Silicone vs Water Based Lube: Guide to Buying the Best Lubricant

There are two major types of lubricants:

Lubricants users often struggle to decide on which one is the best for them. If you’ve been using lube for some time now, or you’re about to start and want to know which type of lubricant you should buy, this complete review will guide you through.

As more individuals begin to turn to sex toys and lubes for their sexual needs, there’s a strong debate going on at the same time:

Silicone vs. water based lube. Which lube gives you the perfect sexual experience and leave you healthy after sex?

This article answers all your questions connected to the silicone based vs. water based lube debate.

Water Based And Silicon Based Lubricant Comparison Table

What is Water Based Lube?

Before proceeding, it’s worth explaining what water based and silicone based lubricants are.

Let’s start with water based lube.

The main ingredient in water based lube is water. Most water based lubricants are free of smell, taste, and color.

It’s easy to wash off water based lube after sex. Everyone can use water based lube because they’re generally safe. You can use them with any sex toy and condom.

What is Silicone Based Lube?

A silicone based lubricant can last for a very long time because it never dries. The main reason silicone based lubricants never dry up is that they contain no water.

They are the perfect choice for sex in and around water.

If you want to have sex in the swimming pool, bathtub, or in the rain, a silicone based lube would be an ideal option.

What are the main differences between silicone based and water based lubricants

The below ingredients which are commonly found in lubricants are considered unhealthy:

• Glycerin: It may contribute to an overgrowth of yeast in the body.
• Nonoxynol-9: It kills sperm, preventing it from becoming a baby. And it also kills both good and bad bacteria in the vagina.
• Petroleum-based ingredients: They can alter the pH in the vagina, thereby increasing the chance of infections.
• Propylene glycol: It acts as a preservative. It can cause irritation in the vagina.
• Parabens: Also act as a preservative. They can disrupt the body’s hormone and increase the chance of cancer.
• Chlorhexidine gluconate: If you have a sensitive vagina, it can cause irritation.

Check the list of ingredients and ensure that they are healthy for your body.

Some silicone based lubricants contain very few ingredients, but these ingredients may be bad for the body.

While some water based lubricants contain many lubes and only a few of them are bad for the body.

Water based lubricants tend to be formulated with healthy ingredients.

The Top 5 Water Based Lubricants for Memorable Sex

Now that you know the differences between water based lube and silicone based lube, it’s time to learn about the best lubricants available for each one of them.

Let’s talk about water based lube first.

Okay, let’s assume that you’ve chosen water based lube in the silicone based vs. water based lube debate, you should know the top 5 water based lubricants available today.

Note that if you’ve chosen silicone based lube in the debate, you can scroll down to find the top five silicone based lubricants.

Below are the top five water based lubes:

Shibari Premium Water Based Personal Lubricant

Shibari Premium Water Based Lubricant is one of the best-selling lubricants. The lube is made with pure water with some ingredients that help you have enjoyable sex.

The lube is hypoallergenic. It’s also easy to wash off with water. Shibari keeps your skin smooth and soft.

The lube contains no dyes or perfumes.

It has been tested and approved by the FDA. That means it’s safe and effective for your use. If you want a lube that helps you enjoy sex with your partner again, Shibari is a premium personal lubricant you can rely upon.

Shibari is one of the best water based lubricants available today. The quality is just unbeatable.

My Impression

If you have frequent sex with your partner and have vaginal dryness, I recommend you buy Shibari Premium Water Based lube.

Very few people say negative things about the lube. That should tell you how much people love the experience they get from it.

Shibari isn’t too thick and too slippery. It doesn’t dry out quickly.

You can expect nothing less than maximum pleasure from the lube.

Shibari is great with any sex toy. It’s super slippery.

What could be better?

The lube contains little quantity of glycerin in it. While I don’t like glycerin, the main ingredient in this water based lube is water.

Even with that, the FDA has evaluated the lube and find it to be healthy. So, I remain a huge fan of Shibari Premium Water Based Lube.

LubeLife Water-Based Personal Lubricant

LubeLife is another amazing water based lube that works perfectly. The lube is toy-friendly and compatible with any condom.

As you should expect from a premium water based lubricant, LubeLife is easy to clean, and it doesn’t leave any stain.

LubeLife is made with high-quality ingredients. You won’t feel irritation after using it.

It doesn’t feel like you’re using lube with LubeLife because everything feels natural.

Another important point you should know is that LubeLife is compatible with most sex toy materials. So, you can be sure that your sex toy will last for a long time if you use LubeLife.

If you want a lube that’s free of parabens and glycerin and is great to use, think of LubeLife.

My Impression

Most users of LubeLife are happy with the lube. It shows that the lube is amazing. Even for couples battling with sensitive skin, they report that it makes the experience so smooth and comfortable.

