Water Based Lubes

Water-based lubricants reduce friction during sex, masturbation, and toy use. They're absorbed by the body rather than sitting on the skin's surface, creating a natural glide that mimics the body's own lubrication. Water-based lubes work with all toy materials—silicone, glass, metal, and plastic—making them the most versatile option for anyone...

Water-based lubricants reduce friction during sex, masturbation, and toy use. They're absorbed by the body rather than sitting on the skin's surface, creating a natural glide that mimics the body's own lubrication. Water-based lubes work with all toy materials—silicone, glass, metal, and plastic—making them the most versatile option for anyone using sex toys.

Water-Based Lubes Quick Facts

  • Category: Sexual lubricants
  • Composition: Water, glycerin, and thickening agents
  • Typical Sizes: 50ml travel bottles through 500ml+ bottles
  • Compatibility: Works with all toy materials—silicone, glass, metal, plastic
  • Key Features: Body-safe, washable, non-staining, easy cleanup

Why Choose Water-Based Lubes

  1. Compatible with Every Toy Material: Water-based lubes work safely with silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and plastic toys. You'll never damage a toy's surface or break down its material like oil-based alternatives can.
  2. Feels Natural on Skin: Water-based lubes absorb into skin rather than staying as a thick layer, creating sensation closer to the body's natural lubrication. Most people find this more comfortable than feeling slick residue.
  3. Cleans Easily: Water washes away completely with soap and water. No residue on sheets, toys, or skin. This makes cleanup after sex or toy use quick and straightforward.

Types of Water-Based Lubes

Standard Water-Based Lubes

General-purpose lubes designed for all sexual activities. These work for penetrative sex, masturbation with toys, and handjobs. They absorb gradually, requiring reapplication during longer sessions. Available in various viscosities from thin and runny to thick and creamy. Most are fragrance-free and uncoloured. Browse the full sex toy collection to see which toys need lubrication.

Thick and Creamy Water-Based Lubes

Heavier-bodied formulas that stay where you apply them longer. These suit penetrative sex where you want sustained glide without constant reapplication. Thicker consistency also works well for anal play, as the extra body provides more lubrication where the anus doesn't self-lubricate.

Gel Water-Based Lubes

Thick gel formulas that cling to toys and skin. These work especially well for vibrators and insertable toys because the gel stays in place during motion rather than running off. Popular for solo toy use since you apply it once and it lasts through the session.

Warming Water-Based Lubes

Formulas containing ingredients that create warmth sensation on skin. Warmth increases blood flow to genital tissue, intensifying sensation. These work during penetrative sex or with toys. The warming effect typically lasts several minutes and adds a different sensory dimension to normal lube.

Tingling Water-Based Lubes

Formulas with menthol or similar ingredients that create a tingling or cooling sensation. These increase sensitivity in the area where applied. Tingling lubes work during sex or with toys, particularly on the clitoris or penis head where you want heightened sensation.

Water-Based Lube Selection Guide

Type Best For Absorption Rate Reapplication Need
Standard Thin Penetrative sex, handjobs, toy use Moderate to fast Yes, during longer sessions
Thick Creamy Prolonged penetration, anal play Slower Less frequent
Gel Formula Vibrators, insertable toys Slow Minimal during session
Warming Sex where increased sensation desired Moderate Effects fade after 5-10 minutes
Tingling Clitoral or penis head stimulation Moderate Reapply when sensation fades
Long-Lasting Extended sessions without interruption Very slow Rarely needed

Who Buys Water-Based Lubes

People using sex toys regularly: Water-based lube is essential when using silicone or glass toys. It reduces friction that causes discomfort, lets toys glide smoothly during penetration, and washes off toys easily after use. Anyone with multiple toys needs water-based lube on hand.

Women with vaginal dryness: Hormonal changes, medication, or just natural variation means some women don't produce enough natural lubrication. Water-based lube replaces that missing lubrication, making penetration comfortable rather than painful during sex or solo toy use.

Choosing Water-Based Lube

  • Toy Material Compatibility: Water-based lube works with silicone, glass, metal, and plastic. If you use multiple toy types, water-based is your only choice. Oil-based lubes damage silicone toys permanently.
  • Duration of Use: Standard lubes absorb quickly during longer sessions. If you want to avoid stopping to reapply, choose thick gel or long-lasting formulas that stay where you put them.
  • Sensation Preference: Standard formulas provide basic glide. Warming lubes add heat sensation. Tingling lubes heighten sensitivity. Match the formula to what sensation you want during sex or toy use.
  • Cleanup Ease: All water-based lubes wash away with water and soap. Choose based on how much residue bothers you—thinner formulas feel less sticky, thick gels feel more substantial.
  • Ingredient Sensitivity: Check the ingredient list if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Glycerin can feed yeast in some people. Propylene glycol irritates some users. Simpler formulas with fewer additives suit sensitive genital tissue.

Looking After Your Water-Based Lube

Water-based lubes don't require special storage but last longest away from direct heat and sunlight. Keep the cap sealed tightly—lubes can thicken or thin over time if exposed to air. Clean toys immediately after use with soap and warm water to prevent lube from drying onto the surface. Water-based lube works with water-based toy cleaners and won't damage silicone, glass, or metal. Don't store lube in extremely hot environments, as heat can alter the formula's consistency. Most water-based lubes are body-safe for internal use during sex and toy insertion.

Goes Well With

Vibrators and Insertable Toys

Vibrators and insertable toys glide more smoothly with lubrication, reduce friction discomfort, and create better sensations during use. Water-based lube is the standard choice. Explore our vibrator collection to find toys that pair with lube for enhanced comfort.

Read Up

New to sexual lubricants? Our lube buying guide covers ingredient differences, which formulas work best for different activities, and how to choose between water-based, silicone, and oil-based options. Learn more about lubricant selection.

Shop Water-Based Lubes

Our water-based lube range includes standard formulas for general use, thick creamy options for penetration and anal play, gel formulas for toy use, and specialty warming and tingling varieties. Available in travel sizes and larger bottles for regular users. Discreet delivery Australia-wide with plain packaging.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are water-based lubes?
Water-based lubes are lubricants made from water, glycerin, and thickening agents that reduce friction during sex and toy use. They absorb into skin naturally rather than leaving a slick residue, mimicking the body's own lubrication closely.
Do water-based lubes work with all toy materials?
Water-based lubes are safe with silicone, glass, metal, and plastic toys without damaging surfaces or breaking down materials. This universal compatibility makes them the most versatile lubricant option for any toy in your collection.
Can water-based lubes be easily cleaned up after use?
Water-based lubes wash away completely with soap and water, leaving no residue on sheets, toys, or skin. Quick cleanup after sex or toy use means you can move on without dealing with sticky buildup or staining.
Is there a typical buyer for water-based lubes?
People using silicone or glass toys benefit greatly, since water-based lubes won't damage these materials. Also essential for anyone with sensitive skin who needs lubricants that absorb naturally without synthetic feel or irritation.
Are water-based lubes available from Sex-Toy.com.au?
Sex-Toy.com.au stocks water-based lubes in standard, thick, and specialty formulas ranging from travel bottles to larger sizes. All orders ship in discreet packaging with fast Australian delivery included.