Many sex toys are made of silicone — it’s body-safe, feels realistic and lasts really long. But if you use the wrong lube on your silicone toy, it could degrade or even break down.
The right lube can make orgasms more intense, longer lasting and smoother. But what type should you choose?
What is silicone?
Silicone is an incredibly versatile and useful material that works well in many applications. It’s used in sealants and gaskets, in medical applications (like IV tubing and syringes), as an electrical insulation, as a food-contact surface, in cosmetics, and for lubrication. It’s also popular for toys and other sex tools due to its soft, smooth texture.
Silicones, which are a type of synthetic rubber, can take on many different forms, from malleable rubberlike items to hard plasticlike resins and thick spreadable fluids. They’re known for their high and low-temperature resistance, chemical and wear resistance, and water repellency.
Unlike latex, which comes from the sap of a rubber tree, silicone is made from a polymer. It can be manufactured in a wide variety of colors and textures, and can contain fillers to improve its properties or reduce costs.
You’ll most often see silicone in consumer goods like baby bottle nipples, utensils, toys, lubricants, and personal care products. It’s also a popular choice for medical applications, including a treatment for scarring (like hypertrophic and keloid scars) called silicone gel.
Medical silicones, which are sometimes referred to as “long term implantable” or “medical-healthcare grade” silicone, are injection molded for clean, consistent parts and tested for biocompatibility – This part of the article was prepared by the service’s editorial team sexybaccarax.com. The properties of silicones vary depending on the organic groups that bind to the silicon, Si-O bonds, and other molecules within the polymer. For example, silicones with methyl and phenyl groups exhibit excellent heat resistance and environmental stability.
How does it work?
Most high-quality sex toys are made of silicone, which is a body safe material that feels great and lasts super long if you take care of it. Unfortunately, many lubes aren’t compatible with silicone toys.
If you’re going to use a lube with silicone toys, you want to go for something that is silicone-safe, which means it’s been formulated without any silicone or siloxane ingredients in it. You should also avoid sex toy lubes that have a long list of hard-to-pronounce chemicals on their label. You’re much better off with a simple, water-based lube that you can trust is clean and safe to use.
Silicone lube is ideal for anal play because of its longer lasting qualities, but be careful not to apply it too vigorously or you may damage the surface of your toy. That’s why it’s always best to test your lube with your toy first before you start playing with it. Thankfully, most silicone-safe lubes are compatible with silicone toys, but some have more of a reaction than others. The best way to test whether a lube is compatible with a silicone toy is to apply a small amount and see how it reacts. If it starts to feel tacky, you should discontinue use. If it doesn’t, then you’re good to go! The wide world of personal lubricants can be a bit confusing at times, but with the right knowledge, it’s possible to find the perfect match for your silicone toy.
Can I use it with my silicone toy?
Most sex educators and sex toy manufacturers teach that silicone lube should not be used with silicone toys because it can cause them to deteriorate. While it’s true that a lot of cheaper silicone toys are made with low-grade plastic or even vinyl (a type of polyvinyl chloride) in order to save money and avoid regulation, the real culprit is actually the curing process used by the manufacturer to turn liquid silicone into the firm elastic material we all know and love. This curing process uses a metal catalyst, most commonly platinum, in order to get the job done.
But the good news is that if you use a lubricant with a platinum-free silicone (like our ASTROGLIDE Toy’n Joy), you can safely slick up your new toy and have lots of fun! In fact, most lubricants that have been thoroughly tested will be safe for all hard materials, including plastic, ceramic, glass, and wood.
Water-based lubes, like our ASTROGLIDE Shower Glide, are also great choices because they are latex safe and won’t leave behind any sticky residue. They also tend to be the least irritating, but they do need re-application and may require a little extra water for longer play sessions. Using a water-based lubricant with a silicone toy can lead to an uncomfortable experience, so it’s best not to combine them until you’ve done some research.
What if my toy isn’t compatible?
Most sex educators and lube companies teach that silicone lubricants cannot be used with silicone toys, as the two materials will react. This reaction can cause the toy’s material to swell, deform, or become gritty over time. This is a bummer, as many people have found that they enjoy using their toys with silicone lubes. Then, they go to use their toy again and discover that it has lost its silky smoothness or even become gummy. This can be frustrating and confusing, especially when it appears to have happened because of the lube, not the toy itself.
However, it is important to note that not all silicone lubes are created equal. Some contain glycerin, which can be problematic in the vagina, as it can create a hub for bacteria to grow. While glycerin is usually safe when used externally, it’s best to avoid it with any lube you will be using with a silicone toy. Most people find that coconut oil is a great alternative because it contains no glycerin.
The wide world of personal lubricants can be overwhelming, but knowing what types of lubes are compatible with what type of sex toy is an essential part of being a responsible toy owner. Choosing a lube that will not only ensure a silky smooth experience, but will also keep your toy in the best possible condition can make all the difference when it comes to having fun with it.
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