Bases (Principal Ingredient)
The lubrication base refers to the primary active ingredient within the lube that gives the lube its defining characteristics. Common umbrella terms for bases include water-based and oil-based. Water-based is typically a misnomer, as the principal active ingredient is something other than water. Therefore, fisters use greater specificity to refer to their lube bases.
QUICK REFERENCE
Water Considerations
Purity Standards
Recipes that use powdered emulsifiers, such as J Lube and xanthan gum, often require adding water to hydrate the principal ingredient. Ideally, bottled, distilled, or boiled water should be used to prepare the lubrication. Chemicals used to purify the water to drinking standards can interact with the lubricant and decrease its shelf life and lubricity.

Figure 1-1: Lube Discoloration with Tap Water
Using tap water instead of distilled or bottled water will introduce chemicals that may cause lube discoloration.
Bottled water is often ideal for use because bottles are standard values, such as 500ml or 16 fluid ounces (two cups). Most recipes are calculated to provide 500ml (approximately two cups) of lube.
Mixing Methodology
In most cases, it's better to add too little water rather than too much water. While more water can be added to a lube that is too viscous, adding powder to a lube that is runny will result in clumping and unexpected results in complex recipes.
Expiration Dates
Bases have expiration dates. Lipids go rancid. Glycerines and emulsifying powders (PEOs and Gums) degrade and lose their lubricity.