Silicone Lube

What are silicone-based lubes and what are they best used for?

“Silicone-based lube is a hypoallergenic personal lubricant that is safe to use with latex condoms, unlike oil-based lubes,” says Amy Roskin M.D., obstetrician-gynecologist and chief medical officer at the Pill Club. “Silicone-based lube often needs to be applied less frequently as it doesn’t wash off as easily as water-based lube and absorbs less quickly into the skin,” she explains.

“Because silicone is so slick, it’s especially good for anal play, hand jobs, and playing in water, but can be used for any kind of sex play,” explains Carol Queen, Ph.D., sex doctor and staff sexologist at Good Vibrations.

Are silicone-based lubes safe to use?

“Due to their hypoallergenic properties, silicone lubes should be safe for most people to use,” says Dr. Roskin. Plus, the ingredients are deemed generally safe by sex experts. “Silicone-based lubes feature silicone polymers (commonly Cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, and dimethiconol) which are ingredients that safely coat the skin to add that slickness wanted from a lube,” explains Lisa Finn, brand manager and sex educator for Babeland.

(Prevention Magazine 3/5/22)