Lube Guide: Water, Silicone or Oil-Based?

Lube makes sex and toy play more comfortable, and it can make condoms less likely to tear. The catch is that not every lube works with everything. The wrong one can weaken a latex condom or damage a silicone toy. This guide sets out the three main types and what each one is safe with, using advice from Australian health services and the toy makers' own instructions, all checked on 30 October 2026.

18+ only. SexCentral.com.au is for adults. It's an independent guide operated by Dominet BV. This page is general information, not medical advice: for pain, irritation, an allergy or any other health worry, talk to a GP, a pharmacist or a sexual health clinic. We don't sell products and we don't show explicit content. No link on this site is an affiliate link right now. We may earn a commission from retailers in future when a reader buys through a link on this site. If that happens we'll label those links and explain it in our affiliate disclosure, and it won't change the facts we publish. Retailer facts were checked on each retailer's own website on 30 October 2026 and can change. Read our general information notice.

The three main types at a glance

Water-based lube

Quin, the sexual health service of Thorne Harbour Health, describes water-based lube as easy to clean and safe with latex and silicone barriers. It washes off in water, which makes it the simplest choice for toys and for cleaning up afterwards.

It's also what the big toy brands ask for:

• Womanizer: its FAQ recommends water-based lube.
• We-Vibe: its FAQ recommends water-based lube.
• Satisfyer: its FAQ recommends water-based lube.

If you're only going to buy one lube, water-based works with condoms and with every toy material we've covered.

Silicone-based lube

Quin says silicone lube is long-lasting and safe with latex. Satisfyer's FAQ notes the trade-off from the other side: water-based lubes evaporate over time, while silicone lubes can leave stains if spilled.

The main limit: Sexual Health Victoria says silicone-based lube can't be used with silicone sex toys, because it may damage the toy and increase the risk of transmitting STIs. Quin also says it can degrade silicone toys over time. So keep silicone lube for condoms, skin and non-silicone toys such as glass or stainless steel, and check the toy maker's instructions first.

Silicone lube also takes more washing to remove from skin, toys and sheets.

Oil-based lube

Sexual Health Victoria says oil-based lube can't be used with latex condoms, because it can damage the latex. Quin adds that oil-based lube can linger and may increase the risk of irritation.

Some toy makers also warn against oils. We-Vibe's warranty page says oils and creams, including coconut oil, essential oils and sunscreen, can damage its toys. That includes household oils people sometimes reach for in a pinch.

If you use condoms, don't use oil-based lube with them.

Lube and condoms

The Australian Government's Beforeplay advice says condom-safe lubricants, water or silicone based, can help reduce the chance of a condom tearing. Sexual Health Victoria says the same two types can be used with external condoms, and suggests checking the lube's label.

A few other points from Sexual Health Victoria:

• Use a new condom when switching from one kind of sex to another.
• Some people are allergic to latex, and non-latex condoms are available.
• Condoms kept somewhere hot, such as a car glove box in summer, may fail.
• Condoms and lube are sold in supermarkets, pharmacies and petrol stations.

Lube and toys

The simplest rule is to match the lube to the toy's material:

When in doubt, use water-based. It's what all three brands we've reviewed recommend. Our body-safe materials guide explains how to work out what your toy is made of.

Sensitive skin

Quin suggests that people with sensitive skin choose a water-based lube that's glycerine-free, fragrance-free or hypoallergenic. Check the ingredients on the label.

If you notice itching, stinging, a rash or pain after using a lube, stop using it. A GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic can help if it doesn't settle.

What the toy makers say to look for

The brands go further than naming a base:

• We-Vibe's FAQ suggests a water-based lube from a known manufacturer that's CE-marked and medical grade, dermatologically tested, and free of preservatives, comedogenic oils and perfume additives. It also sells its own lube, made by pjur.
• Womanizer's FAQ says water-based lubricants are the best option for its products, because the stimulator head is made from silicone that silicone lubricants can deteriorate.
• Satisfyer's FAQ says silicone-based lubricants aren't compatible with some silicone products, including its devices, and recommends water-based lube.

Those are each company's own recommendations, and two of them sell their own lube. You don't need a brand-matched lube. A good-quality water-based lube from a known maker, suited to your skin, follows the core of their advice.

Common lube mistakes

• Oil with latex condoms. Sexual Health Victoria says oil-based lube can damage latex.
• Silicone lube on a silicone toy. Sexual Health Victoria and Quin both warn against it.
• Household oils and creams on toys. We-Vibe lists coconut oil, essential oils and sunscreen as things that can damage its toys.
• Fragranced lube on sensitive skin. Quin suggests fragrance-free or glycerine-free options instead.
• Storing condoms somewhere hot. Sexual Health Victoria says heat may cause them to fail.

Lube for dryness or painful sex

Dryness can make sex uncomfortable. Jean Hailes for Women's Health says vaginal moisturisers, lubricants and hormone therapies can ease vaginal dryness and painful sex during menopause, and that water or silicone-based lubricants can be used for painful sex.

Jean Hailes also says a doctor might recommend lubricants, moisturisers, vaginal estrogen or menopausal hormone therapy when dryness causes painful sex, and that a pelvic floor physiotherapist, sex therapist or psychologist can help. If sex is painful, it's worth talking to a GP rather than only changing lube.

Reading a lube label

On the bottle or the product listing, look for:

• The base. Water, silicone or oil. If a lube contains any silicone, check whether the maker says it's safe with silicone toys.
• Condom compatibility. Sexual Health Victoria suggests checking the label.
• Ingredients. Look for glycerine-free or fragrance-free if your skin is sensitive, as Quin suggests.
• Toy compatibility. Some lubes state which toy materials they suit.

Cleaning up

Quin says water-based lube washes off in water, while silicone lube takes more effort to remove. Wash toys after use with mild soap and water, as set out in our cleaning guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best lube to use with condoms?

Beforeplay and Sexual Health Victoria both say water-based or silicone-based lube can be used with condoms. Oil-based lube shouldn't be used with latex condoms.

Can I use silicone lube with a vibrator?

Not with a silicone vibrator. Sexual Health Victoria says silicone lube may damage silicone toys. Use water-based lube instead.

Is coconut oil safe as lube?

Not with latex condoms, because oil-based lube can damage latex, according to Sexual Health Victoria. We-Vibe also says coconut oil can damage its toys.

What lube is best for sensitive skin?

Quin suggests a water-based lube that's glycerine-free, fragrance-free or hypoallergenic.

Does lube stop condoms breaking?

Beforeplay says condom-safe lubricants can help reduce the chance of a condom tearing. Use water or silicone-based lube with condoms.

What lube do Womanizer, We-Vibe and Satisfyer recommend?

All three recommend water-based lube in their FAQs.

Where can I buy lube in Australia?

Sexual Health Victoria says condoms and lube are sold in supermarkets, pharmacies and petrol stations. Online adult stores also sell lube; see our online adult stores comparison for their delivery and returns terms.

Can I use silicone lube with a glass toy?

Sexual Health Victoria's warning is about silicone toys. For glass, stainless steel or any other material, check the toy maker's instructions first.