None have reported seeing stains on their sheets.

LubeLife is a great quality lubricant that will give you and your partner just what you need. That is maximum pleasure and comfort, of course.

The lube has no stickiness. It’s pure and natural.

I highly recommend LubeLife.

What could be better?

While LubeLife is, without doubt, one of the best water based lubes, you’ll have to reapply frequently. It’ll be nice if the manufacturer can make it last, at least, a little bit longer.

With that said, it’s important to emphasize that very few (if any) lubes are better than LubeLife.

Aloe Cadabra Natural Personal Lube

Aloe Cadabra is a water based lube with a little bit more to it. The lube is made with organic Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera does wonders for the skin, and it’s a perfect ingredient to have in this lube.

The lube is highly enriched with Vitamin E, and it contains zero glycerin and parabens.

The lube is made in the US. Aloe Cadabra leaves you with silky skin. It doesn’t stain at all.

In addition to the lube being perfect for vaginal sex, it’s also perfect for oral sex. There’s nothing to worry about because it’s edible.

Aloe Cadabra is toy-friendly. It’s safe with most sex toys. It’s also compatible with most condoms.

If you have painful sex, vaginal dryness, itching or feel a burning sensation after intercourse, this is a lube you should try out.

Pure natural ingredients were used to create this amazing lube. It contains zero glycerin, hormones, petroleum products and parabens. Aloe Cadabra is a lube you can trust to give you ultimate pleasure with your partner or sex toy.

My Impression

Some people are allergic to chemical ingredients. If you’re allergic to some chemicals, this is the lube for you. The lube is mostly made with natural ingredients.

If you care a lot about what goes into your body, this is the lube for you.

Aloe Cadabra is certified to NSF organic standards, and FDA cleared for your safety and health. The lubricant is very close to a woman’s natural moisture.

For women who experience vaginal dryness and sensitive issues with most lubes in the market, it’s highly likely that you won’t want to try other lubes – even the ones listed on this page when you have Aloe Cadabra.

If you’re a big fan of using products that are made with organic ingredients, this is a lube you’ll like to use.

What could be better?

The lube blurts out when trying to apply it. It’s easy to blast it everywhere if you’re not patient.

It could be difficult to apply in tight places like the anus. It will be cool if they can improve the lid. You want to get every squeeze of the lube.

Still, Aloe Cadabra is a great lube to have.

Passion Water-Based Personal Lubricant

Passion is one of the most popular and best-selling lubricants today. The lube is glycerin-free, parabens-free and petrochemical-free. It’s compatible with every sex toy material out there.

Passion doesn’t stain. The ingredients used to make the lube are all natural.

If you’re looking for a lubricant that’s easy to apply, Passion should be at the top of your list of the best water based lubricants.

The lube is very easy to pump out to where you want to apply it. It doesn’t spill and causes mess all over the place.

The bottle has a good amount of lube that will last for some time. When you consider its quantity and quality, Passion is incredibly cheap.

Passion Water Based Lube is made with a superb formula that reduces friction and creates a more enjoyable sexual experience for everyone involved.

My Impression

I think it’s priced too cheaply. The quality you get from the lube is just too much.

It’s rare to see a lube that doesn’t have anything bad about it and still be affordable at the same time.

The lube is easy to pump out, which I believe is an important feature. An easy application may not be so important, but it’s something to look at when buying a lubricant.

If you’re prone to yeast infection, Passion will be perfect for you. Some lubricants aid yeast infection growth after prolong usage. Not with Passion.

What could be better?

During my research, I discovered that some customers don’t like the fact that the bottle is huge when compared to other options available.

Well, it’ll be cool if they can reduce the size a little bit. The downside of that is, the quantity would be reduced.

Isabel Fay Natural Water-Based Personal Lubricant

Isabel Fay is another premium water based lubricant. It’s also made in the USA with the highest-quality ingredients.

The lube contains zero glycerin and parabens.

Isabel Fay can be used with any condom and sex toy.

The lube is completely odorless and colorless. It’s easy to clean and doesn’t stain.

You’re free to ask for your money back if for any reason you aren’t satisfied with the lube.

If you want to get more pleasure out of sex, Isabel Fay is definitely one of the best water based lubes you should buy.

My Impression

For most lube users who had tried Isabel Fay, they say the lube exceeded their expectations.

This lube will keep you and your partner happy together and closer intimately.

The bottle is adorable and very easy to apply. The lube is also easy to wash off after sex.

The lube won’t leave you with any burning feeling. So, if you suffer from vaginal dryness and want a lube you can use for a long time without any complication, Isabel Fey is highly recommended.

The packaging is simple and discreet. The merchant also offers discreet shopping. No one would know what you bought.

The hand pump is my favorite part of the lube, but the most important thing is that it gets the job done.

