4 benefits of oil-based lubricants
To use an oil-based lubricant or to not use an oil-based lubricant; that is the question — and we want to help you answer it.
Our genitals are naturally moist, and when we are aroused, these intimate areas often get wetter. But this isn't always the case. Whether we're experiencing some dryness down there because of the medication we're on, menopause, or any of the other myriad — and totally normal — reasons behind parched intimate skin, it can sometimes be hard to get wet. In these instances, we can rely on our always-accountable friend: personal lubricants.
As you probably already know, a lubricant is a liquid or gel used during sex to ease friction and make intercourse or masturbation more pleasurable. In fact, according to a 2009 study out of Indiana University, 70% of women say that lube makes sex better. And this is basically agreed upon by people regardless of gender or age.
Knowing how much sexually active folks want to lube up, there’s a multitude of options to satisfy individuals’ and couples’ needs and desires. On the menu is oil-based lubricants, a personal lubricant that — you guessed it — has an oil base rather than a water or silicone base.
While there are some reasons people prefer not to use an oily lube — they can be messy and, more importantly, they are not compatible with silicone sex toys or latex or polyisoprene condoms — there are also so many reasons why some prefer this option. For those who aren’t using a barrier method like a condom or dental dam with their sexual partner(s), we're sharing all the benefits of using an oil-based lube.
Oil-based lubricants deliver quick results
Let’s be real: Most of us lead really busy lives. There’s not always the time for hours-long intimacy, but we still have sexual needs that we want to have met. When you or your partner(s) are in a time crunch, count on oil-based lubricants to deliver quick results. The thick, rich texture that comes with oil-based lubricants provides immediate wetness that alleviates dryness to help make your quickie more enjoyable.
Take Delight, Bloomi’s clean, oil-based lubricant, for example. Using plant-based oils, it's formulated to moisturize all genitals. Organic coconut oil relieves dryness and provides a nice glide, organic cocoa seed butter provides deep moisture, and sea buckthorn oil contains vaginal health benefits and reduces vaginal dryness.
Oil-based lubricants are long-lasting
There are few sex interrupters more frustrating than needing to reapply lube. While people who use water-based lubricants often have to reapply two, three or even four times, oil-based lubricants are truly the gift that keeps on giving. If you’re the type who wants to get wet and stay wet, an oil-based lube could be best for you.
Oil-based lubricants are robust
Oil-based lubricants are able to deliver quicker and longer-lasting results because they have a thicker lining that also makes this kind of lubricant better for those who experience greater vaginal dryness.
For instance, in one Bloomi survey, our community members who are 40 or older raved about the oil-based lubricants we carry on the marketplace. This wasn’t surprising to our sexologist-led team. That’s because we know that as we get older, our bodies start experiencing hormonal changes, often related to menopause. Less estrogen, for example, can cause vaginal tissues to become thin, making this intimate area drier and more fragile. With loss of natural moisture on the vaginal lining, it becomes more necessary to depend on a thick oil-based lube for long-lasting pleasure.
Oil-based lubricants are multi-use
Not only are oil-based lubricants like Delight formulated and safe for all genitals, they can also be used during foreplay or non-sexual intimacy. Because of its oily base, most oil-based lubes double as a massage oil. The same ingredients that offer a smooth glide during intercourse or masturbation help to reduce friction and soothe sores during a rubdown — you and your partner(s) choose if you want it to be sensual or purely therapeutic.
Our final thoughts on the benefits of oil-based lubricants
Oil-based lubricants aren’t for everyone. If you have multiple partners and are using a barrier method like a latex or polyisoprene condom or dental dam, or if you are incorporating silicone sex toys into playtime, it might be best for you and your partner(s) to use a water-based lubricant like Smooth. However, if you aren’t using a barrier method and are going toys-free, then the quick results, long-lasting effects, rich thickness and multi-use of oil-based lubricants may make it the better option. Moreover, for people experiencing vaginal dryness, oil-based lubricants like Bloomi’s plant-based Delight is ideal.