What is a water-based lubricant?
Water-based lubricants are lubricants that are formulated with water as the main ingredient. They are commonly used for sexual activity and masturbation as they are easy to clean and don’t stain clothing or sheets.
Water-based lubricants are generally considered safe and gentle for use on the skin. They are also safe to use with condoms, sex toys, and other barriers, unlike oil-based lubricants which are not safe for use with latex condoms and can damage sex toys made of rubber, silicone, or other porous materials.
Water-based lubricants can come in different varieties such as gels, liquids, or creams. They are also available with different types of additives like warming, flavoring, and cooling agents. Some products are formulated with additional ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, or other moisturizing agents to provide additional benefits to the skin.
However, water-based lubricants can dry out quickly and may need to be reapplied during sexual activity. Also, they may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin, as they may contain ingredients that cause irritation or allergic reactions.
It’s important to always read the ingredient list and patch test a small area of skin before using it on a larger area or for an extended period of time.
How to use Water-based lubricants
Water-based lubricants are easy to use and can be applied to any part of the body that needs lubrication. Here are a few general guidelines on how to use them:
- Apply the lubricant to your finger or directly to the area that needs lubrication. You can use as much or as little lubricant as you need.
- Spread the lubricant evenly over the area. You can use your hand or a toy to do this.
- Reapply as needed. Water-based lubricants can dry out quickly and may need to be reapplied during sexual activity.
- Clean up: Water-based lubricants are easy to clean up with soap and water.
- Store in a cool and dry place: Don’t store the lubricant in a place where it will be exposed to heat or sunlight, as it can change the consistency of the lubricant and affect its performance.
It’s important to note that you should avoid using water-based lubricants with silicone sex toys, as the lubricant can cause the toys to become gummy and degrade over time. In this case, a silicone-based lubricant or a hybrid lubricant (a combination of water and silicone) would be a better option.
You should also avoid using water-based lubricants with condoms made of polyurethane as they can cause the condom to break.
As always, it’s important to read the ingredient list and patch test a small area of skin before using it on a larger area or for an extended period of time.