If sex toys were gourmet foods, personal lubricant or lubes would be the 'meat and potatoes' of personal intimacy items. Regardless of your chosen sexual activity and, in particular, for self pleasure, the best lubes for masturbation should be a necessary item for all sexually-active men and women.
Over the decades, products that support physical intimacy, such as personal lubricant, have come a long way. In fact, the first mentions of lube being used in sexual practices were by the Greeks and Romans, who used olive to lubricate themselves.
Then and Now
Nowadays, there are many choices of lube available on the market. Some lubes are better suited for certain sex toy materials, and some lube is best used for skin to skin contact. But with all of the options available, what are the best lubes for masturbation, specifically?
Why Use Lube?
There are many misconceptions about lube. Some may think that lubes are only required for more intense sexual activities, such as anal play. Others may believe that young women do not need lube during sex because before menopause, their bodies produce a natural lubricant from their vagina.
And some couples may be embarrassed to incorporate lube into their sex life because they don't want their partner to think that they are not aroused enough for intercourse.
Benefits To Using A Personal Lubricant
The fact is that incorporating lube into your sex life is nothing to be ashamed of, and in fact, it can make physical intimacy and masturbation even more pleasurable. It's been said that a well-oiled machine runs smoother, and the same is true for your body. And in case you were wondering, no, lube is not the same as using water!
Versatility
Incorporating lube into sex has many benefits. It can be used during foreplay as a fun tease, and it allows for safer insertion of genitals or a sex toy, making many forms of sexual play safer. The same can be said for masturbation. Coating your sensitive areas with lube before masturbating can increase arousal and offer long-lasting enjoyment.
It Just Feels Better
Most men and women can agree that masturbation definitely feels best when lubes are used-but why? First and most importantly, a few studies conducted in the United States noted that using lube during masturbation was more pleasurable and made achieving orgasm 50% easier for both genders! And if that isn't enough reason, using lubes for masturbation is excellent for dry skin for both the head of the penis and helps combat against vaginal dryness.
Too Much Friction?
When you combine the friction from masturbation against dryness, it can make pleasuring oneself uncomfortable, even painful. That is why it's essential to consider using lubes for masturbation.
What Are the Different Types Of Lube?
Lubes come in all sorts of various materials. However, when considering lubes for masturbation, most lube will do the trick. But before we look at the best lube for masturbation, let's explore the various types of lubes on the market.
Purchasing Lubricant
Your decision for choosing the best lube options for self pleasure should be based on your comfort as well as what the lube is based on, meaning it's compound. In general, the choices range from water-based lube, silicone lube, and even au natural lubes like coconut oil and even flaxseed or almond oil. Natural oil-based products have been shown to act as great lubes for masturbation.
Water-based Lube
To start, water-based lube is the most common type of lube on the market. It is also one of the more affordable lubes and best for those who are on a budget. Most people love water-based lube, especially for self-pleasure, because it is quite versatile. H2o-based lube can be used on skin, many sex toys, and also with condoms.
However, the downside to water-based lube is that it is not the most long-lasting and has the potential to dry out quicker than other lubes. Also, if you are concerned about chemical-based lubes, water-based lubes tend to have harsher ingredients that may not be best for sensitive skin.
Silicone Lube
Silicone-based lubes are one of the more expensive lubes, and unlike water-based lube, silicone-based lubes can also be more difficult to find. However, some regard this type of lubricant to be one of the best lubes for masturbation because silicone-based lube is considered hypoallergenic.
Another cool aspect is that silicone-based lubricant is excellent for masturbation in places like the shower because it does not dissolve in water. A little silicone lube can also go a long way as the slipperiness tends to last longer than water-based lube. However, if you enjoy masturbation that uses toys, do not use a silicone-based lubricant because it is not compatible with silicone toys.
Oil-Based Lube
Oil lubricants such as coconut oil can also be used for masturbation. One of the best features of oil-based products is that they are natural, which is essential to some people when it comes to an option for masturbating lube. Similar to silicone, a little oil lube goes a long way.
But it can get messy!
Some of the cons to this type of lubricant is that it can break down the material in condoms (which makes it not the best choice for safer sex), and it can also stain your sheets. Also, there is a risk of contaminating your lube if you use the same type for other purposes, like cooking. So if you use coconut oil, make sure that you use it for self-pleasure only.
Lubes Suitable For Masturbation
When it comes to the best lube for masturbation, there are a few factors to consider. While it may seem like any lubricant will do, the best lubes will possess some essential characteristics, which will help to increase the joy of self-pleasure. Let's explore qualities as well as textures when it comes to choosing the right personal lubricant.
What About Skin Sensitivities?
It's always best for manual pleasure to think about epidermal contact and skin sensitivities, such as allergies. If this is of concern to you, then H2O-based lubricant is a great place to start.
