Lube can be an invaluable part of satisfying midlife sex but it can be hard to know what to choose from all the brands and varieties out there. Here’s what you need to know to choose the best lube for middle-aged women.
Let’s face it, our lube needs to change as we age. We have to consider vaginal dryness – not whether it’s strawberry-flavoured (Love Honey does do a cookie dough flavour, which sounds good enough to eat).
Thanks to those good old hormonal changes during the menopause, many of us will experience vaginal dryness or sensitivity. Some of us on HRT may be already be using a hormone-based cream or gel such as Ovestin, which contains estriol, an active natural female sex hormone. While it’s not suitable for every woman, vaginal oestrogen can help to moisturise, reduce irritation and improve elasticity. However, even though it makes sex more comfortable, it’s not a lube and the experts recommended that you also use a lubricant during sex.
- What midlife women need to know about sex
- 10 sex toys for women in midlife
- Sex in midlife: What’s affecting my libido?
HRT aside, here are some of the different types of lubes for middle-aged women you can use so that sex is a pleasure, not a pain. Find out more about the different types and what they’re good for in our piece all about lube.
Water-based lube
What to expect: It’s easy to use and clean up, and works well with most condoms and sex toys
Potential cons: The water can evaporate quickly, making it sticky or less slippery.
Try: Lovehoney Enjoy, £7.99 for 250ml, Boots. A versatile, gentle, water-based lube for everyday play.
Try: Simply Lube Natural Aloe Vera, £14.95 for 100ml, The Natural Love Company; Contains 99% organic ingredients, no glycerin, glycol or parabens, and it comes in compostable packaging – saving the planet and your sex life.
Silicone-based lube
What to expect: If you suffer from dryness, silicone-based lubes tend to last longer, particularly in water if you’re a sex-in-the-shower kind of gal. Plus, you don’t need to reapply as often.
Potential cons: They can’t be used with silicone toys
Try: Durex Perfect Glide, £10.75 for 50ml, Boots; This silky-smooth lube is longer-lasting but may stain your bedsheets
Try: Ann Summers Long-Lasting Silicone Gel, £12 for 100ml, Boots; Thick and long-lasting, a little goes a long way. This one’s good for anal sex, too
Hybrid lube
What to expect: A mix of water and silicone lube so you get the best of both worlds.
Potential cons: Might have similar issues to both versions so you might need to experiment
Try: Sliquid Organics Natural Silk Hybrid Lubricant, £14.99 for 125ml, Lovehoney; Silky smooth thanks to its aloe-based formula, and with green tea extracts for sensitive skin.
Try: Hybrid Lubido, £6.99 for 250ml, Lubido; Luxuriously creamy, it nourishes skin while making sex more pleasurable
Oil-based lube
What to expect: Oil-based lube offers a better ‘glide’ experience for longer-lasting sessions.
Potential cons: Avoid using with condoms, though, as oil can weaken latex.
Try: YES OB Plant-Oil Personal Lubricant, £13.99 for 80ml, YES; Organic plant-based ingredients nourish your nethers and provide access to pleasure while protecting your intimate health
Try: My Viv Oil-Based Lube, £10 for 100ml, Boots; Thick but non-sticky, this lube is made from plant oils, hemp-seed extract, jojoba oil and acai
CBD-infused lube
What to expect: The addition of wonder ingredient CBD may help relieve tension and calm inflammation
Potential cons: Scientific evidence of CBD benefits are inconclusive
Try: Roam CBD Vegan Lube, £9.99 for 100ml, Superdrug; A water-based lube infused with medical grade CBD to help the body relax and release.
Try: Biogenic Premium CBD Lubricant, £22 for 50ml, Biogenic; Ideal for menopausal women, this high-end lube uses CBD to help users de-stress and relax
Lube for sensitive skin
What to expect: These are formulated for sensitive skin and could be beneficial if you find that your skin flares up, gets irritated or get itchy due to hormonal changes
Potential cons: Be sure to check ingredients to ensure ingredients are high-quality
Try: Roam Cucumber and Yuzu Flavoured Lubricant, £9.99 for 50ml, Unfabled; Enriched with agave, aloe and jojoba, this water-based, flavoured lubricant is PH-balanced and suitable for all skin types
Try: Durex Naturals Extra Sensitive Lube, £10.99 for 100ml, Boots; Free from artificial fragrances, colourants and parabens, and pH-friendly, this 100% natural lube soothes discomfort and won’t cause a reaction on sensitive skin
Check out our article on the different types of lube for women and how to choose the best one for you.
– Debra Waters
