Does Lube Work in Water?

Hello again, dear friend, Anonymous. Welcome back to our sex talk column where we answer reader-submitted questions.

The other week, global leading sexologist Juliet Allen gave us advice on how to actually make shower sex fun, and one tip was to use the right lube.

Today, Juliet is back to dive deeper into the “does lube work in water?” convo.

Here’s what to know:

Natural vs. Bottled

“Sex in water can be tricky because it often washes away natural lubricant that the vulva produces and creates a dryer friction that can leave us feeling a little sore afterward,” Juliet says.

“The pros of using lube are that it will make penetration feel more pleasurable and comfortable. The cons are that again, the water can easily wash lube away.”

Store-bought is fine.

“The only lubes recommended to use in water are silicone or oil-based. If using condoms, silicone is your go-to,” Juliet says. That’s because oil-based lubes can cause condoms to deteriorate and tear. “To be safe, silicone is recommended the most for water play,” she says.

It’s okay if water sex just isn’t your thing.

“Water sex isn’t something everyone loves, especially if you need lots of lubrication to enjoy sex. Give it a go, and if you don’t enjoy it, that’s okay! Maybe you’ll try it another time and love it, depending on your mood, the environment, and the lover you are with,” Juliette says.