By composition Water-based Water-based personal lubricants are water-
soluble and are the most widely used personal lubricants. The earliest water-based lubricants were
cellulose ether or
glycerin solutions. Products available today may have various agents added for even dispersal, moisture retention, and resistance to contamination. The viscosity of these products can be altered by adjusting their water content and concentration of
cellulose or other gel-forming
hydrophilic ingredient. Because water-based personal lubricants absorb into the skin and evaporate, most water-based lubricants have a tendency to dry out during use, but reapplication of the lubricant or application of water or saliva is usually sufficient to reactivate them. When the lubricant eventually dries out, it may leave behind a residue derived from the other ingredients in the formulation. This may require reapplication during sex, and/or removal of the residue with water. Scientists are testing whether
anti-retroviral lubricants or gels can be applied to aid in the prevention of transmission of
HIV. Typical water-based lubricants may be incompatible with sex acts that occur in water (such as in a bathtub, pool, or hot tub) as they can be dissolved or dispersed in water. The
Population Council, in a 2011 study, tested commercially available water-based sexual lubricants, and found that many damaged human rectal cells and that some of them – those containing
polyquaternium-15 – appeared to actively increase HIV replication in cell cultures and therefore could raise one's risk of HIV transmission. Water-based 'lubes' have been recommended for use in safer sex because they do not weaken condoms like oil-based lubricants do. The researchers concluded: "Since it is the condom that is protecting users from HIV rather than the lube, condom users should still be encouraged to use water-based lubes because condoms are also more likely to break, and trauma to the rectal lining occur, with no lube". They also cited
silicone-based lubricants as a potential alternative, although they did not test any silicone lubes in their study. A later study has validated the findings of the Population Council for the hyper-osmolality of some water-based products to cause damage to some human cells, and better bio-compatibility with low-osmolality water-based products and silicone-based products. However, the study failed to corroborate polyquaternium 15 having a role that binds HIV to rectal cells or increases HIV replication.
Oil-based Oil-based lubricants, for example petroleum-based lubricants (such as
petroleum jelly), can increase the likelihood of breakage and slipping of
latex condoms due to loss of elasticity caused by these lubricants. Thus, they are not considered compatible with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants may be considered desirable for people who are in relationships not requiring
condom use and who wish to avoid certain additives and preservatives often found in other lubricants.
Silicone-based Silicone-based lubricants do not contain any water. They offer a different feel from water-based personal lubricants. Silicone-based lubricants are not absorbed by skin or
mucous membranes and consequently last longer than water-based lubricants. Many different silicone lubricants are commercially available, with varying quality and performance. Not all silicone-based lubricants are
certified latex-safe, but silicone-based lubricants have not been shown to increase the risk of
HIV transmission during
anal intercourse, as some water-based lubes have. Silicone-based lubricants are not usually recommended for use with sex toys or other products that are made from silicone because the formula may dissolve the surface, making it sticky to the touch, and cause disintegration of the item over time. Human saliva and olive oil have been found to be detrimental to sperm function. Certain commonly used commercial lubricants, although labeled as non-spermicidal or
spermicidal agent-free, have been found to impair sperm function, with several of these lubricants being as toxic to sperm
in vitro as
contraceptive gels. Sperm motility and viability were found to be disrupted shortly after direct contact between sperm and those lubricants or in saliva. Sperm function could be compromised following lubricant contact, due to the specific ingredients in the lubricant or due to the chemical properties of the lubricant, such as highly raised osmolarity or low
pH. Such lubricants are therefore unsafe for use during fertility procedures such as
semen collection Anal-specific Many lubricants are safe for
anal sex, but there are products that are specifically marketed or designed to enhance enjoyment of anal sex. Often, this is simply a thicker gel rather than a liquid. This thicker consistency is preferable because it helps the lubricant stay in place. Some anal lubricants contain
numbing agents to relieve discomfort during anal sex, although the use of numbing agents is generally inadvisable as a lack of sensation makes accidental injury more likely. Additionally, a commonly used numbing agent,
benzocaine, can cause an allergic reaction in those with an allergy to PABA (
4-aminobenzoic acid). Some lubricants are conveniently packaged for ease of application. Many of these products such as Astroglide Shooters have been pulled from the market due to
FDA Medical Device Requirements. Products containing benzocaine can numb all body parts with which they come in contact.
Organic or natural In the
United States, the first certified organic personal lubricant labeled with the
USDA organic seal was Nude Personal Lubricant, which was created in 2004 by Applied Organics. The US
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates lubricant as a medical device rather than as a cosmetic. Because of strict FDA guidelines for medical devices, organic personal lubricants were no longer allowed to carry a USDA seal, and they should be very careful about using the term
organic anywhere on the label. Many of these types of lubricants also market themselves as "natural" and do not contain
parabens,
glycerin,
diethanolamine (DEA) or animal-based ingredients. Some contain
botanicals such as
aloe vera or plant extracts.
Specialty lubricants Warming lubricants contain specific ingredients to cause a sensation of warmth. Breathing on these types of lubricants may increase the effect. "Cooling" or "tingling" lubricants may contain ingredients such as
peppermint. Some lubricants are sold together, such as "hot and cold", or are marketed for a specific use or effect. Flavored lubricants contain flavorings, such as fruit flavors, to enhance oral contact. "Edible" lubricants may be flavored and/or may not contain any ingredients that are not advisable to eat.
Other Other products that have been used as personal lubricants include
vegetable shortening, which is durable and inexpensive but damaging to latex. In a controversial scene in the movie
Last Tango in Paris, the character Paul, played by
Marlon Brando, uses
butter during anal sex with the character Jeanne, played by
Maria Schneider. ==Uses==