Personal Lubricants

Personal lubricants reduce friction during sex and masturbation. Water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based formulas work with different toy materials and bodies. Lube makes penetration more comfortable, reduces condom breakage, and enhances sensation. Most people use lubricant during sex at some point—it's not optional equipment, it's essential. Personal Lubricants Quick Facts Category:...

Personal lubricants reduce friction during sex and masturbation. Water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based formulas work with different toy materials and bodies. Lube makes penetration more comfortable, reduces condom breakage, and enhances sensation. Most people use lubricant during sex at some point—it's not optional equipment, it's essential.

Personal Lubricants Quick Facts

  • Category: Sexual health and wellness
  • Common Types: Water-based, silicone-based, oil-based, hybrid formulas
  • Typical Sizes: 50ml to 500ml bottles, plus sachets and tubes
  • Key Features: Long-lasting, toy-safe, condom-compatible, hypoallergenic options available
  • Storage: Cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

Why Choose Personal Lubricants

  1. Reduces Friction During Penetration: Vaginal and anal tissue need lubrication for comfortable penetration. Natural lubrication varies by person, cycle, and arousal level. Extra lube prevents friction, discomfort, and micro-tears in delicate tissue.
  2. Makes Sex Feel Better: Lube reduces drag, increases glide, and allows deeper penetration without pain. For men, it intensifies sensation during masturbation and sex. Condoms feel less restrictive with lube applied inside and out.
  3. Protects Condoms and Toys: Friction causes condoms to break and degrades toy materials over time. Quality lubricant reduces both risks, making safer sex actually safer and extending toy lifespan.

Types of Personal Lubricants

Water-Based Lubricants

Water-based lubes work with all toy materials—silicone, glass, metal, and rubber. They're easy to clean, don't stain, and wash away with water. The trade-off is they dry out faster than silicone-based options during longer sessions. Reapply by adding water or more lube. Most condoms are compatible with water-based formulas. Browse our full range of lubricants and sex toys.

Silicone-Based Lubricants

Silicone lube lasts much longer than water-based—ideal for extended sessions or anal sex where friction is higher. It's slicker and more luxurious feeling. The downside: don't use silicone lube with silicone toys, as it degrades the material. Use only with glass, metal, stainless steel, or non-silicone toys. Cleaning requires soap and water, not just rinsing.

Oil-Based Lubricants

Coconut oil, almond oil, and other natural oils provide long-lasting lubrication and feel luxurious. However, oil breaks down condoms and latex—never use oil-based lube with condoms. These work only for non-barrier sex or with non-latex partners. Oil stains sheets and is harder to wash out than water or silicone.

Hybrid Lubricants

Hybrid formulas combine water-based and silicone-based ingredients to get the benefits of both: longer-lasting than pure water-based, compatible with silicone toys, and easier to clean than pure silicone. Hybrids cost more but perform well for people who want durability without toy incompatibility issues.

Speciality Lubricants

Warming lubes create gentle heat sensation during use. Tingling lubes produce mild stimulation. Numbing lubes reduce sensitivity for anal play or people with pain during sex. Flavoured lubes suit oral sex. These speciality formulas typically use water-based or hybrid bases, making them compatible with toys and condoms.

Personal Lubricants Selection Guide

Type Best For Toy Compatible Lasts How Long
Water-Based General use, condoms, easy cleanup All toys, all materials 30-60 minutes, reapply as needed
Silicone-Based Extended sessions, anal sex, lasting glide Glass, metal, stainless steel only—NOT silicone toys 90+ minutes, very long-lasting
Oil-Based Non-barrier sex, maximum luxury feel Glass, metal, stainless steel—NOT latex condoms 2+ hours, very long-lasting
Hybrid Extended sessions with silicone toys All toys, including silicone 60-90 minutes, moderate lasting
Warming/Tingling Sensation play, specific nerve response All toys with compatible base formula Varies by product, typically moderate

Who Buys Personal Lubricants

Women with insufficient natural lubrication: Hormonal changes, medications, stress, and age affect how much natural lubrication the body produces. Penetration without adequate lube causes friction pain, discomfort, and potential tissue damage. Lube makes sex comfortable and enjoyable regardless of natural production.

