At SUTIL, we believe personal lubricant (aka lube) isn't just an accessory—it's an essential for elevating every intimate experience. It's truly non-negotiable for anal play and nearly always recommended for exploring with sex toys. Lube also makes hand sex, like fingering and handjobs, smoother and more satisfying.
When it comes to vaginal sex, natural wetness can vary daily due to age, stress, medications, hormonal shifts, and so much more. This is perfectly normal and true for everyone! Good lube can help create a comfortable and slippery environment for play, whenever the mood strikes.
Everyone deserves the joy of frictionless, pleasurable play. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right lube for you? And is it better to apply it to your toy or your body? Let's dive in and unlock the secrets to truly sensational lubrication.
What Exactly Is Lube?
Lube is designed to ease friction during sexual play, minimizing discomfort and reducing the risk of micro-tears during thrusting and stroking motions. Let's bust some outdated myths: if someone with a vulva wants to use lube, it doesn't mean they aren't aroused! Vaginal wetness fluctuates for countless reasons, and arousal is just one factor. Even when turned on, everyone can have more fun and feel more comfortable with lube!
Decoding Lube Types: Your Guide to the Best Base
A lubricant's "base" is its foundational ingredient, dictating its texture, longevity, and compatibility. Understanding these differences is key to choosing your perfect match.
1. Water-Based Lube: The Versatile Essential
Water-based lubes are the gold standard for versatility. They're universally compatible with all sex toys and condoms, and perfect for both vaginal and anal play. They're also often the top choice for individuals with sensitive skin or tissue.
While some water-based lubes might dry out quickly, necessitating reapplication, this is where SUTIL stands apart. Our unique formulas are meticulously developed for exceptional, long-lasting glide, meaning you can stay immersed in the moment without interruption.
All of SUTIL’s luxurious lubricants are water-based, making them the ideal partners for any of your favorite toys. Our SUTIL Luxe formula, for instance, is a true all-rounder. It feels beautifully light on the skin, boasts incredible staying power, and leaves absolutely no sticky residue. Plus, it's infused with powerhouse ingredients like oat beta-glucan and hyaluronic acid, which not only create that signature slippery texture but also work to deeply hydrate your body over time.
2. Oil-Based Lube
Yes, oil-based lubes are incredibly slippery and long-lasting, which might sound appealing initially. They play well with glass and stainless steel sex toys. However, be aware: they are not compatible with silicone toys or latex condoms, as they can degrade these materials, compromising their integrity and your safety.
Beyond their tendency to damage condoms and silicone, oil-based lubes are infamous for staining sheets. Crucially, they can also disrupt vaginal microflora, making them less ideal for vaginal sex, especially for partners prone to sensitivities.
3. "Natural" Lube
The term "natural" when it comes to lubricant can be a bit ambiguous. Some folks turn to household items like coconut oil or almond oil. However, using minimally processed cooking oils as personal lubricant comes with the same risks as store-bought oil-based formulas, and can potentially contribute to yeast infections and other discomforts.
If you're drawn to lubes that prioritize eco-friendly materials and genuinely minimize harmful chemicals, you'll adore SUTIL Hathor Pure. This was SUTIL's very first creation, featuring a perfectly balanced, moderately thick texture, just seven simple ingredients, and absolutely no questionable chemicals (meaning no artificial smell!). It even boasts soothing botanicals like horny goat weed and ginseng. Rest assured, SUTIL's other beloved formulas are crafted with certified Ecocert ingredients, upholding our unwavering commitment to quality.
4. Silicone-Based Lube
Silicone lubes are typically the thickest option, making them excellent for intense anal play where maximum cushion and glide are desired. They offer a plush, non-irritating feel and are generally compatible with condoms. Plus, they're incredibly long-lasting and a great pick for water play in the shower, bath, or hot tub, as they're not easily rinsed away.
However, that staying power can also be a drawback; cleanup with silicone lubes is often a bit trickier, and they can stain sheets. And a crucial point: silicone lubes can damage silicone toys, so never mix them!
If you crave the sumptuous feel and long-lasting nature of a silicone lube but without the cleanup hassle or toy incompatibility, we have a solution: SUTIL Rich. This is our thickest water-based formula, pH-balanced for the anus and menopause, offering that satisfyingly plush texture. Thanks to its use of hyaluronic acid, it's also a phenomenal choice for comfortable sex during menopause, or as an everyday vaginal moisturizer for those experiencing dryness.
5. Hybrid Lube
Hybrid lubes combine water and silicone bases, offering a thickness that falls between thinner water-based formulas and thicker silicone ones. They are generally safe with condoms.