What could be better?

The lube is a little sticky when you compare it to other premium water based lubricants I reviewed above. But this is not a deal breaker because the stickiness isn’t that much.

After buying Isabel Fey, you’ll want to repurchase it again and again.

The Top 5 Silicone Based Lubricants

If you’ve decided to go with silicone based lubricants after reading the differences between both types of lubes, below, I review the top five silicone base lubes.

If you’ve chosen silicone based lubes, you’ll find the below list to be very helpful in buying the right lube.

Wet Platinum Silicone-Based Personal Lubricant

Wet is a premium silicone-based lube. Many doctors recommend it to couples who are struggling with vaginal dryness.

Wet Platinum Silicone Based Lubricant is parabens-free. The lube is made in the USA and is cleared by the FDA. If you’re looking for a high-quality silicone-based lube, Wet is surely the lubricant you want to buy.

As you would expect from a premium silicone based lube, Wet never dries.

The lube is made with one of the finest ingredients for lubricants. Some people call Wet the Rolls Royce of lubes.

I’ll like to emphasize that the lube doesn’t wash off easily, and it wasn’t made to. Because it was formulated to last very long while you have sex comfortably, it means you’ll have to wash a little bit more than you would with a water based lube.

My Impression

When you apply a large quantity of the lube, you’ll experience zero friction. I think a little is enough to last you a long time with your partner.

Too much of the lube can reduce the fun. A little will keep it slippery while at the same time ensure that you feel the pleasure of the moment.

The bottle has been designed in such a remarkable way to make the lube easy to apply.

Some customers of this lube have been using it for years. They feel satisfied with the quality experience they are getting with it.

You’ll never feel sticky using Wet Platinum Silicone Based lube. The lube lasts for a long time. For people who like to last long with their partners without experiencing any friction anytime between sex, this lube is exactly what you need.

What could be better?

The lube itself is great. What I think could be improved is the bottle. The lid tends to leak lube.

Imagine you’re having sex and you have the lube on the bed, you don’t want it leaking and see everywhere messy.

I think the bottle design – especially the lid can be better than it is right now.

Valm Silicone-Based Personal Lubricant

Valm is another silicone based lubricant that lasts very long. The lube is specifically designed to combat dryness and reduce friction without losing the fun in sex.

Yes, you want the lube to work effectively well. But you also don’t want to lose that part of tightness and the feeling of sensation. You don’t want everything to be too slippery.

Valm is the answer to vaginal dryness. It has a great pump that doesn’t spill lube. It’s safe to use with sex toys except for the ones made with silicone.

Silicone based lubes aren’t compatible with silicone based sex toys.

The lube is great for anal sex, and you can use it with Latex and Polyurethane Condoms.

Valm Silicone-Based Personal Lubricant is made in the United States and accepted by FDA.

My Impression

Valm is water-proof. It means you can use it in and around water.

For example, you can have sex with it in the bathtub, shower, swimming pool and outdoors in the rain if you want.

Some people even call Valm anal lube because it works perfectly for anal sex. A few drops will last you for a long time in anal sex. You won’t feel any discomfort after having anal sex with your partner.

One important point I’ll like to make in this review is that, while Valm is water-proof and can be used in and around water, you should avoid the lube touching the surface of the bathtub as it could make it too slippery.

If the surface of your bathtub is slippery, it’s dangerous putting your hands or legs on it. You may need to do a thorough cleaning to get the lube off the surface.

Try to prevent the lube from touching the surface of your bathtub, floor and any other area you could step on.

What could be better?

You may find Valm to be too thick if your vaginal dryness is light and you just need a little bit of wetness. I think they can reduce the thickness a bit to make it a better solution for women who are experiencing mild dryness.

SWISS NAVY Premium Silicone-Based Personal Lubricant

SWISS NAVY Premium Silicone-Based Lubricant is one of the highest quality lubes made with silicone. The lube is long-lasting and completely scent-free.

For couples who don’t like scent from their silicone based lube, SWISS NAVY is just what you need.

The lube has a patented leak-proof pump. Even the bottle of the lube is unique when you compare it to many other lubes available today.

Shipping is discreet. So, you don’t have to worry about someone seeing the packaging and knowing what you bought.

SWISS NAVY has been formulated to enhance your sexual satisfaction. It works for both perimenopause and post-menopausal women.

The lube contains Vitamin E to give you a smooth and soft skin after sex.

My Impression

With the SWISS NAVY Premium Silicone Based lube, less lube application actually means more. Just a few drops are enough to take your sexual pleasure to another level.

The lube doesn’t irritate at all. If you’ve been using lubes that leave you with irritation, you’ll love what you get from the SWISS NAVY lube.

The lube doesn’t have any taste, and it’s extremely soft. The lube comes in a perfect size to have at home and take along with you when traveling.

