Relaxation Zone

Three bases, and they are not interchangeable

• Water-based — safe with everything: every condom, every toy. Washes out, and dries out, so it needs reapplying. The right default.
• Silicone-based — lasts far longer, waterproof, excellent for anal use and in water. Will degrade silicone toys — never pair the two.
• Oil-based — long lasting, good for massage. Destroys latex condoms, so never use it with one.

The two rules that matter

Oil and latex condoms do not mix — the condom fails, quietly, without looking any different. Silicone lubricant and silicone toys do not mix — the toy surface goes tacky and cannot be recovered. If you remember nothing else, remember those two.

Ingredients worth avoiding

Glycerin is a sugar and can contribute to thrush in people who are prone to it. Parabens and strong fragrances are common irritants. High-osmolality lubricants draw moisture out of tissue and can leave you drier than you started. Plain, unscented, glycerin-free is the safest bet for regular use, and usually costs the same.

Flavoured is for oral only

Flavoured lubricants are sugary by design. They are made for oral sex and are a poor choice internally, for the reason above. Buy a small one and keep a plain lubricant for everything else.

Buy the bigger bottle

Lubricant is the one thing here with a clear cost-per-use, and the small bottles are poor value. If you have a brand that suits you, the large size is usually a third of the price per millilitre — and the most common mistake is using too little of it.

On prices here

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