How to use lube comes down to three things: pick the right type for the activity, apply more than you think you need, and reapply before anything starts to drag. This guide explains lube types, amounts, condom and toy compatibility, and which bottles Badd Kitty recommends for each job.
Updated October 2026
Quick answer
- Water-based lube works with every toy and every condom; it is the safe default.
- Silicone lube lasts longest and is best for shower play and anal sex, but keep it off silicone toys.
- Hybrid lube blends both: long-lasting, easy to wash off, toy-friendly.
- Amount: a coin-sized dollop to start, two to three times that for anal, and reapply freely.
- Apply to both the body and the toy or condom, and warm it in your hands first.
Which type of lube should I use?
Water-based lube
Water-based lube is the all-rounder: safe with latex condoms and every toy material, easy to wash off, and simple to reapply. It dries out sooner than silicone, so keep the bottle within reach. Our most popular bottles are JO H2O (from $9.95), Wicked Simply Aqua ($19.95 to $24.95) and the four-ingredient Earthly Body Waterslide ($18.95). Thicker gels such as Wicked Simply Aqua Jelle ($27.95) stay put better.
Silicone-based lube
Silicone lube is ultra long-lasting and does not absorb into skin, which makes it ideal for anal sex, long sessions and water play. The trade-offs: it needs soap to wash off and it is not compatible with silicone toys. Try Überlube ($32.95 to $44.95), pjur Original (10 ml travel size $8.95) or La Nua unscented silicone (from $20.95).
Hybrid lube
Hybrids are water-based formulas with a little silicone added. They last longer than plain water-based lube, feel creamy, and are safe with silicone toys and condoms. Wicked Simply Hybrid ($23.95 to $29.95) and pjur Hybrid Toy Lube ($44.95) are the ones our staff reach for most.
Specialty lubes
Anal lubes are thicker and more cushioning: JO Anal Thick H2O (from $19.95) and pjur Back Door H2O ($32.95). Stroker lubes such as JO Stroker Lube ($24.95) are extra dense for sleeves. Flavored and warming lubes are for oral and sensation play; check that they are sugar-free if you are prone to irritation.
Lube types compared
| Product | Brand | Price | Type | Condoms | Silicone toys | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H2O Original | System JO | from $9.95 | Water-based | Yes | Yes | Everyday, toys |
| Simply Aqua | Wicked | $19.95 to $24.95 | Water-based | Yes | Yes | Sensitive skin, toys |
| Anal Thick H2O | System JO | from $19.95 | Water-based gel | Yes | Yes | Anal play |
| Simply Hybrid | Wicked | $23.95 to $29.95 | Hybrid | Yes | Yes | Longer sessions with toys |
| Überlube | Überlube | $32.95 to $44.95 | Silicone | Yes | No | Anal, shower, massage |
| Original 10 ml | pjur | $8.95 | Silicone | Yes | No | Travel, trying silicone |
How much lube to use, and how to apply it
- Warm it first. Squeeze a coin-sized amount into your palm and rub your hands together so it is not cold on contact.
- Lube both sides. Apply to the body part being touched and to the toy, condom or fingers doing the touching.
- Use more for anal. The anus does not self-lubricate, so start with two to three times as much and keep the bottle open.
- Reapply early. Add more the moment things feel tacky. A few drops of water revive water-based lube; silicone just needs a little more.
- Dispense without the mess. Pump bottles and flip caps are easier one-handed than screw tops.
Lube for specific situations
- With toys: water-based or hybrid on silicone toys; anything goes on glass and metal. A dedicated toy lube such as pjur Toy Glide ($29.95) is formulated to stay slick on strokers and vibrators.
- Anal sex: thick, cushioning gels (JO Anal Thick, Sliquid Sassy from $14.95) or a silicone lube like pjur Back Door silicone ($39.95) for staying power with non-silicone toys.
- Oral: flavored water-based lubes such as JO Bake Shoppe ($16.95) or Wicked Aqua Flavored ($24.95), which rinse clean.
- Dryness: Wicked Simply Timeless ($30.95) is made with people who experience dryness in mind; a plain, glycerin-free water-based lube is the gentlest everyday choice.
- Massage into sex: silicone lubes such as Überlube double as a massage glide and stay slippery for the whole evening.
Toy and condom compatibility
Water-based and hybrid lubes are safe with every toy we sell: silicone, glass, metal, ABS plastic and soft stroker sleeves. Silicone lube is excellent on glass, metal and skin but should stay away from silicone toys and soft sleeves, which it can degrade. Water-based and silicone lubes are both condom-safe; oil-based products, including coconut oil, baby oil and most lotions, weaken latex and should not be used with condoms.
Safety, comfort and skin care
If a lube stings, itches or leaves you irritated, stop using it and rinse with water; glycerin, fragrance and warming agents are the usual culprits, so try a plain water-based formula next. Choose body-safe, pH-balanced products and check the expiry date. Lube is not a substitute for going slowly during anal play, and numbing products hide the signals that tell you to pause. Persistent irritation, pain or bleeding is a reason to talk to a clinician. This article is general guidance, not medical advice.
Shop this guide
Orders ship in plain packaging with free standard shipping over $75. Browse all lube, the water-based, silicone and hybrid edits, thicker anal lube, or start at our sex toys for beginners hub.
