Can You Use Silicone Lube With Silicone Sex Toys?
Primarily, you shouldn’t use the two together because silicone lubricants can cause silicone toys to degrade over time, especially low-quality sex toys.
This degradation occurs because the silicone in the lubricant bonds with the silicone in the sex toy — a concept that’s scientifically referred to as “like dissolves like.”
This process of degradation can result in the silicone toy developing a gel-like feeling rather than the pliable, firm, and smooth texture it’s supposed to have.
In this article, we’ll talk about:
- What Happens When A Toy’s Material Degrades?
- What Types Of Personal Lubricants ARE Safe To Use With Sex Toys?
- Best Lubes To Use With Silicone Sex Toys
- When To Choose Water-Based Lubricants
- When To Choose Oil-Based Lubricants
Editor’s Note: This article is part of our Everything Lube hub, an in-depth and evolving resource that comprehensively explores all aspects of personal lubricants from the different types and how to use them, to ingredients and safety — created to help you achieve the sexual pleasure you deserve.
What Happens When A Toy’s Material Degrades?
Sex toys that are made with low-quality materials are likely to degrade over time on their own, anyway, but the addition of silicone lubricants can cause these toys to fall apart even more rapidly.
As a sex toy degrades, it may become increasingly porous.
Using such a toy can not only be physically uncomfortable, but porous toys are also more likely to cause infections because they are difficult to clean.
High-quality, medical-grade (platinum-cured) silicone toys, however, can be safe to use with silicone personal lubricant.
The most high-quality silicone sex toys available on the market are made with medical-grade silicones.
Toys made with medical-grade silicones are likely to last longer, feel better, and are safer for your body compared to sex toys that are made of potentially hazardous materials like jelly or vinyl.
High-quality toys can include various types of dildos or vibrators, clitoral suctioning toys, and more — so you’ll definitely be able to find something that hits the G-spot.
BUT!
Some sex toys that are labeled as being made with medical-grade silicones, however, are actually made using lower-quality materials.
Platinum-catalyzed curing systems are almost always used for the process of creating medical-grade silicone, and general silicone can also be tin-cured using less-expensive molds.
Since the sex toy industry is relatively unregulated in the United States, it’s up to each company to be honest and ethical about what their toys are made of — and that doesn’t always happen.
Your best bet is to err on the side of caution. For that reason, it’s wise to avoid using silicone lube with silicone toys.
Just because you can’t use silicone lube and silicone toys together doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of other options available to you.
What Types Of Personal Lubricants ARE Safe To Use With Sex Toys?
Fortunately, there are some great alternatives to silicone lubricants that you can use with your silicone toys. The most common ones include:
- Water-based lubricants
- Oil-based lubricants
- Natural/Organic lubricants (water or oil-based)
If you’re wondering what lube to use with silicone toys, such as the Hot Octopuss Kurve, you should consider the way you intend to use them, and your own preferences for how your personal lubricant should feel.
Top Recommended Lubes For Silicone Sex Toys
Generally universally compatible with ALL silicone sex toys, water-based lubes are the best option to reach for.
After researching hundreds of personal lubricants — and personally testing dozens of them ourselves — we have found the very best ones, vetted by our team and recommended for their safety and performance.
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Best Overall
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Also Good
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Best Newcomer
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Thickest Formula
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$12.99 (4 oz)
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$11.95 (2.5 oz)
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$11.99 (1.69 oz)
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$27.99 (5.1 oz)
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Description: Bottom Line: Made from just 7 organic ingredients, our testing team rated Almost Naked a top pick because it performs amazingly as a lube, feels wonderful on your skin, and smells absolutely divine. [Full Review + Video] |
Description: Bottom Line: This lube is one of our team’s favorites because it's easy to use, lightweight, highly versatile, made with 95% food-grade NSF Certified organic aloe vera, and comes in 18 delicious flavors. [Full Review + Video] |
Description: Bottom Line: Released in 2022, this newcomer surprised our team with its silky-smooth (and liquid-like) texture made with hyaluronic acid that doesn’t drip or run, yet lasts for an incredibly long time. [Full Review] |
Description: Bottom Line: This water-based lube is our team’s top pick for those looking for a thick, incredibly long-lasting lube for sensitive skin made with 96% organic aloe, and no added fragrance, flavor, or dyes. [Full Review + Video] |
Bottom Line: Made from just 7 organic ingredients, our testing team rated Almost Naked a top pick because it performs amazingly as a lube, feels wonderful on your skin, and smells absolutely divine. [Full Review + Video]
Bottom Line: This lube is one of our team’s favorites because it's easy to use, lightweight, highly versatile, made with 95% food-grade NSF Certified organic aloe vera, and comes in 18 delicious flavors. [Full Review + Video]
Bottom Line: Released in 2022, this newcomer surprised our team with its silky-smooth (and liquid-like) texture made with hyaluronic acid that doesn’t drip or run, yet lasts for an incredibly long time. [Full Review]
Bottom Line: This water-based lube is our team’s top pick for those looking for a thick, incredibly long-lasting lube for sensitive skin made with 96% organic aloe, and no added fragrance, flavor, or dyes. [Full Review + Video]
Editor's Note: When you purchase a product via an affiliate link (*) on our site, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. On behalf of our entire team, thank you in advance for your support!
- When To Choose Water-Based Lubricants With Silicone Sex Toys
Water-based lubricants are an ideal choice if you want a lightweight lube that requires minimal cleanup. We personally reviewed and love Aloe Cadabra, a natural, water-based lube.
Unlike silicone lubricants, water-based lubricants don’t stain fabrics and won’t cause any degradation to your sex toys, either.
Water-based lubricants also work well with the majority of other sex toys and vibrators in general, though you may prefer to use water-based lubes with toys you’re already comfortable with or with toys that don’t involve penetration.
The reason for this? Water-based lubes have a lighter texture and don’t provide quite as much cushion as oil-based lubricants do.
Particularly if you’re going to be using your silicone toy for anal play, water-based lubricants may be too mild for this activity.
Depending on the lubricant brand, water-based lubes can sometimes dry up or evaporate after a relatively short period of time when compared to other types of lube, which is important to consider when choosing one.
- When To Choose Oil-Based Lubricants With Silicone Sex Toys
If you prefer a lubricant with a thicker consistency — which can be helpful when using a new toy, for anal sex, or if penetrative sex is difficult for you — oil-based lubricants like AH! YES OB, which we personally reviewed — are great alternatives.
Oil-based lubricants are waterproof, just like silicone lubricants, and they are incredibly hydrating at the same time.
Though oil-based lubes can be a bit of a hassle to clean up and can also stain fabrics, they’re still a great option to choose for use with silicone toys.
However, it’s important to note that oil-based lubes can’t be used with latex condoms which some might use on their toys, as they break them down.
One thing that you do want to avoid is using home alternatives like Vaseline, olive oil, or baby oil as lube. None of these are safe lube alternatives for using with toys or during sex, for that matter.
Bottom Line:
Using a personal lubricant can make sex more enjoyable, and using sex toys can add excitement and fun to your sex life, whether you’re with a partner or by yourself.
However, it’s essential to make sure you select a lubricant that’s compatible with the toys you’re using, especially when it comes to sex toys made from silicone.
Ultimately, knowing what types of lubes work best with specific types of sex toy materials will not only ensure your safety in the bedroom, but it can help you to feel more confident, too.
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