We actually only use lube for anal most of the time. We've been thinking about trying it for vaginal sex as well. We usually just use Durex Play lubricant (the cheap stuff at Wal-Mart), but I've been looking into some anal lube that got really good reviews here on EF. Most of our lubricants are water-based. I don't think we even own a silicone-based lubricant.

It's no secret that plenty of lube is vital for anal play - but many of the more seasoned among us recognize it's increasing importance for vaginal sex as we get older. As it should be, whatever lube we use is dictated specifically by what my wife prefers.

She has never liked water-based lubes - so we started out using almond or safflower based lubes - since she's not sensitive to fragrance - we usually chose a vanilla or citrus option.

On a lark I picked up some silicone lube - she loved it and we've used for some time. However after a while I was a little concerned about potential issues - and decided to look for something more 'natural'.

Our current favorite is a lube based on Cocoa and Shea butters - she loves it because it does double duty as a moisturizer - leaving her skin feeling silky and hydrated. The company is out of England - and they also have water-based lube for those who prefer that option.

I have to say this stuff is priced as a premium product - and ordering it from overseas requires a credit card that allows for that sort of transaction.

You can check out their oil & water-based lubes @ link & link.
Check out Yes

Water is sort of the most general purpose - it is safe with all toys and safe for condoms, vaginal and anal sex and usually isn't a problem for oral, although some don't taste all that good.
Silicone based can react with silicone toys, but otherwise it is good for everything else, lasts a long time, but is more difficult to wash off than water based. Some prefer not to use it for oral though.
Oil based is generally misunderstood. Many people consider it not good for vaginal sex and not for condoms, but I think that really is considered petroleum oil based because like Gunsmoke said, natural oils (almond, safflower, cocoa butter, shea butter) should not cause issues.
Generally things to watch out for are sugar and to a lesser extent glycerin as they both can cause yeast infections. Artificial sweeteners are generally used in flavored lubes, but they don't necessarily have the same impact as sugar and glycerin for yeast infections as the bacteria can't use it for food. Some people have paraben allergies, so that might be something to avoid depending on the situation.
Not a stupid question, but I'm sure I didn't cover everything.

For our limited anal play - it's always silicone. For everything else we use the Yes oil-based. I kind of hate that designation because oil-based seems to imply some filthy oil-derrick derived synthetic concoction. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The oil-based lube we use is body friendly, long lasting and works great with silicone toys - we never have to reapply. Here's a blurb from the site link:
- Formulated for maximum lubricity and long lasting glide
- Imparts lavish and lasting lubrication
- Rich satin texture
- Marathon inspiring
- Hypoallergenic
- Ideal for water play
- Created with the finest quality organic plant oils, butters and a touch of bees wax
- Beneficial for skin, so no need to wash off
- Non-staining
- Chemical and preservative free
- Not recommended for use with latex condoms.
- Changing your world from the inside (environmental pitch)

I may have to give that stuff a shot at some point. At over $5 per ounce it's pretty pricey though. Sounds like it's definitely worth to you, Gunsmoke.

I agree it's expensive - but for my wife, I will generally not resist what ever she likes. The good news is that even though I tend to use too much - when using glass or silicone toys - I little can go along way.

As you can imagine since this stuff is made with 'buttery' compounds - it becomes thinner and slipperier as it warms up to body temp. In the summer it runs fairly quickly - in the winter it takes a bit of time to warm up.

Just noticed that it's time for me to reorder - and it looks like the price on the 125 ml bottle has actually been reduced from $34/bottle to $24 per bottle. I buy two 125 ml bottles at a time and my last purchase was in June - so I'm getting about 3-4 months use per bottle.

My husband and I use lube....especially when using toys. We use coconut oil -because it's safe, organic, and tastes great. You can also include a massage in your encounter (using the coconut oil) to spice things up. We also have used astroglide. Both work great!

Horny & Holy - can you give a recommendation for a specific coconut-based lube? Thanks!

That's what I was just going to ask! You beat me to it.

Horny & Holy, do tell!

Thanks

Gunsmoke, "yes" oil based lube, to which you linked, is coconut oil based. I love it too. Best oil based lube ever.

Just moving this up, so someone can answer my question.

Gunsmoke,

Less slipperiness is would be OK but with the GCL oil it was like it was gone and then I want to keep using more and more. I bought the GCL oil thinking since it was all natural it would be better, more body friendly. Oh well.

Of course, it's not a prob with my husband, only with the silicone and TPR toys.

I just went over to the YES site and ordered the introductory pack, which has the oil and water based in it. I'll let you know how they work out.

Thanks for your response!!