Intimate Lubricants: Everything You Need
you should know

What is an intimate lubricant?

Intimate lubricant is a gel or fluid based on water, silicone or oil that compensates for the insufficiency of natural secretions by ensuring a sliding sensation, or an emollient effect on the vaginal or rectal mucous membranes.

Why use an intimate lubricant?

Using an intimate lubricant helps reduce any feeling of friction or irritation and improves comfort during sexual intercourse. A suitable lubricating gel can also:

• Contribute to the cellular hydration of vaginal or rectal mucous membranes
• Maintain vaginal pH or restore it to stabilize vaginal flora
• Promote sperm motility and promote fertility
• Create sensual contact and increase vaginal pleasure
• Help relieve dyspareunia and vaginismus

Do you need recommendations for choosing a lubricant or moisturizer? Check out our guide!

What are the different types of lubricants?

There are 4 main categories of intimate lubricants. We distinguish them mainly by their composition:

1. Water-based gel

Undoubtedly the most common and versatile form. Although mostly made up of water, these lubricants can be of extremely variable quality depending on their composition.

Water-based lubricants are compatible with condoms and are suitable for different sex toy materials. Their quality is intrinsically linked to their composition: it is therefore advisable to pay particular attention to them.

2. Silicone based fluid

Silicone-based lubricants are completely synthetic in nature, silicone molecules have sliding properties 10 to 20 times greater than those of a water-based gel. They are particularly suitable for internal or external use since they evaporate much more slowly. Silicone-based lubricants do not moisturize and do not have specific benefits at the tissue level. They form an artificial lubrication layer whose psychological impact can be decisive.

Since they glide considerably, they help build user confidence and can be great for relieving dyspareunia or even vaginismus. Silicone lubricants also have varying qualities depending on their composition. Special attention should be paid to cyclic silicones. Silicone lubricants are compatible with condoms, but are not compatible with silicone sex toys for example.

3. Oil-based lubricant

There are intimate lubricants made up of blends of vegetable oils and waxes. These products are extremely interesting because of their often natural composition. However, it is recommended to rely on carefully studied formulas so as not to disturb the vaginal flora. Indeed, certain preparations containing denatured coconut oil can have bactericidal properties and are likely to create a disruption of the vaginal flora by destroying the good bacteria. In addition, oil-based lubricants make latex porous and should therefore be avoided with the use of condoms.

4. Hybrid lubricants

Hybrid lubricants are a combination of water-based and silicone-based lubricants. The moisturizing and emollient nature of the former combined with the unrivaled glide time of the latter constitute a major asset in terms of comfort. However, like other types of lubricant, using them can often be problematic due to their composition.

Visit our Lubricants page to learn more about different brands and products.