Silicone vs Water vs Oil-based lubes: The Ultimate Guide

Ever stood in a chemist aisle, staring down a shelf full of lubes with absolutely no idea what the difference between a silicone vs water-based lube actually is and just grabbed the one with the loudest packaging? You're not alone. Lube is one of those things most people know they should probably be using more of, but few feel confident navigating.

The truth is, the type of lube you use matters a lot. The wrong formula for the wrong situation can mean messy sheets, a ruined sex toy, a broken condom, or just a texture that completely kills the vibe. The right one, on the other hand, can genuinely transform your experience, whether that's a marathon session with a partner, solo play in the bath, or simply adding some extra comfort to everyday intimacy.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the three main types of personal lubricant: water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based. We break down the pros and cons of each, what they're best used for, and how to choose the right one for you

To summarise we've got a handy table of tussle's lube range:

What is a water-based lubricant?

Water-based lube is exactly what it sounds like, a lubricant with water as its primary base. It's the most widely available type on the market and, for many people, the go-to everyday option. A good water-based formula is designed to closely mimic the body's natural lubrication, making it feel intuitive and comfortable from the start.

Tussle's Playmate is our water-based lubricant. It’s pH balanced, dermatologically tested, and formulated specifically for sensitive skin and intimate use.

Pros of water-based lube

• The most versatile option: Water-based lube plays well with pretty much everything. From latex condoms to polyurethane condoms, silicone toys, vibrators, dildos, and more. If you're not sure which type of lube to reach for, water-based is almost always a safe default.

• Gentle and skin-friendly: A well-formulated water-based lube mimics the body's own moisture, which makes it especially suitable for people with sensitive skin or those prone to irritation or UTIs. Tussle's Playmate is pH balanced, glycerin-free and carefully formulated to support your body's natural environment rather than disrupt it.

• Easy to clean up: It rinses off easily with water and won't stain your sheets, clothing, or toys. No lingering residue, no awkward clean-up.

• Compatible with condoms and toys: Safe to use with all condom types, including latex, and with all toy materials, including silicone. This makes it uniquely flexible compared to the other lube types.

Cons of water-based lube

• Shorter-lasting than other formulas: The main trade-off with water-based lube is longevity. Your skin will gradually absorb the moisture and the water will dry out, which means you may need to reapply during longer sessions. This isn't always a dealbreaker, just make sure to keep the bottle close by (and buy a duo pack 😉).

• Not suited for water play: Because water-based lube is, well, water-based, it washes away easily under running water. Shower sex, bath play, or anything involving significant water exposure will quickly make it ineffective. For that, you'll want an oil-based or silicone-based lube.

Best for

Everyday use, partnered sex, solo play, use with condoms or toys, sensitive skin, and anyone new to lube who wants a reliable, low-risk starting point.

What is a silicone-based lubricant?

Silicone-based lube uses silicone polymers rather than water as its base. The result is a slicker, more enduring lush formula that doesn't absorb into the skin and doesn't wash away easily. It's a favourite for extended sessions and water play.

Tussle's Marathon is our silicone-based lubricant. Long-lasting, waterproof, and designed for when you need something that genuinely goes the distance.

Pros of silicone-based lube

• The longest-lasting formula: Silicone doesn't absorb into skin and doesn't evaporate like water, which means Marathon keeps on working long after a water-based lube would have required a reapply. It's ideal for extended sessions where stopping to reapply would break the flow.

• Silky, luxurious texture: Silicone lube has a distinctive, ultra-smooth feel that many people prefer to other formulas. It's often described as the most "premium" sensation of the three types.

• Waterproof: Unlike water-based lube, silicone holds up in the shower, bath, or pool. If water play is on the agenda, silicone is your most reliable option, closely followed by oil-based.

• Safe with condoms: Silicone lube is fully compatible with latex and other condom materials, making it a strong choice for safer sex that also needs to last.

Cons of silicone-based lube

• Not compatible with silicone sex toys: This is the big one. Silicone lube degrades silicone toy surfaces over time, and ultimately ruin your toys. If your toys are made from silicone (which many toys are), stick to water-based lube. If you're unsure of your toy's material, check with the manufacturer, or play it safe with Playmate.

• May not suit very sensitive skin types: While Tussle's Marathon avoids the low-grade silicone and harsh additives found in many mainstream formulas, people with extremely reactive skin may still find silicone-based lube less comfortable than water-based alternatives. If you have highly sensitive skin, it's worth doing a patch test before full use or opt for Playmate instead.

Best for

Long sessions, anal sex, shower sex and water play, use with condoms, and anyone who wants maximum longevity without frequent reapplication.

What is an oil-based lubricant?

Oil-based lube uses natural or synthetic oils as its base rather than water or silicone. It's rich, nourishing, and uniquely multifunctional, working equally well as a personal lubricant, a massage oil, and a skin treatment. It's also the most sensory and indulgent of the three types.

