--- title: "Water-Based vs Silicone Lubricant: Which Should You Choose? | Down Under Pleasures" description: "Compare water-based and silicone lubricants for toys, condoms, shower use, sensitive skin and easy cleanup." lang: en-AU json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://downunderpleasures.com.au/#organization", "name": "Down Under Pleasures", "legalName": "Downunder Pleasures Pty Ltd", "taxID": "ABN 14 701 868 975", "url": "https://downunderpleasures.com.au/", "logo": "https://downunderpleasures.com.au/og-image.jpg", "email": "hello@downunderpleasures.com.au", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressLocality": "Cardiff South", "addressRegion": "NSW", "postalCode": "2285", "addressCountry": "AU" }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.instagram.com/downunderpleasures/" ], "hasShippingService": { "@type": "ShippingService", "@id": "https://downunderpleasures.com.au/shipping#policy", "name": "Standard Australia-wide shipping", "description": "Tracked standard delivery in discreet packaging. 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Water-based and silicone formulas both reduce friction, but differ in longevity, cleanup and compatibility. ## Water-based lubricant Water-based lubricant is the most versatile starting point. It works with most pleasure-toy materials and most condoms, washes away easily and comes in many textures. ### Advantages - Compatible with most toys and barriers - Easy cleanup - Available in light, gel and sensitive-skin formulas It can dry during longer sessions. Add a little water or reapply rather than continuing with uncomfortable friction. ## Silicone lubricant Silicone lubricant is long-lasting and remains slippery in water, which suits shower play and longer sessions. ### Advantages - Less frequent reapplication - Works well in water - A small amount provides good coverage It can be harder to wash from fabrics and may not suit every silicone toy. Check both labels. ## Which is better for toys? Water-based is the safest general recommendation. Silicone may suit steel, glass and hard ABS products when their instructions allow it. See our [materials guide](/blog/body-safe-sex-toy-materials-explained). ## Quick guide - **Silicone toy:** choose water-based unless the maker confirms otherwise. - **Shower use:** silicone lasts longer. - **Easy cleanup:** water-based. - **Unsure:** start with water-based. Explore our [lubricants and essentials](/collections/lubes-essentials) and always follow the label. ### More useful advice, minus the awkwardness Get practical pleasure guides, thoughtful product picks and subscriber-only offers sent discreetly. Email address Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails from Down Under Pleasures. You can unsubscribe at any time. See our [Privacy Policy](/privacy). Ready to explore for yourself? 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