Comparison of lubricating gels: which one to choose?

Whether it's a source of additional pleasure or a necessity to counter intimate dryness, the use of lubricating gels can be necessary during sexual intercourse. They facilitate glide, limit friction, pain, and irritation, and enhance pleasure. However, in recent years, there have been more and more different lubricating gels : water-based, oil-based, with CBD, without CBD, compatible with condoms, compatible with sex toys, etc. At Gapianne, a concept store dedicated to female intimacy, lubricants are among our bestsellers and have become one of our specialties: we are constantly looking for new products and are attentive to your customer feedback. Today's article is a comparison of the best lubricating gels currently on the market to help you make your choice.

Water-based lubricant

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

Benefits 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 vaginal dryness.
• Easy to clean: Water-based lubricants rinse off very easily with water. They leave no greasy finish or residue.
• 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 composed largely of water (more than 90%).
• Edibility: Water-based lubricating gels are edible. We know 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.

Discover all our natural lubricants for sexual intercourse >

How to choose your water-based lubricant?

When choosing a water-based lubricating gel, it's important to check the ingredients, especially if you have any allergies or specific sensitivities. It's also advisable to choose products that are glycerin- and paraben-free if you're prone to infections or irritation.

The Gapianne selection

In Gapianne, we've selected for you the water-based intimate lubricating gel from the brand Puissante, which specializes in sex toys. It was designed for your comfort during sexual intercourse and for use with sex toys. This lubricant is odorless and edible. As a bonus, we love the fact that it's 99.6% natural and made in France.

Aloe vera gel based lubricant

Less well known to the general public, lubricating gels based on aloe vera gel have properties similar to those of 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 plant's moisturizing and soothing properties.
• Easy to clean: Aloe vera-based lubricants rinse off easily with water. They leave no greasy residue, no residue, and just a hint of freshness.
• Non-staining: Like water-based lubricants, aloe vera lubricants are generally transparent and will not stain sheets or clothing.
• Edibility: Aloe vera-based lubricating gels are edible. That's interesting information, isn't it? ;)
• 🟢 Compatibility: Condoms, sex toys, medical equipment

Disadvantages of Aloe Vera Lubricants

• May cause allergies and irritation: Because aloe vera can be allergenic, aloe vera gel-based lubricants may cause allergies, irritation, or reactions. We recommend testing the product on the back of your hand before use and removing it immediately if you experience a burning sensation.
• Limited duration: Aloe vera lubricants provide lubrication similar to water-based gels. It may be necessary to reapply the product during intercourse that lasts a little longer.
• Not water resistant: removable with cold water without soap, aloe vera lubricants cannot be used during sexual intercourse in water.

The Gapianne selection

On our e-shop, we've selected for you the aloe vera-based lubricating gel from the American brand Maude, a pioneer in the world of feminine intimate care. We love that it's highly hydrating and gentle on the intimate area thanks to the neutral pH of aloe vera. In France, it's available exclusively at Gapianne.

Silicone lubricant

Silicone-based lubricants are another popular option for enhancing comfort and pleasure during sex or the use of sex toys. They are formulated from various types of silicones (dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, etc.). These compounds are synthetic and insoluble 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-lasting lubrication: Silicone-based lubricants do not evaporate or degrade quickly, providing long-lasting lubrication. You do not need to reapply the product, allowing for uninterrupted intercourse.
• 🟢 Anal sex: Silicone-based lubricants are particularly recommended for anal sex due to their texture, slipperiness, and hold. They also prevent irritation that can be caused by this practice.
• Water resistant: Silicone lubricating gels are water resistant, making them particularly suitable for sexual intercourse taking place in water (bath, swimming pool, sea, etc.).
• Hypoallergenic: The advantage of silicone-based lubricants is that they are made with ingredients that are not known to cause allergies and reactions (unlike oil-based lubricants, which we will discuss later).
• 🟢 Compatibility: Condoms

Disadvantages of silicone lubricants

• Difficult to clean: Because silicone-based lubricants are water-resistant, they require warm water and soap to completely remove. This can contribute to drying out/unbalancing your intimate flora.
• 🔴 Not Compatible with Sex Toys. Silicone lubricants can damage some sex toys: it is recommended to test the lubricant on a small area of the sex toy to test before use.

