Water-Based or Silicone Lube? Pick How You Want to Get Slippery

There's a moment when lube goes on and everything changes. Your hand slides without catching. Your toy slips straight in. Your partner lets out a breath they've been holding and tips their head back. That's what you're paying for, and you don't need a chemistry degree to choose a bottle.

Both water-based and silicone lube make everything feel better. The real differences show up when you grab a silicone toy, need a top-up or try to wash your hands afterwards. So choose for those moments.

Water-based: goes with everything

This is your all-rounder. It's great for hands, sex and toys, it's safe on silicone, and it rinses away easily when you're done. If you've got a drawer full of toys sharing one bottle, this is the one. Your dildo, your vibrator and your stroker can all have their turn with no drama.

It doesn't have to be thin and runny, either. Some feel light and silky, and others are thick gels like JO H2O Anal Thick, which stays where you put it rather than making a break for the sheets. Browse all our water-based lubes for your favourite feel.

The trade-off is that it dries out as you go. When things stop sliding, add more. A quick top-up, especially if your partner's the one rubbing it in, is hardly a chore.

Silicone: for when you won't be stopping

Silicone lube sits on your skin and just keeps going. It doesn't soak in or dry out, and it doesn't wash away in the shower. For long, slow fucks or sex under running water, it's fucking magic.

B-Luvd Silicone Lube is thick and pillowy, with a cushiony glide that doesn't absorb into your skin. It feels very expensive against a hard cock or a wet pussy. See more in our silicone lube range.

That staying power has a downside. Water alone won't shift it, so you'll need soap. And a spill on the bathroom floor is a very bad way to end a very good night, so watch those tiles.

Don't use silicone lube on silicone toys

This is the big one. Silicone lube can damage some silicone toy surfaces, and it's not a safe match just because both names contain the same word. Water-based is the easy option for silicone toys. Glass and metal aren't bothered either way.

Want something in the middle? Hybrid lube mixes the two, but it still contains silicone. And oil can damage latex condoms, while water-based and silicone lubes are the usual go-tos there. Our condom and lube guide has every pairing.

So which one goes beside your bed?

Choose water-based if toys are involved or you want easy clean-up. Choose silicone if it's skin on skin and you don't want to stop for anything. Plenty of people end up with both, for very different nights. If it's for your arse, read our anal lube guide as well.

Ignore the bottle making the biggest promises. The best lube is the one that feels good and gets used, so keep it within arm's reach. It'll do more for your love life than your decorative cushions ever will.