Choosing a lubricant sounds simple — but the wrong pairing can damage your toy or the material it's made from. This guide walks you through the three main lubricant types and explains how to match them safely to your toy material. As always, follow the manufacturer's instructions for both your toy and your lubricant.
The Three Main Lubricant Types
💧 Water-Based Lubricants
Water-based lubes are the most versatile option. They're compatible with virtually every toy material and every condom type (latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane). They rinse away easily with water, making cleanup simple. The trade-off is that they tend to absorb into the skin over time and may need to be reapplied during longer sessions.
Best for: Silicone toys, latex condoms, everyday use.
Avoid: Nothing — water-based lubes are safe across the board.
👉 Browse our Water-Based Lubes collection
✨ Silicone-Based Lubricants
Silicone-based lubes are long-lasting and don't absorb into the skin, making them a popular choice for extended use or water play. However, silicone lubricant can break down the surface of silicone toys over time — this is the most common compatibility mistake shoppers make. Silicone lube is safe with glass, metal, hard plastic (ABS), and stainless steel toys. Always use a condom on a silicone toy if you want to use a silicone lube.
Best for: Glass, metal, stainless steel, hard plastic toys; water play.
Avoid: Silicone toys (without a condom barrier).
👉 Browse our Silicone-Based Lubes collection
🔀 Hybrid Lubricants
Hybrid lubes blend water-based and silicone formulas to offer a middle ground: longer-lasting than pure water-based, but easier to clean up than pure silicone. They typically contain a lower concentration of silicone, so they're generally considered lower risk with silicone toys — but it still varies by product and toy finish. When in doubt, do a spot test on an inconspicuous area of your toy, or use a water-based lube to be safe.
Best for: Longer sessions where extra glide is wanted, glass, metal, hard plastic.
Note: Check the product label and your toy's care instructions before use with silicone toys.
👉 Browse our Hybrid Lubes collection
Quick Compatibility Reference
| Toy Material | Water-Based ✅ | Silicone-Based | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | ✅ Safe | ⚠️ Can degrade toy — avoid or use with a condom | ⚠️ Spot-test first |
| Glass | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe |
| Stainless Steel / Metal | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe |
| Hard Plastic (ABS) | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe |
| Rubber / Jelly / TPE / TPR | ✅ Safe | ⚠️ Varies — check manufacturer guidance | ⚠️ Varies — check manufacturer guidance |
| Latex Condoms | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe |
| Polyisoprene / Polyurethane Condoms | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe | ✅ Safe |
This table is a general reference. Always check the care instructions included with your toy and lubricant, as formulations vary by brand and product.
The Golden Rule: Start with Water-Based
If you're ever unsure, water-based lubricant is the safest choice — it's compatible with all toy materials and all condom types. Save silicone-based or hybrid options for materials where you've confirmed compatibility or where long-lasting glide is a priority.
A Note on Manufacturer Instructions
Toy and lubricant manufacturers know their products best. Always refer to the care and usage instructions that came with your toy and your chosen lubricant. When in doubt, reach out to the manufacturer directly or contact our team — we're happy to help you find the right pairing.