Is silicone lubricant for me?

Silicone lubricating gel is a good option if water-based lubricants don't provide enough glide and/or if you enjoy anal sex. We don't recommend it if you have an imbalance in your vaginal flora, as the rinsing phase can further dry out your vaginal flora.

The Gapianne selection

In Gapianne, we selected 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 moisturizing your intimate areas. We particularly like that this gel is odorless and non-sticky.

Oil lubricant

Oil-based lubricants are a popular option for those looking for long-lasting lubrication and a rich, nourishing sensation. Oil-based lubricants can be made from both natural oils (coconut oil, jojoba oil) and synthetic oils (mineral oils). As their name suggests, oil-based lubricants have an oily texture, varying in thickness depending on the oil used as the base.

Benefits of Oil-Based Lubricants

• Long-lasting lubrication: Oil-based lubricants provide extended lubrication and glide, making them suitable for long-term intercourse. There's no need to reapply the product.
• Edibility: Oil-based lubricating gels are edible, especially when they are made with natural oil. We'll 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-based lubricants can cause allergies, irritation, or even reactions. You can test the product on your hand for a first look.
• Difficult to clean: Because oil-based lubricating gels, as the name suggests, are 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.
• Less water-resistant: Oil-based lubricants are more water-resistant than water-based lubricants, but less so than silicone lubricants. They are not suitable for underwater sex, but may be sufficient for use in the shower.
• 🔴 Not compatible with: 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?

Oil-based lubricating gel may be of interest to you if you're looking for a product with more intense lubrication than water-based lubricants while being more natural than silicone-based lubricants. Be careful, however: it is not compatible with sex toys or condoms.

Lubricants for specific needs

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

Fertility booster lubricant

Fertility-boosting lubricant is ideal if you're planning a baby. It's a lubricant that not only facilitates lubrication during intercourse, but also facilitates sperm's passage to the cervix thanks to its appropriate texture and pH. Fertility-boosting lubricants are generally water-based.

The Gapianne selection

Increase your chances of conceiving by using Ferti.Lily's fertility lubricating gel. This water-based lubricant has the same properties as cervical mucus , creating a favorable environment for your partner's sperm to survive and move freely.

I want to try this fertility lubricant

Probiotic Lubricant

Probiotic lubricating gel is suitable for regulating your vaginal flora. It's useful if you don't use condoms and your partner's sperm tends to disrupt your vaginal flora and cause health problems. The probiotics in the lubricating gel strengthen your vaginal flora and protect you.

The Gapianne selection

At Gapianne, we've selected Miyé's moisturizing and rebalancing intimate gel with probiotics . Thanks to its probiotic-rich formula, this water-based lubricating gel helps rebalance your intimate flora from the inside out. 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 care product is certified vegan, natural, and organic.

CBD Lubricant

CBD-based lubricating gels aim to amplify muscle relaxation and pleasure. They are particularly recommended for people who are apprehensive about sexual intercourse or, on the contrary, who want to increase the sensations of pleasure felt. Indeed, cannabidiol, or CBD, is a molecule derived from a subspecies of hemp. Non-psychotropic, it has numerous virtues and properties such as relaxation and rest. Note: CBD-containing lubricants are generally oil-based because fatty substances increase the bioavailability of CBD (in other words, in the presence of fatty substances, 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 brand My Lubie. In addition to nourishing and hydrating the skin thanks to its oil-based formula, the CBD contained in its bottle reduces pain related to penetration and menstruation and increases sexual pleasure by relaxing the muscles. This oil is multi-purpose: you can adopt 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.

In conclusion, there are many lubricating gels on the market with specific bases and properties that make them relevant, or not, depending on your issues.

In Gapianne, we have selected the best lubricants for you with different benefits to offer you a wide choice: which one will you go for and why?

The comparison