Slick, wet, and wonderful — lubricant is a sexual accessory that should always be kept close at hand.

Lube makes all sex acts frictionless and more fun and is absolutely essential for anal sex (the butt is not self-lubricating!). However, due to the variety of lubes available today, choosing one can sometimes be daunting.

Remember, finding the perfect lube for you is a personal thing. You’ll have to decide which texture, consistency, and ingredient list will best suit your needs. We have lube testers at our shops so all lubes can be felt before purchase.

Lubes are generally classified by their base ingredient: water, silicone, oil, or a hybrid mix. Further down, we’ve compiled a list of ingredients that may cause irritation.

Water-based Lube

By far the most common base ingredient for lube is water. Water-based lubes are compatible with latex and all sex toys, and they’re easier to wash off than silicone-based lubes. Water-based lubes vary in consistency quite a bit, from very thin (such as Sliquid Sea) to substantially thick. Thick water-based lubes (such as Sliquid Sassy, Sutil Rich, and Almost Naked) are awesome for anal sex, as the lube provides cushioning and protection for delicate rectal tissues.

Some lubes also contain moisturizing ingredients for longer-lasting effects. Dame Aloe Lube is derived from aloe and includes several anti-inflammatory ingredients, which can make it feel extra silky, soothing, and moisturizing to some.

Because water-based lubes are absorbed into the skin and can evaporate, they may dry out during use — but they can be reactivated with water or another dollop of extra lube. Also, water-based lubes are ineffective in the shower, bath, hot tub, etc. because they wash away easily.

Silicone-based Lube

There are several benefits to silicone-based lube: it’s silky smooth, long-lasting, and it holds up in water. Silicone lube has a velvety texture that is very pleasurable, and it’s compatible with latex (hence why it’s used for most pre-lubricated condoms!). Silicone is not absorbed by the skin, so a little goes a long way, and it never dries out. Because of this, silicone lube is amazing for water play, and it’s a trooper during anal sex. Our favorites include Sliquid Silver and Überlube Just be sure not to spill it — especially in the shower.

Unfortunately, silicone lubes are often incompatible with silicone sex toys. The lube may stick to the surface of the toy, making it gummy to the touch and impossible to clean. If you want to use silicone lube with a silicone toy, cover the toy with a non-lubricated condom first. (Some brands of high-quality silicone lubes are compatible with some brands of high-quality silicone toys, but you should do a test on the base of the toy to make sure. If the lube stays slick, the two are safe to use together. If the lube bonds to the toy, do not use the two together.)

Silicone lube can only be removed with soap and water, so it’s not the best choice for quickies. It can also stain sheets, so lay down a towel first.

Hybrid Lube

Hybrid lubes are made with a mixture of water and silicone. Our favorite hybrid lube is Sliquid Silk. It’s vegan, does not contain glycerin or parabens, and it has a nice creamy texture and appearance. Many people use hybrid lubes successfully with silicone toys, but always perform a test first.

Oil-based Lube

Oil-based lubes are not always so straightforward. We do not recommend using just any oil product as a lubricant, as oil can clog pores and disrupt the natural pH of the vagina. However, we stock an oil-based version of Ah! YES, an organic lube from the UK that contains natural ingredients such as shea butter, almond oil, and vitamin E. Ah! YES is entirely safe for vaginal use; it absorbs into the skin and tissue, which can have a beneficial moisturizing effect. Many of our customers use Ah! YES and love it. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can layer the water-based version of Ah! YES on top of the oil-based for a new, extra slippery lube experience.

Oil-based lubes are not compatible with latex barriers, as they will degrade them. But all oil-based lubes we carry are good for water play and safe to use with silicone toys. Ah! YES can also double as a fantastic massage oil.

Ingredients to watch out for

Beware of these potential irritants in your lube!

Glycerin (or glycerine, glycerol): Glycerin can make lubes sticky, and it’s what makes some of them sweet. But because glycerin is a sugar alcohol, it can affect PH which may exacerbate yeast infections in those who are prone. All of the lubes we carry are proudly glycerin-free, and free as well of all the ingredients listed below!

Parabens (anything that ends with “paraben,” e.g. “methylparaben”): Parabens are a range of common, synthetic preservatives used in everything from cosmetics to packaged food. Recent studies have indicated that parabens may cause allergic reactions and even certain cancers, especially among those born with vaginas. According to experts, when parabens are absorbed into the body, they mimic estrogen and upset normal hormone production; this contributes to the growth of tumors and cancer. Additionally, measurable amounts of various parabens have been found in biopsy samples of breast cancer tumors. Although no study has proven a conclusive link between paraben absorption and cancer, we believe transparency about such ingredients is important to consider when picking a lubricant.

L-Arginine: L-Arginine is an amino acid that may initiate a herpes outbreak in those with genital herpes. It is sometimes found in warming/stimulating lubes. We do not carry any products that contain L-Arginine. However, some stimulating lubes that we carry contain menthol and peppermint; these ingredients may cause irritation, so try a sample size first.

Propylene glycol: This ingredient is used in cosmetics as a humectant, which helps to retain moisture in the skin and prevent it from drying out. Anyone who is prone to yeast infections, or those with vulvodynia or interstitial cystitis, should be wary of propylene glycol. (The similarly-named “vegetable propylene glycol” is a different ingredient, and it is safe.)