Lube guide: water, silicone, oil or aloe?

Lube makes sex and toy play more comfortable, and the right type matters. Here's the short version.

Our top 3 picks

Best for most peopleJO H2O Classic Personal Lubricant 16oz ($48.99)A classic water-based lube in a big 16 oz bottle. Safe with toys and condoms.
Best valueJO H2O Classic Personal Lubricant 2oz ($19.99)The same lube in a travel size. Good for trying it out.
Best upgradeB-Luvd Silicone Lubricant 4oz ($36.99)Silicone-based and long-lasting, for shower and bath. Keep it away from silicone toys.

Type	Best for	Works with silicone toys?	Works with latex condoms?
Water-based	Everything, everyday use, easy clean-up	Yes	Yes
Silicone-based	Long-lasting, shower and bath	Usually no (can damage silicone toys)	Yes
Oil-based	Massage, external use	Check the toy	No (oil weakens latex)
Aloe / plant-based	Sensitive skin, gentle feel	Yes	Yes (check the label)

If you only buy one, buy a water-based lube.

JO H2O Classic Personal Lubricant 16oz ($48.99): a classic water-based lube in a big 16 oz bottle.
JO H2O Classic Personal Lubricant 2oz ($19.99): the same lube in a travel size, good for trying it out.
B-Luvd Silicone Lubricant 4oz ($36.99): silicone-based and long-lasting. Keep it away from silicone toys.
Dame Aloe Lubricant 4oz ($27.99): aloe-based and gentle, from Dame.
Beaver Butter Water-Based Lube 8 oz ($46.99): Beaver Butter water-based lube, a popular all-rounder.

Reapply rather than over-apply. A little goes a long way.
Patch test if you have sensitive skin.
Winter shipping: water-based lubes can freeze in transit. Let the bottle thaw at room temperature before use; it's fine.

Can I use silicone lube with silicone toys? Usually not. It can make the surface tacky. Use water-based instead.

Which lube is safe with condoms? Water-based and silicone-based lubes are generally fine with latex condoms. Oil-based lubes are not.

How long does lube last? Check the expiry date on the bottle and store it at room temperature.

Which lube should I buy first? A water-based lube. It works with every toy and with latex condoms, and it cleans up easily.

How does shipping work? Orders ship from Canada in a plain, unmarked box, so there is no duty. Shipping is $9.95, and free on orders from $75.

Lube plus a toy usually gets you to free shipping ($75). Add a toy cleaner such as Wicked Cleene 4oz ($18.99) to keep everything fresh.

Answer three quick questions and we will suggest a match.

Shopping for someone else? Try the Naughty or Nice gift meter.