Water-based vs silicone lube: which to use for anal
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Water-based lubricant works with all toys and with condoms, but it dries out sooner and needs reapplying; silicone lubricant lasts much longer and holds up in water, but it can damage silicone toys. The eternal question is water-based or silicone, and the short answer is that they don't compete: each one wins in its own area. The comparison is below, with examples from our catalogue.
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The comparison at a glance
| Water-based | Silicone-based | |
|---|---|---|
| With toys | Compatible with all | Avoid with silicone toys |
| Durability | Medium: reapply as needed | Very long, doesn't dry out |
| In water | Washes away with water | Holds up in the shower and bath |
| Cleaning | Rinses off with water, doesn't stain | Needs soap; can stain fabrics |
| With condoms | Compatible | Compatible |
| Anal sex | Good, with reapplying | Long-lasting glide |
📖 Lubricant Guide: Types, Uses and Compatibility
If you choose water-based: three safe bets
It's the all-rounder: compatible with any toy and with condoms. The Pjur Woman Aloe contains aloe vera and comes in a 30 ml size, ideal for trying the brand; the one-litre Aquaglide is the choice for anyone who already knows they'll use it every day (it works out much cheaper per millilitre than the small bottles); and the Durex Play Frescor adds a cooling effect to mix things up; you'll feel it a lot on sensitive areas, so try a small amount first.
If you choose silicone: three that don't dry out
Silicone lasts much longer and doesn't wash away with water, which makes it ideal for long sessions, the shower and anal play. The EROS Silk has a soft feel; the Shunga Toko is a silicone lubricant from the Canadian brand Shunga, with a light texture; and the Pjur Original is the German classic that has been the benchmark for decades.
The verdict
Do you use toys (or plan to)? Water-based, no question: silicone lubricant can damage silicone toys, and there are plenty of them. Long sessions, water or anal, with no silicone toys involved? Silicone-based has no rival. A practical combination: a big bottle of water-based for everyday use and a small one of silicone for special occasions. You can see our full range of lubricants to compare sizes and prices.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I use silicone lubricant with silicone toys?
Liquid silicone can damage solid silicone: the surface of the toy turns sticky or rough and no longer cleans properly. This is the warning manufacturers give; if in doubt, follow what the toy's manufacturer says. With glass, metal or ABS toys there's no problem. To check whether a lubricant contains silicone, look at the ingredients: dimethicone or any name ending in "-cone" or "-siloxane" (for example, cyclopentasiloxane) indicates silicone; if the list starts with Aqua and none of these appear, it's water-based.
Which is better for sensitive skin?
Either can be, if the formula is simple: look for water-based with no fragrance or parabens, or a silicone with few ingredients (dimethicone and not much else). If you're prone to irritation, try a formula without glycerin or preservatives, such as Pjur Med Sensitive Glide; Woman Aloe and Aquaglide do contain glycerin.
Are both fine with condoms?
Yes, water-based and silicone are both safe with latex condoms. Any oil-based lubricant should NEVER touch a latex condom.
How long does a bottle last?
You use much less silicone per session: a 100 ml bottle can last for months. With water-based you reapply more, which is why the larger sizes are worth it.
More comparisons
Written with Lova, the Loviux AI · reviewed by the Loviux team