Best Water Based Lubes For Sexual Pleasure, Sex Toys

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Photographed by Kate Anglestein.

Not only is lube a fantastic way to make sex a bit messier, it can enhance the natural sensations that come with getting down and help you avoid unwanted friction, too. Of course, the world of personal lubrication products is wide and ranging — when you take your specific preferences into account, not all lubes are created equal.

For example, if you tend to use latex condoms or silicone sex toys, water-based lube (as opposed to silicone-based ones) should be your go-to. Pam D., a representative and sexpert at Babeland, tells Refinery29 that lubes made with silicone can break down other silicone-based products, so, in order to keep your playtime safe, stick with lubes that are free of the stuff.

One thing to keep in mind, Pam tells us, is that you'll probably need to reapply when using water-based lubes. Simply put, "it doesn’t have the staying power of silicone lube," she explains.

If you're still not totally sure which lube is right for you, swing by your local sex toy shop and chat up the salespeople for advice. "Ask questions," Pam says. "And don’t be afraid to sample."

Ahead, we've rounded up our favorite water-based, silicone-toy-safe lubes. Read on to discover your next favorite.

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