Lubricants or Moisturizing Lubes: What is the difference?

Our pelvic floor physiotherapists share information about lubricants and moisturizing lubes.

Let’s get personal … taking a look at vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, that is, including their differences, uses, and types. You can generally find both anywhere on the market, from pharmacies and grocery stores, to adult stores.

We’re going to give you a pelvic floor physiotherapist’s recommendations, whether to increase pleasure and/or reduce the risk of pain/discomfort.

Lubricants

When looking for a lubricant you want to look for formulas that are scent, glycerin, paraben, and petroleum free.

Water-based lubricants

Water-based lubricants are generally preferred over gel or silicone, as they do not leave much residue; are easy to wash off; and feel more natural. Also unlike others, water-based lubricants are compatible with latex condoms.  Here is a list of some popular water-based lubricants:

• Sliquid (water-based version)
• Hathor
• Slippery Stuff
• Intimate Organics
• Astroglide Natural
• Yes (oil-based, not compatible with a condom)
• Blossom organics
• Pjur!(silicone-based)

Here are a few local retailers to consider when looking for these products:

• Tuesday’s Romance Store: Sliquid, Hathor, Slippery stuff, and intimate organics
• Venus Envy: Sliquid, Hathor, Slippery stuff, Yes, Blossom organics
• Wicked Wanda’s Adult Emporium: Sliquid, Hathor, Slippery Stuff
• Oresta Organic Skin Care: Yes
• Well.ca: Sliquid, Astroglide Natural

Silicone-based lubricants

Silicone-based lubricants are the most slippery of them all. Usually best for non-vaginal intercourse and don’t degrade latex condoms. However they can damage silicone toys. Some to consider:

• Sliquid
• Pjur!

Moisturizing Lubes

Take note, these are oil-based, therefore not compatible with latex!

• Aloe-based lube – AloeCadabra
• Coconut oil
• Olive oil
• Emu oil

These tend to be a good choice if you’re sensitive or allergic to preservatives found in silicone or water based lubricants. They are also naturally more moisturizing and last longer than most lubricants. However they cannot be used with latex condoms and certain oils (baby oil, petroleum jelly) can increase the risk of UTIs or vaginal infections

In addition to the help from our in-house pelvic physiotherapists, we viewed: http://www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/sexual-health/article/how-choose-sexual-lubricant.