Lubricant For Condoms: The Best Lube & Condom Pairings

Lubricant for condoms?

Yes, you heard right! 

Most condoms come lubricated. But they don’t always provide the right amount of lubrication for getting freaky under the sheets.

So, adding extra lube can enhance wetness and increase the intensity of sex. 

In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of using lube and condoms together and reveal the best lube to use with condoms. 

We’ll also share what lubes not to use and what to avoid when choosing the right lube for condoms. 

How to Use Lube with a Condom 

Let’s be real; using a sexual lubricant with condoms can make sex — from vaginal sex to anal sex — so much better. 

Here are just a few ways to lube a condom:

• Before sliding on the condom, apply a few drops of lube inside the condom.

• Alternatively, apply the lube to the penis before putting the condom on.

• Once on, apply as much lube as your heart desires to the outside of the condom.

• You can also apply lube to the vulva, vagina, or anus. 

Some things to keep in mind:

• Friction can lead to condom breakage, causing condom failures like a sexually transmitted infection, unwanted pregnancy, and yeast infections. (Yikes!)

• Even with enough lubrication, if you lose your erection, the condom may slip, causing condom failure. 

• Wanna know the best way to avoid friction on the skin? Use sufficient lubrication with the condom. 

• To keep you and your partner safe, choose a non-spermicidal lube. Be wary of spermicide in lubricated condoms, too, as these often contain nonoxynol-9, a chemical known to irritate the vagina.

• For safer sex, opt for natural, water-based lubes that don’t contain any harmful additives.

Why Use Lube with Condoms?

If you only believe lube is useful for issues like vaginal dryness, allow us to open up a whole new world for you!

Using a personal lubricant and condom means better, safer sex and a whole lot of satisfaction. 

In fact, according to a 2022 study, 85% of women agree that lubricant makes sex more comfortable. 

Now let’s take a closer look at some of the key reasons to use condoms and lube together: 

1. It Decreases Friction and Increases Pleasure 

Want to heighten sexual activity for you and your partner? 

Use the right lube with your condoms! (More on this soon.)

This will reduce any discomfort or friction during vaginal sex and help avoid chafing and irritation. 

Hot Tip:

If you really want to take sexy time to new levels, consider using thin condoms. You’ll thank us later!

2. It Prevents Condom Breakage 

Perhaps one of the biggest motivators for using lube with a condom is that it can prevent condom breakage.

You don't want to stress about an unwanted pregnancy or a potential STI. 

Plus, can you imagine having to stop mid-sex to swap out the condom? 

No, thank you! 

3. It Helps with Vaginal Dryness 

Your body may not naturally produce sufficient lubrication for several reasons, including menopause and breastfeeding.  

A lack of natural lubrication during sex can lead to vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. 

Using a sexual lubricant during condom sex (or any sex) will ease vaginal dryness and reduce discomfort or pain.

4. It’s Perfect for Anal Sex

There’s no denying that lube and anal sex are a dynamic (and necessary) duo. 

If you forgo the lube, anal sex will probably be a painful, uncomfortable experience. 

But how do you avoid lubricated condoms sliding off during anal sex?

Easy. Use additional lube. 

Simply apply the lube to the outside of the condom once it’s on and get down to business.  

Which Type of Lube Should You Use with Condoms?

With three main types of lubes out there, let’s see which works best with condoms: 

1. Oil Based Lube

Made from plant and other natural oils, this lubricant provides an excellent glide factor. 

Pros:

• An oil based lube is longer-lasting than water based lube. 
• Oil based lubes are ideal for shower sex as they don’t wash away. 

Cons:

• An oil based lube can cause a latex condom to deteriorate. This can lead to getting pregnant or catching a yeast infection, sexually transmitted infection, or bacterial vaginosis.
• Due to their oily makeup, these lubes can stain your sheets, making it harder to clean up after sex. 

Pair it with: 

• Latex free condoms, like polyurethane condoms (including the internal condom)

Check out:

• The Coconu Oil Based Personal Lubricant: This Oil Based Personal Lube is a natural lubricant that moisturizes dry and sensitive skin.

It’s made using a USDA-certified organic formula featuring coconut oil. It’s also hypoallergenic and free from GMOs and other harmful ingredients.

The best part?
It’s also cruelty-free, edible, and doubles as a luxurious massage oil. 

And don’t worry about making a mess — this lube doesn’t stain sheets or clothing, unlike other oil based lubricants.

• The Coconu Hemp Infused Body Oil: If you’re looking for a versatile product, look no further than this Hemp Infused Body Oil. You can use it as a lubricant, pre-lube, massage and body oil! 

This lightweight oil uses only natural ingredients, including organic coconut oil and  hemp. 

