Water-based Lubricant Water-based personal lubricants are the most popular lubricants. The viscosity of these products can be adjusted by adjusting their water content and concentration of cellulose. They do have a tendency to dry out during use, but this cheap water based lubricant can being reapplied. These properties lead to their frequent use for sexual activity. Typical water-based lubricants are incompatible with many sex acts that occur in water (such as in a bath or shower) as they can be dissolved or dispersed in water. Popular personal lubricant brands include KY Jelly, Wet Original & Super Slik Lubricant.
Oil-based Lubricant Oil-based lubricants, such as Vaseline, dissolve latex and reduce the effectiveness of latex condoms as a contraceptive and protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Oil-based lubricants should never be used for anal sex as the oil may coat the lining of the opening, providing a haven for bacterial infection leaving the user open to infection from sexually transmitted diseases.Although Vaseline is inexpensive and readily available, it can often be difficult to clean off the body after sex, due to the fact that it is not water soluble.
Silicone-based LubricantSilicone based lubricants tend to retain lubrication longer than water-based lubricant, however most are safe to use with latex condoms. Although its always worth checking the label of the lubricant before use. Silicone-based lubricants are not recommended to use with silicone-based sex toys. The lubricants can dissolve the surface of the toys, making them sticky and causing them to slowly disintegrate. Pre-lubricated condoms usually use a silicone lubricant and should therefore not be used with silicone-based sex toys.Silicone-based lubricants are not always as slippery as the other kinds of lubricants and this can cause more friction which if using condoms would not be ideal (possible breakage). Popular silicone based lubricants are Wet Platinum.
Other LubricantsOther special formulated lubricants can be anal lubricant which is specially formulated for anal sex or flavoured lubricant to try something different.
