New: our osmolality & pH explainer, with lab numbers for popular lubes
Shop lube

Condom-Safe Lube

Condom-safe lube is a formula the maker states is compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms, plus the oils and household products to leave out.

345 products

Match the condom-safe lube to the condom

Water-based, silicone and glycol-based lubricants are compatible with latex condoms, according to the WHO, so a latex-safe lube is easy to find. Polyisoprene is as sensitive to oil as latex, while polyurethane condoms tolerate almost any safe lubricant. So the base matters, whether you are choosing lube for latex condoms or polyurethane ones, and so does the maker's compatibility statement on the label.

Oils are the problem. In a 1989 laboratory study, 60 seconds of mineral oil cut latex strength by about 90 percent. The WHO lists baby oil, petroleum jelly, coconut oil, cooking oil, body lotions and haemorrhoid cream among products not to use with latex.

Our lube and condoms guide has a full compatibility chart, and you can see our favorites in best condom-safe lubes.

Does lube help condoms?

Condom breakage with and without added water-based lubricant

Anal, no added lubeAnal, no added lube: 21.4%21.4%Anal, water-based lubeAnal, water-based lube: 3%3%Vaginal, aged condoms, no lubeVaginal, aged condoms, no lube: 4.5%4.5%Vaginal, aged condoms, with lubeVaginal, aged condoms, with lube: 2.1%2.1%
Source: WHO/UNFPA/FHI360 Advisory Note, 2012

For new condoms used vaginally, the breakage rate was 2.4 percent either way, and the WHO calls the vaginal evidence equivocal.

Lubricant baseLatexPolyisoprenePolyurethane
Water-based✓ Yes✓ Yes✓ Yes
Silicone✓ Yes✓ Yes✓ Yes
Oil or butter✗ No✗ No~ Check label
Petroleum jelly, lotion✗ No✗ No~ Check label

Source: WHO/UNFPA/FHI360 Advisory Note, 2012

Read next

Guide

Lube and condoms: what is safe with latex and what is not

Best of

The Best Lubricants of 2026: Our Top Picks Ranked

Best of

The Best Water-Based Lubes: Top Picks Compared

Best of

The Best Silicone Lubes: Long-Lasting Picks Ranked

Best of

The Best Condom-Safe Lubes: Latex-Compatible Picks Ranked

Best of

The Best Long-Lasting and Shower Lubes, Ranked

Condom-safe: questions

Is all water-based lube safe with condoms?

Generally yes with latex and polyisoprene. Still check the maker's compatibility statement.

Can I use coconut oil with a condom?

Not with latex or polyisoprene. Oils weaken them within about a minute in lab tests.

Does adding lube reduce condom breakage?

In the WHO data, anal-sex breakage fell from 21.4 to 3 percent with water-based lube. For new condoms in vaginal sex, there was no difference.

What about polyurethane condoms?

The WHO says almost any safe lubricant works with polyurethane, but read the condom maker's guidance.

What is condom-safe lube?

It is a lubricant that is compatible with condom materials, which for latex and polyisoprene means water-based, silicone or glycol-based formulas rather than oils. The maker's compatibility statement on the label is the best check.