Massage oil is made for skin and lubricant is made for intimate contact, and they are not interchangeable. Oil glides slowly over muscles, but it weakens latex condoms and can damage many toys. Lube is water- or silicone-based, safe with condoms and made for sensitive areas. Use oil on the body and lube everywhere else.
Both make skin slippery, which is why people mix them up. This page compares them side by side, explains the two problems with using oil in bed, and tells you which to reach for. For choosing a lube in the first place, start with our lube guide.
Massage oil and lubricant side by side
| Massage oil | Lubricant | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for | Back, shoulders, legs: a long, slow body massage | Intimate areas, toys and condoms |
| Base | Plant or mineral oils, often with fragrance | Water, silicone, or a mix of both (hybrid) |
| Feel | Rich, soaks in slowly, stays on the skin | Slippery glide; water-based dries faster, silicone keeps going for much more time |
| Latex condoms | Not safe: oil weakens latex | Water-based and silicone are safe |
| Toys | Damages soft TPE and jelly toys; hard to clean off silicone | Water-based is safe with every toy material |
| Clean-up | Needs soap; can mark sheets | Water-based rinses off; silicone needs soap |
| Scent and taste | Usually scented, not made to be tasted | Plain or flavoured versions |
Why oil and latex condoms do not mix
Latex is a natural rubber, and oils soften it. A condom exposed to massage oil, coconut oil, body lotion or petroleum jelly can weaken and tear without you noticing. If you use latex condoms, keep the oil to the massage, wipe your hands, and switch to a water-based or silicone lube before things move on. Polyurethane condoms are not affected by oil; check the packet.
Oil and toys
Soft toys made of TPE, TPR or jelly are porous and can swell, turn sticky or break down with oil. Silicone toys survive it, but oil clings to the surface and is hard to wash away completely. Glass and stainless steel are the exceptions: oil is fine on them as long as you wash them well afterwards. Our lube compatibility chart covers every combination.
Which one to use, and when
- A massage before anything else: massage oil or a massage candle. Keep it away from intimate areas.
- Moving from massage to intimate touch: wipe off the oil and switch to lube.
- With latex condoms: water-based or silicone lube only.
- With toys: water-based lube, which suits every material.
- In the shower: silicone lube lasts longest under water. Mind the floor; it gets slippery.
What about coconut oil?
Coconut oil is a common kitchen-cupboard choice in India. It feels pleasant on the skin, but it is not condom-safe, it does not rinse away easily, and some people find oils irritating on intimate skin. Think of it as any other massage oil.
What we stock
We keep the oil side of the shelf small on purpose: one body oil, Glow Body Oil (₹3,299), a shimmer oil for the skin that is not a lubricant, and one massage candle, Island Blossoms (₹2,199), which melts into warm massage oil. A couple of gift kits include small bottles of massage oil next to a lube. Everything else in the range is lubricant.
Secret PlayGlow Body Oil₹3,299View product
ShungaMassage Candle Island Blossoms 170 ml₹2,199View product
EROSWaterbased Lubricant Black 150 ml₹799View product
TENGALubrican Lotion Cool water-based 170 ml₹2,199View product
ControlTropical Lubricant 75 ml₹1,299View product
pjurPjur Original 30 ml₹899View productPatch-test anything new
Try a little on the inside of your wrist and wait a day. If any oil or lube makes you itch, sting or turn red, stop using it. If the irritation does not settle within a couple of days, see a doctor.
Keep reading
- How to use lube
- Water-based vs silicone
- Lube compatibility chart
- Lube ingredients to avoid
- Sex toys in India
Frequently asked questions
Can I use massage oil as lube?
Not with latex condoms or soft toys. Oil weakens latex and can damage TPE and jelly toys. Keep oil for the massage and use a lube for intimate contact.
Is coconut oil safe with condoms?
No. Coconut oil weakens latex condoms like any other oil. Polyurethane condoms are oil-safe; check the packet.
Can I use lube for a massage?
You can, but water-based lube dries quickly on large areas of skin. Massage oil or a massage candle works better for a full-body massage.
Which lube is closest to oil in feel?
Silicone lube. It stays slippery for a long time, like oil, and is safe with latex condoms. Patch-test it before using it with silicone toys.
Does LustSutra sell massage oil?
Yes, in a small way: one body oil, one massage candle and a few gift kits with oils inside. Most of our range is lubricant.
For adults 21 and over. Every order ships in a plain, unbranded box with free delivery and cash on delivery.