Ok, if we’re talking about when you should use water-based and when you should use silicone-based lube, then it depends on what exactly you’re planning to do.
Both variants have their strengths and weaknesses, and which one suits you better depends on how and where you use them.
Contents
Water-based personal lubricant: the versatile classic
This lubricant consists mainly of water, which makes it super easy to clean and harmonizes with just about everything.
It is practically the all-purpose solution, but it also has a few small limitations.
Advantages:
- Universally applicable: Compatible with latex condoms and all types of toys, even sensitive silicone.
- Easy to clean: Just rinse it off with water and you’re done – no residue, no fuss.
- Natural feeling: It feels light and smooth without being greasy.
- Easy to get: Available in drugstores, pharmacies or online almost everywhere.
Disadvantages:
- Dries quickly: For longer sessions you need to refill more often.
- Not waterproof: Showers or water activities? It’s not suitable for that.
- Additives: Some brands pack in things like glycerin or parabens, which can be annoying if you have sensitive skin.
Suitable for:
- Sex toys: Indispensable for silicone toys in particular.
- Light to moderate practices: Ideal for vaginal intercourse, foreplay or even solo.
- Short sessions: Perfect if you don’t want it to last forever.
Recommendations:
- Swiss Navy All Naturalwater-based lubricant – specially specially developed for people with sensitive skin.
- Euroglider SuperlubeWater-based lubricant – colorless, grease-free and odorless.
Silicone-based personal lubricant: the lubrication expert for long sessions
Here comes the professional version. Silicone-based lubricants stay where they should be and last a really long time – perfect for when things get more intense or need to last longer.
Advantages:
- Long-lasting: Stays smooth and supple without you having to constantly reapply.
- Waterproof: Whether in the shower or in the pool – it stays where you need it.
- Luxurious texture: Feels soft and silky without being sticky.
- No absorption: It remains on the surface of the skin and therefore causes fewer irritation problems.
Disadvantages:
- Not compatible with toys: Hands off if you use silicone toys – the lube can ruin the material.
- More difficult to clean: Water alone is not enough; you often need soap or special cleaning agents.
- More expensive: Quality has its price, and here you usually pay a little more.
Suitable for:
- Anal intercourse: A real favorite because of its long-lasting lubrication.
- Longer sessions: Ideal when it gets a little more intense.
- Activities in the water: Invisible helper for fun in the shower or pool.
Recommendations:
- Heros Silicone-based lubricant – skin-friendly, oil-free and compatible with latex condoms
- S8 Extreme Glide: the ultimate in silicone-based lubricants.
Comparison: Which suits you better?
| Property | Water-based | Silicone-based |
| Durability | Dries quickly, requires relubrication | Extremely long-lasting, no reapplication necessary |
| Condom compatibility | Safe with all condoms | Safe with latex condoms |
| Toy compatibility | Perfect for all toys | Not suitable for silicone toys |
| Water resistance | Not waterproof | Water resistant |
| Cleaning | Easy to wash off with water | Often needs soap or cleaner |
| Costs | Cheaper | More expensive |
What should you choose?
- For toys: Reach for water-based lubricant, especially with silicone toys.
- For anal intercourse: Silicone-based lubricant provides the lubricity and durability you need here.
- For the shower: Silicone-based lubricant is unbeatable.
- For sensitive skin: High-quality water-based variants without irritating additives are the better choice.
Best: Try and compare
If you’re unsure, it’s best to grab both and test which you like better.
Jvery situation requires something a little different, so you’ll quickly find out what works best for you and your partner.
