Vaginal moisturizer VS lubricant

You’re not alone if you assumed that a vaginal moisturizer and a lubricant are the same thing. They both do the same job of keeping things down there well-oiled and not dry, right? Not quite.

A lubricant - or lube, as most people would call it - is designed to provide a short term remedy that increase “slipperiness” (and decrease friction) during penetrative sex. A vaginal moisturizer, however, is meant to be a longer-term solution to the dryness that might be making sex uncomfortable, or even painful for you.  (And yes, there are moisturizers specifically for your vulva too!) They work exactly the same way any other moisturizer would work on your skin, and, ideally, provide ongoing hydration that isn’t just for use during sexy time. Use it before sex, use it after sex, use it if you’re not having sex.

In fact, not only are vaginal moisturizers and lubricants not the same thing, they are often best used together, almost like a tag team: Your lube will help you with any dryness “in the moment,” and your vaginal moisturizer will help to keep things feel juicy and hydrated longer-term.

When it comes to choosing the best lubricant and vaginal moisturizer, there are tons of great options out there, although they’re not all created equal. Read the ingredients, and make sure they’re something you’d want to put inside your body, just the same way you’d do for any food item. And definitely test them on another area of skin before you go using them down there.