The Wirecutter Show: The Lube Episode – Detailed Summary

Release Date: February 5, 2025
Hosts: Christine Cyrclassette, Kyra Blackwell, Rosie Garant
Guest: Bianca Alba, Wirecutter Sex Toy Writer

Introduction to the Episode

The episode titled "The Lube Episode" delves into the often-overlooked but essential topic of personal lubricants. Hosted by Christine Cyrclassette, Kyra Blackwell, and Rosie Garant, the discussion is led by Bianca Alba, a non-binary sexual health educator with a master’s in public health. The episode aims to provide comprehensive guidance on selecting the right lubricant, breaking down the stigma surrounding its use, and exploring the various types available in the market.

Understanding Personal Lubricants

Bianca Alba opens the conversation by emphasizing the universal applicability of lubricants:

"I mean, really for everyone. So what a lubricant does is it both enhances pleasure, it enhances sensation, but it also protects the skin by helping things move smoothly." [02:55]

Lubricants are essential not only for enhancing sexual pleasure but also for ensuring comfort and preventing skin irritation during various forms of sexual activity, including anal sex, where the body does not produce its own lubrication.

Breaking the Stigma Around Lubricants

The hosts address the societal stigma associated with lubricant use, particularly among heterosexual women. Christine Cyrclassette highlights:

"It's almost like there's, you know, something wrong with you if you need a lube." [04:18]

Bianca Alba concurs, pointing out that many women avoid using lubricants due to embarrassment, leading to discomfort or pain during sex. She emphasizes that physiological factors like menopause, pregnancy, and certain medications can cause dryness, making lubricant use both normal and necessary:

"There should be no shame around needing a little extra help." [04:25]

Selecting the Right Lubricant

The hosts discuss the challenges consumers face when choosing from the myriad of lubricant options available. Bianca advises starting by identifying the primary use of the lubricant:

"I would start with, what are you going to be using this lube for?" [05:25]

She suggests considering factors such as whether the lubricant will be used for vaginal sex, anal sex, solo masturbation, and whether it will be compatible with condoms or silicone toys. Sampling different lubricants through small-sized bottles or sample packs is recommended to find the most suitable option.

Price Points and Value

Rosie Garant raises the concern of overpriced lubricants:

"Unless it's like a gallon of lube." [06:56]

Bianca Alba offers practical pricing advice, comparing lubricant purchases to buying wine:

"You don't want to spend less than $10 unless it's like a really tiny little bottle. But once you clear the $30 mark, you're probably just paying for hype." [06:56]

She recommends a sweet spot of $15 to $20 for standard 1 to 8-ounce bottles, balancing quality and affordability.

Types of Lubricants

Bianca elaborates on the four main types of lubricants: Water-Based, Silicone-Based, Hybrid, and Oil-Based, discussing their compositions, uses, and pros and cons.

1. Water-Based Lubricants

• Composition: Primarily water or aloe vera juice, with thickeners like xanthan gum or propylene glycol, and preservatives such as sodium benzoate or citric acid.
• Pros:
  • Highly versatile; suitable for vaginal, anal, and solo use.
  • Compatible with all sex toys and condoms.

  "Water based lubricants tend to have more ingredients... which can be irritating to some folks." [14:03]

• Cons:
  • Can dry out or become sticky, requiring reapplication.
  • May contain preservatives that irritate sensitive individuals.

2. Silicone-Based Lubricants

• Composition: Predominantly silicone, occasionally with additives like vitamin E.
• Pros:
  • Long-lasting and remains slippery without drying out.
  • Ideal for anal sex and penile masturbation.

  "Silicone lubes are really nice because it's got this pump bottle that works very well and is very hygienic." [11:20]

• Cons:
  • Can stain fabrics.
  • Not recommended for use with silicone toys as it may degrade the material:

    "The molecules in the silicone lube can bond to the molecules in the silicon of the toy... degradation of the material of the toy." [16:07]

3. Hybrid Lubricants

• Composition: A blend of water and silicone.
• Pros:
  • Combines the versatility of water-based with the longevity of silicone-based lubricants.
  • Safe for use with silicone toys due to lower silicone content.

