Personal Lubricant vs. Vaginal Inserts: Which One’s Best for You?
Hayley
29 February 2025
What's the Difference?
01.
Similar but different
First, let’s clear something up: lubricants and vaginal moisturizers aren’t the same thing.
“Vaginal moisturizers are used regularly to maintain vaginal moisture,” As Dr. Thielen says in her Mayo Clinic article, “Lubricants are used during intercourse to reduce friction and increase comfort.”
Translation?
Personal lubricants are your go-to for sexy time — quick, slippery, and oh-so-satisfying in the moment.
Vaginal inserts (like Playground’s Miracle Melts) are for deep hydration, tissue support, and long-term vaginal comfort.
They’re not competing — they’re meant to be complementary to one another.
02.
In the heat of the moment
If you’ve ever Googled best lube for women, you know the options are endless. Water-based, silicone-based, organic, warming, CBD-infused — whatever your vibe, there’s a lube out there for you.
Lube is fabulous for:
✔️ Making sex smoother and more comfortable
✔️ Enhancing solo play
✔️ Preventing microtears from friction
✔️ Dealing with temporary dryness due to stress or cycle changes
Our faves are Playground’s Free Love — which is scientifically proven to help reduce and prevent UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, and other common vaginal health issues — and our Mini Escape, which feels (and smells) like you’re taking a sexy vacation.
Remember, though, that while personal lubricants provide instant relief, Dr. Mathews points out, they don’t address the deeper causes of dryness. If you find yourself reaching for lube constantly — even outside of sex — that might be a sign your body needs more ongoing hydration support.
03.
Long-term support
This is where vaginal suppositories come in. Think of them like a deep-conditioning treatment for your vaginal tissue.
Playground’s Miracle Melts are a perfect example: soft, easy-to-insert capsules that deliver hyaluronic acid right to the source. These ingredients don’t just sit on the surface — they help hydrate vaginal mucosa, improve tissue elasticity, and soothe irritation from within.
According to Dr. Thielen, “One of the most effective nonhormonal treatments is a vaginal moisturizer… My personal favorites are vaginal moisturizers with hyaluronic acid.”
Hyaluronic acid is the same skin-loving molecule found in your favorite face serums — but vaginally, it’s a total game changer. It holds up to 1,000x its weight in water, draws moisture into the tissue, and helps prevent the thinning and fragility that often come with hormonal changes, stress, or medication may be a sign your body needs more ongoing hydration support.
04.
So, what should you use?
It depends on your needs! Below is a quick breakdown on what will suit you best.
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