Comparison of lubricating gels: which one to choose?

A source of additional pleasure or obligation to counteract intimate dryness, the use of lubricating gels may prove necessary during sexual intercourse. They facilitate slipperiness, limit friction, pain and irritation and increase pleasure. In recent years, however, there have been more and more different lubricating gels : with water, with oil, with CBD, without CBD, compatible with condoms, compatible with sex toys... On Gapianne, a dedicated concept store for female intimacy, lubricants are among our best-sellers and have become one of our specialties: we are constantly looking for new references and are listening to your customer feedback. Today's article is a comparison of the best lubricating gels on the market today to help you make your choice.

Water lubricant

Water-based gel lubricants are, as their name suggests, largely composed of water. Their texture is generally fine, very watery. Most often, they also include thickening agents to create the gel texture, humectants to maintain humidity (such as glycerin or propylene glycol) and preservatives to ensure product stability.

Advantages of water-based lubricants

• Well tolerated: the advantage of water-based lubricants is that they are generally well tolerated whether you tend to have allergies, sensitive skin or even vaginal dryness
• Easy to clean: water-based lubricants rinse off very easily with water. They leave no greasy finish or deposit.
• Non-staining: Water-based lubricants do not leave stains on sheets or clothing.
• Good for the environment: water-based lubricating gels are particularly good for the environment because they are largely composed of water (more than 90%).
• Edibility: Water-based lubricating gels are edible. We know that you can guess what you can do with this information ;)
• 🟢 Compatibility: Condoms, sex toys, medical equipment

Disadvantages of water-based lubricants

• Limited duration: the slipperiness offered by water-based lubricants has a more limited duration than other lubricants and it may be necessary to reapply the product during prolonged intercourse.
• Not water-resistant: Because they are water-removable, water-based lubricants are soluble and therefore cannot be used during sex in water.

How to choose your water-based lubricant?

When choosing a water-based lubricant gel, it's important to check the ingredients, especially if you have specific allergies or sensitivities. It is also advisable to choose products without glycerin and parabens if you are prone to infections or irritation.

The Gapianne selection

On Gapianne, we have selected for you the water-based intimate lubricating gel from the Puissante brand, specialized in sex toys. It has been designed for your comfort during sexual intercourse and for use with sex toys. This lubricant is odorless and edible. As a bonus, we like the fact that it is 99.6% of natural origin and that it is made in France.

I want this lube

Aloe vera gel-based lubricant

Less known to the general public, lubricating gels based on aloe vera gel have properties similar to water-based lubricating gels (aloe vera being essentially composed of water) in addition to having a strong moisturizing power. .

Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel Lubricants

• Additional hydration: compared to water-based lubricants only, aloe vera gel-based lubricants benefit from the moisturizing and soothing properties of the plant.
• Easy to clean: aloe vera-based lubricants rinse very easily with water. They leave no greasy finish, no deposit, except a slight fresh smell.
• Non-staining: Like water-based lubricants, aloe vera lubricants are generally transparent and do not leave stains on sheets or clothing.
• Edibility: aloe vera-based lubricating gels are edible. This is interesting information, isn't it? ;)
• 🟢 Compatibility: Condoms, sex toys, medical equipment

Disadvantages of aloe vera-based lubricants

• May cause allergies and irritations: because aloe vera can be allergenic, lubricants containing aloe vera gel can cause allergies, irritations or even reactions. We recommend testing the product on the back of your hand before use and removing it immediately if you feel a burning sensation.
• Limited time: aloe vera lubricants provide lubrication similar to water-based gels. It may be necessary to reapply product during sexual intercourse which lasts a short time.
• Not water resistant: removable with cold water without soap, aloe vera lubricants cannot be used during sex in water.

The Gapianne selection

On our e-shop, we have selected for you the aloe vera-based lubricating gel from the American brand Maude, a pioneer in the world of feminine intimates. We like that it is very hydrating and respectful for the intimate area thanks to the neutral pH of aloe vera. In France, it is exclusively on Gapianne.

I want this aloe vera lube

Silicone lubricant

Silicone-based lubricants are another popular option for improving comfort and pleasure during sex or using sex toys. They are formulated from various types of silicones (dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, etc.). These compounds are synthetic and not soluble in water, which gives them specific properties. The texture of silicone-based lubricants is often silky, thick and smooth, very soft.

Benefits of Silicone Lubricants

• Long Lubrication Life: Silicone-based lubricants do not evaporate or degrade quickly, providing long-lasting lubrication. You do not need to reapply the product, allowing for uninterrupted reporting.
• 🟢 Practice of anal sex: silicone-based lubricants are particularly recommended for the practice of anal sex because of their texture, their slipperiness and their hold. They notably avoid the irritations which can be caused by this practice.
• Water-resistant: silicone lubricating gels are water-resistant, making them particularly interesting for sexual relations taking place in water (bath, swimming pool, sea, etc.).
• Hypoallergenic: the advantage of silicone-based lubricants is that they are composed of ingredients that are not known to create allergies and reactions (unlike oil-based lubricants which we will talk about again).
• 🟢 Compatibility: Condoms

Disadvantages of Silicone Lubricants

• Difficult to clean: Since silicone lubricants are water-resistant, they require warm water and soap to completely remove. This can contribute to drying out/unbalancing your intimate flora.
• 🔴 No Compatibility: Sex toys. Silicone lubricants can damage certain sex toys: it is recommended to test the lubricant on a small area of ​​the sex toy to test before using it.

