Water-Based Lubricants vs Silicone-Based Lubricants

There are two main types of lubricants - water-based and silicone-based. Each of them has its own set of good and bad qualities. The best lubricant for you depends on the type of sexual activity you're planning, your body’s individual characteristics, how long your sex lasts, your gender, etc. We have tried to provide you with an objective overview of each type of lubricant in hopes of giving you the most comprehensive information on how to choose the right one.

Water-Based Lubricant

The most commonly used lubricants today are water-based lubricants. There are many reasons for this. They are widely available and are generally cheaper than silicone-based lubricants. Water-based lubricants are easily absorbed by the skin and are less likely to cause irritation, with a lower chance of increasing the risk of yeast infections, provided the lubricant doesn’t contain glycerin.

Water-based lubricant is the most versatile because it can be used for vaginal, oral, or anal sex, can be used with any sex toys, and is compatible with latex and polyurethane condoms. Most water-based lubricants are flavorless, which is important for oral sex.

Doctors recommend water-based lubricants for treatment and daily use during vaginal dryness caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, stress, medication use, and other reasons. Water-based lubricants can be called the safest and most effective for women. They have a lighter texture and better mimic natural vaginal lubrication compared to other lubricants.

Furthermore, they often include components that additionally care for the vaginal mucosa, moisturizing and nourishing it. Vitamin E, chamomile, aloe vera, flax seeds are excellent for this purpose. Water-based lubricants have the necessary pH of 3 - 4.5, which is important for women’s health. Most of them do not require rinsing, and if needed, they can be easily wiped away with regular water without using soap, which dries the skin.

In addition to the positive aspects of water-based lubricants, there are also some downsides. It’s better to mention the reasons why this type of lubricant might not be suitable for you. The first is that the lubricant is absorbed by the skin.

All water-based lubricants are absorbed by the skin over time, and you may need to reapply it during sex. The average duration of slip with water-based lubricant is 4 to 7 minutes.

The average duration of penetrative sex is 5.4 minutes. Statistics tell us that for most people, water-based lubricant works for comfortable love-making, but if that’s not enough time, you can always add more lubricant. The second reason water-based lubricant might not work for you is that the overwhelming majority of them contain glycerin, parabens, propylene glycol, sugar, fragrances, which makes their regular use unsafe.

Vaginal tissues are very delicate and have high absorbent capacity, so to avoid irritation, it’s important to avoid harsh chemicals. Recently, water-based lubricants have been classified into synthetic and natural, as more and more foreign studies are highlighting the dangers of certain ingredients found in lubricants. And, of course, choose a lubricant without glycerin.

Glycerin promotes yeast infections and can leave a sticky feeling after drying. Finally, the third reason is that water-based lubricant cannot be used in water because it will wash away instantly.

Silicone-Based Lubricant

Silicone-based lubricants are somewhat less popular compared to water-based lubricants. These lubricants have a thicker, denser texture than water-based ones. The biggest advantage is that silicone does not absorb into the skin and, for this reason, it provides much longer-lasting lubrication compared to water-based lubricants.

Silicone-based lubricant, due to its long-lasting slippery effect, is better suited for anal sex. This lubricant can be used confidently for sexual activities in the shower, bathtub, or pool without worrying about it being washed away by water. Silicone lubricants are non-toxic. Many silicone-based lubricants contain only two or three ingredients and don’t include preservatives. They generally don’t cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (but check before use if you are sensitive to silicone).

Along with the advantages, silicone-based lubricants also have some drawbacks. The first one is that silicone needs to be washed off immediately after sex because it can cause irritation to the vaginal mucosa. It’s not easy to remove silicone, and you’ll need to use soap. Although it’s rare, some people may have difficulty with silicone.

Another downside is that silicone-based lubricant cannot be used with silicone sex toys. You can use it with toys made from glass, metal, plastic, wood, etc. Thirdly, silicone lubricants can leave stains on fabrics, and they have a terrible, bitter taste, which is unpleasant during oral sex. The fourth downside is important for those who prefer natural products.

Silicone is a synthetic polymer and is not biodegradable, which is why most of the silicones are not used in natural and organic cosmetics. Another important point for women who want additional care for their intimate area is that silicone-based lubricants do not harm, but they also do not hydrate or nourish the skin. Finally, silicone-based lubricants tend to be more expensive.

For better visualization, we’ve created a comparison table of water-based and silicone-based lubricants, briefly showing the key characteristics of each type.

Lubricant can make sex more comfortable and enjoyable. But not all lubricants are suitable for everyone or for all situations. We have provided the advantages and disadvantages of both types of lubricants.

Personally, I think water-based lubricants are better, mainly because they are of natural and organic origin, unlike synthetic silicone. Such lubricants are cheaper, can be used with all sex toys, and are easily washed off with water. Additionally, they are much better suited for female genitalia than silicone. But if you enjoy having sex all night long, then my preferences might not work for you.