The vast majority of the lubricants I use, test, and recommend are water-based. This is because water-based lube goes with everything. However, I do enjoy trying different things sometimes! I recently reviewed Vibeology’s Pure Organic Water Based Lube, which I loved. Along with it, I also received a bottle of their Blend Hybrid Lube.
Let’s find out if it’s as good as its water-based counterpart.
What is Hybrid Lube and What Are Its Benefits?
Hybrid lube is, essentially, a combinated of water-based and silicone-based. In some situations and for some users, hybrid lubes can offer the best of both worlds. You get the natural feel of a water-based product, coupled with the ultra-smooth and long-lasting properties of silicone lube. They can also be easier to clean up than pure silicone lubes (though there’s still the risk of staining your sheets if you spill it, so consider putting a towel down.)
Some people also find that hybrid lube is less likely to damage silicone sex toys. I still recommend using caution and doing a patch test first, though, as this is not an exact science.
Hybrid lubes (or pure silicone lubes) can be a good choice if you’re having sex in water. This is because the silicone will not wash away anywhere near as quickly and easily as a water-based product would.
Vibeology Blend Hybrid Lube: What’s In It?
The most important element of any lubricant is its ingredients list. Let’s have a look at what’s in Vibeology Blend:
- Purified water
- Cyclopentasiloxane: A clear and odourless lightweight silicone. Some studies have linked this substance to cancers and reproductive harm in animal studies. This gives me pause, though two studies have shown that very little of the chemical penetrates the skin in humans, negating its possible endocrine-disrupting side effects. In general, it is considered safe for cosmetic use, though there is not an absolute consensus on this.
- Dimethicone: This silicone-based polymer is commonly used in skincare products. It helps to condition and protect the skin by forming a barrier that reduces water loss. It has a low rate of absorption into the skin and experts believe it is safe for human use. In the US, it has been approved by the FDA.
- Dimethiconol: Another silicone-based liquid polymer that is used as a skin conditioner and to improve viscosity in silicone-based products. As it is a large molecule, it does not penetrate the skin and is likely a safe ingredient.
- PEG-8 Dimethicone: A synthetic emollient that can lock in moisture and help to keep skin hydrated. It is generally safe.
- Propanediol: I did a deep dive into this one for my Wicked Simply Aqua review. Executive summary: various sources say that it is an alternative to propylene glycol. Some say it is safer than propylene glycol, others say it has basically the same effects in the body. The key difference is that it is derived from corn and its production is less environmentally damaging. These ingredients raise osmolality, which can cause irritation. Some sources also link them to an increased risk of yeast infections and UTIs.
- Hydroxyethyl Cellulose: A plant-derived gelling and thickening agent thought to be safe and not to hinder sperm motility.
- Sodium Benzoate: A food-grade preservative that is likely harmless in small quantities.
- Potassium Sorbate: Another food-safe preservative that is fine in low concentrations.
- Disodium EDTA: This is another one I’ve looked into for a past post. It is a stabilising agent that numerous sources sources mark as an ingredient of concern. It is also a penetration enhancer, which means it facilitates the absorption of various compounds through mucus membrances (such as the vagina or anus,) and can cause irritation.
- Citric Acid: Yet another preservative, also likely harmless in small quantities.
I don’t love this.
I was really hopeful about this lube after how much I loved Vibeology Blend. However, the potential issues associated with disodium EDTA and propanediol concern me a lot, particularly when it comes to any kind of internal use.
There’s nothing here that is an immediate and unqualified “EXTREMELY TOXIC, RUN AWAY” red flag, but my vulva is prone to sensitivity and easy irritation, so I tend to be very cautious about my lube ingredients.
Vibeology Blend Hybrid Lube is vegan and cruelty-free.
Performance and Sensory Profile
I’m disappointed about those couple of worrying ingredients, because I actually really love the feel and usability of Vibeology Blend. It flows well thanks to its very thin consistency, spreads easily, and lasts really well. You really only need a tiny bit at a time.
This lube feels smooth and non-sticky on my skin. I do find that it leaves a slight residue behind after use, but it’s mostly just that my skin feels extra smooth and slippery until I’ve washed it off.
Blend Hybrid Lube has a very mild, slightly tangy scent and a similar taste. It’s unobtrustive to use, and works with rather than against my body’s natural lubrication.
Clean-up is more of a hassle than it is with water-based lubes, but easier than it is with pure silicone. With warm water and soap, this lube washes off my body quickly and easily. (Don’t spill it all over your desk and keyboard when you’re writing a review, though. Ask me how I know.)
Verdict
Great in-use performance and sensory profile, but I cannot get past those questionable ingredients enough to recommend this one. As always, risk profiles are personal and yours may be different from mine. If you’re happy with the risk profile of the ingredients I’ve highlighted, this is a versatile and useable lube. Personally, though, I’m unlikely to use it again.
If you’re looking for an alternative hybride lube without propanediol or EDTA, check out Sliquid’s Silk Hybrid or their Organics Aloe-Based Hybrid.
Vibeology Blend Hybrid Lube retails for $31/£25 for 8 fl oz and $21/£17 for 4 fl oz.
Thanks to Shevibe for sending me this product to test and review! All views, as always, are mine. Affiliate links appear in this post.