How to find the best lubricant for your needs?
Search for the word "lubricant" on Amazon and you will get more results than a person can parse in a lifetime. Among the countless oil-based, water-based and silicon-based lubricants on the market, it is difficult to know where to start. "Water-based lubricants are not as'slip' as oil-based lubricants, but they are usually compatible with condoms and toys, while most oil-based lubricants are not," explains Karyn Eilber, MD, who is from Beverly Hills Urologist and founder of lubricant company Glissant. "Water-based lubricants also dry faster than oil-based lubricants." Then there is silica gel, an ultra-smooth synthetic substitute. "Silicone lubricants last longer," said Renee Horowitz, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Although silicone lubricants are safe to use with condoms, they may deteriorate the surface of sex toys. Dr. Horowitz pointed out that they have a tendency to become sticky: "This ...