Is silicone lubricant for me?

Silicone lubricating gel is of interest to you if water-based lubricants don't provide long enough slipperiness and/or if you enjoy anal intercourse. We do not recommend it if you have an imbalance in your vaginal flora because the rinsing phase can contribute to drying out your vaginal flora even more.

The Gapianne selection

On Gapianne, we chose the silicone-based lubricant from the American brand Maude. Its paraben-free formula increases the comfort of intimate sexual activity with long-lasting lubrication by hydrating your private parts. We particularly like that this gel is odorless and non-sticky.

I want this silicone lube

Oil lubricant

Oil-based lubricants are a popular option for those looking for long-lasting lubrication and a rich, nourishing feel. Both natural oils (coconut oil, jojoba oil) and synthetic oils (mineral oils) can be used in the composition of oil-based lubricants. As their name suggests, oil-based lubricants have an oily texture, more or less thick, depending on the oil used as the basis for their composition.

Benefits of Oil-Based Lubricants

• Long lubrication duration: Oil-based lubricants provide prolonged lubrication and slipperiness that is suitable for long-lasting sex. There is no need to reapply product.
• Edibility: oil-based lubricating gels are edible, especially when they are based on natural oil. We let you imagine what you can do with this information ;)
• Good for the environment: Oil-based lubricating gels are totally good for the environment, especially when they are made from 100% natural cold-pressed oil.

Disadvantages of oil lubricants

• May cause allergies and irritation: Whether made from natural or mineral oil, oil lubricants can cause allergies, irritation or even reactions. You can test the product on the skin of your hand for a first taste.
• Difficult to clean: Since oil-based gel lubricants are, as their name suggests, made of oil, they are greasy and leave a greasy finish on the skin. They require rinsing with warm water and soap and can stain sheets, underwear and clothing.
• Poor water resistance: Oil lubricants are more water resistant than water lubricants but less than silicone lubricants. They will not be suitable for underwater sexual practice but may be sufficient for use in the shower.
• 🔴 Non-Compatibility: Sex toys, Condoms. Oil-based lubricants can make latex condoms porous and damage some silicone sex toys. It is recommended not to use them for these purposes.

Is oil lubricant for me?

Gel oil lubricant may interest you if you are looking for a product with more intense lubrication than water-based lubricants while being more natural than silicone-based lubricants. Be careful though: it is not compatible with sex toys and condoms.

Lubricants for specific needs

Beyond the different bases that lubricants can have, there are specific lubricants which can respond to particular problems and needs . They are interesting if you have a very specific need.

Fertility booster lubricant

Fertility booster lubricant is suitable if you have a baby project. It is a lubricant which will not only facilitate lubrication during sexual intercourse but also facilitate the advancement of sperm to the cervix thanks to a suitable texture and pH. Generally, fertility booster lubricants are water-based.

The Gapianne selection

Increase your chances of procreation by using fertility lubricating gel from the Ferti.Lily brand. A water-based lubricant, it has the same properties as cervical mucus and thus creates an environment favorable to the survival and movement of your partner's sperm.

I want to try this fertility lubricant

Probiotic Lubricant

The probiotic lubricating gel is suitable for regulating your vaginal flora. It is interesting if you do not use a condom and your partner's sperm tends to unbalance your vaginal flora and create health problems. The probiotics contained in the lubricating gel strengthen your vaginal flora and protect you.

The Gapianne selection

On Gapianne, we have selected the moisturizing and rebalancing intimate gel with probiotics from the Miyé brand. Thanks to its formula loaded with probiotics, this water-based lubricating gel helps rebalance your intimate flora from the inside. A true two-in-one, you can use this lubricant as a cream for your vulva in case of irritation. As a bonus, this intimate treatment is certified vegan, natural and ORGANIC.

I want to discover this balancing lubricating intimate gel

CBD Lubricant

CBD-based lubricating gels aim to amplify muscle relaxation and pleasure. They are particularly recommended for people who are apprehensive about the sexual act or, on the contrary, who want to increase the sensations of pleasure felt tenfold. Indeed, cannabidiol, or CBD, is a molecule from a subspecies of hemp. Non-psychotropic, it has many virtues and properties such as relaxation and relaxation. Please note: lubricants containing CBD are generally oil-based because fatty substances increase the bioavailability of CBD (in other words, in the presence of a fatty substance, CBD is better assimilated by the body).

The Gapianne selection

On the Gapianne eshop, we have selected for you the intimate CBD oil from the My Lubie brand. In addition to nourishing and hydrating the skin thanks to its oil-based formula, the CBD contained in its bottle reduces pain linked to penetration and periods and increases sexual pleasure by relaxing the muscles. This oil is multi-purpose: you can use it as a lubricant, but also as a soothing and nourishing agent for your vulva. Made in France, it is made from ingredients from organic farming.

I want to try this intimate oil

To conclude, there are many lubricating gels on the market with particular bases and properties that make them relevant, or not, depending on your problems.

On Gapianne, we have selected for you the best lubricants with different virtues in order to offer you a wide choice: which one will you fall for and why?