Ask the Expert: Orla Maguire

Orla Maguire, founder of Lubify, gives us the rundown on lubes, body safety, and what to look for to keep your body healthy and happy!

Can you break down the main categories of personal lubricants - water-based, silicone-based, oil-based, and hybrid - and explain when someone should choose each type?

Choosing a lube boils down to what you want as the core ingredient - the most common options are:

Water-Based:
Light, versatile, and toy-compatible. Great for everyday intimacy. Easy to clean but may need reapplying. Choose this if you want something gentle and fuss-free, especially for use with all toy materials and condoms.

Silicone-Based:
Long-lasting and ultra-smooth. Perfect for shower play or extended sessions. Not absorbed by the skin, so a little goes a long way. Best for those who want luxurious glide with no stickiness. Note: Not ideal with silicone toys.

Oil-Based:
Rich and nourishing - often coconut oil–based. Great for external massage and manual play. Not condom-safe and harder to clean, but excellent for those who prefer natural or plant-based options.

Hybrid:
A blend of water and silicone. Offers the best of both worlds - smooth like silicone, but easy to clean like water-based. Ideal for those who want silky texture with less residue.

Orla's advice:
Choose your lube like you choose your lingerie - it depends on the moment, the mood, and what you’re pairing it with.

What ingredients should people absolutely avoid in lubricants, and what are the 'clean' or beneficial ingredients you prioritize in your formulations?

Not all lubes are created equal. Your intimate areas deserve the same care as your skincare - maybe more. Here’s what to avoid:

• Parabens & Phthalates. These preservatives are linked to hormone disruption.
  Glycerin. This can disrupt vaginal pH and feed yeast (hello, infections).
• Petroleum & Mineral Oils. Not body-safe and not condom-safe.
• Artificial Fragrance or Dyes. Irritants that have no place near your most sensitive skin.
• Nonoxynol-9. A spermicide that can cause microtears and irritation.

Now, here’s what you do want,  You will find these simple clean ingredients in Lubify's Luxe Lube.

• Silicone (medical-grade) - Luxurious, hypoallergenic, long-lasting glide.
• Vitamin E - A nourishing antioxidant that supports skin softness.
• Hyaluronic Acid - Deep hydration that mimics your body’s natural moisture.
  
• Essential Oils (in IFRA-safe doses) - For subtle scent and added sensuality (we use neroli and cedarwood for skin calming properties).
  
• pH-Balanced Formula -To maintain harmony with your body’s natural chemistry.

How do the ingredient profiles differ between lubes designed for vaginal sex, anal play, and toy use - and why do these differences matter?

Your body changes with context and so should your lube. Here's how formulations differ based on how you play:

Vaginal Sex:
Look for a pH-balanced, gentle formula that hydrates and mimics natural moisture. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E soothe delicate tissue. Avoid glycerin and harsh additives that can disrupt vaginal flora. Lubify’s silicone blend is ideal here, long-lasting, body-safe, and non-irritating.

Anal Play:
Anal tissue doesn’t self-lubricate, so you need extra cushion and glide. Silicone-based lubes are perfect, thick, long-lasting, and friction-reducing. Look for formulas without numbing agents (which mask pain and increase risk). Lubify gives lasting slip without compromising sensation.

Toy Use:
Toy compatibility matters. Water-based lubes are safest for all toys, especially silicone ones. If you’re using a silicone-based lube, make sure your toy is made from non-porous, non-reactive materials like glass, metal, or ABS plastic. Hybrid lubes can also work, just check the label. Always was your toys after use.

Orla's advice:
Choose your lube based on how you’re playing, not just what’s in the bottle. It’s about chemistry, with your body and your pleasure.

What's safe for someone with a latex allergy? How can lube impact your body's pH balance, and what are some other considerations when choosing a lube, other than just what activity you're about to engage in?

Latex Allergy?
If you have a latex allergy, avoid lubes that contain natural rubber latex or latex derivatives, and always use non-latex condoms (like polyisoprene). Fortunately, most high-quality lubes, including Lubify, are latex-safe unless stated otherwise. Our silicone-based formula is fully latex-compatible.

pH Balance Matters
The vagina has a naturally acidic pH (around 3.8–4.5). Using a lube that’s not pH-balanced, especially those with glycerin or harsh preservatives, can throw that off, leading to irritation, infections, or discomfort. Lubify is formulated to support your body’s natural balance, with no nasties.

Other Health Considerations:

• Sensitivity-prone? Look for fragrance-free, clean formulas with minimal ingredients.

• Postpartum or menopausal? Choose deeply hydrating lubes with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E.

• Avoid UTIs or yeast infections? Steer clear of glycerin, sugars, and parabens.

Beyond the activity, think comfort, confidence, and compatibility. A lube should support your body’s health, not just your pleasure, and with the right one, you get both.

What are the biggest misconceptions people have about personal lubricants, and what do you wish everyone knew before making a purchase?

Let’s clear the air, lube isn’t just for when “things aren’t working.” That’s one of the biggest misconceptions. In truth, lube enhances every intimate experience, whether you’re soaking in self-love, playing with a partner, or exploring new sensations. Using lube isn’t a sign of dysfunction; it’s a sign of intention.

Another myth? “All lubes are the same.” Absolutely not. Many drugstore brands are full of irritating ingredients, like glycerin, parabens, or synthetic fragrances, that can throw off your pH, cause infections, or simply feel tacky. Just like skincare, what you put on your most intimate skin matters.

And then there’s the “slippery = good enough” myth. Not true. Quality lube should feel luxurious, last long, and support your body’s natural chemistry. Think hydration, nourishment, comfort — not just slide.

Orla's advice, what we wish everyone knew:
Choosing lube is like choosing lingerie or skincare, it should fit your body, your mood, and your desires. Don’t settle for something basic. You deserve better.

What are some green flags when buying lube, and some red flags?

Green Flags (Yes, please):

• pH-balanced – especially important for vaginal health.
• Dermatologist-tested or gynecologist-recommended.
• Short, transparent ingredient list – clean, simple, no mystery chemicals.
• Free from parabens, phthalates, glycerin, synthetic fragrance, and dyes.
• Made in the USA or EU – where manufacturing standards are higher and better regulated.
• Compatible with condoms and toys (if that’s important to you).
• Packaging that’s sealed and hygienic – think airless pumps or tamper-evident seals.

Red Flags (Run away):

• "Warming" or "tingling" lubes with menthol or capsicum, these often irritate sensitive tissue.
• Products with long chemical names and no explanations.
• Spermicide (like Nonoxynol-9), unless you're intentionally using it, it can increase risk of microtears and STIs.
• Overly scented or flavored lubes can often contain sugars or irritants.
• Anything that says “for novelty use only”, code for “not tested for safety.”

Orla's advice:
If you wouldn’t use it on your face, don’t use it on your vulva. Lubify checks every green flag, because safety is the foundation of pleasure.