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Personal lubricant

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

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Types of lubricant

Details are from DIVA, Replens and CDC pages. Always check the condom and lubricant labels together.

DIVA also lists tremella mushroom extract, which it says contains antioxidants, and describes its formula as non-irritating and long-lasting. Replens says Silky Smooth leaves skin feeling soft and smooth and suggests it alongside its long-lasting moisturizer for women with vaginal dryness. Treat these as maker descriptions.

Lubricant for vaginal dryness

The NIA says some women have vaginal dryness during the menopausal transition, and many find relief during sex by using a nonprescription, water-based lubricant, a variety of which can be found at most grocery and drug stores. Replens says its Silky Smooth lubricant can be used before or during sex to ease vaginal dryness discomfort caused by hormone changes or medications, and that it is estrogen free.

Lubricant works in the moment. For ongoing dryness, the NIA notes some women use a vaginal moisturizer regularly, not just during sex; see our vaginal moisturizer guide.

Using lube with condoms

• Skip oil-based products. The CDC says not to use oil-based products like baby oil, lotion, petroleum jelly or cooking oil with external condoms, because they will cause the condom to break.
• Avoid nonoxynol-9. The CDC says not to use the spermicide nonoxynol-9, as it can cause irritation.
• Check compatibility. DIVA says its Lubricator is safe with latex or polyisoprene condoms; Replens lists latex, polyisoprene and polyurethane for Silky Smooth.
• One condom at a time. The CDC also says not to use more than one condom at a time or reuse a condom.

Ingredients to check

• Fragrance. Replens says Silky Smooth is fragrance and odor free. Scented products near the vagina can be a problem; the Office on Women's Health warns scented tampons, pads, powders and sprays may increase the chance of a vaginal infection.
• Glycerin. If you want to avoid glycerin, check the label; Replens says Silky Smooth does not contain glycerin or glycerol.
• Hormones. Over-the-counter lubricants such as Silky Smooth say they are estrogen free.
• Toys and devices. DIVA says its water-based Lubricator is safe for use with devices; check any lube's label before using it with a toy.

Clean-up and storage

DIVA says its Lubricator is never sticky and rinses away easily with warm water. Replens advises cleaning fabrics and surfaces immediately with mild soap and warm water if silicone lube spills, and storing Silky Smooth at room temperature with the cap firmly closed.

The CDC adds that condoms should not be stored in a wallet, as heat and friction can damage them. Keep lube and condoms somewhere cool and dry, and check expiration dates on both.

When to see a doctor

The NIA says local vaginal treatments, such as estrogen creams, rings or tablets, are often used to treat vaginal dryness, and that the FDA has approved two nonhormone medications, ospemifene and prasterone, for moderate to severe painful sex caused by menopausal vaginal changes.

See a doctor if sex stays painful despite lubricant, or if you have burning, itching, unusual discharge or bleeding. Stop using any product that causes irritation. For gentle external care, see our feminine wash guide.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

Is water-based or silicone lube better?

Both are options; the NIA mentions water-based lube for dryness, and some silicone lubes, like Replens Silky Smooth, are condom compatible.

Can I use lotion or oil as lube with condoms?

No. The CDC says oil-based products like baby oil, lotion and petroleum jelly cause condoms to break.

Is lubricant the same as a vaginal moisturizer?

No. Lube eases dryness during sex; the NIA says moisturizers are used regularly to replenish moisture.

Should I avoid nonoxynol-9?

The CDC says not to use nonoxynol-9 with condoms, as it can cause irritation.

Does personal lubricant contain hormones?

Over-the-counter lubes like Replens Silky Smooth say they are estrogen free.

Sources

• Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms (www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause/sex-and-menopause-treatment-symptoms), National Institute on Aging
• How to Use a Condom (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• The Lubricator (divacup.com), DIVA
• Silky Smooth Silicone-Based Vaginal Lubricant (replens.com), Replens
• Douching (womenshealth.gov), Office on Women's Health, HHS

Sources checked 2026-10-15.