Water-Based vs Silicone vs Oil: The Quick Guide for Kenya
Which lube is safe with condoms, which works with toys, and which is easiest to live with, in one table.
For most people, water-based lube is the safest everyday choice: it’s safe with all condoms and all toy materials, and it washes off with water. Silicone lasts longer but can damage silicone toys. Oil-based products can weaken latex condoms, so avoid them if you use condoms.
The comparison at a glance
| Water-based | Silicone | Oil-based | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condoms | Safe with all | Safe with most | Can weaken latex |
| Toys | Safe with all materials | Can damage silicone toys | Can damage many toys |
| How it lasts | May need reapplying | Lasts longest | Lasts long |
| Clean-up | Washes off with water | Needs soap | Can stain fabric |
When water-based is the right choice
- You use condoms, latex or non-latex.
- You use toys of any material.
- You want easy clean-up with no stained sheets.
Its one trade-off is that it can dry as you go. That’s normal; just reapply a little.
When people choose silicone
Silicone lube lasts longer and suits water play. Avoid it with silicone toys, and expect to need soap to wash it off.
Why to be careful with oil
Petroleum jelly, baby oil and other oils can weaken latex condoms, which can lead to breakage. If protection matters to you, don’t use oil with latex. Read our full oil vs water-based guide.
Try water-based with Slyd
Slyd is water-based with a pH of 4.0, non-sticky, and safe with condoms and toys.
Frequently asked questions
Which lube is best with condoms?
Water-based lube is safe with latex and non-latex condoms. Silicone is safe with most condoms. Avoid oil-based products with latex condoms.
Can I use silicone lube with toys?
Avoid silicone lube with silicone toys, as it can damage them. Water-based lube is safe with all toy materials.
Is petroleum jelly a good lube?
It’s not recommended with latex condoms because oil can weaken latex. It’s also hard to wash off.
Where can I buy water-based lube in Nairobi?
Order Slyd at slydlube.com with M-Pesa (same-day delivery across Nairobi when you order by 6 pm), visit our Star Mall shop, or buy from MyDawa, Quickmart, Portal Pharmacy, Haltons, Pharmaplus, DoveyPharma and Nila Pharmaceuticals.
Keep reading
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