Q: What kinds of lubricants should I use?

A: It is always safe to use water-based lubricants and silicone-based lubricants with latex condoms. The lubrication heightens the sexual experience and, if you put a few drops of lube inside the tip of the condom, you'll have better stimulation along with added safety.

It is NEVER safe to use oil-based lubricants (skin lotions, baby oil, Vaseline, Crisco, cold cream, or even whipped cream) with latex condoms because oil dramatically weakens latex and definitely increases the chances of condom failure/breakage. For example, mineral oil is a common ingredient in many lotions. According to the CDC, within as little as 60 seconds of exposure, a 90% decrease in latex strength will occur in a condom when using an oil-based lubricant. [To demonstrate, blow up a latex condom, place a dab of oil or lotion on it, and watch it explode! Moral of the story? Don’t use oil on latex.]
Only polyurethane condoms can safely be used with oil-based lubricants, so if you must use an oil-based lubricant, please use only polyurethane condoms. Polyurethane condoms also work well with water- and silicone-based lubricants.