Lube is the most underrated purchase in this whole category. The right one makes everything more comfortable and more fun; the wrong one can ruin a good toy, break a condom, or leave you irritated. And yet most people grab whatever's nearest the till without knowing there are three completely different types that behave in completely different ways.
Here's the whole thing in plain English: the three lube families, what each is good and bad at, and a quick chart to match the right lube to what you're actually doing. If you just want the safe all-rounder, water-based lube works with every toy and every body — start there.
The Three Types of Lube, Quickly
Almost every personal lubricant sold in New Zealand falls into one of three families: water-based, silicone-based, or hybrid (a blend of the two). Everything else — "natural", "warming", "flavoured" — is a variation on one of these three bases.
Water-based — the safe all-rounder
Water-based lube is compatible with everything: all toy materials, all condoms, all bodies. It washes off with water, doesn't stain, and is the gentlest option for sensitive skin. Its only downside is that it absorbs and dries out over time, so you reapply or add a little water to reactivate it. For the vast majority of people and situations, this is the right default. See water-based lubes →
Silicone-based — longest-lasting, best for water and anal
Silicone lube is slick, long-lasting, and doesn't dry out — a little goes a long way and it stays slippery for the whole session. It's waterproof, so it's the pick for shower or bath play, and its longevity makes it popular for anal use. The catch: it damages silicone toys (never combine the two), and it needs soap to wash off skin and sheets.
Hybrid — the middle ground
Hybrid lube is mostly water-based with a small amount of silicone added. You get most of the easy cleanup and toy-friendliness of water-based, with a longer-lasting, silkier feel. A good compromise if water-based dries out too fast for you but you still use silicone toys — though always check the label, as some hybrids still aren't recommended for silicone toys.
Which Lube for Which Situation
The type you want depends less on brand and more on what you're doing. Here's the quick logic.
Using silicone toys? Water-based only
This is the single most important rule. Silicone lube bonds to and permanently ruins silicone toys. Since most quality toys — including nearly everything at 1sttoy — are body-safe silicone, water-based lube is the safe default. Using silicone lube once won't just wash off — see our toy cleaning & care guide for why. Browse toy-safe lubes →
Anal play? Prioritise long-lasting and go slow
The anus doesn't self-lubricate, so you want more lube and a longer-lasting one. Thicker water-based "anal" formulas or silicone lube both work well — use silicone only with non-silicone toys or fingers. Reapply generously and never rush. See anal toys and starter kits →
In the shower or bath? Silicone wins
Water washes away water-based lube almost instantly, which defeats the point. Silicone-based lube is waterproof and stays slick underwater — just remember it's incompatible with silicone toys and makes surfaces slippery.
Using condoms? Water-based or silicone — never oil
Both water-based and silicone lube are safe with latex and non-latex condoms. Oil-based products (coconut oil, lotions, petroleum jelly) degrade latex and cause condoms to fail — avoid them entirely for condom use.
Sensitive skin or prone to irritation? Simple water-based
If you're prone to irritation, UTIs, or yeast infections, choose a simple water-based lube and skip anything "warming", "tingling", or heavily fragranced — those extras are the usual culprits. Fewer ingredients, less trouble.
Ingredients Worth Avoiding
A few common additives cause more problems than they're worth for sensitive users. Glycerin can trigger yeast infections in people who are prone to them. Strong warming/cooling agents and heavy fragrances are common irritants. If your skin is reactive, the shortest ingredient list is your friend.
How Much to Use (Most People Use Too Little)
Under-using lube is the most common mistake. More lube reduces friction, which means more comfort and less irritation — there's no prize for using less. Start with more than you think you need, keep the bottle within reach, and top up the moment things feel less slick. It's cheap insurance for a much better experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the safest lube for silicone toys?
Water-based, every time. Silicone lube permanently damages silicone toys. Water-based is compatible with all toy materials and rinses off easily. See water-based lubes →
Can I use the same lube for vaginal and anal play?
Yes — a good water-based or hybrid lube works for both. For anal you'll simply want more of it and, ideally, a thicker or longer-lasting formula since the area doesn't self-lubricate.
Is silicone lube better than water-based?
Not better — different. Silicone lasts longer and is waterproof, but can't be used with silicone toys and is harder to wash off. Water-based is more versatile and toy-safe. Most people are best served by water-based, with silicone kept for shower play or non-silicone toys.
Can I use coconut oil or other natural oils as lube?
It's not recommended. Oils break down latex condoms and can disrupt vaginal pH, raising infection risk. Stick to a purpose-made water-based or silicone lubricant.
Why does my water-based lube get sticky?
It's drying out as the water absorbs. Add a few drops of water or a small reapplication to reactivate the slip — no need to wipe it off and start over.
Is flavoured lube safe for internal use?
Flavoured lubes are designed for oral play. Many contain sugars or glycerin that can cause irritation or yeast infections if used internally — use a plain water-based lube for penetration.
The Short Version
If you buy one lube, make it a simple water-based one — it's toy-safe, condom-safe, gentle, and works for almost everything. Add a silicone lube only if you want shower play or extra-long wear with non-silicone toys. Use more than you think you need, and skip the tingling gimmicks if your skin is sensitive.
All 1sttoy orders ship in a plain, unbranded courier bag with a generic label and no product details on the invoice — standard NZ Post / Aramex delivery, typically 2–5 business days.