However, these blends can sometimes share some of the drawbacks of full silicone lubes, potentially feeling sticky or even trapping bacteria in the vagina. Compatibility with silicone toys can also vary, so always check the label carefully before combining.
How to Use Lube: It's Easier Than You Think!
We recommend starting with a quarter-sized amount in your clean hand and applying it directly to your desired areas. Vulva owners can apply lube both internally and externally. If a quarter-sized amount doesn't feel like enough, simply add more! There's no real risk of overdoing it.
Applying lube to a sex toy is just as straightforward. Use enough to generously cover the part of the toy that will make contact with your body. For extra glide, apply to both the body part and the toy!
1. Embrace Lube During Vaginal Play
Vaginas thrive with reduced friction, making sex comfier, hotter, and more expansive! Lube is particularly important for individuals experiencing menopause or who have already gone through it, as it helps manage dryness and discomfort.
While lube is generally safe during pregnancy, if you're actively trying to conceive, most traditional lubes can slow sperm motility. For those who prefer to use lube when trying to conceive, the lightweight, sperm-friendly texture of SUTIL Luxe is your best bet.
2. Lube Is Non-Negotiable for Anal Play
The anus and rectum do not self-lubricate. This makes lube an absolute must for anal play, whether you're using a toy, a finger, or a penis. Because anal tissue is delicate and can tear easily, most people prefer thicker lubes with serious staying power. Again, SUTIL Rich is our unwavering recommendation here for its plush texture and robust performance.
3. Sweeten Your Oral Sex with Flavored Lube
A little extra slickness truly enhances everything, and that includes blowjobs and eating out! SUTIL’s flavored lubes are crafted with organic, delicious flavors that genuinely elevate the experience. They also naturally increase saliva production for wetter, better play.
A word of caution: many brands use glycerin or glucose (a sugar) as sweeteners which can potentially cause yeast infections if the lube transitions from oral to vaginal play. With SUTIL, you don't have to worry—our flavored lubes are formulated without these problematic ingredients, so you can play seamlessly and safely.
4. Lubricate Your Toys
Lube becomes even more critical when you're playing with toys. Silicone toys, in particular, often have a grippy texture that won't glide easily without proper lubrication. And for those girthy toys, a little SUTIL makes insertion immensely more comfortable!
5. Your Daily Vaginal Moisturizer
For individuals experiencing or who have gone through menopause, vaginal dryness can impact daily comfort, not just sex. Applying a small amount of lube vaginally can make a significant difference. Choose a formula rich in hyaluronic acid, like SUTIL Luxe or Rich, and you'll find your tissues' hydration levels improving beautifully over time.
6. Reactivate You Lube
When it comes to water-based lubes, ours stand out for their long-lasting glide. But no matter what, all lubes dry up as you play. Before you reapply, add a little water to rehydrate your SUTIL and keep the fun going!
Lube FAQs
Is lube healthy to use?
Absolutely, lube is incredibly healthy and can make sex more comfortable and intensely pleasurable. However, it's vital to choose wisely, as some mass-produced formulas contain questionable ingredients: Glycerin can lead to yeast infections, parabens are endocrine disruptors, and petroleum-derived ingredients simply don't belong near your intimate areas.
At SUTIL, we proudly avoid all these problematic ingredients. Our propylene glycol, for example, is plant-derived, a true rarity in the industry. Plus, our Hathor Pure and Rich formulas are even gluten-free, catering to even the most sensitive bodies. Plus, our products are FDA-cleared, meaning they are 100% body-safe.
The health benefits of lube go beyond the bedroom. Our functional formulas help to soothe and support your body with antimicrobial and antifungal ingredients. Whether you’re using them for pleasure or as a daily moisturizer, our lubes help you stay balanced and comfortable.
Does lube expire?
Yes, lube does have a shelf life. Unopened, SUTIL is good for 2 years beyond the printed expiration (or sell-by) date. Once opened, it remains fresh for 1 year. Over time, the texture may become slightly thinner, but the product remains safe to use even as it ages.
Can you use lotion as lube?
Absolutely not! Lotions are designed for external use only and often contain irritating fragrances, preservatives, or other inflammatory ingredients that can disrupt delicate intimate tissue. Plus, they'll likely absorb too quickly to provide any meaningful lubrication.
Can you use baby oil for lube?
Again, a firm no. Baby oil is far too irritating for intimate use. If you're looking for a cost-effective yet pure and safe alternative, explore SUTIL Hathor Pure.
All ideas included are for educational and entertainment value only and do not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for any medical concerns.
