Sex workers know lube. We know lube. It’s one of the most vital parts of the job. If you’re using lube at a pro level, odds are you have tried them all and have a favourite, one that works for your body and for all your various uses. Whether you’re using it yourself or for your client, there’s a variety of lube that speaks to all your slippery requirements. If you’re a civvie and ally to the sex work community, sit down and take a note or two from the professionals on the what’s, hows, and why’s of lube.
Why you should be using lube
This is a no-brainer. Fucking is just better with lube. In fact, some kinds of fucking are lube-required pursuits. Nobody likes too-much friction on their most sensitive membranes, especially when you’re using them to make a living. Friction can also increase the odds of a condom breaking. Lube is an essential addition to any hot session, whether you’re with a partner (or two or three) or on your own playing with toys (camera optional). A good lube will help get you wet and ready for whatever sexy shit you’re planning to get up to and help keep you safer too.
What using lube doesn’t mean
Making use of lube during sex doesn’t mean you’re not up for it. It doesn’t mean your partner isn’t turning you on. It doesn’t mean anything except that you want to be as wet as possible for whatever you’re planning to do. Maybe you’re greasing up for some anal action, or you’re going through menopause and experiencing some vaginal dryness. Maybe you’re seeing clients at the brothel and have to pre-lube before your sessions. Whatever your reason, there’s nothing wrong with using lube, and there’s nothing shameful about wanting to add it to your sex life.
What kinds of lube are there?
Lube comes in several kinds, but the most common are oil-based, water-based, and silicone-based lubes. From there you can find all sorts of variations: organic lubes with only the purest of ingredients, lubes made with aloe, with CBD, with vitamin E to keep your genitals feeling ultra-smooth. Finding what kind is right for you depends on your body, and what you want to do with it.
What kinds of lube can I use for what?
There is a different kind of lube for every use, and it’s important to know what kind of lube to use in what situation. For instance, oil-based lube is great for keeping you super slick, but it degrades condoms and can make them break. Silicone lube is an excellent choice, but it can damage your silicone toys and should be avoided if you’re playing with those. Water-based lube is good for use with everything, but it can dry out over time and it’s important to re-up to keep things slippery.
What kinds of lube to NOT use
There are ingredients that just don’t agree with certain areas of the body. It’s best to avoid lubes with harsh chemicals, petroleum and mineral oils, or any parabens. Also, using flavoured lubes can upset the PH of your various holes, and any lube that contains perfume is just asking for trouble. You might have heard that coconut oil can make a good lube, but it may create issues with the microbiome and cause things like thrush and BV (bacterial vaginosis) for those with vaginas.
What lubes the pros recommend
I asked some of my fellow sex worker pals about what lube they love, and there were tons of recommendations.
Sliquid
The most often recommended was Sliquid, a natural brand of lube that is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. There’s several varieties: H2O (water-based), Natural (aloe-based), and Tsunami (water-based thick lube). They are PH-balanced and 100% vegan.
DD says that “other lubes have left an odd scent, or worse, triggered a BV reaction but Sliquid would never”.
It also comes recommended by Ratwife, who has extremely sensitive skin, and says, “I have eczema and get hives at the drop of a hat. This lube has never done me dirty”.
Uberlube
This luxury silicone-based lube is odorless and tasteless, and never goes sticky or dry. It comes in a slick glass bottle for those who hate plastic waste, and is highly recommended by both gynecologists and sex workers alike.
"It's so smooth. Fav lube to use for handjobs and fingering bc you don't need to reapply too often and it doesn't feel sticky–it just glides. The one thing that annoys me about silicone lube is that you have to use soap to get it off, but uber lube is worth it". - Olive
Wicked Sensual Care Jelle Anal Lube
A water-based lube that is great for anal play, it can also be put to use in other areas too. It's thick, long lasting, gentle on sensitive skin, and it doesn't dry out or go sticky too quickly.
Ivy recommended the Wicked Sensual Care, and said, “It's an absolute life saver for high volume full service work! Because it's so thick yet non irritating, it does a really good job preventing chafing when using latex condoms. The gel texture means that it's long lasting and stays where you put it, so I don't have to constantly reapply or use a lot of lube.”
Weedzy
If you want a little extra in your lube, you could try Weedzy, an Australian brand of water-based CBD lube. Research has suggested that CBD lube can help with muscle tension and anxiety.
“It’s vegan, condom and toy safe, and they list all the ingredients on their site,” said Tash.
Ansell LifeStyles Luxe Silicone Lube
Lastly, for when you don’t have time to special order your lube, it’s great to know that there’s a variety you can grab from the store that comes recommended by the pros. This lube is condom-safe, slippery, and lasts as long as your hot session does.
“It lasts forever, is super slippery, latex safe, and available from the grocery store—I'm not organised enough to order something special online. It also doubles as latex polish and, if desperate, can be used to reduce thigh chafing when running—not work related but still useful!” - Anonymous
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