FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About Lubricant

What is lube?
Lube, short for lubricant, is a specifically formulated gel or liquid that can be applied to intimate areas, designed to increase pleasure and reduce friction during intimate activities. 

Contrary to common misconceptions, using lubricant doesn’t mean something is wrong with your body. Women’s natural lubrication can vary throughout their menstrual cycle and be influenced by various factors, including hormones, stress, medications, hydration, and age. Sometimes, you may feel less naturally lubricated, and other times, completely fine. Lubricant can be used in all of those moments.

Even if you’re feeling aroused, lubricant can still elevate sensation and help reduce microtears, irritation, and friction. Think of it not just as a solution, but as an enhancer. Something that brings more ease, more comfort, and more pleasure to your experience.

What is lube used for?
Lube is used to make sex more comfortable and enjoyable by reducing friction. It can also be used during solo play (masturbation for both men and women), with sex toys, anal sex, foreplay, or to make condom use smoother.

What is the best lubricant for vaginal dryness?
A silicone-based lubricant that’s safe for sensitive skin is ideal for relieving vaginal dryness. It stays on the surface of your mucous membrane and doesn’t get absorbed into your body, offering lasting moisture.


Why should I use lube?
There are many reasons why we think everyone should be using
lubricant. In some instances it may be a necessity (for example anal
sex) however there are multiple other reasons why you can benefit
from using lubricant.

It can –

Enhance foreplay by increasing arousal and intensifying sensation
during the lead-up to sex.

Support a smooth and natural transition from touch to penetration,
helping maintain connection and flow.

Pair beautifully with sex toys to elevate solo or partnered play, just
be sure your lube is toy-safe by checking compatibility guidelines.

Reduce discomfort for those experiencing vaginal dryness, which
helps reduce friction and improves overall ease.

Heighten overall sensation, supporting natural moisture making
every movement feel more fluid, responsive, and pleasurable.

Help protect delicate skin by reducing the risk of microtears or
irritation caused by friction.

Support longer-lasting pleasure, especially during extended
sessions or slower, more sensual experiences.

Foster confidence and presence, allowing you to stay in the
moment without discomfort or distraction.

What type of lube should I use?
The type of lubricant you choose depends on your body, your preferences, and how you plan to use it. The three main types are silicone-based, water-based, and oil-based.

Silicone-based lubricants, such as Opal, are renowned for their luxurious texture, long-lasting glide, and hypoallergenic properties. Opal is made with just two high-grade silicones, dimethicone and dimethiconol, both too large to penetrate the skin or mucous membranes, meaning they are not absorbed into your body or bloodstream making them safe and effective. Opal is also compatible with silicone sex toys but not all silicone lubricants are, so please check! One thing to note: they can stain fabric and make surfaces slippery, so a little caution goes a long way, especially if you’re using them in the shower.

Water-based lubricants utilise water as their primary ingredient and combine other ingredients to alter the texture and thickness of the lubricant. Water-based products can grow bacteria, so you will find most water-based lubricants contain preservatives and stabilisers to ensure there is no bacterial growth. These preservatives and thickeners are often known to cause irritation especially as they are absorbed into your body and bloodstream via osmosis. The good news about water-based lubricant is that it is less likely to stain fabric than silicone-based lubricants. The not-so-good news about water-based lubricants is that they evaporate quickly and therefore dry up a lot faster than others.

Oil-based lubricants use either natural or synthetic oils and tend to be very moisturising. However, they’re not compatible with latex condoms and can alter vaginal or rectal pH, potentially leading to irritation or imbalances. For these reasons, they’re less commonly recommended unless specifically formulated for intimate use.

For luxury, performance, and safety, silicone-based lubricants like Opal offer an unmatched experience.

What about scented, flavoured, tingling or cooling lubricant? 

Lubricants that are scented, flavored, or designed to create tingling or
cooling sensations can seem fun and enticing but they’re not always
suitable for everyone, especially for those with sensitive skin or a
delicate intimate microbiome.