  "More or less." [16:59]

4. Oil-Based Lubricants

• Composition: Various oils, including natural options like coconut oil.
• Pros:
  • Long-lasting and nourishing for the skin.
  • Suitable for penile masturbation and anal sex.

  "The real advantage of using an oil based lubricant is like silicone. It doesn't dry out." [17:17]

• Cons:
  • Can disrupt vaginal microbiome and cause infections.
  • Not compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms, increasing the risk of condom breakage.
  • May be difficult to clean and can stain fabrics.

The Chemistry Behind Lubricants

Understanding the pH balance of lubricants is crucial, especially for vaginal and anal use. Bianca Alba explains:

"The vagina and the anus have different phs... lower PH means more acidic. Higher PH is neutral or basic." [19:08]

• Vaginal Lubricants: Typically have a pH of around 4.5 to match the natural acidity of the vagina, preventing yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
• Anal Lubricants: With a more neutral pH of about 7, to align with the anal environment.

Most lubricants do not list specific pH levels on their packaging but may indicate if they are pH balanced. Consumers seeking precision can use pH strips to test their lubricants.

Safety, Allergies, and Expiration

Bianca Alba underscores the importance of using preserves in water-based lubricants to prevent mold and bacterial growth:

"If there's something on that label that you're nervous about... there's a lot of misinformation and scaremongering about ingredients and lube." [22:49]

She shares a cautionary tale about a moldy lubricant sample, reinforcing the necessity of preservatives.

Regarding expiration, water-based lubricants typically last 1.5 to 2 years, whereas silicone and oil-based lubricants have longer shelf lives unless they show signs of spoilage, such as rancid smell or color changes.

Practical Recommendations and Final Tips

• Start Simple: For those feeling overwhelmed by choices, Aloquedabra (a recommended water-based lube) is highlighted as a versatile and hypoallergenic option suitable for most users:

  "If you're feeling overwhelmed, I loved Bianca's advice that you could just reach for the aloe cadabra and be okay." [25:14]

• Consider Multiple Lubes: Depending on sexual activities (vaginal vs. anal), having different types of lubricants can enhance comfort and safety.

• Check Ingredients: Always review the ingredient list to avoid potential allergens and ensure compatibility with condoms and sex toys.

• Hygiene Practices: Use separate containers for lube to maintain hygiene, especially when using natural options like coconut oil.

Conclusion and Host Takeaways

The episode wraps up with the hosts summarizing key points:

• Kyra Blackwell appreciates the simplicity of starting with a recommended lubricant like Aloquedabra:

  "It's probably going to work for you. And I love that it's simple and clear." [25:29]

• Christine Cyrclassette emphasizes that lubricants are for everyone and encourages experimentation to find the best fit:

  "Lube really is for everyone... just hone in on what kind of sex you're having." [25:29]

• Rosie Garant reiterates the importance of selecting pH-balanced lubricants and verifying ingredient lists:

  "If it's water based, select one that has water as the first ingredient." [24:21]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Once you clear the $30 mark, you're probably just paying for hype. Unless it's like a gallon of lube." – Bianca Alba [00:16]
• "There should be no shame around needing a little extra help." – Bianca Alba [05:02]
• "You don't want to spend less than $10 unless it's like a really tiny little bottle." – Bianca Alba [06:56]
• "Silicone lubes are really nice because it's got this pump bottle that works very well and is very hygienic." – Bianca Alba [11:20]
• "The vagina and the anus have different phs." – Bianca Alba [19:08]
• "If there's something on that label that you're nervous about... there's a lot of misinformation and scaremongering about ingredients and lube." – Bianca Alba [22:49]

Final Thoughts

"The Lube Episode" of The Wirecutter Show serves as an informative guide for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of personal lubricants. With expert insights from Bianca Alba, listeners gain a clearer understanding of the types, uses, and considerations when selecting a lubricant, all while addressing and dismantling the surrounding stigmas.

For more detailed guides and product recommendations, visit Wirecutter's website or check the show notes for links to products like Aloquedabra.