Sexual Health Accessories Guide: Lubricant, Cleaner & What You Actually Need
4 Min. Lesezeit
Nobody buys a new vibrator and is most excited about the pouch it comes in. But don’t you dare toss that - it’s the toy’s accessories that keep it feeling good, every single time.
First and foremost: lube, and something mild to clean the formula with - off of skin, toys and more. You’ll also need somewhere dry to put it afterwards. The best part? None of it it has to be complicated.
Lube & why nobody should be skipping it
Even when we’re feeling super turned on, our bodies usually do better with a little more lubrication than what we produce naturally. Feeling any friction can be the whole reason people decide a toy "isn't for them."
That’s why type matters. Water-based will work with every toy material and any condom type, which often ends up making it the safe default. Silicone-based formulas will usually lasts longer, but since they degrade silicone toys over time, keep that one for skin-to-skin play.
Aloe Lube is water-based, formulated with organic aloe vera and plant extracts including hemp seed, quinoa seed and green tea. It's formulated to match the vagina's natural pH and is free of glycerin, parabens, sugar, and added hormones. Glycerin is the one worth knowing about, because it can feed yeast and increase infection risk for people prone to it.
$19 for a 4 fl oz bottle, and it works with every toy material, silicone included.
Something to clean it with
When it comes to cleaning up lube, a gentle unscented soap does the job, or a dedicated toy cleaner, like Hand + Vibe Sex Toy Cleaner. You’ll want to skip anything harsh and antibacterial, or anything fragranced.
If a toy’s body is pure silicone, with no electronics contained inside, the occasional bath in boiling water gives you a full sterilization that a wipe down won’t. Triple check what you’re holding first - anything with a motor does not qualify!
Plus, somewhere to put it
A breathable fabric travel pouch, the kind that comes with most Dame products, keeps toys clean between uses without trapping moisture the way that a sealed plastic bag will.
One pouch per toy. Silicone left pressed against silicone can degrade over time and go tacky, which is exactly as unpleasant as it sounds.
Arousal support, if you want it
Some people benefit from an arousal serum, like Arousal Serum, applied externally before sex, designed to gently increase blood flow and sensitivity in the clitoral area.
It's an addition rather than a replacement for adequate time and stimulation. Useful if sensitivity is running lower than it used to, whether that's hormonal change, medication, or ordinary variation.
The whole starter kit
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A water-based lubricant free of glycerin and parabens
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A mild, unscented toy cleaner or soap
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A breathable storage pouch, one per toy
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A vibrator with body-safe, 100% silicone construction
Why the boring stuff matters
Listen: we know none of this is thrilling on its own. It can also be the difference between a toy that stays with you for years, and one that falls apart early, or you barely use due to irritation.
Get the fundamentals down, and everything else will work the way it was designed to.
Questions people actually ask
What ingredients should I avoid in a lubricant?
Glycerin is one ingredient to watch, since it can increase the risk of yeast infections for anyone prone to them. Make sure to also look out for parabens, any added fragrance, plus warming or tingling agents.
Is Alu the same product as Aloe Lube?
That’s right - Alu is now Aloe Lube. It’s the same water-based, pH-matched formula, just with a different name on the bottle.
Can I use the same lubricant with all my toys?
If you always use water-based lubricant, yes. Aloe Lube will be compatible with every toy material - including silicone. The one formula to stay away from is anything silicone-based, since it will degrade silicone toys over time.
How often should I replace my travel pouch?
As long as you wash and dry it properly with regular use, you won’t have to. If it starts wearing through or holds onto any smells, time to toss and replace.
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