalances in vaginal flora. That said, other users have no issues with glycerin. Our bodies often have very individual tolerances for certain substances, and those tolerances can vary over time.
Parabens: Used as preservatives, these can cause skin irritation in some users. Parabens have come under scientific scrutiny as possible endocrine disruptors, and some studies have linked them with cancer. The research in these areas is inconclusive, but some people feel more comfortable choosing lubricant options that are paraben free.
Warming/stimulating/intensifying lubes: While these lubes can be enjoyable for some people, the ingredients in these types of products can cause itching, burning, and yeast infections. Use caution when trying stimulating lubes if you have sensitive skin.
Numbing/prolonging lubes: Marketed to “relax” or numb certain areas such as the throat or the anal canal, or to prevent premature ejaculation. In general, such products work by removing the body’s ability to feel anything– good or bad. Because they deaden pain (our body’s warning signal that something is wrong), such products can be potentially dangerous.
What Is My Sex Toy Made Of?
Soft Materials
100% SILICONE
What are its benefits?
- 100% Silicone sex toys are made out of medical-grade, chemically inert silicone that is hypoallergenic and safe for all of your most delicate parts.
- It is a non-porous material that is an unwelcoming place for bacteria, so it’s super hygienic.
- It lasts an incredibly long time without any signs of wear.
- It doesn’t smell, change colors.
- It warms to your body temperature for comfortable play sessions.
- Silicone is a great material for penetration.
- It is a dense material that allows for powerful vibrations.
- Toys made of silicone come in an impressive range of great colors, shapes, and sizes.
What are its shortcomings?
- Silicone lubricant can affect the texture of silicone toys, so we recommend that you use only water-based lubes with your silicone toys.
- Some toys are inaccurately advertised as “silicone.” Consult with one of our staff members to determine if your toy is the real deal.
- Because it is so fabulous for so many reasons, silicone toys are some of the most expensive ones sold.
How do I take care of it?
- Clean your toy before it is first used and after each subsequent use.
- To clean your silicone toy wash it with mild liquid soap or toy cleaner. You can also boil it for three minutes or stick it in the top shelf of your dishwasher (but only if there are no electrical components!).
- If you must use silicone lube, do a patch test on the bottom of your toy. High-grade silicone shouldn’t be affected by it.
- If your toy includes batteries, increase its life by storing the batteries outside of the toy.
- While silicone can last for years if well-cared for, it can tear if nicked so keep it away from sharp fingernails, sharp corners, and, for heaven’s sake, don’t bite!
We recommend 100% silicone toys as the safest soft toy but there are other options and a few of the items in our collection fall under the following categories:
CYBERSKIN
What are their benefits?
- It has amazingly realistic texture and appearance.
- It makes great life-like dildos and soft supple toys.
- Cybeskin brand toys are phthalate and latex free.
What are their shortcomings?
- Their softness makes them prone to small tears.
- They are porous materials that need to be cleaned thoroughly and frequently. They cannot be sterilized.
- We recommend that you use only water-based lubes with toys made of these materials.
- We recommend using a condom to prevent any irritation or reaction to the material. Condoms also help prevent any transmission of bacteria or body fluid between partners.
- Even phthalate-free cyberskin toys may pose some material issues as we are never 100% sure what these toys are made of.
How do I take care of it?
- Wash your toy before its first use and after each subsequent use.
- Wash these toys gently with warm water and mild soap or toy cleaner.
- Dry your toy thoroughly.
- Before putting your toy away for its next use, dust it with Renew powder or cornstarch powder. This will help maintain its life-like appearance and texture.
- Do not dust your toy with talcum powder as talc has been shown to be potentially harmful to the cervix. Use 100% Cornstarch Powder.
- Store your Cyberskin toys in a fabric bag until their next use.
- Using a condom will help keep these porous materials clean and protect them from small tears.
SOFTSKIN AND OTHER SKIN-LIKE MATERIALS
What are their benefits?
- They have amazingly realistic textures and looks.
- They make great packers and life-like dildos!
What are their shortcomings?
- Their softness makes them prone to small tears.
- They are porous materials that need to be cleaned thoroughly and frequently. They cannot be sterilized.
- They are porous materials that need to be cleaned thoroughly and frequently. They cannot be sterilized.
- Some of these toys may contain latex, so they are not recommended for individuals with latex sensitivity.
- Even phthalate-free cyberskin toys may pose some material issues as we are never 100% sure what these toys are made of.
- They also may contain silicone, so we recommend that you use water-based lubes with toys made of these materials.
- We recommend using a condom to prevent any irritation or reaction to the material if used for penetration. Condoms also help prevent any transmission of bacteria or body fluid between partners
How do I take care of it?
- Wash your toy before its first use and after each subsequent use.
- Wash these toys gently with warm water and mild soap or toy cleaner.
- Dry your toy thoroughly.
- Before putting your toy away for its next use, dust it with Renew powder or cornstarch powder. This will help maintain its life-like appearance and texture.
- Do not dust your toy with talcum powder as talc has been shown to be potentially harmful to the cervix. Use 100% Cornstarch Powder.
- Store your Cyberskin toys in a fabric bag until their next use.
- Using a condom will help keep these porous materials clean and protect them from small tears.
ELASTOMER
What are its benefits?
- Though newer on the marker, many affordable, safe, and fun sex toys are made out of this space-age product!
- It transmits vibrations nicely.
- This soft material is phthalate-free.
- Elastomer toys tend to be quite durable.
- It is safe for people with latex allergies.
What are its shortcomings?
- Elastomer is a slightly porous material. It cannot be sterilized.
- Because it is a newer material, there is a limited range of toys made out of this dreamy material…but we expect that to change quickly!
How do I take care of it?
