There are four primary types of synthetic lubricants commonly used as sexual stimulants or aids to penetration. Each presents variations in the amount of glide, slide, drag, viscosity and absorption rates that help define sustainability of use, pleasure and the sensations we encounter along the way.

Lubricants for sexual aid come in water, silicon, oil, gels (jelly) and hybrids of these fluids. There’s even a powder that provides a slippery surface but is less applicable or compatible with the moistures of penetration.

Each type and brand of lubricant has its own viscosity. Viscosity is the thickness of the lubricant that affects the level of glide by the barrier it creates between two mating surfaces. Thicker fluids presumably have a slower rate of flow and establish a wider barrier but may not provide equal levels of glide.

Lubricants act as both a coolant and barrier at the point of friction or where matting surfaces meet or touch. The lubricants’ viscosity or barrier effect, affects the sensations we feel or those sensations that get transferred through the lubricating fluid. These variations allow users to select a lubricant for its resulting sensation(s), how slippery it is and ability to be ingested or used internally.

It’s important to note that glide effects and sensations transferred through lubricants are also linked to the girth (width) of a projectile. The tighter fit of a large projectile can push the lube barrier aside resulting in surface to surface contact creating friction heat that results in a burning sensation. Be sure to add enough lubricant to overcome heat related friction between rubbing surfaces.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a low viscosity substance with a moderate glide and absorption rate
Mineral oil provides a much needed softening of the skin. Anal Sutra recommends a light coating of mineral oil be applied to any dry surface and the doorway of any orifice when larger projectiles are on the menu. This oil helps to prevent cracking by adding moisture back into the skin.

Mineral oil embeds in the pores so it stains everything and can be difficult to get out. It also leaves a residue in bathtubs, hot tubs and washing machines – if bleach is not a part of your washing protocol. Be sure to protect the sheets and seat cushions when using mineral oil.

Note: Combined with water or silicon based lubes, a few drops of mineral oil provides an added molecule that increases glide and overcome the slow/low glide of thicker lubes like gels and jelly’s. Notably, when oil and water mix, the two substances become cloudy and begin to turn white. The change in color indicate the two lubricants are successfully interacting. Also, mineral oil can deteriorate latex over time so its best for direct internal and intermittent use.

Gels & Jelly’s (Durex/KY)

Gel is a high viscosity substance with a slow glide and high absorption rate.
It creates a thicker barrier between surfaces that can hide subtle variations in the surface terrain that stimulates opposing surface(s). The thick fluids provide effective glide that can drag surfaces along in the direction of motion. The tighter grip or friction of gel offers assistance in retaining inserted objects.

Silicon (Astro Glide)

Silicone is a low viscosity substance with a high glide and high dissipation rate.
Silicone-based lubricants are safe for condoms and like water-based lubes need to be reapplied often. Not a lot of Silicone is required to create glide but as is with most products, the fluids tend to rapidly bead off objects including human skin so there is more waste than higher viscosity water based lubricants.

Water based (ID Lubricants)

Water based lubricants have low to moderate viscosities with moderate to high glide and absorption rates
Water based solutions are easy to clean, don’t run as fast as silicone and the variety of available products offer a range of lubricating characteristics to meet any desired effect. We performed practical testing of ID Lubricants product line [among others] and find ID Pleasure superior to alternative brands for its viscosity and high glide. Inclusion of gingko biloba and red clover creates a tingling stimulation at the point of application.