Lube is the most underrated thing in the drawer. The right one turns “fine” into “oh” — and stops toys, skin and everyone involved from having a rough time of it. The main question is simply which base suits what you’re doing.

Below are the ones we reach for most, across every type, plus a quick guide to which is which.

Water-based, silicone or hybrid?

Water-based is the safe default: works with everything, safe with all toys, easy to wash off (top it up as it dries). Silicone lasts longest and is brilliant in water — but never use it with silicone toys, as it can damage them. Hybrids split the difference: mostly water-based with a silkier, longer-lasting feel.

Which lube is safe for my toy?

The golden rule: water-based lube is safe with every toy, including silicone. Save silicone lube for glass, metal and skin-on-skin. When in doubt, reach for water-based — it’s why it’s our default recommendation.