Health and wellbeing

Which lube should I use? Water-based, silicone, hybrid and anal lube explained

Updated 29 October 2026

Lube makes almost any intimate experience more comfortable, alone, with a partner or with toys. Choosing the right one comes down to three questions: will you use condoms?, will you use silicone toys? and what will you use it for? This table sums up the differences.

Type	How long it lasts	Latex condoms	Silicone toys	In water	Clean-up
Water-based	Medium (revives with water)	Yes	Yes	Washes away	Very easy
Silicone-based	Very long	Yes	With care	Yes	Soap and water
Hybrid	Long	Yes	Depends on brand	Fair	Easy
Oil-based	Long	No	Depends on oil	Yes	Hard, can stain

Always check the label of the specific product: formulas vary between brands.

Water-based lube: the most versatile

Water-based

Sliquid Naturals H2O

From £21.13 at Sextoys.co.uk · 2 UK shops

Sextoys.co.ukSliquid Naturals H2O Lubricant - 8.5 oz.£21.13
HarmonySliquid Naturals H2O Waterbased Lubricant - 255ml£22.99

View at Sextoys.co.uk

In the US: Intimatify, $20.95

Compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms and with toys of any material, it washes off with water and doesn't stain. The only downside is that it dries out sooner: just reapply or add a few drops of water. If you only buy one lube, make it water-based. Our picks: the best water-based lubes.

Silicone lube: the longest-lasting

Silicone

Uberlube (silicone)

From £19.99 at Harmony · 2 UK shops

HarmonyUberlube Silicone Lubricant 55ml£19.99
Sextoys.co.ukUberlube - 1.86 oz. (55 ml)£29.77

View at Harmony

It isn't absorbed and doesn't evaporate, so it lasts a long time and works well in the shower and for massage. It's condom-safe, but it can damage the surface of silicone toys: use it with glass, steel or hard plastic toys, or patch-test first. Wash it off with soap and water.

Hybrid lube: the middle ground

Hybrid

Sliquid Silk (hybrid)

From £14.41 at Sextoys.co.uk

Sextoys.co.ukSliquid Silk Hybrid Lubricant - 4.2 oz.£14.41

View at Sextoys.co.uk

A water base with a small amount of silicone: a creamier texture that lasts longer than water-based lube and washes off more easily than silicone. Check the label for toy compatibility.

Oil-based lube: only without latex condoms

Oils, including coconut oil and massage oils, glide well but weaken latex and can cause condoms to break. In the vagina they may also make infections more likely for some people. Keep them for massage, or for when you don't rely on condoms. Petroleum jelly isn't recommended as a personal lubricant.

Anal lube

The anus doesn't produce its own lubrication, so lube is essential. A thicker water-based formula or a silicone lube works best, and it's wise to avoid numbing products. More in how to choose an anal lube.

Which lube for which situation?

Vaginal dryness or menopause: a moisturising water-based lube eases discomfort during sex. For ongoing dryness there are vaginal moisturisers for regular use: ask a pharmacist or your GP.
With toys: water-based always; silicone only if the toy isn't silicone.
With condoms: water-based, silicone or hybrid; never oil with latex.
In the shower or bath: silicone, which won't wash away.
Oral sex: flavoured lubes designed for it; avoid sugary ones if you're prone to thrush.
Sensitive skin: fragrance-free formulas with no warming, cooling or tingling agents.

For dryness

Durex Sensilube

From £10.00 at Lovesexshop

LovesexshopDurex Sensilube - moisturising lubricant for vaginal dryness (40 ml)£10.00

View at Lovesexshop

Ingredients worth checking

Glycerine and sugars: some people prone to thrush or bacterial vaginosis prefer formulas without them.
Fragrance and sensation effects: fun, but more likely to irritate. Patch-test first.
Numbing agents (benzocaine, lidocaine): they reduce sensation and can mask discomfort that is telling you something is wrong. Best avoided.
Osmolality: very concentrated lubes can dry out delicate tissue. The WHO recommends an osmolality below 1,200 mOsm/kg, although few brands publish it.

Practical tips

Apply lube to your body and to the toy or condom, and reapply whenever you need to.
If you notice itching, stinging or irritation, stop using it and speak to a pharmacist or your GP.
Store it somewhere cool and respect the use-by date and period after opening.

Look after your toys with our cleaning guide, and compare prices across our UK shops in the lube comparison.

FAQ

Which lube is safe with condoms?

Water-based, silicone and hybrid lubes are safe with latex and polyisoprene condoms. Oil-based products, including coconut oil, should not be used with latex condoms.

Does silicone lube ruin silicone toys?

It can degrade the surface of silicone toys over time. It's fine with glass, steel and hard plastic. If in doubt, use a water-based lube.

Can I use coconut oil or Vaseline as lube?

Not with latex condoms, which they weaken. Petroleum jelly is also hard to wash off and isn't recommended as a personal lubricant.

Is spit a good lube?

It dries very quickly and can pass on infections. A water-based lube is a much better option.

What's the best lube for vaginal dryness?

A fragrance-free, moisturising water-based lube. If dryness is ongoing or sex is painful, talk to your GP: vaginal moisturisers and specific treatments are available.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. If you have pain, irritation or any health concern, speak to your GP or a pharmacist.