Water-Based Lube
This lube is easy to find, inexpensive, and is easy to remove; use soap and water. As mentioned above, the downfall to a water-based product is that it tends to dry out quickly. However, if you do not have any issue reapplying, this can be one of the best lubes for masturbation.
Silicone
While a silicone option cannot be used for silicone toys, it can be used for masturbation. Some people prefer this option because it provides continuous lubrication. That said, because it is not a water-soluble product, you may find that it leaves a sticky residue. Silicone lubricants are also quite expensive in comparison to their water-based counterparts.
Oil
Lastly, there are natural, oil-based options, such as coconut oil or flaxseed oil. The pros to these oils is that they are all-natural and great for those with sensitivities. However, they can be quite messy and will stain certain fabrics and surfaces. Oils are generally quite affordable and extremely easy to find.
Thin Lube versus Thick Lube
The viscosity of the lube depends mainly on personal pleasure. However, some lubricants are thicker in texture, depending on the intended purpose. For example, thicker lubes are best used for more vigorous activities, such as anal sex.
For A Slippery and Smooth Ride...
Lubricants that are slippery and smooth may be more gentle and more comfortable to use around sensitive areas. You may find that a thicker lube offers too much of a 'coating' and can diminish the sensation of manual friction. Another consideration is that thicker lubes may have more chemical makeup and be harsher on the skin.
Remember to Moisturize
For self-pleasure specifically, a lube containing skin-conditioning moisturizers like aloe vera can help maintain the foreskin of the penis or moisturize the vulva.
Based on the breakdown of options, we recommend a water-soluble product, as it is one of the best options for manual pleasure.
Recommendations for Personal Lubricant
Many products claim they are the best lube for masturbating. In addition to various base choices, some lubes possess heating or cooling agents for increased sensation play during self-pleasure. If you are going to incorporate temperature play into touch, be aware of the substances that can break down condoms or interfere with the PH level of the vagina.
Below, we offer suggestions on the best lubes for both men and women.
For Women:
Lovehoney Enjoy Water-Based Lubricant
This water-based product comes in a handy pump for easy application, and the large 8.5 oz. bottle provides great value for your money. It's compatible with both condoms and sex toys, and the formula is extra slippery for longer-lasting pleasure. Plus, the packaging is so delightful; it looks like something you could place anywhere in your home.
Sliquid is a favorite popular brand and a favorite choice when it comes to manual pleasure. It's vegan formula not only enhances the sensation of touch; it's also great to know that no animals were harmed in the creation of this product. In addition to being water-based, it also incorporates plant-based materials. Plus, its hypoallergenic formula is great for those whose genitals may be more sensitive.
Flavored lubes may not be for everyone, especially if you are prone to chemical reactions. However, some women love the added (artificial) sweetness as it can add a playful spin on sexy play. This product may be best used with a partner (so that they can enjoy the taste!), but there is nothing wrong with a little fruit-flavored self-love. If artificial scents and sweeteners don't upset your Ph levels, then go for it!
While a person of any gender can use most lubricants, this product is just for the ladies! This item may not be suitable for more sensitive vulvas, but for those who enjoy extra stimulation, your clit just may thank you in the form of an incredible orgasm.
If you are looking for something different, gift yourself with a unique product that may help increase blood flow during self-pleasure. While you're at it grab yourself one of the best clitoral pumps for even more stimulation.
For a water-based lubricant, this item has extra glide without the stickiness or messy cleanup. Its vegan formula is scent and dye-free, and the versatility makes for a great product for both solo and partner play. Plus, the packaging design is slick and masculine.
He shoots, he scores! Aim for manual pleasure with this unique product that was created by Marines! No, we are serious. During Operation Dessert storm, marines masturbated with military gun oil while in the trenches. The same group of troops then went on to develop a more developed version that is safe for both solo play and condom use. You only need a few drops to achieve long-lasting pleasure, and best of all, this product is quite affordable. We hope this has you standing at attention!
This unique item comes in a cream formula, and the coolest part of all is that the cream heats up as you use it and as the name suggests, the cream is said to transform at the 29th stroke, to emulate the sensation of human tissue, for a more realistic sensation. That said, this is not a water-based formula, and the heat-activated feature may not be suitable for everyone. Different strokes for different folks!
This is a great lubricant for those who like to lay it on thick! Unlike other water-based products, the viscosity of the ID Xtreme is thicker in texture. As with any H2O formula, there is always a risk of the lube drying out. But you can reactivate the material just by adding a few drops of water. It's both skin and condom safe and comes with a flip-top lid for easy dispensing. However, make sure that you close the lid properly, or this lube may gather and gum up at the top.
Conclusion
In reviewing the best lubes for masturbation for both men and women, we found that the best masturbation lube goes to Sliquid H20 for women and Doc Johnson Titan for men. But since every physical body is different, the best lubes for masturbation are the ones that make you feel amazing!
