Is this lube safe to use?
The wrong lube can ruin a toy or weaken a condom. Pick your toy's material and a lube to check, instantly.
Silicone lube can bond to and degrade a silicone toy, leaving the surface permanently tacky or pitted.
Tip: Use a water-based lube with silicone toys. (If you must use silicone lube, put a condom over the toy.)
oil-based lube degrades latex condoms, so always use water- or silicone-based with latex. Polyurethane condoms are compatible with all lube types.
Find your toy's material in the left column; a green check is a safe lube to reach for.
| Material | Water-based | Silicone-based | Oil-based | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | ✓ | ✕ | ! | ! |
| TPE / TPR | ✓ | ! | ✕ | ! |
| Glass (borosilicate) | ✓ | ✓ | ! | ✓ |
| Stainless steel | ✓ | ✓ | ! | ✓ |
| ABS / hard plastic | ✓ | ✓ | ! | ✓ |
| Latex | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Jelly / PVC | ✓ | ! | ✕ | ! |
| Sealed wood | ✓ | ✓ | ! | ✓ |
| Glazed ceramic | ✓ | ✓ | ! | ✓ |
This is general education, not medical advice. Always follow your product's care instructions, and ask a clinician about anything specific to you. Our guidance draws on:
- Lube & condoms: public-health guidance that oil-based lubricants weaken latex: U.S. CDC and Planned Parenthood.
- Materials:body-safe-materials consensus (non-porous silicone, glass, stainless steel and ABS are easiest to sanitize) and each maker's published care instructions.
More in our body-safe materials guide and lubricant guide.