Tussle's Extra Virgin is our oil-based lubricant. Made from 100% natural ingredients, fully edible, and designed to work beautifully in and out of the bedroom.

Pros of Oil-Based Lube

• Rich but lightweight texture: Oil-based lube has a lush, silky feel that's distinctly different from water or silicone. Think more natural and skin-like. Extra Virgin is formulated to feel indulgent without being heavy or greasy.

• Nourishing and moisturising: Natural oils are good for skin. Extra Virgin doubles as a moisturising body treatment, making it especially beneficial for people experiencing vaginal dryness, whether from hormonal changes, menopause, medication, or day-to-day variation.

• Fully edible: Because Extra Virgin is made from 100% natural oils, it's completely safe to eat, which makes it ideal for oral sex and outercourse. No synthetic aftertaste, no ingredients you wouldn't want in your mouth, but note that not all oil-based lubes are edible. Please check before ingesting.

• Great for a full-body massage: Of the three types, oil-based lube is the one that most crosses over into massage territory. The texture is designed for skin-on-skin contact across the whole body, not just intimate areas. This makes it a versatile addition to your intimacy toolkit.

• Water-resistant: Like silicone, oil doesn't wash away easily, so Extra Virgin holds up well in the shower or bath. It's a great option for water play if you want something that's also edible and natural.

Cons of oil-based lube

• Not compatible with latex condoms: This is the most important thing to know about oil-based lube. Oil degrades latex, which can cause condoms to break. If you're using latex condoms, do not use oil-based lube. Non-latex condoms (polyurethane or polyisoprene) are fine, but always check the packaging. For a latex-compatible lube that also lasts well, Marathon is the better option.

• May cause sensitivity with very frequent use: Natural oils are generally well tolerated, but for people with particularly reactive intimate skin, repetitive use can occasionally cause mild irritation. If you notice any discomfort, take a break and reassess or opt for a sensitive skin option like Playmate.

Best for

Massage, oral sex and outercourse, shower and water play, people experiencing dryness and anyone who wants a natural, edible formula.

The Best Lube for Every Situation

Not sure which type is right for your specific situation? Here's a quick fire reference.

Best Lube for Anal Sex

Marathon (silicone-based) - Anal sex involves more friction and less natural lubrication than vaginal sex, which makes longevity the top priority. Marathon's long-lasting, silky formula means you're less likely to need to stop and reapply mid-session. Use generously and reapply as needed regardless. Bonus points for also being compatible with condoms.

Best Lube to Use With Condoms

Playmate (water-based) or Marathon (silicone-based) - Both are fully compatible with latex and non-latex condoms. Avoid Extra Virgin with latex condoms as oil and latex don't mix.

Best Lube to Use With Toys

Playmate (water-based) - Water-based lube is the only type safe to use with silicone toys, which make up the majority of quality sex toys on the market. If your toys are made of a non-silicone material (glass, metal, ABS plastic), oil-based is also fine, but when in doubt, reach for Playmate.

Longest Lasting Lube

Marathon (silicone-based) - No contest. If you want something that keeps going without needing frequent reapplication, silicone is your formula. It’ll last as long as you can.

Best Lube for Sensitive Skin

Playmate (water-based) - Its pH-balanced, dermatologically tested formula is designed to work with the body's natural environment, making it the gentlest option for reactive or sensitive skin.

Best Lube for Dryness or Menopause

Playmate or Extra Virgin - Playmate's water-based formula replenishes moisture in the moment. Extra Virgin's natural oils provide deeper, more nourishing moisture and can be used generally on the rest of the body, not just during sex.

Best Lube for Massage

Extra Virgin (oil-based) - Its natural oil base is specifically designed for full-body use, and the nourishing ingredients make it as much a relaxing intimate treatment as a sex lubricant. Nothing else in the range comes close for massage.

Best Lube for Oral Sex and Outercourse

Extra Virgin (oil-based) - It's 100% edible, made from natural ingredients, and has no synthetic taste or smell. The clear choice for anything that involves mouths.

Best Lube for Shower Sex and Water Play

Extra Virgin (oil-based) or Marathon (silicone-based) - Both are water-resistant and will maintain their effectiveness under running water. Extra Virgin is the better choice if oral sex is also on the agenda; Marathon is the better choice if you need maximum longevity or are using condoms.

How to Choose the Right Lube: A Quick Summary

If you're still unsure, here's the short version:

• Using condoms? → Playmate or Marathon (not Extra Virgin with latex)

• Using silicone toys? → Playmate only

• Want it to last as long as possible? → Marathon

• Shower, bath, or water play? → Extra Virgin or Marathon

• Oral sex or massage? → Extra Virgin

• Sensitive skin or experiencing dryness? → Playmate or Extra Virgin

• Want one lube that does most things? → Playmate

The honest answer is that most people end up with more than one type in their nightstand because different situations genuinely call for different formulas. Think of them less as competitors and more as a toolkit. Browse all our lube range here.