I’ve been wanting to do an Überlube review for ages, and the company was kind enough to send me not one but two samples of their silicone-based lube to try: their signature 55ml bottle and their Good to Go Traveler set. The latter comes with a refillable travel case (available in 10 different colour options) and one 15ml refill, and you can buy additional Good to Go refills as and when you need them.
I particularly like the Good to Go set for a couple of reasons. First, it’s super useful for popping into your bag or pocket for play parties, weekends away, or hot dates. Since it only contains 15ml of liquid, it’s also ideal for carry-on if you’re flying. 15ml might not sound like a lot of lube, particularly if you’ve got plenty of sexy shenanigans planned, but – as we’ll see shortly – it goes a surprisingly long way.
Überlube’s signature bottle and Good to Go refills are made from glass. The company states that this is because:
- Glass is durable.
- Glass is inert and impermeable – it’s what is used to store pharmateutical products over long periods of time. The bottles also feature a crimped top, ensuring that nothing can contaminate your lube once it is opened.
- It looks nice on your nightstand. And it really does – the bottle reminds me of something that a miniature of a premium gin or vodka might come in.
Glass is also recyclable and far more environmentally friendly than single-use plastic bottles.
What’s in Überlube Silicone Lubricant?
As we have established, I am choosy about lube. There are numerous common ingredients I eschew, from glycerin and propylene glycol through to parabens, petroleum-derived ingredients, and desensitising agents such as benzocaine. This means that there are very few lube brands I can safely rely on, and those I prefer tend to be expensive.
Silicone lubes do not have some of the same issues as water-based products. They do not have osmolality issues and are pH-neutral, meaning they will not harm your body’s natural pH if you’re using them vaginally. And, since they contain no water, bacteria cannot thrive and these products do not require preservatives.
So what’s in Überlube and is it body-safe? Let’s look at the ingredients.
- 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.
- Dimethiconal: another silicone-based liquid polymer that is used as a skin conditioner and to improve viscosity in silicone-based products. It, too, is considered to be a safe ingredient. As it is a large molecule, it does not penetrate the skin.
- Cyclomethicone: a clear and odorless cosmetic-grade silicone that helps to give a product a silky texture. It’s controversial in some circles, but “the The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration” (Johnson, Bergfeld, Anderson et al 2012.)
- Tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E): a form of Vitamin E that appears in numerous cosmetics, skincare products, and supplements. It provides antioxidant benefits and can support overall skin health.
Überlube is registered as a medical device with the FDA. The company works closely with medical advisors, and the product is the lubricant of choice for many OB-GYNs.
Überlube is vegan and cruelty-free. It contains no animal-derived ingredients or animal testing used.
Überlube Review: Sensory Properties & Performance
Überlube is truly odorless and tasteless. I literally licked it off the back of my hand (not generally recommended, but the things I do for my readers!) and couldn’t taste it at all. If the taste or smell of even mild water-based lubes bothers you, Überlube might be a good choice for you. It’s also ideal if you need additional wetness for oral sex but want to smell and taste your partner’s body, not your lube.
Its texture is silky, smooth, and non-sticky. My skin feels soft, moisturised and hydrated after using Überlube – unsurprising considering that dimethicone, dimethiconal and tocopheryl acetate are all common skin moisturisers and conditioners.
I’m very sensitive to textures in general – neurodivergent life amirite? – which is one of the reasons I can’t really use most oil-based lubes. The sensation of them on my hands gives me the “ick.” My experience with silicone lubes has been mixed in this regard, with some working for me and others very much not. Überlube, I am happy to say, does not give me that gross oily feeling nor does it leave me wanting to run to the bathroom to wash it off as quickly as possible.
Bear in mind that you’ll need to wash really thoroughly afterwards to get silicone lubricant off your hands, genitals, and any other body parts it has found its way to. It doesn’t just rinse away like a water-based product will. I prefer to make time to jump in the shower after using silicone lube if at all possible.
The best thing about silicone lube? It lasts for-freaking-ever. Because it does not absorb into the body or dry up quickly, you really only need a small amount and it will last and last. This means that, though it might seem small, your little 55ml bottle will last you much longer than you think.
Other Uses for Silicone Lube
Did you know that silicone lubricants like Überlube aren’t just for sex? For example, many athletes swear by Überlube to prevent chafing when they are working out. Similarly, one writer tried it as a solution to thigh chafing when wearing dresses and skirts in the summer and reports that it worked beautifully and lasted all day.
The other recommended use for Überlube was as a skincare and haircare product. After seeing how it leaves my hands (and various other parts of me) feeling, I can definitely see myself reaching for it when my skin needs a little pick-me-up. It’s far too slippery for an all-over moisturiser, and silicone can cause problems for skin when used in excess, but it’s ideal for soothing smaller patches of dry or irritated skin.
It also works well for taming my hair. I can’t use too much of products like this because my hair is naturally quite oily, but a tiny little bit rubbed between my fingers and then run over the ends of my hair helps to smooth down frizz and add a little extra bounce and shine. Functionally it works very similarly to a standard hair serum. If anything, this stuff felt a little lighter than my usual serum of choice (Frizz Ease by John Frieda, if you were wondering.)
A truly versatile product!
What to Know About Using Silicone Lubricant
There are lots of advantages to silicone lube. There are also some things to be aware of if you haven’t used it before.
Silicone lube is longer-lasting than water-based lube and does not dry out quickly, making it ideal for activities where you need plenty of lube for a long period of time. I really like using it for fisting for this reason. Many people also swear by it for anal sex. Because it’s not water-soluble, it is an ideal choice if you are having sex in water.
You can use silicone lube for pretty much any sexual activity including vaginal, anal, oral, or hand sex. For oral sex, try not to ingest too much of the lube but also don’t worry about it too much because a little bit likely won’t do you any harm. It is best not to use silicone lube with silicone toys as it can damage them. However, you can use it with plastic, glass, treated wood, ceramic, aluminium, or stainless steel toys.
Always, always, always check your lube’s compatibility if you are using any sexual health barriers such as condoms, dams, or gloves. Überlube is compatible with natural rubber latex and polyisoprene but not with polyurethane barriers, but not all brands will necessarily be the same.
If you spill any silicone lube on the floor, wipe it up immediately. It is very, very slippery and can make surfaces dangerous if you don’t (#askmehowIknow.) It can also stain your sheets if you spill it on the bed. Putting a towel down before you start can protect your sheets and save on cleanup time.
Überlube Review: Verdict
I love this lube! Love it love it love it. My travel set is going to be going in my bag for every play party, weekend getaway or sexy date from now on. It feels great, and its lack of smell and taste make it completely unobtrusive. And as an added bonus, it even has additional uses as a haircare and anti-chafing product.
Überlube retails for £17 for 55ml or £26 for 112ml in a Signature Bottle. A Good to Go Traveler set retails for £15, and refills are £17 for two cartridges.
I’ll leave you with this gem from Mr C&K: “Überlube!? Did it arrive by taxi!?”
Thank you to Überlube for supporting this review with a free sample of their product! This Überlube review contains affiliate links. All views, as always, are mine.