SWISS NAVY Premium Silicone Based lube is great for anal sex. It works great and feels natural.

I highly recommend SWISS NAVY. I’ll say it’s one of my favorite silicone based lubes. In fact, it’s the best of the best of silicone based lubes.

If you’re looking for a premium lube that gives you that perfect feeling you want, don’t hesitate to buy this lube.

What could be better?

While the lube is great, I’ll like to see them improve the bottle and the lid a bit so that it doesn’t leak out when it’s not upright.

Pjur Original Silicone Based Personal Lube

Pjur Original Silicone Base Lube gives you a super-slick experience. It’s made with a unique formula that enhances your sexual pleasure while at the same time making sure your sexual wellness isn’t negatively impacted. I consider the lube healthy.

Want some massages to build up the desire before sex? Pjur is what you need.

No messy clean-up required with this lube. Thanks to its unique formula that ensures that it’s not too thick and light. Pjur is easier to clean than most silicone based lubes available in the market today.

The lube leaves your skin soft and smooth. You can use Pjur with latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene condoms. You can also use the lube for as long as you want.

Pjur is hypoallergenic. It doesn’t irritate at all.

And it’s also important to note that Pjur Original doesn’t contain fats, fragrances, paraben, preservatives, and water.

My Impression

Pjur Original is one of the best silicone based lubricants, which is why I included it on this list. It’s made with the highest-quality ingredients and uniquely formulated to be perfect for the skin and pleasure enhancement.

The lube is easy to apply. The lid is designed in such a way that makes it easy to apply to the exact area you want.

The lube enjoys high ratings among users.

If customers are saying lots of negative things about a lube, it means it’s doesn’t deliver its promises. Well, Pjur Original meet expectations.

Your skin will feel smooth and soft after using this lube. The lube has zero taste and smell.

What could be better?

The lube is very slippery. Using too much could make you lose the fun in the sex. It’ll be nice if they reduce its ability to slip too easily.

Despite that, I still love Pjur Original Silicone Based lube.

Gun Oil Silicone-Based Personal Lubricant

Gun Oil Silicone Based Personal Lubricant is a high-quality lube that’s great for getting maximum satisfaction from sex.

Before I proceed, I’ll like to make clear that it’s not an oil-based lubricant. Because it has “oil” in its name doesn’t mean it contains oil. It’s purely silicone based.

The lube is hypoallergenic. You can use it with most latex condoms. It doesn’t contain glycerin and parabens.

Gun Oil contains healthy ingredients like Vitamin E and Aloe Vera.

If you like riding hard in bed, Gun Oil is a top-quality lubricant for you. Once applied, you won’t experience any vaginal dryness during sex.

I highly recommend the Gun Oil because it delivers its promises.

My Impression

The merchant offers discreet shipping, which I think is very important when buying personal items like lubes.

The lube itself delivers more than its cost. You’ll find the lube to be extremely cheap when you compare it to the quality of satisfaction you’ll get from using it.

If you’ve been struggling with vaginal dryness for some time, your desire for sex will increase after using this lube for the first time. Why? Because it makes you want to have more sex.

It’s the perfect lube for keeping both you and your partner satisfied in bed.

What could be better?

Gun Oil Silicone Base lube is tough to clean. Be ready to get in the shower after using it. Thorough cleaning is always required after using the lube. It’ll be nice if they can reduce the thickness a bit.

Despite that, the lube is one of the best lubes available today.

Which kind of lube should you go for?

Now, it’s time to make a decision. Which type of lube is the best between water based and silicone based lubes?

If you read the differences I outlined above, you’ll see that it really depends on what you need.

The water based vs. silicone based debate isn’t going away anytime soon because our sexual needs differ.

If you want more natural ingredients in your lube, you may want to choose one of the water based lubes above because they are more natural.

If you care a lot about performance, then a silicone based lube will be the perfect option for you. Silicone based lubes tend to last longer than their water based counterparts.

If you are a huge fan of sex toys, then you may not be able to use silicone based lubes because most toys they are made of silicone. Sex toys made with silicone materials can’t be used with silicone based lubes. Not a healthy combination for the toy and your body.

Choosing between these two comes down to your need.

Do you want to choose performance, or you want to choose a healthy lube?

Conclusion

If you’ve been thinking about which type of lubricant to buy, now you know the answer to your question.

Not only do you now know the type of lube that fits your need, but you also know the five best lubes in each category.

The lubes listed above are just unbeatable by any other you’ll find out there. They give you comfort and pleasure, which is what you need during and after sex.

These lubes ensure that you’re well-satisfied.

If you still find it difficult to choose between these water based and silicone based lubes, I’ll advise that you buy one of the water based lubes and one of the silicone based lubes and try both out separately.