People using condoms: Condoms reduce sensation and increase friction. Lube applied inside the condom increases stimulation for the man. Lube applied outside reduces breakage and makes sex more comfortable for both partners. Anyone using condoms regularly should use lube consistently.

People trying anal sex: The anus doesn't self-lubricate. Friction during anal penetration causes discomfort, micro-tears, and potential injury. A quality, longer-lasting lubricant (silicone or hybrid) is essential for safe, comfortable anal play.

Sex toy users: Using toys without lube causes friction damage to both toy and body. Lube protects toy materials, extends lifespan, and makes penetration smoother. Different toy materials require different lubes—silicone toys need water-based or hybrid lube, not silicone-based.

Choosing Personal Lubricants

  • Match to Your Toys: Water-based or hybrid lube works with all toy materials. Silicone lube damages silicone toys—use only with glass, metal, or stainless steel. Oil breaks down latex condoms. Check toy material before choosing lube type.
  • Consider Duration: Water-based dries within 30-60 minutes—fine for quickies, but requires reapplication during longer sessions. Silicone and oil-based last 90+ minutes. Choose based on typical session length.
  • Check Condom Compatibility: Water-based and hybrid lubes work with all condoms. Oil-based lubes break down latex—only use with non-latex condoms or without condoms. Silicone lube is condom-compatible but check the specific product.
  • Sensitivity and Allergies: Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formulas suit sensitive skin and people with allergies. Glycerin can feed yeast infections in some people—consider glycerin-free options if prone to infections. Paraben-free formulas are gentler on delicate tissue.
  • Cleanup Preference: Water-based washes away instantly with water. Silicone and oil require soap and water, and can stain sheets. If cleanup matters, water-based is easier. If longer-lasting glide matters, silicone or oil is worth the extra cleaning.

Looking After Your Personal Lubricants

Store lubricants in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Most lubes degrade when exposed to UV light or high temperatures. Keep bottles sealed when not in use to prevent contamination. Water-based lubes can separate over time—shake before use if this occurs. Check expiration dates; expired lube may harbour bacteria or lose effectiveness. If using silicone toys, wipe toys thoroughly after silicone lube use to prevent product buildup. If using oil-based lube, store away from latex to prevent accidental degradation. Opened sachets should be used immediately; don't store opened packets.

Goes Well With

Vibrators and Sex Toys

Lubricant enhances toy use by reducing friction and increasing glide. Adding lube makes penetration smoother, allows deeper insertion, and intensifies sensation. Most people use lube with sex toys—it's standard practice. Browse vibrators and complementary lubricants together to ensure toy and lube compatibility.

Read Up

New to lube? Our guide explains water-based versus silicone, toy compatibility, application techniques, and how to choose the right formula for your needs. Learn which lubricant type suits your situation.

Shop Personal Lubricants

Our lubricant range includes water-based, silicone-based, oil-based, and hybrid formulas in multiple sizes from 50ml sachets to 500ml bottles. Speciality options include warming, tingling, flavoured, and numbing lubes. Hypoallergenic and glycerin-free formulas available for sensitive skin. Discreet delivery Australia-wide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are personal lubricants?
Personal lubricants are liquids that reduce friction during sex and masturbation. Water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based formulas each work differently with toys and bodies to enhance comfort and sensation.
How do personal lubricants reduce discomfort during penetration?
Lubrication creates a slippery barrier between skin and penetrating surfaces, minimising friction that causes pain or micro-tears in sensitive vaginal and anal tissue during intercourse.
Do personal lubricants work with all condom types?
Water-based and hybrid personal lubricants work safely with latex and polyisoprene condoms. Silicone-based formulas degrade latex, so use water-based options when condoms are part of your session.
Could couples benefit from personal lubricants during longer sex sessions?
Couples experiencing natural lubrication loss during extended penetration find silicone-based personal lubricants extend comfort significantly. Reapplication isn't needed as often, allowing continuous sensation without interruption.
Do you get discreet shipping when ordering personal lubricants from Sex-Toy.com.au?
Sex-Toy.com.au provides all personal lubricants in plain, unmarked packaging with discreet delivery. Orders arrive in neutral boxes with no product descriptions visible on the outside.