Can general water-based lube be a substitute of this?

Since this is the product we sell and we don't sell a water based lube our general answer is water based lubes dry out rather fast and/or the moisture from your body will make that lube run down your legs and arms and that would generally mean the lubricating properties would leave with your bodily fluids. Then again we don't sell a water based lube so your basically kind of asking us if we think you should go somewhere else to make a purchase, is that about right?

What does it smell like

It's silicone oil and doesn't really have a scent.

Autoignition Temperature: 450 deg C ( 842.00 deg F) Flash Point: 250 deg C ( 482.00 deg F) Explosion Limits: Lower: Not available Explosion Limits: Upper: Not available NFPA Rating: health: 1; flammability: 1; instability: 0;

how is it different than silicone lube?

They are both silicone, however, lubes are generally much thicker. We've seen people use lube in the past and after repeated use it is very difficult to wash off.