The Pjur lube range explained: which one should you choose?

Pjur is one of the best known names in personal lubricant, and the range is big enough to be confusing the first time you look at it. The good news is that almost every bottle falls into one of a few simple groups. Once you know which group you need, choosing gets easy. Here is how the range breaks down and how to pick the right one for you.

Start with the base

The single most important thing on any lube label is the base, because it decides how the lube feels, how long it lasts and what it is safe to use with. Pjur makes lubes on both of the main bases, plus specialist formulas built on top of them.

Water-based

Water-based lube is the all-rounder. It feels light and natural, washes off with water and does not stain sheets. Most importantly, water-based lube is safe with every toy material, including silicone, and with condoms. The trade-off is that it can dry out or turn tacky during longer sessions. That is easily fixed: add a little more, or a few drops of water to bring it back to life.

If you only buy one lube, make it a water-based one. You can browse all of our options, from Pjur and other trusted makers, in the water-based lube collection.

Silicone-based

Silicone-based lube is the long-distance option. It stays slippery for much longer than water-based lube, needs reapplying far less often and does not wash away in the shower or bath. Many people love it for massage and for play without toys.

The catch is toys. Silicone lube can damage silicone toys, leaving the surface sticky, cloudy or pitted over time. Keep silicone lube for glass, metal and hard plastic toys, or for skin on skin. It also takes soap and warm water to clean off, and it can make shower floors slippery, so take care.

The specialist ranges

Alongside the core water and silicone lubes, Pjur makes formulas aimed at particular kinds of play or particular needs. Rather than learning every product name, it helps to think about what each group is for.

• Anal formulas. Anal play needs more lube than anything else, because the body does not make its own there. Anal lubes are usually thicker and designed to stay put. Pjur's Back Door and Analyse Me ranges sit here. Read our guide to the best lube for anal for more detail, or shop the full anal lube collection.
• Sensitive formulas. Some people find that certain lubes do not agree with their skin. Pjur offers ranges described as suitable for sensitive skin. No lube can promise to suit everyone, so if your skin is easily irritated, try a small amount on the inside of your wrist first and stop using anything that stings or itches.
• Sensation and warming formulas. These add a tingle or a feeling of warmth. They are fun for some and too much for others. Start with a small amount, and avoid them for anal play or on broken or sensitive skin.
• Massage and multipurpose products. Some bottles are designed to double as a massage glide. Check the label to see what each one is intended for.

How to choose the right Pjur lube

Ask yourself three quick questions.

1. Are you using toys, and what are they made of? If any toy is silicone, pick water-based. If you are not sure what a toy is made of, water-based is always the safe choice. Our materials guide explains how to tell materials apart.
2. What kind of play is it? For anal play, reach for a thicker anal formula. For longer sessions without silicone toys, silicone-based lube will save you from constant reapplying. For quick, easy clean-up, water-based wins.
3. Does your skin react easily? Choose a sensitive formula, skip warming and tingling products, and patch test before use.

Always read the label

We describe these groups in general terms because formulas change and every product is a little different. The bottle itself is the final word. Check the base, the intended use and any warnings before you start, and follow the maker's guidance on compatibility with toys and condoms.

Using lube well

Whatever you choose, use more than you think you need and reapply as soon as things feel less slippery. Warm a little between your fingers first if you find cold lube a shock. Store bottles with the cap closed, away from direct heat, and check the date on the pack.

You can see everything we stock from the brand in our Pjur collection. It all ships from UK stock in discreet, plain packaging, with free UK delivery on orders of £50 or more.