What lube is safe for toys? Water-based lube is safe with nearly every toy material, and for silicone toys it’s the go-to choice. Many toy makers advise against silicone-based lube on silicone toys because it can affect the surface over time. Our Slick Satin is a water-based lube labeled 100% silicone-free, and its product page lists it as toy-safe. Always check your toy maker’s instructions.
Safe lubricants for silicone toys
Silicone toys and silicone lube are the classic mismatch. Many manufacturers warn that silicone-based lube can make a silicone toy’s surface tacky or rough over time, so the safe default is a silicone-free, water-based lube. If you really want to use silicone lube, follow your toy maker’s guidance and patch-test a hidden spot first.
Which lube with which toy?
| Toy material | Water-based | Silicone-based | Oil-based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Yes, the go-to | Often not advised; check the maker | Check the maker |
| Glass / stainless steel | Yes | Usually fine, per the maker | Usually fine, per the maker |
| Hard plastic (ABS) | Yes | Check the maker | Check the maker |
| TPE / jelly / PVC | Yes | Check the maker | Check the maker |
General guidance. Oil-based products can weaken latex condoms; if you use condoms on your toys or with a partner, the CDC advises water-based lube with latex condoms.
Silicone and water-based lube: how our Slick lubes compare
| Slick Satin | Slick Platinum | |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Labeled 100% silicone-free | Labeled 100% silicone-free |
| Base | Water-based (water listed first), plant-derived | Water listed first, with avocado oil, plant-derived |
| Toys | Toy-safe, per its product page | Not stated on its page; check your toy maker |
| Latex condoms | Latex-safe, per its product page | Not stated; use Satin with latex |
| Glycerin | Contains vegetable-derived glycerin | Label lists no glycerin |
| Scent | Scent-free (label) | Scent-free (label) |
Bottom line for toy play: Slick Satin is our pick for silicone toys. Read more about lube types in Water vs Silicone Lube and How to Choose the Right Lube.
Tips for using lube with toys
- Apply lube to the toy and to you, and reapply as it dries. A splash of water can refresh water-based lube.
- Keep lube off charge ports and buttons.
- Clean lube off the toy after play (see how to clean sex toys). Silicone lube won’t rinse off with water alone, which is one reason The Lube Cleanser 2 oz is labeled to remove silicone from skin and surfaces.
Want a personal match? Take the Lube Quiz with The Lube Connoisseur.
What lube is safe for toys: FAQ
What lube is safe for toys?
Water-based lube is safe with nearly every toy material. For silicone toys, choose a silicone-free, water-based lube like Slick Satin, and check your toy maker’s instructions.
Can you use silicone lube with silicone toys?
Many toy makers advise against it, because silicone lube can affect a silicone toy’s surface over time. If you want to try it, follow the maker’s guidance and patch-test a hidden spot first.
What are safe lubricants for silicone toys?
Silicone-free, water-based lubes. Slick Satin is labeled 100% silicone-free and its product page lists it as toy-safe.
Is Slick Platinum safe for toys?
Slick Platinum is labeled 100% silicone-free, but it contains avocado oil and its product page doesn’t state toy compatibility. Check your toy maker’s guidance, or use Slick Satin.
Which lube should I use with condoms?
The CDC advises water-based lube with latex condoms and avoiding oil-based products, which can weaken latex. In our lineup that’s Slick Satin.
Keep reading
- The Lube Club Toy Guide
- Types of Sex Toys for Men
- How to Clean Sex Toys
- Toy-Safe Lube Guide, Part 1
- Anal Lube 101
General education for adults 18+, not medical advice. Always follow your toy maker’s care and lube instructions, and talk with a licensed clinician about pain, irritation, bleeding or anything that worries you. The Lube Club doesn’t make or sell toys; product facts here are from our own labels and product pages.