The lubricant test reveals: which one is good? What is the best way to use lubricant and does it perhaps have hidden talents? GALA has gotten some clever information for you.
Whether alone or with your partner: lubricating gel is a popular helper when it comes to smooth fun during sex. We found out what advantages the use can bring and which products are recommended for the lubricating gel test.
Lubricant test: Everything you need to know about the popular aid
In addition to the question of which lube is the best, we also dealt with common questions in the lube test. The main focus is on the ingredients and the choice between water-, oil- or silicone-based products. So let’s start with this question.
Water-, silicone- and oil-based lubricants: These are the differences that make them different
Lubricants are basically available in three different versions: water-, silicone- and oil-based. This results in different areas of application and conditions. Above all, it is important: If you use a condom to prevent sex, you should stay away from an oil-based lubricant. This could attack the latex. The risk of the condom being damaged or even tearing increases – not a good idea. The combination of lubricant and (latex) sex toys can also be problematic for this reason.
The advantages and disadvantages of the individual lubricants at a glance:
- water based products are the most common lubes and also the favorites in the lube test: Main argument: You are right inexpensive. The disadvantage: their effect wears off quickly; you may have to top up again.
- An oil-based lubricant retains its effect longer as a water-based product, but – as already mentioned – is not compatible with the use of a condom. Your sex toys can also be damaged over time if they are made of latex or similar materials.
- Lubricants with oil are particularly suitable good for massagefor which lubricants are often misused.
- Lubricants with silicone provide the desired lubricity for longer, but are priced a little higher.
- The silicone-based products get along with condoms and Co.
The best water-based lubes
The range of water-based lubricants is enormous. Whether in the drugstore, pharmacies or large online retailers – you will find the right product for every taste and every need. We can recommend this one in our lubricant test:
The Brand “Ritex” offers a large selection on various water-based lubricants. Among other things, corresponding products are included aloe vera for sensible skin or in vegan organic quality to select.
A well-known and popular brand is “Durex”. An advantage of the lubricating gels from the Durex range: they are usually not only designed as a lubricating gel from the outset, but also as a massage oil. The lube “Play 2in1 massage & lubricating gel aloe vera” can also be combined with condoms and sex toys thanks to its water base.
Who, in addition to good gliding skills, also has a delicate scent as well as taste welcomes, can im extensive range of lubricants from the manufacturer “Waterglide” select the appropriate note. From the “classic” “Sweet Strawberries” above “Guarana” and “Fresh Watermelon” until “Vanilla Ice Cream” – the selection has something for every nose and every palate. But “purists” are also involved unscented variants find it. The lube “Waterglide Natural Feeling” was for example by “Original Dermatest” 2019 awarded the grade “very good”..
The best oil-based lubes
The selection of oil-based lubricants is much more limited, but not hopeless. Those who do without condoms and latex toys anyway can use products from the company “yes” turn to our lube test.
The best silicone-based lubes
Who of the advantages of the containing silicone If you are convinced of lubricants, you may have to invest a little more money, but ideally you will get one Lubricant with two positive properties: Unlike a water-based lube, a “silicone lube” can without preservatives – this will be particularly pleasing to people who are intolerant or at least sensitive to preservatives. Second positive feature: Unlike the oil-based lubricant vthe silicone variant endures with condoms and sex toys made of latex. Lubricants with silicone therefore combine two advantages that you would otherwise have to choose between. In our lube test, these are the favorites with a silicone base:
In the field of silicone-based lubricants, the big names are once again playing a role. From “Ritex” there is, for example, the lubricating gel with the name “long time”which advertises extra long moisture and a correspondingly long pleasure.
Straight Silicone-based lubricating gels are particularly suitable for anal intercourse and so there is a large selection of corresponding products from the company “pjur”. The series “Back Door” has various designs that ensure long-lasting lubricity.
With the “Perfect Glide” Durex also made it into our lubricant test with a silicone-based lubricant. Colorless and odorless, the lubricating gel is suitable for any sexual activity, including anal intercourse.
Desire to have children and lube – you have to take that into account
If you want to make your dream of having children a reality, you should avoid using conventional lubricants. Under certain circumstances, the use of lubricating gel can impair conception. This is because “normal” lubes are adjusted to the pH value of the vagina – and may therefore be too acidic for male sperm. If you still don’t want to do without lubricating gel, you can special, so-called “fertility lubricants” grasp. These have an adjusted pH value and should not stand in the way of pregnancy.
This is particularly popular “fertility lubricant” by Ritex.
How and when is lube used correctly?
Fortunately, with the right lubricating gel you can hardly go wrong with the application. Simply put the desired amount of lubricating gel on your hand and spread it like a cream on the penis, sex toy or in the vaginal area. If you use a water-soluble lube that absorbs faster, be careful not to apply it “too soon” and it will lose its effectiveness too quickly. But you can also simply add more later.
How long does lube keep?
If you use a lubricant during sex, you should first take a look at the expiry date. As usual, there is a note on the packaging as to when the lubricant may be used. The same applies here: The date only states until when the product may be used without being opened.
From the moment the lubricant is used for the first time, you can usually assume a period of around three months. After that, the lubricant should no longer be used if possible. If necessary, look on the packaging to see whether the manufacturer gives more precise information. If you have opened a lubricating gel, make sure that it is stored appropriately. It is important not to expose the product to excessive heat or direct sunlight. Your bedside table or bathroom cabinet are therefore ideal.
If possible, you should not use the lubricating gel after the expiration date, as there is a risk of germs or bacteria getting inside the body.
Are lubes harmful?
In short: no. As long as you stick to the usual hygiene measures and keep an eye on the expiry date, nothing stands in the way of using it for health reasons. Stiftung Warentest also confirmed in a test in 2017 that “all products in the test (…) are compatible with the mucous membranes and microbiologically flawless. The testers found neither questionable germs nor substances irritating the mucous membranes.” The best conditions for untroubled pleasure!
What do you have to pay attention to when buying?
When choosing a lube that meets your needs, you have to consider various aspects. We have summarized them clearly for our lubricant test.
- Operation area: First think about what you want to use the lubricant for. Should it primarily ensure good suppleness for a long time? Is it intended for anal sex? Would you like to use it with a condom? This mainly determines whether you use a water-based or oil-based lubricant.
- Skin compatibility: Similar to cosmetic products that you apply to the skin, lubricating gels must also be compatible. If you have very sensitive skin, you should use a lubricant without many additives if possible.
- Extra Pleasure: If the lubricating gel should also cause excitement during the act of love, there are special gels that are supposed to have a warming or cooling effect.