Which Lube to Use With Sex Toys and Condoms: A Plain Guide

Lube makes almost everything better, but the wrong lube can ruin a toy or weaken a condom. This guide explains which lube to use with each kind of condom and toy material, in plain words, so you can choose with confidence.

Which lube to use: the three main kinds

Water-based lube is the safe choice with everything: every kind of condom, every toy material, and diaphragms. It washes off with water and rarely stains sheets. The trade-off is that it dries faster, so keep the bottle close and add more as you go. Browse our water-based lubes, including aloe and natural formulas for sensitive skin.

Silicone-based lube lasts much longer, stays slippery in the shower and is popular for anal play. It is safe with latex and non-latex condoms. The one thing to avoid is pairing it with silicone toys, because over time it can damage their surface. See our silicone lubes and anal lubes.

Oil-based lube, and household oils such as baby oil, coconut oil or petroleum jelly, must never be used with latex condoms. Oil weakens latex and makes a condom more likely to break. Oil is fine for massage and with toys made of glass or metal, but for anything involving a latex condom, choose water or silicone instead.

Hybrid lube mixes water and a little silicone, giving a longer glide that still washes away easily. Because it contains silicone, test it first on a silicone toy (see below). Our hybrid lubes are a good middle ground.

Lube and condoms

With latex condoms, use water-based or silicone-based lube only. Polyisoprene condoms, a common latex-free choice, are also damaged by oil, so the same rule applies. A drop of lube inside the tip and more on the outside makes condoms more comfortable and less likely to tear. You will find a full range in condoms and protection.

Lube and toy materials

Silicone toys: use water-based lube. Silicone lube can soften or make the surface tacky over time. If you love silicone lube, test a small amount on a hidden spot, such as the base, and wait a day before using the two together.

Glass, stainless steel and hard plastic: any lube works, water, silicone or oil, because these materials do not absorb anything. Silicone lube is a favourite here for its long glide. Browse our glass and metal dildos.

Soft jelly, TPE and TPR toys: use water-based lube. These softer materials are porous and can be damaged by oil and by some silicone lubes.

Latex and rubber gear: use water-based or silicone-based lube, never oil, for the same reason oil harms latex condoms.

A simple rule to remember

If you are unsure, choose water-based lube. It is safe with every condom and every toy material, and it is the one we recommend for beginners.

Clean up afterwards

Wash toys after each use with warm water and a mild soap or a dedicated toy cleaner, let them dry fully, and store them apart so different materials do not touch. Our toy cleaners and storage and care range make this easy.

Questions about a particular lube or toy? Our support team is happy to help.

Sources

Planned Parenthood, “Why can’t you use baby oil with a condom?”: plannedparenthood.org
NSW Health PlaySafe, “Lube”: playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au