But what’s so special about hemp?

Well, it relaxes the vaginal muscles and increases orgasms. (Need we say more?) 

• AH! YES OB Plant-Oil Lubricant: This long-lasting lube moisturizes your skin and is made with organic ingredients. 

2. Water Based Lube

The most common lube of them all, a water based lubricant, is easy to find and feels a lot like your body’s natural lubrication. 

Pros:

• Water based lubes don’t irritate the sensitive vagina skin.
• Water based lubricants are pH balanced.
• You can use the lube with a sex toy made of any material (including silicone toys!).
• It’s easy to clean, which means no stained sheets!

Cons: 

• It isn’t as long-lasting as an oil based lubricant, so you may need to reapply.

Pair it with: 

• Natural rubber latex condoms
• Polyisoprene condoms
• Polyurethane condoms (including the internal condom)

Check out: 

• The Coconu Water Based Personal Lubricant: This Water Based Personal Lube is the gift that’ll keep you going and going! It’s an all natural lube made with organic coconut water that’s entirely edible (perfect for oral sex!) and cruelty-free. 

• The Blossom Organics Natural Moisturizing Lubricant: This pH balanced water based lube enhances pleasure and leaves no stains! 

• The Aloe Cadabra Natural Water Based Lubricant: For a hydrating lube, check out this lube made using 95% food-grade organic aloe vera. It’s pH balanced and 100% vegan.

3. Silicone Based Lube

Looking for a long-lasting, hypoallergenic lube? 

Then a silicone based lubricant is just what you need. 

Pros:

• Silicone lube lasts the longest — perfect for long-lasting play.
• Condom slippage and breakage are less likely to happen with a silicone based lubricant.
• You can use it during water play and anal sex.

Cons:

• You may experience irritation if the lube isn’t washed off right after intercourse.
• Avoid using silicone lube with silicone sex toys.

Pair it with: 

• Latex and polyurethane condoms (including the internal condom)

Check out: 

• The Wet Platinum Pure Silicone Lubricant: If you have sensitive skin, this is the lube for you! It's made using high-quality ingredients, and its lightweight formula is FDA-approved.

• The Sliquid Silver Luxury Silicone Lubricant: This vegan-friendly, hypoallergenic lube is great for sensual massages and anal play.

• The Überlube Silicone Lubricant: If you want something discreet, Überlube is perfect for storing on your bedside table. It's fully waterproof, making those steamy shower sessions unforgettable. 

What NOT to Use as Lubricant for Condoms

Now let’s explore what products you should never (ever) use as lube: 

• Baby oil: Baby oil is a kind of mineral oil, so if used vaginally, it can heighten the risk of catching an infection. On top of that, baby oil can be a nightmare to wash out. 
  
  
• Petroleum jelly: When used as a lube, petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) is ultra greasy, increasing your chances of contracting bacterial vaginosis and vaginal infection.

• Refined oils: Refined oils (like canola oil, vegetable oil, and olive oil) are super-processed, making them less than ideal for going anywhere near your vagina or anus. 
  
  
• Egg whites: Ever heard of using egg whites as a natural lube? Well, it’s a thing. Unrefrigerated eggs can carry salmonella, and it could lead to genital salmonella infection.

• Yogurt: Some people believe that the probiotics found in yogurt can help make good bacteria in the vagina, but it’s just not safe or sanitary to use with condoms or sex toys.   

• Shampoo: Some ingredients found in shampoo, like synthetic fragrances, can remove the natural protective oils from your skin, irritating your lady bits. 

What to Avoid When Shopping for Lube

You will be spoilt for choice when you go lube shopping, from flavored lube to warming lube to silicone lubricants.

And while these lubes can make for incredible sex, remember to check the ingredient list for harmful additives. 

Another pro-tip? 

Test the pH value of store-bought lubes with a litmus strip (think middle school, science class).  

So, what’s a healthy pH level for your vagina? 

A pH level of 3.5 to 4.5, so the lube you use should also be around the same level.

Here are a few ingredients to avoid because they can cause irritation or inflammation:

• Petroleum (a form of crude oil)

• Glycerin (compound made from vegetable oils or animal fats)

• Propylene glycol (synthetic food additive)    

• Nonoxynol-9 (spermicide)

• Chlorhexidine gluconate (disinfectant and antiseptic)   

• Parabens (a preservative)  

Lubricant and Condoms: The Perfect Pair For Steamier Sex 

Finding the right lube and condom pairing can be an overwhelming task, but with the help of our tips and tricks, it doesn’t have to be.   

Want to try a hassle-free option? 

Check out Coconu’s Oil Based Make a Date Bundle and pair it with a polyurethane condom for an unforgettable, steamy night.