— A considered edit

Lubricants, properly chosen.

Often the difference between okay and excellent. A guide to water-based, silicone, and natural lubricants — what to use, what to avoid, and why it matters.

— Where to start

Lubricant is the most under-discussed product in the entire pleasure category — and arguably the one that delivers the biggest immediate improvement to most people's experience. Almost everyone benefits from using lube; the science of arousal and lubrication is genuinely individual and varies with everything from hormones to hydration to the time of the month.

The category is also full of bad products. Glycerin, parabens, propylene glycol — common ingredients in cheap lubes that can cause irritation, infection, or pH imbalance. Quality lubricants now exist that avoid all of these — and they're not significantly more expensive.

Three categories matter: water-based (safe with everything, easy to clean), silicone-based (long-lasting, slippery, but not compatible with silicone toys), and oil-based (natural options like coconut oil, but not compatible with latex condoms). Choose by use case.

— How to choose lubricant properly

How we choose.

  • i.
    Water-based — the most versatile Safe with all toys (including silicone), all condoms (latex, polyisoprene, polyurethane), and easy to wash out. Best for daily use and toy use. Look for glycerin-free and paraben-free formulas. Reapply as needed.
  • ii.
    Silicone-based — for longest-lasting use Lasts much longer than water-based, never gets sticky, ideal for shower/bath use. Compatible with latex condoms. Not compatible with silicone toys (degrades the material). Harder to wash off but feels excellent.
  • iii.
    Oil-based — natural but limited Coconut oil and natural plant oils provide excellent slip and skin nourishment. NOT compatible with latex condoms (degrades them). Suitable for solo play or non-condom partner play. Skip if condoms are essential.
  • iv.
    Ingredients to avoid Glycerin (can feed yeast infections), parabens (hormone-disrupting), propylene glycol (irritant for many), fragrances (irritant). 'Warming' and 'cooling' lubes often contain irritants — start with neutral if you're sensitive.
  • v.
    pH and osmolality Quality lubricants match the body's natural pH (3.8-4.5 for vaginal) and have appropriate osmolality (similar to body fluids). Cheap lubes often have wrong values, leading to discomfort or microscopic tissue damage.
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Pleasure deserves the same standard you'd apply to anything else.

— Common questions, answered properly

Frequently asked.

Why use lubricant at all?

Even people who lubricate well naturally benefit from added lube — it reduces friction, prevents soreness, enables longer play, and makes toy use significantly more comfortable. Natural lubrication varies with stress, hydration, hormones, and life stage. Lube is normal, beneficial, and used by an estimated 65%+ of sexually active adults.

Which lubricant is best for sex toys?

Water-based, always. Silicone-based lubricants are incompatible with silicone toys — they bond with the silicone surface and degrade the toy over time. If unsure, water-based is the universally safe choice.

Are silicone lubricants better than water-based?

Different, not better. Silicone lubricants last significantly longer and feel slipperier — ideal for longer sessions or shower/bath use.

Water-based lubricants are more versatile (toy-safe), easier to clean, and need reapplying more often. Many people own both.

Can I use coconut oil as lubricant?

Yes, for solo play or where condoms aren't involved — coconut oil provides excellent slip and is naturally antibacterial. However, oils degrade latex condoms, meaning increased breakage risk. If condoms are essential, choose water-based instead.

Are some ingredients harmful?

Glycerin can promote yeast overgrowth in sensitive people. Parabens are hormone-disruptors.

Fragrances and dyes are common irritants. Propylene glycol bothers many people. Choose lubricants with simple, recognisable ingredient lists where possible.

How much lube should I use?

More than you think — and reapply as needed. Most people significantly under-use lubricant. Generous application reduces friction, makes everything more pleasurable, and prevents the soreness that comes from running dry mid-play.

Do you offer free UK delivery?

UK Standard Delivery is £5.99, and free on orders over £50. Europe is £14.99, International is £23.99. Same-day dispatch on orders placed before 2pm working days.

— Ready to choose?

Shop the full edit.

Every product we stock has been considered against the same standard. Free UK delivery over £50. Discreet packaging, always.

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