Not all of your sex toys are equally compatible with every type of lube. Perhaps you’ve already had the experience of two of your dildos melting together because you’ve stored them together.
As the whole thing is quite confusing. Especially for newbies, we have summarised here at a glance which materials or ingredients you can use together. Without hesitation and which material-lube-combinations are not advisable. So, find the ideal lube for your sex toy material, ensuring sensational glide and satisfying sensations.
Water-based lubricants
You can hardly go wrong with water-based personal lubes. They are suitable for almost every conceivable material that sex toys are made of.
Advantages: Water-based personal lubricants have good lubricity, are easy to wash out and leave no stains. They are odourless and tasteless. Water-based personal lubricants can be used with condoms without any problems and are pH-neutral.
Disadvantages: Due to the high water content, many water-based personal lubricants contain preservatives and can dry out more quickly during prolonged sex than other types of personal lubricant.
Silicone-based personal lubricants
Silicone-based lubricants, which generally retain their gliding properties for much longer and are therefore particularly suitable for long-lasting adventures, are ideal for toys made of acrylic, ABS, ceramic, glass, metal and PVC, for example. However, sex toys made from the following materials should not be used with silicone-based lubricants: including high-tech materials such as TPE & TPR – also known as CyberSkin, as the silicone can also attack the surface of the toy and the material degrades over time.
Advantages: Silicone-based personal lubricants do not contain water and therefore do not dry out. They are very economical thanks to the silicone oils they contain, do not stick and care for sensitive and dry skin. Silicone personal lubricants do not contain any preservatives and are ideal for use with condoms.
Disadvantages: Silk lubricants must not be used in conjunction with sex toys, which, as described above, are also made of silicone. They are difficult to remove from bed linen with normal detergent and are generally more expensive than water-based personal lubricants due to the raw material used.
Hybrid lubricating gels (mixture based on water and silicone)
Hybrid lubricant is based on a mixture of water and silicone, and thus combines the above-mentioned advantages of both worlds: It is easy to remove while providing long-lasting lubrication. It is also compatible with latex condoms.
Lubricant based on grease or oil
Lubricants containing oil and grease are very suitable for all sex toys made of metal, glass, ceramic, acrylic, ABS and PVC. However, under no circumstances should you use lubricants based on fat and oil with latex toys, rubber or even latex condoms, as your toy or condom may become deformed or even dissolve.
Advantages: Lubricants containing oil provide a superb gliding experience, without any stickiness. This type of personal lubricant is particularly suitable for partners who prefer very long-lasting sex without having to re-lubricate.
Disadvantages: Lubricants containing fat and oil should not be used in conjunction with latex condoms! It may cause small tears and make the condom permeable to pathogens. Condoms for latex allergy sufferers are not affected by this. These are made from plastics such as polyurethane.
The most common sex toy materials and compatible lubes
| Sex toy material | Suitable lubricant |
| Silicone | Water |
| TPE & TPR | Water |
| Latex | Silicone, water, hybrids |
| PU | Silicone, water, hybrids |
| Ceramics | Silicone, water, oil, hybrids |
| Acrylic | Silicone, water, oil, hybrids |
| Metal | Silicone, water, oil, hybrids |
| Glass | Silicone, water, oil, hybrids |
| PVC | Silicone, water, oil, hybrids |
| ABS | Silicone, water, oil, hybrids |
| Vinyl | Silicone, water, oil, hybrids |
A few tips for storing your Sex toys
- Toys made of hard or rigid materials (wood, metal, glass, ABS plastic) can be stored together without hesitation
- Toys made of soft and flexible materials (silicone, rubber, TPR, TPE) should always be stored separately from each other
- Tupperware containers, paper bags, cloth bags and similar items are suitable for separate storage
Conclusion: The right lube for your perfect experience
In conclusion, choosing the right lubricant is just as important as picking the right toy. The right lube doesn’t just enhance comfort and pleasure – it also protects your sex toys and makes them last longer. Water-based lubricants are versatile and easy to clean, silicone-based gels are perfect for long-lasting glide, hybrids combine the best of both worlds, and oil- or fat-based lubes work well with hard materials – but never with latex condoms.
If you care about your toys, always check compatibility between the lube and the material. Reading the ingredients before use can save you from unpleasant surprises. Proper storage is just as essential: keep your toys clean, dry, and separated to ensure they remain safe and ready to use.
Many brands also offer special lubricants with added effects such as warming, cooling, or skin-soothing properties. This gives you the chance to personalize your experience even further.
Whether you’re enjoying solo play or intimacy with a partner, the right lube ensures safety, comfort, and maximum pleasure. Don’t hesitate to try out different options – you’ll quickly find the one that matches your body and your favorite toys best.