Silicone lube is one of the best-performing lubricants on the market. It's got a great slick feel, long-lasting, water-resistant, and a favourite for plenty of people and situations. The one thing worth knowing before you reach for the bottle is whether it pairs well with the toy you're using.
The TL;DR: silicone lube can work well with some toys, but it isn't the best match for silicone ones. Here's what's actually going on, and how to choose the right combination based on what you've got.
What is silicone lube made of?
A quick bit of chemistry. Most silicone lubricants are made from siloxanes, compounds built from silicon, oxygen, carbon and hydrogen. These silicone polymers are what give silicone lube its signature feel: very slippery, long-lasting, and resistant to washing away or drying out mid-session.
That's why it's a go-to for shower and bath sex, anal play, and longer sessions where you don't want to keep reapplying. It's also the lube of choice for skin-to-skin play, and it pairs well with most non-silicone toys, including glass, stainless steel, ceramic and hard plastic (ABS).
So, can you use silicone lube with sex toys?
It depends. Glass, metal, ceramic and ABS plastic toys all play nicely with silicone lube and won't be affected by it. The one exception is silicone toys, where it's worth choosing a different option.
Why silicone lube and silicone toys don't work together
Because silicone lube and silicone toys are made from similar base materials, they can interact on a molecular level. Over time, silicone lube may start to break down the outer layer of a silicone toy, leaving the surface tacky, cloudy or rough.
It doesn't always happen quickly, and some toys are more resilient than others (the higher the silicone grade, the more resistant it tends to be). But because the damage is permanent once it sets in, most people prefer to avoid the risk and use a different lube with their silicone toys.
For silicone toys specifically, Playmate, our water-based lube, is the simplest pairing.
What silicone lube works best with
Silicone lube is a great choice for:
- skin-to-skin play
- shower and bath sex (it doesn't wash off)
- anal play
- long sessions where reapplying isn't ideal
- glass, metal, ceramic and ABS plastic toys
How to tell if a silicone toy has been damaged
Silicone is one of the most durable toy materials around. It's flexible, body-safe, non-porous and built to last. But if it's been exposed to something it shouldn't, the surface can degrade. Here's what to look for.
- It feels sticky or tacky: A healthy silicone toy should feel smooth and velvety. If it feels gummy or sticky even after a wash, the silicone has likely started to break down.
- The surface looks cloudy or uneven: If your toy used to have a soft, even finish and now looks patchy, dull or discoloured, that can be a sign of chemical interaction
- The texture has changed: Run your fingers over the toy. Softened or spongy areas, slight swelling, or rough patches are all worth noting.
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It holds onto smells: Silicone shouldn't absorb odour. If yours smells off after cleaning, the surface may have become porous, which makes it harder to sanitise properly.
Cleaning doesn't fix it. If a thorough wash with warm water and mild soap doesn't bring it back to normal, the issue isn't surface-level. Once silicone degrades, it can't be reversed.
Should you keep using a damaged toy?
If your toy is showing any of the signs above, it's worth retiring. A damaged silicone surface can trap bacteria and is much harder to clean properly, which isn't ideal for anywhere on your body.
What's the best lube to use with silicone toys?
For silicone toys, water-based lube is the easiest choice. It's body-safe, compatible with every toy material, and rinses off with soap and water. It's also the lube to reach for if you're using latex condoms.
Try Playmate, our water-based lube. It's a sensitive formula made with aloe vera, designed to mimic your body's natural lubrication and work alongside your toys without affecting the surface.
Playmate is:
- compatible with all toy materials and latex
- suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- pH balanced
- free of sticky residue
- paraben-free
- glycerin-free
- fragrance-free
- safe to use alongside feminine hygiene products
It also reduces friction, hydrates the skin, and won't leave stains on your sheets or clothes.
The compatibility takeaway
The right lube comes down to what your toy is made of.
- Silicone toys: water-based lube
- Glass, metal, ceramic and ABS plastic toys: silicone, water-based or oil-based all work
- Latex condoms: water-based or silicone (skip oil-based)
- Skin-to-skin only: any of the three
Once you know what you're working with, the rest is straightforward. For a more in-depth breakdown of the differences between the lube types check out our ultimate lube guide here.
