When it comes to personal lubricants, opinion is divided on the question of water versus silicone. Some swear by water-based lubricants, while others only use silicone-based lubricants. What exactly is the difference and is one really better than the other? Which kind is better suited to which people? Read on and we’ll give you the low-down!
What kinds of personal lubricant are there?
Before we get to the two types of personal lubricant we will be looking at here, first let us give you a brief overview of what personal lubricants are available:
Water-based personal lubricants: Water-based lubricants are composed largely of water, which is absorbed into the outer layers of the skin, leaving them hydrated. They provide excellent lubrication and are often enriched with other natural ingredients as well.
Hybrid personal lubricants: Hybrid lubricants are water-based yet also contain a small amount of silicone. They therefore offer the best of both worlds and can be used with all types of sex toys thanks to their low silicone content. They also have a creamy consistency and are easy to dispense, which is ideal when using them with toys.
Silicone-based personal lubricants: This type of lubricant is made up primarily of silicone – and since silicone molecules remain on the skin, this kind of lubricant offers extra-long-lasting lubrication.
Oil-based personal lubricants: Oil-based lubricants mainly consist of oil and are therefore not water-soluble. These lubricants also stay on the skin, meaning they have to be washed off. We do not have oil-based personal lubricants in our product range here at pjur, as not only are they not suitable for use with latex condoms and sex toys, but vaginal use can also result in infections due to the oil they contain.
Why choose water-based personal lubricants?
As the name implies, the main component in water-based lubricants is water. This provides the moisture required in your intimate area, thus supplying the outermost layer of skin with the moisture it needs. This is hugely beneficial, especially for women suffering from vaginal dryness. What’s more, water-based lubricants are also intensely nourishing. They leave a pleasant feeling on the skin thanks to their high water content. Many pjur water-based lubricants also contain other ingredients such as aloe vera, panthenol and hyaluron. These substances also help nourish the skin. And water-based lubricants are ideal for use with all types of sex toys, since the water they contain cannot damage the toys. And of course they also guarantee excellent lubricating properties too.
Why choose silicone-based personal lubricants?
Silicone-based personal lubricants are largely made from silicone. As silicones stay on the surface of the skin and do not absorb into the skin, silicone lubricants provide ultra-long-lasting lubrication. Many cosmetic products also contain silicone. With all products that contain silicone, it is very important to ensure only high-quality silicones are used. In addition to the benefit of the extra long-lasting lubrication they provide, silicone-based lubricants are also extremely skin-friendly, some even being suitable for allergy sufferers, and they do not contain any added preservatives. What’s more, not only are silicone-based products suitable for use during sex but, thanks to their lubricating properties and their ability to remain on the skin, they can also be used for massage.
We have summarised the main features of the two types of personal lubricant for you in the table below:
| Water-based personal lubricants | Silicone-based personal lubricants |
| Excellent lubricating properties | Ultra-long-lasting lubrication |
| Main ingredient: water | Main ingredient: silicone |
| Intensely nourishing, pleasant feel on the skin | Extremely skin-friendly |
| Water-based personal lubricants generally contain preservatives, as they are necessary to make the products last; exceptions include pjur WOMAN Nude and pjur med SENSITIVE glide | No preservatives |
| Perfect for using with sex toys | Leading manufacturers of sex toys have already confirmed that their products are suitable for use with our silicone lubricants following extensive testing. So far we are not aware of any cases of problems occurring. To be on the safe side, however, you can test our personal lubricants on a small area of your sex toy beforehand. |
| Compatible with latex condoms | Compatible with latex condoms |
| Examples from pjur: pjur AQUA, pjur AQUA Panthenol, pjur WOMAN Nude, pjur WOMAN ALOE | Examples from pjur: pjur ORIGINAL, pjur WOMAN, pjur LIGHT |
*This table is based on the properties of our pjur lubricants. We are unable to provide any information on other water-based or silicone-based products.
For those who want to enjoy exceptionally long-lasting lubrication without having to re-apply their personal lubricant, silicone-based products are the best choice. It is also the best choice for anyone wanting to use their pjur lubricant for massages as well. If it’s more important for you to ensure you get the moisture you need in your intimate area, and possibly even relieve the symptoms of vaginal dryness, then water-based lubricants are ideal. Water-based lubricants are also perfect for using with toys.
Both types of personal lubricant have their own distinct advantages. In the end, it is up to you to decide which one you feel more comfortable with and what will just help make your sex life more fun 🙂
