Best Lube Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Personal Lubricant (2025)
Updated December 4, 2024Let's face it: without enough lubrication, sex can sometimes feel like trying to put a square peg in a round hole – that's to say, it can be a challenge. Wondering how to choose a lube that's right for you? You're not alone. Here at WOO, we live by the adage, "the wetter, the better," and if there's one place that definitely applies, it's the bedroom.
With a little slip and slide, sex and masturbation can be so much more enjoyable. Sometimes, though, choosing a lubricant can be easier said than done, especially when it's your first time. When searching for the best lube, there's lots to consider. Between the ingredients, “use case,” and your needs, there can be a few aspects to consider, but that's why we're here. After all, not all lubes are created equal. The debate of oil-based vs water-based lube is just the beginning.
Trust us when we say you won't go back.
Oil-Based Lubes: The Sensual Slide
What is Oil-Based Lube?
Oil-based lubricants are the ultimate call for a good time. Ready to pick up the phone? These slippery lubricants provide a silky glide that lasts longer than you binge-watching Netflix on a Sunday. They're thicker than their water-based counterparts, making them perfect for longer sessions and sensual massages. Oil-based lubes are there to bring sensational enhancement to your sex life (and plenty of O's along the way).
How to shop:
Oil-based lubricants are the slow-burners of the lube world. But nothing kills the mood like an infection when the ingredients aren't so great. Avoid mineral oils or petroleum-based products— they can clog pores and cause irritation.
Sure, when you choose an oil-based lube with ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or almond oil, the health benefits are a huge plus. But the real treat? They often taste delicious, like our coconut-flavored Love Oil, making it even more fun to go down on your partner. Your ~downstairs area and mouth will thank you. So will your partner.
Pros:
- Super long-lasting (we're talking multiple rounds) & a small amount goes a long way
- Delicious flavor for oral play
- Great for massages and all-over body use
- Water-resistant
- The perfect combination with sex toys
Cons:
- Not compatible with condoms
- May stain certain fabrics. To wash off, use a gentle dish soap or baking soda (or, just lay down a towel!)
- Takes a bit more effort to clean off your body, but it also absorbs into your skin for a little extra moisturization
WOO Tip: If you're using oil-based lube, you'll want something to clean up afterward, like our Freshies intimate wipes.
Water-Based Lubes: The All-Around MVP
What is Water-Based Lube?
Water-based lube is the Goldilocks of personal lubricants, with good old H2O as its main ingredient, making it just right! It's like your friend who's always down for whatever—no strings, just smooth sailing. Water-based lubricant is versatile and easy to clean off, with a smooth, non-sticky feeling.
How to shop:
When searching for the perfect water-based lube, there are a few ingredients you'll want to keep an eye out to avoid. Steer clear of parabens, glycerin, and other synthetic ingredients, which can throw off your pH balance or cause irritation. And if you're prone to dryness, avoid lubes with alcohol, as it can harm, not help, the situation.
As a rule of thumb, opt for ingredients that come from Mother Nature, like aloe vera or plant-based extracts, that resemble your body's natural moisture. For those wondering about the best lube for sensitive skin, water-based options are often your safest bet. Lucky for you,Shag Juiceis the perfect example of a water-based lube that only has the essentials. We promise we aren't biased 😉.
Pros:
- Non-sticky and easy to clean
- Works with almost anything
- Doesn't stain sheets (or clothes...or whatever else you'r planning to involve)
- Toy & latex-friendly
- Ideal for people with skin sensitivities and safest for women who are prone to infections
Cons:
- Can dry out a bit quicker than other alternatives (but with a quick re-application, you're back in business)
- Not the ideal companion for water play. For showers and hot tubs, you'll be better suited with the options below
Silicone-Based Lubes: For Slippery Sensations
What is Silicone-Based Lube?
Silicone-based personal lubricant is made from (you guessed it) silicone. It's known for its lotion-like, luxurious texture. Sleek, smooth, and built to go the distance, these lubes won't quit on you, no matter how wild things get. They're especially clutch for moments that need a little more glide: think shower sex, anal play, or all-night sex with condoms.
They're also usually hypoallergenic, so even babes with the most sensitive skin can enjoy it, worry-free. WOO's Dew Më is our first-ever silicone-based lubricant, and let's just say... she came to raise your standards. Dew Më has half the ingredients of other silicone lubes with just two ingredients! It's the cleanest silicone lube you'll find, with zero additives while being smooth AF.
WOO More Play's Dew Më is a must-have silicone-based lube for clean-ingredient, long-lasting pleasure.
Shop Dew Më NowHow to shop:
They're also usually hypoallergenic, so even babes with the most sensitive skin can enjoy it, worry-free. WOO's Dew Më is our first-ever silicone-based lubricant, and let's just say... she came to raise your standards. Dew Më has half the ingredients of other silicone lubes with just two ingredients! It's the cleanest silicone lube you'll find, with zero additives while being smooth AF.
The best silicone lubes are sleek, body-safe, and non-irritating, giving you that perfect glide without the gluey aftermath. Look for minimalist formulas made with dimethicone, dimethiconol, and vitamin E. These deliver a silky, long-lasting finish with zero stickiness or side-eye from your skin. You want glide, not gunk.
Dew Më nails the sweet spot between lasting glide and only two clean, additive-free ingredients. So if you're ready to turn your sex life into a cinematic experience with zero interruptions, this is your lube.
Pros:
- Seriously Long-lasting (you'll wear out before it does)
- Silky-smooth, non-tacky texture that won't ruin the mood
- Waterproof (hello shower sex!)
- Condom-safe (works with latex and polyisoprene)
Cons:
- Not compatible with silicone toys (ironic, we know)
- Can be more challenging to clean off
- Pricier than other lubes
Q&A Quickies
Now that you're armed with the lube lowdown, use these practical questions and answers to keep your sessions smooth and sensational:
- Is it body-safe? Make sure your lube is free from parabens, glycerin, and any other nasties. Your body deserves the best lube!
- Will you be using condoms? Water and silicone-based are ready to go to town. Oil-based, not so much.
- Is it toy-friendly? If you're bringing toys into the mix, make sure your lube is up for the job—water-based for everything, oil-based is compatible with silicone & glass toys, and silicone-based is not compatible with silicone toys.
- Will you be using it in water? If so, silicone-based and oil-based are your waterproof wonders, ready for all your wet adventures.
- How easy is it to clean up? Water-based lubes are the easiest to rinse away, oil will absorb into your skin, and silicone-based might need a little extra love (and soap).
- Does it have a scent or flavor? If you're into tasty or aromatic experiences, check for natural scents and flavors—just make sure they're body-safe and won't mess with your pH balance.
- How long does it last? For quickies, water-based is your go-to. For longer sessions, silicone or oil-based lubes will keep things going strong.
Choosing the right lube is all about compatibility, chemistry, and what makes you feel good. Remember, life's too short for friction, so experiment to find your perfect lube companion!
