While thought of as relatively new, silicone based lubricants have been used by condom manufacturers for many years. More and more manufacturers are offering silicone based lubricants because of their safety and staying power. Because they are not water based, silicone lubricants don’t “dry up” like water based ones do. But they are safe for use with condoms.
Pros and Cons of Silicone Based Lubricants
Pros:
- Because they contain no water, silicone lubricants never dry up. They stay slick for a very long time.
- If you use silicone lubricants without additives you are unlikely to have any topical body reactions, irritations, allergic reactions. For this reason it is a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
- Silicone based lubricants are also great for full body massage, as a skin moisturizer, and you can use it for shaving.
- Because they don’t break down in water, silicone lubricants can be used in the bath or shower, or for any kind of underwater fun
- If you live in an area where there is snow in the winter, silicone based lube is great for putting on the bottom of a sled or toboggan and going down hills!
Cons:
- Silicone lubricants are not compatible with silicone rubber sex toys or “cyber skin” sex toys. You should never use silicone lubricant with these toy materials.
- It is very difficult to wash off, especially sheets. Silicone is not water soluble so it won’t come off your sheets.
- It is more expensive (although it goes farther than water based lubes, so the price evens out in the end).
- Silicone based lubricants have a “coating” effect on the skin which some people don’t like
- Silicone lubricants tend to have a bad taste.
Quality and Texture Differences between Silicone Based Lubricants
There are very few differences in the way silicone lubricants feel, but there is one main difference which affects both the quality of the lubricant and the cost. Better quality silicone lubricants use more of the denser ingredient called dimethicone. This ingredient is also more expensive. It feels more velvety and lush than the other ones.
If you are comparing silicone lubricants you can check to see where dimethicone comes in the ingredient list. In the better quality, more expensive silicone lubricants it should come first.
Premium quality silicone lubricants include:
Basic quality silicone lubricants include:
