Water-based vs silicone lube: which to use for anal
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Water-based lubricant works with all toys and with condoms, but it dries out sooner and needs reapplying; silicone lubricant lasts much longer and holds up in water, but it can damage silicone toys. The eternal question is water-based or silicone-based, and the short answer is that they don't compete: each wins in its own area. The comparison is below, with examples from our catalogue.
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The comparison at a glance
| Water-based | Silicone-based | |
|---|---|---|
| With toys | Compatible with all toys | Avoid with silicone toys |
| Longevity | Medium: reapply as needed | Very long, doesn't dry out |
| In water | Washes away in water | Holds up in the shower and bath |
| Cleaning | Rinses off with water, doesn't stain | Needs soap; can stain fabrics |
| With condoms | Compatible | Compatible |
| Anal sex | Good, with reapplying | Long-lasting glide |
📖 Lubricant Guide: Types, Uses and Compatibility
If you choose water-based: three safe bets
It's the all-rounder: compatible with any toy and with condoms. The Pjur Woman Aloe contains aloe vera and comes in a 30 ml size, ideal for trying the brand; the one-litre Aquaglide is the choice if you already know you'll use it every day (it works out much cheaper per millilitre than the small bottles); and the Durex Play Frescor adds a cooling effect to vary your play; you'll feel it a lot on sensitive areas, so try a small amount first.
If you choose silicone: three that don't dry out
Silicone lasts far longer and doesn't wash away in water, which makes it ideal for long sessions, the shower and anal. The EROS Silk has a soft feel; the Shunga Toko is a silicone from the Canadian brand Shunga, with a light texture; and Pjur Original is the German classic that has been the benchmark for decades.
The verdict
Do you use toys (or plan to)? Water-based, no question: silicone lubricant can damage silicone toys, and there are plenty of them. Long sessions, water or anal, with no silicone toys involved? Silicone-based has no rival. A practical combination: a big bottle of water-based for everyday and a small one of silicone for special occasions. You'll find our full range of lubricants to compare sizes and prices.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I use silicone lubricant with silicone toys?
Liquid silicone can damage solid silicone: the toy's surface turns sticky or rough and no longer cleans properly. This is the warning manufacturers give; if in doubt, follow what the toy's manufacturer says. With glass, metal or ABS toys there's no problem. To tell whether a lubricant contains silicone, check the ingredients: dimethicone or any name ending in "-cone" or "-siloxane" (for example, cyclopentasiloxane) indicates silicone; if the list starts with Aqua and none of these appear, it's water-based.
Which is better for sensitive skin?
Either can be, if the formula is simple: look for water-based with no fragrances or parabens, or a silicone with few ingredients (dimethicone and little else). If you tend to get irritation, try a formula without glycerine or preservatives, like Pjur Med Sensitive Glide; Woman Aloe and Aquaglide do contain glycerine.
Are both fine with condoms?
Yes, water-based and silicone lubricants are safe with latex condoms. The one that must NEVER touch a latex condom is any oil-based lubricant.
How long does a bottle last?
You use far less silicone per session: a 100 ml bottle can last months. With water-based you reapply more, which is why larger sizes are worth it.
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Written with Lova, the Loviux AI · reviewed by the Loviux team