Excitement's Guide to Lubricants

• Lube reduces friction and acts as a protective layer
• Reduces irritation/micro-tears/skin injury
• Keeps condoms from breaking
• Thus, lube protects you from STI transmission
• Helps the fun last longer
• Many vaginas experience some form of dryness (due to hormonal changes, medicines, hydration, alcohol and smoking) and lube replenishes needed moisture
• Vaginal self-lubrication is not always enough for penetrative sex (and despite the myth, vaginal wetness is not always correlated to arousal!)
• There is no natural lubrication in the anus/rectum and the skin is very thin and prone to injury if lube is not used during anal sex
• The skin around genitalia is delicate and more prone to irritation, injury and/or infection if not properly cared for
• During masturbation, lube allows hands and toys to slip around easily without undue friction or irritation
• Saliva dries out quickly during oral sex and can be difficult to replenish right away (flavored lubes work great for oral play!)

• What type of sex will it be used for (body on body, with toys, anal, external, fisting, masturbation)?
• Are there any ingredients to avoid (allergens, compatibility with toys/condoms, desired taste or warming/cooling/stimulating effect)?
• What consistency is preferred (thick gel cushion, lube that stays where you put it, non-sticky, feels like natural vaginal lubrication)?

We recommend certain brands at Excitement because we believe in the quality of the ingredients or materials. Remember, any lube is better than no lube at all! That being said, what's best for your body may be different than what's best for someone else, and if you have a lube you love that's working for you, by all means, keep using it! If you notice any itching, burning or irritation though, discontinue use of your lube ASAP. Don't give up on using lube - try different brands or ask us for help. Listen to your body and go with what works best for you and your partner(s).

Ingredients to Look Out For

Glycerin - often used in inexpensive lubricants; slightly sweet taste, safe to eat, becomes tacky/sticky with use but lasts longer than water-based lube without glycerin; not recommended for those that are prone to yeast infections because it can lead to irritation or more frequent infection

Propylene Glycol - used in many personal care products; helps keep lube "slippery" but also draws water out of the skin, which can dehydrate or irritate the vagina; non-toxic, but known side effect of irritation for those with more sensitive skin

Allergens - Some lubes use menthol, cinnamon extract, aloe, coconut oil, seaweed extract, etc. to enhance your experience with the lube. While most of these don't cause issues for most people, if you have allergies or sensitivities, read the ingredients label or ask us for help.