The Texture, Consistency, And Performance Of Lubes For Women
The “ideal” consistency of personal lubricants specifically designed for women depends on a product’s formula and your personal preferences and how you intend to use it.
All lubricants are slippery, but some are slicker than others.
Silicone-based lubes tend to be among the thickest (although not always!) and are generally the longest-lasting, however, they tend to feel noticeably different when compared to your body’s natural lubrication.
Many people love this — although not everyone does — and they’re waterproof for play in the bath or shower.
As wonderful as they can be, silicone lubes cannot be used with silicone sex toys, as they’ll degrade the material and damage the toy.
Oil-based lubes are also waterproof, quite thick in texture, and are some of the most hydrating options available, although they cannot be used with STI or pregnancy barriers made from latex or polyisoprene, nor with latex or rubber sex toys.
Water-based lube tends to be the most lightweight, with a texture that’s closest to that of vaginal discharge.
Water-based lube is not waterproof and it tends to dry quickly — it will likely need to be reapplied during longer sex sessions.
Just as our team does, our readers have varied needs and preferences.
When considering any lubricant’s performance in the real world, we tested products of varied textures and purposes — including lubricants designed to restore pH balance, maintain the vaginal microbiome, or promote fertility.
Our team also tested the way each finalist performed during a variety of sexual situations, including masturbation, oral sex, vaginal or anal penetration, with (or without) condoms or sex toys as applicable, and during post-sex cleanup.
All of these data points were scored and considered before determining which products were the best.
To that end, our top recommendations include a variety of formulations, textures, and consistencies.
