By Sharon Gordon
WHEN I was first married there was only one kind of lubricant available. It obviously wasn’t sold as a lubricant because that would have been too risky and embarrassing to buy. It was a medical aid for suppositories and the like. It was thick in substance and went sticky almost as soon as it was applied.
I only found out about lubricants for intimate pleasure when I started the Lola Montez Brand about 22 years ago. Even then I didn’t understand it. We stocked one popular brand simply because we had to.
At my first international industry show, I learnt that there are lubricants and then there are lubricants, and they are not all made equally. More importantly I learnt that it is the most valuable accessory to your sexual health.
You may think that only old dried-up prunes need lubricant, but you couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure, when your body doesn’t provide enough lubrication (and there are so many reasons for this), it should be the first thing you reach for, but it has so many other uses.
There are three basic categories of lubricant:
Water-based
Silicone based
Oil based
In those three categories there are flavoured lubricants, stimulants and lubricants that warm up or cool down, increasing blood flow and stimulation.
Let’s start with Water based lubricants. These are probably the most common and available at pharmacies and even supermarkets. At my local supermarket the lubricants are kept in the kiosk where they sell the cigarettes.
Not sure why because the brand they stock is not high value and should be kept in the cosmetics aisle. Even I feel self-conscious to ask for a bottle. First, I have to explain what I’m looking for and then guide the assistant to the shelf because she clearly has no idea what I'm talking about.
Then I get angry because no one should be so humiliated for buying what I consider an essential household item.
A water-based lubricant’s main ingredient is water, so it will dry out much quicker than a silicone based one. If it is not great quality, it will also become sticky and make little balls. A good water-based lube won’t do that. It will still dry out but will not go sticky.
A water-based lubricant is more cost effective than a silicone base one. But that does mean that you will use more of it. It does feel like the body’s natural lubrication.
It is also easier to clean off the sheets and best of all it is compatible with adult toys, condoms and pleasure products.
Water-based lubricants do often contain preservatives and other ingredients that could lead to irritation. So do test it on a small sensitive area before you jump into a full play. Read the ingredients list to see if it contains anything you may have an allergy to.
Almost every water-based lubricant contains one or more of these ingredients; Glycerin, Petroleum Oils, Chlorhexidine, Gluconate and Polyquaternium. They are mostly harmless unless you have a particular allergy.
I’m not a fan of the warming or cooling lubricants as they are too intense for me, but I have clients who absolutely love them.
Silicone lubricant takes ages to dry out and may even leave a thin layer on your skin until it is washed off.
It is less easily available; my supermarket and local pharmacy definitely don’t stock any.
Believe me – I’ve looked and asked.
The worst thing about silicone -based lubricants is that they are not always compatible with sex toys. Some are but at the price of adult toys these days I wouldn’t take the chance. They are also more difficult to remove from the sheets and will require a hot wash. If you are worried simply put a towel down.
Silicone lubricants are hypoallergenic and contain no preservatives. They don’t dry out and a small drop goes a long way. They can also be used in the bath or shower without washing off. An important consideration with all the new pleasure products available.
They are compatible with condoms, just don’t use too much on the inside of the condom because it is extremely slippery.
A good silicone lubricant does not go sticky, nor does it form little balls. It is probably the best lubricant to use for anal sex.
Oil-based lubricants are even scarcer to find. They are NOT condom compatible so please don’t take the chance. They are not suitable for anyone struggling with UTIs or Yeast infections. They are also more difficult to remove from the skin.
Most oil-based lubricant is plant based, and some are organic. Oil-based lubricants can hydrate and improve elasticity. They are often used for massage. If they are perfumed do not use near the genitals for this rather use coconut oil.
Oil-based lubes will last longer than water-based lubricants but not as long as silicone. They are also much harder to clean off the sheets and may cause staining unless washed properly.
My most favourite brand of lubricant and stimulants is Pjur. It’s manufactured in Germany and is imported; it may be a bit more expensive than local brands, but you will use less, and it will last longer.
My favourite local brand of stimulants is Eva, they do a Clitoral, G-Spot and Tightening serum and gel. I haven’t found a local brand of lubricant that doesn’t go sticky but the best on the market by far is Assegai.
Pop to the website lolamontez.co.za to read about the different uses for lubricant and for the readers a discount on Pjur and Eva products until the end of the month. Use the voucher number SSLube25.
Until next time.
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