Intimate lubricants: how to choose?

Why use an intimate lubricant?

The genital mucous membranes naturally secrete lubricating fluids. However, many factors can reduce this natural lubrication: menopause, breastfeeding, certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, hormonal contraceptives), stress, insufficient arousal beforehand, or simply anal sex—which produces no natural lubrication.

An intimate lubricant replaces or supplements these natural secretions. Its effects are documented: a 2025 study showed that five WHO-compliant water-based lubricants significantly improved sexual function and reduced pain in all participants, with no serious adverse effects.

The main uses of a lubricant:

• Relieve vaginal dryness and reduce pain during intercourse
• Facilitate anal penetration—essential, as the anal canal does not self-lubricate
• Improve comfort when using sex toys
• Enhance sensations and vary experiences
• Prevent microtears in the mucous membrane that increase the risk of infections

Scientific criteria for a good lubricant

The WHO recommends two technical criteria for assessing the quality of an intimate lubricant:

pH

The vagina naturally maintains an acidic pH between 3.8 and 4.5 thanks to lactobacilli. A lubricant with too high a pH disrupts this microbiota and increases the risk of bacterial vaginosis and infections. Vaginal lubricants should have a pH between 4 and 5. For anal use, the appropriate pH is between 5.5 and 7.

Osmolality

Osmolality measures the concentration of solutes in a liquid. A hyperosmolar lubricant—one that is too concentrated—draws water out of the mucosal cells and causes tissue dehydration, weakening the mucous membranes. The WHO recommends an osmolality below 1,200 mOsm/kg. Lubricants containing large amounts of glycerin, propylene glycol, or sweeteners are often hyperosmolar—check the label.

Types of lubricants and their differences

Water-based lubricants

The most versatile and most recommended option. Mainly formulated with water and polymers, they are compatible with all condoms (latex, polyurethane, polyisoprene) and all sex toys, including silicone ones. They are easy to clean, do not stain, and leave no greasy residue.

Important points: they may dry quickly during long sessions—a spray of water reactivates them. Some formulations contain irritants (fragrances, parabens, propylene glycol)—check the ingredient list. Choose an WHO-certified formulation (pH 4–5, osmolality < 1 200 mOsm/kg).

Browse our selection of water-based lubricants.

Silicone-based lubricants

Formulated with silicones (dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane), they provide long-lasting, water-resistant lubrication—ideal for prolonged intercourse, sex in water, or anal sessions. They are hypoallergenic and are not absorbed by the skin.

Critical point: silicone-based lubricants are incompatible with silicone sex toys—they irreversibly damage the material. Use only with glass, stainless steel, or ABS sex toys. They require soap to remove and may stain fabrics.

Browse our selection of silicone-based lubricants.

Hybrid water + silicone lubricants

A compromise between the versatility of water-based lubricants and the long-lasting performance of silicone lubricants. They combine lasting glide with easy cleanup. Compatibility with silicone sex toys varies depending on the proportion of silicone in the formulation—check the label before use.

Browse our selection of hybrid silicone and water lubricants.

Organic and natural lubricants

Made with natural ingredients—plant extracts, aloe vera, certified plant oils—without parabens or synthetic colorants. They are suitable for sensitive skin and for people concerned about the ingredients in their products.

Important note: some lubricants described as “natural” contain plant oils that degrade latex and promote vaginal infections (bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis). Always check that the formulation contains no oils when using latex condoms.

Browse our selection of organic and natural lubricants.

Warming or cooling lubricants

Enriched with warming or cooling agents—menthol for a cooling effect, capsicum or cinnamon for a warming effect—they provide additional sensations that may heighten arousal. They activate the mucosal thermal receptors (TRPM8 for cold, TRPV1 for heat).

Point to note: they may irritate sensitive mucous membranes. Test on a small area before full use. Avoid use in cases of fragile mucous membranes or a history of recurrent infections. See our selection of sensational-effect lubricants.

CBD lubricants

They contain cannabidiol (CBD), which is supposed to promote relaxation and reduce pain. Clinical studies on their effectiveness and safety specifically for intimate use are still very limited—use with caution and choose certified formulations.

