Our best lubricants by formula: Uses, compatibilities and pleasure galore

Not all lubricants are the same and if you have ever wondered why people use some lubes and not others, why our choices differ amongst from the variety on offer and how to differentiate beyond the three main lubricant bases (silicone, water and oil) we’re going to spell it out for you: it’s the formulas. 

Just as no two lubricants are the same, neither are the recipes. This is most clear, as we mentioned above, in the three lubricant bases. Intimate gels can be water-based, silicone-based or oil-based and, naturally, you really need to be clear about what each is good for, as this not only has a bearing on our pleasure, but also on our health. 

Water-based

The formula which most closely resembles natural lubrication is the water-based variety. It’s light, mild, easy to remove and doesn’t stain when it comes into contact with fabric. Water-based lubes are completely compatible with toys, vaginal and anal penetration (although for the latter silicone-based lube is recommended), oral sex and all types of condoms. We could be talking about the definitive multi-use lube if it weren’t for the fact that it’s no good for sex or masturbation underwater (it dissolves) and it needs to be reapplied in practices where there is no natural lubrication, like anal sex. 

Silicone-based

As with all three of the lubricant bases, silicone-based gel has its advantages too. It is thicker to the touch than the water or oil-based gels, thereby reducing friction much more than other gels do. This is why it’s the fave when it comes to anal sex, where there is generally more friction, or in lengthy vaginal sex sessions which need more lubrication without having to reapply. It works well for underwater sex and masturbation and is compatible with condoms. Disadvantages? Using it with silicone toys is not recommended and it’s not suitable for oral sex.

Oil-based

Oil-based lubricant also provides a smooth gliding sensation which outlasts water-based lubricant. These gels are ideal for masturbating with hands or toys, unprotected penetrative sex and water play. Oil-based lubes can also be used for erotic massage and are kissable, unless otherwise indicated. However, oil-based lubricants are neither suitable for use with latex condoms nor recommended for latex-based toys, polyisoprene diaphragms or condoms.

The rest of the formula

As you can see, we can split lubricants and erotic gels into three main categories. However, not all differences are related to the base, as one single base can provide dozens of possible combinations. 

The formula of each gel will have an effect on its quality: on its texture, how it behaves when in contact with the air, with skin, heat and friction; and also on what it does or doesn’t leave behind on your skin. 

Top-of-the-range erotic cosmetic

At Bijoux Indiscrets, product quality is one of our priorities, and therefore all our gels, lubricants and balms go through an extensive production and quality-control process. Our erotic cosmetics are dermatologically tested, and priority is given to naturally-sources ingredients, such as minerals or plants. Ah, and they are, of course, vegan! 

Star ingredients