These types of lubricants often contain ingredients such as menthol,
peppermint oil, cinnamon, glycerin, artificial sweeteners (like aspartame
or saccharin), and synthetic fragrances to create their effects. While
these can offer novelty, they can also increase the risk of irritation,
allergic reactions, or disruption to your natural vaginal flora particularly
in sensitive or mucous membrane areas.

Many of these ingredients are known to be common irritants in personal
care products, and their impact is amplified when applied to intimate
skin. Menthol and peppermint oil, for example, create a cooling or
tingling sensation by triggering nerve receptors but they can also cause
burning, dryness, or inflammation for some users. Similarly, artificial
sweeteners used in flavoured lubricants can alter the pH balance or
feed harmful bacteria, increasing the likelihood of infections such as
thrush or bacterial vaginosis (BV).

If you’re considering using a scented or speciality-effect lubricant,
always read the full ingredient list carefully. We recommend patch
testing first and avoiding these products altogether if you have a
history of sensitivity or are prone to irritation.

When it comes to your intimate health, gentleness, safety, and high-
quality formulation matter; choose lubricants that are dermatologically
tested, gynaecologist-approved, and free from unnecessary irritants.
Especially if you’re using them regularly.

Can condoms and lube be used together?
Yes, it is recommended, but make sure the lube is condom-compatible. If it is, add the lubricant to the outside of the condom once it is on. Opal is 100% safe to use with latex and polyisoprene condoms.

Watch out for oil-based lubricants. These are generally not safe to use with condoms, as the oil can cause the latex to break or fail.


How much lubricant should I use?
Use as much as you need to. If this is your first time trying it, start with two pumps/ a pea-sized drop and gently apply it with your fingers, then add
more if you’d like.

How long can I use a bottle of lube after opening it?
Most lubricants last up to 12–24 months after opening, depending on their ingredients. Please check the packaging as this will vary per product. Opal will last 24 months after opening.

How long can I use a bottle of lube after opening it?
Most lubricants last up to 12–24 months after opening, depending on their ingredients. Please check the packaging as this will vary per product. Opal will last 24 months after opening.

Can I use lube for masturbation?
Absolutely. Lubricant enhances solo play by reducing friction and increasing comfort and pleasure. Silicone lubricants, such as Opal, are ideal for providing a long-lasting glide and a more luxurious experience.

Should I use lube for anal sex?
Yes, and in fact, it’s highly recommended. The anus doesn’t self-
lubricate like the vagina, so using a long-lasting, thick lubricant like
Opal is essential to ensure comfort, reduce friction, and avoid injury. Silicone
lubricant is usually recommended in this instance as it does not
evaporate and therefore reduces the need for reapplication.

Can lubricant cause irritation or infections?
Some lubricants that contain harsh preservatives, fragrances, or
glycerin can cause irritation or disrupt the vaginal microbiome,
increasing the risk of infections. Please ensure you are choosing a
lubricant that is gynaecologist-recommended, microbiome-friendly and
dermatologically tested, like Opal. Please also look out for ingredients
that your body is allergic to.

What lubricant do doctors recommend?
Doctors often recommend lubricants that are pH-balanced, free from
harmful additives like parabens and glycerin, and clinically tested for
safety. Opal by Ples’Jour is recommended by gynaecologists and
doctors as it is all of the above as well as long-lasting, hypoallergenic,
and compatible with sensitive skin.

What are the most popular lubes for sex?
Some of the most popular lubricants for sex include silicone-based
lubes for their longevity and water-based lubes for versatility. Opal by
Ples’Jour is a popular choice for many people looking for a product that
performs well while also being safe.

Is it safe to use saliva as lubricant?
While saliva may seem convenient, it’s not recommended as a lubricant. Saliva can dry out quickly, disrupt vaginal pH, and most importantly it can introduce bacteria to your intimate areas that may lead to infections.

Can I use coconut oil as lubricant?
Coconut oil is sometimes used as a natural alternative to lubricant, but it can disrupt vaginal pH leading to yeast infections and it isn’t compatible with latex condoms. Always opt for a product that’s been specifically designed, tested, and approved for intimate use.

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