Water-based vs silicone lube
The one decision that affects every toy you own — and it’s simpler than it looks.
Two great options for different jobs. Water-based is the everyday all-rounder: safe with every toy and every material, easy to wash off. Silicone is longer-lasting and slick enough for the shower — but it doesn’t play nicely with silicone toys.
Here’s the honest comparison, and the one rule worth remembering.
At a glance
| Water-based | Silicone | |
|---|---|---|
| Feels like | Natural, close to the real thing | Extra-silky, very slippery |
| Lasts | Reapply as you go | Long-lasting — a little does a lot |
| Toy-safe | Yes — every toy, including silicone | Not with silicone toys — fine with glass, metal & ABS |
| Shower / water play | Rinses away in water | Stays slick underwater — the better choice |
| Cleanup | Washes off with water | Needs soap and water |
| From | £8.39 (500ml) | £15.59 (100ml) |
| Tuppence’s take | The one to own if you own one — safe with everything | A treat for shower play and non-silicone toys |
Which should you buy?
If you’re buying one bottle, make it water-based. It’s safe with every toy you’ll ever own, feels natural, and washes off in seconds. It’s the default for a reason.
Add a silicone lube as a second string for shower play, or with glass and metal toys, where its longevity really shines. Just keep it away from your silicone toys.
Lubido Water Based Lubricant 500ml
A big 500ml bottle of everyday water-based glide — safe with every toy.
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Loving Joy Silicone Lubricant 100ml
Longer-lasting silicone — brilliant in water and with non-silicone toys.
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Common questions
✦ Can I use silicone lube with a silicone toy?
Best not to — over time silicone lube can degrade silicone toys. Use water-based with silicone; save silicone lube for glass, metal and ABS.
✦ Which lasts longer?
Silicone, comfortably. Water-based is easier to wash off but you’ll reapply more often.
✦ Which is best for shower play?
Silicone — it stays slick underwater, where water-based simply rinses away.