Lube might not be the first thing you think of when checking expiration dates, but just like food, skincare, or medication, lubricants don’t last forever.
Whether you use it occasionally or keep it as a bedside essential, knowing how to tell when lube has expired is vital for both safety and comfort.
In this guide, we’ll answer all your burning questions, including whether lube expires, how to tell if it’s gone bad, whether it’s still safe to use, and alternatives you can use.
What is lube?
Lubricant, or lube, is a gel, liquid, or silicone-based product designed to reduce friction during intimacy. It enhances comfort, increases pleasure, and can make everything feel smoother and more enjoyable — whether used during sex, masturbation, or alongside toys.
Some people also use lube to help with vaginal dryness, backdoor play, or to make safer sex more comfortable.
What ingredients make up lube?
The shelf life of lube depends largely on its ingredients. Most lubricants fall into three categories:
- Water-based lube: Contains water, glycerin, preservatives, and sometimes added flavours or scents. Water-based lubes are popular because they’re safe to use with condoms and all toy materials, and wash off easily.
- Silicone-based lube: Made from long-lasting silicone oils that don’t dry out as quickly. These are ideal for water play, anal play, and long sessions — just avoid pairing them with silicone toys.
- Oil-based lube: Often natural oils, such as coconut or mineral oil. These tend to last long but are not condom-friendly and can clog pores or irritate some skin types.
Across all types, manufacturers include preservatives and stabilisers to inhibit bacterial growth. Over time, these ingredients lose effectiveness — which is why lube eventually expires.
The most commercially used lubricants are water- and silicone-based. Water-based lube, in particular, is especially popular since it can be used with condoms or silicone sex toys.
Here at The Playtime Company, we offer a wide selection of lubricants to suit your needs — whether you’re looking for silky water-based options, long-lasting silicone blends, or even fun scented varieties. Stock up on a lube you’ll love, and you’ll never have to worry about using an expired one again. Browse our lube collection here.
Can lube expire?
Yes, lube can expire. Like most foods and medications, lube also has a shelf life.
While it doesn’t go “bad” in the same way as food does — becoming mouldy or rancid overnight — it does lose its effectiveness and safety over time. Preservatives break down, ingredients separate, and moisture levels change.
Average shelf life of different lubes:
- Water-based lubes: 1–3 years
- Silicone-based lubes: 1–3 years
- Oil-based lubes: 3–5 years
Always check the tube or bottle for an expiration date or a PAO (Period After Opening) symbol, e.g. “12M” means it’s good for 12 months after opening.
How to tell when lube has expired
Even if the expiration date has passed, you can often spot the signs yourself. Expired lube may:
- Change colour or texture: You may notice the lube become cloudy, clumpy, or watery. It may even change colours, showing a clear sign of expiration.
- Smell unusual or sour: If you notice that it smells “off”, it has probably expired.
- Feel sticky or tacky instead of smooth: The lube may change consistency and doesn’t flow as easily as it did before.
- Separate into layers: This is typically seen with oil-based lubricants, where the oil and water separate. This creates an oily layer on top.
- Crystalise: If crystals appear at the bottom of the lube container, it has expired.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to toss it.
Is expired lube safe to use?
Using expired lube isn’t recommended. While it may not always cause immediate harm, the performance and safety aren’t guaranteed. Preservatives may no longer protect against bacteria, mould, or contamination. And yes — expired lube can cause discomfort or infection.
What can happen if you use expired lube?
Using expired lube heightens your risk of genital infection (such as bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection) and irritation. This is because time can alter the chemicals used to create lube, which, in turn, can then have an impact on your skin and genital area.
Additionally, expired lube can also increase dryness due to breakdown of ingredients (especially when exposed to atmospheric elements). This can also cause reduced effectiveness, leading to discomfort during intercourse. Not to mention the bad smell or taste is anything but sexy and can instantly dim the mood.
So, even if you “think it’s fine,” your body may not agree.
What to use instead of expired lube?
If your favourite bottle has gone bad, you shouldn’t improvise with household products like lotion, Vaseline, or moisturiser — these can damage condoms, irritate skin, and cause infections.
Instead, the safest option is to replace it with a fresh bottle of body-safe lubricant, such as these options from the Playtime Company.
But, if you really don’t have any other choice, you can use Aloe Vera, Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, or Vitamin E Oil. These oils are safe in most cases. But don’t use them internally or with a condom. Rather, just use them externally for massages or foreplay.
Can I use saliva as lube?
While some people use saliva in the moment, it’s not a safe or effective substitute for real lubricant. Here’s why:
- It dries out quickly: Saliva evaporates fast and doesn’t provide long-lasting lubrication, which can lead to friction, irritation, or discomfort.
- It can spread bacteria and infections: Saliva contains mouth bacteria and enzymes that don’t belong in the genital area. If someone has an oral infection (even without symptoms), it can increase the risk of yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, HPV and herpes transmission, and UTIs.
- It doesn’t protect condoms or toys: Saliva isn’t pH-balanced for the genitals, and it offers zero compatibility protection for condoms or sex toys.
FAQ
Does Durex lube have an expiration date?
Yes! Like most major brands, Durex prints an expiration date either on the bottle, tube, or packaging. After that date, the company no longer guarantees safety, texture, or effectiveness. Even if unopened, it should be discarded once it expires.
How long does lube last?
Most lubes last 1 to 5 years, depending on the ingredients and whether the bottle has been opened. Always check for:
- Expiration dates
- A “12M” or “24M” open symbol
- Visible or sensory changes
Once opened, try to use it within 6–18 months.
Can lube go bad if it’s not stored properly?
Absolutely. Poor storage speeds up spoilage. Lube can go bad faster if it’s:
- Kept in direct sunlight
- Exposed to heat (e.g. car, bathroom, under pillow)
- Left uncapped
- Contaminated by fingers or bodily fluids
- Stored in a humid environment
To extend its life, you can store it in a cool, dry place, keep the cap tightly closed, and avoid mixing air or moisture into the container.
Grab your favourite lube
Whether you’re taking care of yourself or enjoying time with a partner, having a quality lubricant makes all the difference.
The Playtime Company stocks a range of body-safe options, from water-based and silicone-based lubes to scented and speciality blends. Freshness matters when it comes to both pleasure and safety, so don’t risk using an expired bottle.
✨ Treat yourself to a new favourite and shop our lubricant collection today!
