Best Silicone Based Personal Lubricants
Your first bottle of lube may have been cheap and even come from the corner store, but does it meet all your needs?
Silicone-based personal lubricants are designed to be slicker and long-lasting, so you can keep going without applying more lube or getting sticky thighs. In fact, these formulas are so thick that you can use them to massage your lover! We've got the scoop on the best silicone based lubes below.
What Is Silicone Lube?
Silicone-based lubricants simply contain one or more types of silicone. That's silicone, a plastic-like polymer and not silicon, which is a metal used to make computers! Silicone is used in everything from caulk to medical implants to, of course, personal lubricant. You might already have sex toys made from silicone in your night stand!
To identify a silicone-based lube, look for the following ingredients on the label.
- Dimethicone also known as PEG 8
- Cyclomethicone
- Cyclopentasiloxane
- Dimethiconol
- Phenyl Trimethicone
Essentially, anything ending in “cone” is a type of silicone and the best personal lubricants have a short ingredient list.
Why Silicone Lubricant?
Many users find themselves moving from basic water-based lubricant for many reasons, but just what are those reasons?
Water-based lube, while typically cheaper, tends to dry up more quickly and become sticky as it does. Although you can reapply lube, why not simply opt for a personal lubricant that doesn't have this issue?
Silicone-based lube feels slicker and lasts longer without becoming sticky as it dries. This slickness makes it ideal for more than just penetrative sex – though it is great for long sessions and anal sex!
Silicone lubes work well as basic massage oils, too. Silicone lube is typically thinner than water-based counterparts, but thicker formulas are becoming available.
Since water-based lubes so often contain glycerin, which can contribute to yeast infections, silicone lubes may be more hypoallergenic.You don't need to worry about using dental dams or condoms with silicone lube because the materials won't break down.
Silicone lubes are also ideal for using in pools, showers and other wet environments because they're not water-soluble like water-based lubricants are. With that said, you'll need soap, water and a little extra elbow grease to removal silicone lubes from your hands, bodies or toys after using it.
Is Silicone Lube Right for You?
Not everyone likes silicone lubes for a few reasons. Its staying power is sometimes accompanied by an unnatural feeling. It doesn't mimic your body's natural lubrication, which you might not like. You might not enjoy how silicone-based lubes coat your skin and stay there, which can also make them harder to remove from your sheets. If you've ever used any beauty products made from silicone, then you're familiar with the problem.
Another consideration is playing with toys. Although most materials, including glass, plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel, are completely compatible, some silicone lubes may interact with toys made of the same material. You can do a small patch test on the base of your toy. Apply lube and rub vigorously for several minutes. If the material becomes tacky, your lube isn't compatible. However, some silicone lubes and toys are compatible.
For diaphragm users, silicone lube is not the best option because the devices are also made from silicone. Consistent use of silicone based lube could break down your diaphragm.
Silicone and Stains
Silicone lubes can stain clothing and bed linens, especially those made of satin. If you plan to use silicone lube, consider laying down a towel or a Liberator Throe – a sex blanket designed to make cleanup easy! However, lube manufacturer Wet recommends treating your stained linens with a degreaser such as Greased Lightning prior to washing to remove stains.
To combat some of the potential negatives of silicone-based lubricant, manufacturers have created water+silicone hybrids. They're long-lasting without being sticky but feel more natural than pure silicone lubes.
The Best Silicone Based Lubricants
If you're looking for a silicone-based lube, look no further than the options below!
1. Penchant Premium Silicone Lube
Free from parabens and registered as a medical device with the FDA, this silicone-based lube promises to solve all your sex and massage woes. The bottle doesn't seem “Sex!” like other lubes, and a little product goes a long way.
This may be one of the more expensive lubes on this list, but Penchant promises a 30-day guarantee if you're not satisfied with the product. This lube can be used as sensual massage sex lube as well as personal lubricant.
Things We Liked
- Paraben Free
- FDA approved, Made in USA
- Excellent for massage
Things We Didn't Like
- Price
2. Uberlube Premium Lube
Uberlube is the one silicone based lube on this list that immediately looks different. It comes in a perfume-like jar with a pump. This is automatically more practical and luxurious than many personal lubricants, and some of the bottles are even made of glass! Of course, you'll need to be careful not to break your bottle.
While some silicone lubes stain, Uberlube shouldn't. It's thick enough to minimize some of the mess of thinner lubes but feels less heavy than others.
The company recommends you try the product to tame flyaways, reduce chafing and for making color pop in your tattoos
Things We Liked
- Comes with a pump
- Premium packaging
- Contains Vitamin E
Things We Didn't Like
- Price
- Glass bottle may break
3. Gun Oil
Despite its name, this lube has a silicone base and not an oil (petroleum) base. However, the company does make oil-based lubes, so make sure you're picking up the one that is made from silicone!
The larger bottle – there are five sizes to choose from in all – come with pumps while the recipe contains Vitamin E and Aloe Vera.However, the thin formula won't necessarily stay in place and may be quite messy.
Things We Liked
- Concentrated
- Comes in pump bottles
- Soothing and moisturizing
Things We Didn't Like
- Very thin
4. Wet Platinum Premium
Wet is a big name in the lube game, and their silicone lube comes in a familiar, black bottle. You'll be happy to learn that Wet Platinum is made in the USA and Kosher! The FDA has cleared Wet Platinum to work with condoms. Wet has you covered no matter how much lube you use! The lube comes in containers up to a gallon
Things We Liked
- Various sizes available, including pump containers
- Guaranteed not to get sticky
- Certified Kosher
Things We Didn't Like
- Sometimes bottle leaks
5. SWISS NAVY Premium Silicone Lubricant
Swiss Navy is the last silicone lube on our list. It comes in a convenient, locking bottle with a pump and a texture a bit thicker than olive oil. You might prefer it over a thinner silicone-based lube on this list. The ingredients list is short, containing just two types of silicone and Vitamin E. The name doesn't suggest “sex lube” to someone who might open your mail, either.
Things We Liked
- Locking pump bottle
- Multiple sizes available
- Moisturizes
Things We Didn't Like
- Difficult to clean
- Sometimes damaged in shipping
If you're looking for slicker, longer-lasting sex or simply want to keep a bottle of lube in the shower, then silicone lube should go on your shopping list. Of all these options, Uberlube is the one that comes with premium packaging, a mess-free pump, Vitamin E and a lightweight formula.