- Wash your toy before its first use and after each subsequent use.
- Wash your elastomer toy with warm water and mild soap or toy cleaner.
- Because they are semi-porous, we suggest using a condom with these toys.
SOFT PLASTIC
What are its benefits?
- Toys made of this material are some of the most affordable ones on the market.
- Many TPR/TPE toys are phthalate-free & latex-free.
What are its shortcomings?
- TPR/TPE is a porous material that must be washed thoroughly and frequently. It cannot be sterilized.
- Even phthalate-free toys may pose some material issues as we are never 100% sure what these toys are made of.
How do I take care of it?
- Wash your toys with mild soap or toy cleaner before its first use and after each subsequent use.
- Because it is a porous material, we recommend that you use a condom with your TPR/TPE toys to prevent bacteria transmission.
GLASS
What are its benefits?
- Glass toys are elegant works of art that not only look good, but feel amazing!
- Our glass toys are made out of super-safe medical-grade tempered glass.
- All lubes are safe to use with it.
- It is non-porous and thus super-hygienic and easy to clean.
- Its smooth texture slips easily over (or into) your curves.
What are its shortcomings?
- If you’re looking for something that can mold itself to your shape or vibrate, glass may not be the material for you.
How do I take care of it?
- Glass toys tend to be quite sturdy, but if your toy becomes chipped, no matter how slightly, it must be taken out of your sex-toy collection.
- Clean your glass toys by washing them in the top rack of your dishwasher, or washing them with soap and water or toy cleaner.
ACRYLIC
What are its benefits?
- It is non-porous and thus super-hygienic and easy to clean.
- Acrylic toys can be used with any kind of lubricant.
What are its shortcomings?
- Toys made of acrylic are, unfortunately, less-than-common.
- Acrylic toys can shatter if dropped or knocked against a hard surface.
How do I take care of it?
- Clean your acrylic toys with soap and water.
- Do NOT clean your acrylic toys with alcohol or other products that contain alcohol or acrylic; they will break down your toys over time.
STAINLESS STEEL
What are its benefits?
- It is an elegant material for sex toys.
- Steel toys are compatible with any kind of lubricant.
- Its smooth surface glides nicely over yours.
- It is non-porous and thus super-hygienic and easy to clean.
What are its shortcomings?
- If you’re looking for something that can mold itself to your shape or vibrate, steel may not be the material for you.
How do I take care of it?
- Wash your stainless steel toys in soap and water or toy cleaner. You can also boil them or put them in the top rack of the dishwasher. Just remember not to touch them until they have cooled down!
HARD PLASTIC (ABS)
What are its benefits?
- Vibrators of a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors are made out of hard plastic at very affordable prices.
- Hard plastic is highly durable.
- It is non-porous and thus super-hygienic and easy to clean.
- Hard plastic vibes can transmit powerful vibrations and are great for outrageous clitoral stimulation.
- Your hard plastic vibe is compatible with any kind of lubricant.
- You can turn one hard plastic vibe into many by throwing a variety of sleeves onto it.
What are its shortcomings?
- The vibrations from hard plastic vibrators can be too intense for some people.
- Hard plastic toys can be loud.
How do I take care of it?
- Take care to keep electronic parts dry.
- Your vibrator will last longer if you take the batteries out each time.
- Wash your hard plastic toy before its first use and after each subsequent use with soap and water or toy cleaner.
Taking Care of Your Toys
All Vibrators
You should clean your vibrator before you use it for the first time and after every time it’s used. Take the batteries out before you wash it and avoid getting the part where the batteries are housed wet. You can use mild liquid soap and hot water or toy cleaner to clean any sex toy. Unless your vibrator is waterproof, do not submerge it underwater, instead you can use a washcloth. For longer vibrator and battery life, we suggest that you store the batteries outside of the vibrator.
Silicone Toys
Silicone toys can be washed with mild liquid soap and hot water or toy cleaner. You can sterilize non-vibrating 100% silicone toys by boiling them in water for 3 minutes. Silicone can last for years, but once you get a tiny nick or cut in it, it will tear easily, so keep your toys away from cats claws, teeth and other sharp objects. While the general rule has been that silicone lube should not be used with silicone toys, recently some makers have said their toys are compatible with high quality silicone lubes. If you want to try a silicone lube with a silicone toy, do a patch test on the bottom of the toy for 24 hours to be sure that it won’t hurt the surface of your toy. In general though, Love Shack Boutique recommends that you use water-based lubes with your silicone toys.
All Other Soft, Non-Silicone Toys
These should be washed with mild liquid soap and hot water or toy cleaner. It’s advisable to use a condom on these toys, as the material is semi-porous and cannot be sterilized like silicone. Once Cyberskin, SoftTouch and skin-like toys are dry, they can be covered in cornstarch powder to restore their texture (avoid using talc on sex toys as it is a suspected link to ovarian cancer). Store these toys in separate bags or other storage items to avoid them touching other toys as the can harm the surface of toys if left in contact for long periods of time. While we make every effort to only carry phthalate-free & body-safe toys, we still advise our customers to use condoms on any soft, porous toy for ease of clean up and body-safety.
Glass and Steel Toys
Glass and Steel toys should be washed with mild liquid soap and hot water or toy cleaner. They are non-porous and any type of lube can be used with these toys.
General Rules for all Sex Toys
- Wash your toys before you use them the first time and every time after you use them.
- Avoid harsh soaps, instead use liquid hand soap or toy cleaner.
- Always remove batteries and let toys air dry
- Store your toys and safer sex items out of direct sunlight and away from heat. Fabric bags & toy storage boxes are a great way to store your toys so they are clean and ready to get when you need them.
- Storing your toys in plastic is not recommended.
If you ever have questions about how to care for or use your toy, We are here to help!