Nowadays we have plenty of sex lube options, but this wasn’t always the case. Hundreds of years before the earliest “personal lubricants” were mass-produced, the ancient Chinese used seaweed extract, the ancient Greeks and Romans used olive oil, and Japanese people used mashed yams.
Thankfully, we’re no longer in the dark ages of lube. But with so many options, one can still feel in the dark when it comes to choosing the right lube: Which ones last longer? Which are best for sex, condoms, sex toys, massage, or masturbation? Which leaves stains?
Worry not! This guide will unlock ancient secrets of gay sex lube with facts that even sexperts don’t know about.
Why do I need lube for sex?
Sex usually involves rubbing body parts together. Without lube, this rubbing can create an unpleasant feeling of friction, leading to irritation, soreness, or even damage to the skin and internal tissues. Lube reduces unpleasant friction by putting a thin slippery layer, allowing body parts to rub together without injury and creating enhanced physical intimacy and pleasure.
Are all sex lubes safe?
All the lubes we recommend below are 100% safe, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic, meaning they can be used or even ingested without causing harm. But not all lube products are created equal.
Some other lubes contain glycerin, glycol, glycerol, and similar sugar derivatives that can cause urinary tract infections. Others can contain parabens, preservative chemicals that have been linked to hormone disruption and increased cancer risk.
Others can also contain synthetic scents, flavors, antibacterials, or other chemical additives that can irritate the skin. Plus, some lubes eat through sex toys and condoms, so it’s important to know before you go.
What’s the difference between water-based and silicone-based lubes?
Generally speaking, silicone-based lubes are more slippery and last much longer than water-based lubes, making them ideal for sex in watery environments (like showers and poolsides). However, silicone-based lubes can stain fabrics, like sheets and clothing.
Water-based lubes tend to work better on sex toys and also wash off more easily, making them easier to clean off. However, because water-based lubes absorb into the skin, they have to be re-applied more often than silicone-based lubes.
What is a good sex lube substitute?
Guys without lube will sometimes resort to substitutes like lotions, moisturizers, conditioners, cooking, or other natural oils, but these can irritate body tissues, cause condoms to break, and be difficult to clean, staining bedsheets and clothing. In short, we don’t recommend them.
Which lube works best with condoms?
Both silicone- and water-based lubes are okay to use with condoms.
Which lube is best for masturbation?
For solo play, Ride Stroke Oil is a good choice. Unlike other lubes, it contains natural nut and seed oils, butters, and silicone, creating a long-lasting and silky feel.
Transgender men may prefer Buck Angel’s T-Lube for playing with their dicks and front holes. It’s formulated to imitate the body’s natural moisture. It also contains aloe and seaweed extracts and is pH balanced, making it ideal for internal or external use.
Which lube is best for a sensual massage?
While Ride Stroke Oil is a great choice for massage (especially since its natural ingredients leave the skin feeling super hydrated and soft), silicone-based lubes are also great for massage because they’re long-lasting, helping you enjoy the sensual pleasure without having to constantly reapply more.
Which lube is best for oral sex?
To be honest, you don’t really need lube for oral sex because your spit will usually make the cock slippery enough for oral play.
That being said, if you dislike the taste of oils, we suggest water-based lubes for any pre-oral action since such lubes dissolve in water, leaving less of a taste and residue in your mouth.
Which lube works best with sex toys?
Water-based lubes are best for sex toys since such toys are often made from materials that are intended for use with water-based lubes. (This is especially true for insertive toys, like masturbation sleeves.)
Some guys like to use silicone-based lubes for penetrative sex toys like dildos, vibrators, and prostate massagers. However, silicone lubes can degrade these sex toys. So we suggest slipping a condom over toys before applying any silicone lube. (Condoms can also keep the toys cleaner for longer lifetime use.)
A warning though…
Some sex toys aren’t waterproof. If you’re unsure, check out the toys’ packaging or the manufacturer’s website for lubrication or cleaning instructions.
Which lube is the best for anal sex?
For butt play, we suggest the lubes endorsed by big-dicked adult film legend Rocco Steele. Steele’s lubes are differently formulated to be longer-lasting and can help even the largest dicks and rough tops feel like a smooth, pleasurable ride.
Ride Rocco Water Based is infused with natural seaweed extracts that make it much more slippery than other water-based lubes, and also super easy to clean off after quick hook-ups.
Ride Rocco Silicone is a highly-concentrated, premium blend of medical-grade silicones that don’t have to be constantly reapplied — it’s great for longer-lasting fuck sessions.
If you’re seeking something unique, Ride Rocco Seed combines purified water with a 12% silicone blend that feels soft and creamy on the skin. Its unique makeup helps it last longer, providing a nice glide that’s also easy to clean.
Which lube is the best for transgender men?
Trans men sometimes experience periodic dryness due to testosterone replacement therapy or feel internal irritation from certain lubes. That’s why we suggest a lube designed for trans men, by a trans man — Buck Angel’s T-Lube.
The lube, endorsed by mega-sex trans male porn star Buck Angel, contains natural moisturizers — like seaweed extracts, aloe, and vitamin E — that are gentle on the skin and long-lasting, making it great for trans guys looking to work their dicks.
Even better, it’s pH balanced and formulated to imitate the natural moisture of trans men’s front holes, making it good for penetration, either solo or with a partner. It’s also 100% vegan, making it perfect for oral sex too.
How much lube do I need for sex?
As one queen observed, “Lube is like throw pillows: Too much is almost enough.”
While large amounts of lube can help maintain long-lasting pleasure, you only need a small amount, no larger than a quarter, for most uses. It’s always helpful to keep extra around though, just in case you or your partner need more for increased comfort.
How should I store my lube?
Ideally, lubes should be stored at room temperature at a place that’s easily accessible near wherever you’ll be having sex. It’s also considerate to squirt the lube into your hand and allow it to warm up before applying it to your partner’s cock or hole. Cold lube can cause cocks and holes to shrink, delaying the action.
Will sex lube stain my sheets or clothes? What’s the best way to clean lube stains?
While water-based lubes dissolve in water, often leaving no stains, silicone and hybrid lube can stain sheets and clothing.
If you get a sex lube stain on your fabrics, pre-treat by blotting it with a paper towel or towel. Then, pour some baking powder, talcum powder, cornstarch, or baby powder onto the stain and leave it there for 5 to 10 minutes to help lift out any oils from the fabric.
Afterward, pre-treat the stain with a degreaser, dishwashing detergent, or adult toy cleaner to help dissolve the grease. When you wash the fabric, use hot water to help break down the oils. But, after washing, do not place the fabrics into the dryer, as heat drying may cause the stain to be permanently set.
Instead, hang the fabrics to air dry. If the stain remains, re-treat and re-wash them.
What’s the best way to clean lube off of my body?
Soap and water are usually enough to clean off water-based lubes, but for silicone and hybrid lubes, we suggest using a bit of dishwasher liquid (for external use only). Dishwasher liquids are designed to break up heavy grease, making them ideal for removing silicone and hybrid lubes from the skin. But don’t insert dishwasher liquids into your anus — it’ll irritate your internal tissues.
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