“Grease is the word, it’s the word that you heard, it’s got groove it's got meaning…..”
Or so John Travolta would have us believe! But what is the word on the street when it comes to adding a little lubricant into your love life?
Firstly (and we can’t say this enough) there should never be any shame in using lubricant, it is a magical thing that can elevate your sex life the second you start slip slop slapping. If you encounter vaginal dryness or experience painful sex, lubricant
Be it with a partner or in solo play, you can slide, stroke, pulse, explore techniques or positions that aren’t as easy to manage without lube.
Secondly, not all lubes are created equal and there are few key things to remember when deciding on which product is right. A good rule of thumb is to start by avoiding anything that has glycerine, petrochemicals, parabens, alcohol, or flavors in them; as these can mess with your natural PH, increase bacterial growth, contribute to yeast infections, cause irritations, and may dry things out further over time. LOTS of what is readily available in pharmacies contain these ingredients and so it’s worth taking the time to check before you buy. Look out for Aussie-made products that are registered with the Therapeutic Goods of Australia (TGA) to have more peace of mind around what you are purchasing!
Now that you’ve dutifully avoided all the ‘bad stuff’ where to next? You’ve got your water-based, your silicone-based, oil-based, hybrids, and moisturisers all with their advantages.
Water-based products. A great place to start, these are the all-rounders of the lubricant world, like Vanilla ice-cream they go with everything!
They can be used with latex condoms and silicone toys, generally better for people with sensitivities and are easily absorbed.
They do need to be reapplied more frequently, not the best for anal play and some brands can contain some of the ‘bad stuff’ ingredients so it’s best to always check the label.
We designed Lucy Lube to be the ultimate water-based product, an Australian-made product that contains only the ‘good stuff’ which is designed to work in harmony with your natural pH levels and is registered with the TGA – it should be the ultimate bedroom addition.
Silicone-based products. Like a waterslide at a themepark, there is no holding on here!
They stay slick for longer, don’t break down in water (ideal for a shower session), compatible with latex condoms, have a luxurious feel, and suited to anal. However, they can’t be used with rubber toys or condoms, not ideal if you are prone to yeast infections and need soap to be washed off.
Oil-based products. You don’t have to raid the kitchen cupboard to find some great oil-based products, though coconut oil does go alright in the bedroom! Oil-based products are the hero of solo play, they are natural and stay slippery for longer. Unfortunately, they have some downsides, they can get a bit messy and stain sheets, they can’t be used with latex condoms, and
baby oil and petroleum jelly can increase urinary or vaginal infections.
Hybrids. "Por Que No Los Dos?" If you are a cant why we have it all type person a Hybrid might just be the perfect product for you. A mix of silicone and water-based, providing the long-lasting moisture of silicone lubricants with the easy clean-up of water-based lubes. Hybrid lubricants are condom compatible, but like silicone lubricants, may not be compatible with all toy materials.
The naughty list - frequently found in pharmacy and supermarket products - avoid like the plague!
Parabens - Estrogen mimics, found in breast tumors - avoid if breast cancer recovery / not wanting HRT / any hormone-related concern.
Glycerine - Mucosal irritant (dehydrates and irritates mucosa above 20%), at <5% it becomes a Candida nutrients so may trigger thrush outbreaks, leaves a sticky residue.
Glycols - Cell wall disrupter, called penetration enhancer as pulls other chemicals though skin into blood stream.
Mineral oil - Called liquid paraffin, petroleum by-product and thought to suffocate skin by coating it.
Not all lubricants are made equal, check the ingredients and do your research to pick a product for you!
Sex, pleasure and intimacy are magical things and we can’t stress enough how much fun adding Lube into this mix will be. Listen to John Travolta, "Grease is the word, it’s got groove it's got meaning. Now, grease is the way we are feeling……."