Allergen-free Labeling
‘Allergen-free’ is a term that has gained traction, not only in the food industry but also in the world of lubricants. Lubricants sporting this label don’t contain the top 8 major allergens as recognized by the FDA. Opting for an allergen-free lubricant minimizes the risk of skin irritations or complications upon application.
Ingredients and Consistency
Always scrutinize the ingredient list. Some products, like AH! YES Organic Plant Oil-Based Lubricant, employ ingredients like sunflower oil, shea butter, prunus dulcis, beeswax, and cocoa. Familiarizing yourself with the ingredients can also indicate potential staining. Moreover, be cautious about additives in water-based lubricants, as certain additives might cause skin irritations, especially for women.
Consistency varies among lubricants. While water-based lubes might necessitate reapplication due to water’s evaporative nature, they’re easy to clean and generally don’t leave stains. On the other hand, silicone-based lubricants offer enduring consistency, are latex condom-compatible, and usually free from irritant additives.
Volume
A larger volume often indicates more value, but sometimes efficacy matters more than quantity. For instance, with Gun Oil Personal Silicone Lubricant, a mere 4 ounces might seem limited. However, a small amount can go a long way, lasting for hours. Yet, always consider the volume for value comparison.
Packaging
The design of a lubricant’s bottle can influence its ease of use and portability. Some bottles, like Gun Oil Stroke 29 Personal Lubricant bottle, are user-friendly, travel-ready, and leak-proof. Conversely, others may be cumbersome, prompting users to transfer the content into more manageable containers.
Tackiness
The ideal lubricant should have a silky texture without being tacky. While water-based lubricants can become sticky as they dry out, oil and petroleum-based ones typically remain non-sticky.
Ease of Cleaning
Practically speaking, nobody wants their intimate moments to result in cumbersome laundry challenges. Thus, it’s essential to opt for lubricants that don’t stubbornly stain fabrics. Water-based lubricants usually lead the pack in easy stain removal, but many oil and silicone-based lubes are not far behind.