See our selection of CBD lubricants.

Flavored and sweet lubricants

Water-based, they contain flavorings or sweeteners for oral sex. They are designed to be ingested occasionally. Points to note: some formulations contain sugar, which may promote vaginal infections—use exclusively for oral sex, not for vaginal penetration.

Lubricants for anal sex

Formulated with a suitable pH (5.5–7), often thicker for long-lasting glide. The anal canal produces no natural lubrication—lubrication is essential and must be applied generously and reapplied regularly during intercourse.

See our selection of lubricants for anal use.

Comparative table of lubricant types

Recommendations by profile

Vaginal dryness

Prefer a low-osmolality, water-based lubricant without glycerin or fragrance. Choose a WHO-certified formulation (pH 4–5, osmolality < 1 200 mOsm/kg). In cases of persistent dryness related to menopause or breastfeeding, consult a doctor—a local hormonal treatment may be considered as a supplement.

Anal intercourse

Use a lubricant with a suitable pH (5.5–7), preferably silicone-based for long-lasting lubrication. Apply generously to the sex toy or penis AND the anus opening. Reapply as soon as the sensation of slipperiness decreases. Never reduce lubrication to “last” longer.

Use with silicone sex toys

Use only a water-based lubricant. Silicone lubricant irreversibly damages the surface of silicone sex toys — even a single application is enough to degrade the material.

Sex under water

Use a silicone-based lubricant — it resists washing off, unlike water-based lubricants, which dilute immediately in water.

Sensitive skin or fragile mucous membranes

Choose a certified organic or natural lubricant, free from fragrance, parabens, and propylene glycol. Test it on a small area before full use. Avoid warming or cooling lubricants.

People allergic to latex

All types of lubricant are compatible with polyurethane condoms. For polyisoprene condoms, avoid oil-based lubricants.

Usage tips

• Apply generously: do not skimp on the amount — insufficient lubricant is less effective than an abundant amount
• Reapply if necessary: for water-based lubricants, a spray of water can restore slipperiness without requiring another application
• Test on a small area: before first using a new product, test it on your wrist or the inside of your elbow to detect any possible allergic reaction
• Check the expiration date: lubricants have a limited shelf life after opening — generally 6 to 12 months
• Clean after use: rinse with lukewarm water for water-based lubricants; use soap for silicone lubricants
• Store away from heat: do not store in a place exposed to heat or direct sunlight

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using cooking or cosmetic oil with a latex condom: oils degrade latex and significantly increase the risk of breakage.
• Using silicone lubricant with a silicone sex toy: it irreversibly damages the material. Always use a water-based lubricant with platinum-cured silicone sex toys.
• Choosing a flavored lubricant for vaginal use: the sweeteners and sugars in these lubricants may promote infections. Reserve flavored lubricants for oral sex only.
• Assuming that “natural” always means latex-compatible: organic lubricants containing vegetable oils degrade latex. Always check the ingredients.
• Using a warming lubricant on sensitive mucous membranes: thermal agents (capsicum, concentrated menthol) can strongly irritate weakened mucous membranes.
• Do not reapply during a prolonged session: a lubricant that dries during intercourse increases friction and the risk of microcracks — reapply as soon as the sensation changes.

Adopt1Toy lubricant collections

• Water-based lubricants — universal use
• Silicone-based lubricants — long-lasting
• Hybrid silicone- and water-based lubricants
• Organic and natural lubricants
• Sensation-enhancing lubricants — warming, cooling, stimulating
• CBD lubricants
• Lubricants for anal use

In short: how to choose your intimate lubricant

• For universal use: water-based lubricant, pH 4–5, osmolality < 1 200 mOsm/kg
• For long-lasting use or anal sex: silicone-based lubricant — never with a silicone sextoy
• For silicone sextoys: exclusively use a water-based lubricant
• For latex condoms: never use an oil-based lubricant
• For sensitive skin: certified organic, fragrance-free and propylene glycol-free
• For oral sex: flavored, water-based — not for vaginal use
• Always apply generously and reapply as needed