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Personal lubricant, or lube, can enhance both solo and partnered sex, making the experience more comfortable and pleasurable overall. It can protect delicate tissues. And it may be a necessity for those who enjoy anal sex or experience vaginal dryness. bdsm accessories
While there is no single best lube for every body and every sexual activity, we found Aloe Cadabra Natural Aloe water-based lube to be long lasting, non-sticky, condom- and toy-friendly, and thick enough to work for anal use as well as vaginal use. This formula, primarily consisting of aloe vera gel, has earned FDA clearance and is available in an assortment of flavors.
We also recommend other water-based formulas, as well as silicone, hybrid, and oil-based lubricants suited for vaginal and anal use.
This non-sticky, water-based lube is compatible with most types of condoms and sex toys, and it works well for a variety of sexual activities.
This beloved silicone lube—the best of the five we considered—comes in an elegant glass pump bottle.
This water and silicone hybrid blend offers the lasting wetness of silicone, yet it is non-staining and silicone-toy compatible, like a water-based lubricant.
This oil-based formula stays soft at room temperature, comes in an easy-to-dispense tube, and is formulated for both anal and vaginal use.
A more-economical oil-based lube available in a tub or in a squeeze tube, this glycerin- and silicone-containing formula is a great choice for anal use or penile masturbation.
This coconut water-based lube has a thinner, more watery consistency that may blend more seamlessly with natural vaginal moisture.
This thick, water-based gel lubricant is pH balanced for anal use but can be suitable for menopause-related vaginal dryness.
You can find four main types of personal lubricants: water-based, silicone, hybrid (combination of water and silicone), and oil-based.
In general, water-based lubes are the most versatile: They can be used vaginally, anally, or both, and are condom-safe.
Oil-based lubes are not safe for use with most condoms. Some lubes are compatible only with condoms made of certain materials.
Avoid using silicone lubes with silicone sex toys, or oil-based lubes with mechanized toys.
This non-sticky, water-based lube is compatible with most types of condoms and sex toys, and it works well for a variety of sexual activities.
Made from 95% aloe vera gel, Aloe Cadabra Natural Aloe is a creamy lube that is pH balanced for vaginas but is also thick enough for anal use. It is safe for use with most condoms (all but polyurethane) and sex toys, offering a lasting glide with little stickiness. Its streamlined ingredients list and low osmolality make it a good choice for people with dry or sensitive tissues, and compared with most lubes made with comparable ingredients, it’s reasonably priced. It’s edible and available in more than a dozen flavors, including watermelon and lemongrass.
FDA 510(k) cleared: yes Price per ounce: $3.62 (5.5-ounce tube) Condom compatible: yes, except polyurethane Toy compatible: yes, all types Best for: vaginal and anal use (although it is pH balanced for vaginas), vaginal dryness
This beloved silicone lube—the best of the five we considered—comes in an elegant glass pump bottle.
Unlike water-based lubes, silicone lubricants don’t require preservatives, so they may be less irritating for some bodies. And silicone lubes don’t lose moisture, making them ideal for anal sex, penile masturbation, and vaginal dryness. Überlube is a superlative silicone lube: It offers a smooth, slippery glide and is easy to dispense from its glass pump bottle, which looks great on a nightstand. It is the most expensive of our picks.
FDA 510(k) cleared: yes Price per ounce: $10.74 (1.86-ounce bottle) Condom compatible: yes, except polyurethane Toy compatible: incompatible with silicone toys Best for: anal use, penile masturbation, vaginal dryness
This water and silicone hybrid blend offers the lasting wetness of silicone, yet it is non-staining and silicone-toy compatible, like a water-based lubricant.
A creamy white lubricant that combines water and dimethicone silicone, Sliquid Silk offers the best of both worlds: long-lasting, non-sticky wetness that is safe for use with all types of condoms and with some silicone toys (unlike pure-silicone lubricants). While it is pH balanced for the vagina, it’s also suitable for anal use and penile masturbation. However, its unpleasant taste may be a drawback for some people.
FDA 510(k) cleared: no Price per ounce: $3.57 (4.2-ounce bottle) Condom compatible: yes, all types Toy compatible: yes, with some silicone toys Best for: vaginal use, anal use, penile masturbation
This oil-based formula stays soft at room temperature, comes in an easy-to-dispense tube, and is formulated for both anal and vaginal use.
Oil-based lubes generally have the thickest texture of all lube types. Blended from a mixture of oils including sunflower, coconut, and shea butter, Coconu Oil Based is a versatile oil-based lube that’s equally suitable for vaginal and anal use. Unlike some oil-based lubes, this formula stays soft at room temperature, with a texture that’s similar to petroleum jelly but melts to a liquid consistency with body heat. Like all oil-based lubes, it isn’t safe for use with latex and polyisoprene condoms or mechanized toys, and it may not agree with everyone’s vaginal biome.
FDA 510(k) cleared: company has filed for consideration, a representative told us Price per ounce: $8.33 (3-ounce tube) Condom compatible: only non-latex and non-polyisoprene condoms, such as nitrile, polyurethane, or lambskin Toy compatible: only non-mechanized toys Best for: vaginal use, anal use, penile masturbation
A more-economical oil-based lube available in a tub or in a squeeze tube, this glycerin- and silicone-containing formula is a great choice for anal use or penile masturbation.
On a per-ounce basis, Boy Butter Original costs far less than the similarly long-lasting Coconu Oil Based—making it ideal for anal sex, which can require lots of lubrication. Like the Coconu oil-based formula, Boy Butter Original is not compatible with latex condoms or mechanized toys. It is thicker than the Coconu lube, with a lotion-like consistency straight from the package. The blend of oils, glycerin, and silicone melts with body heat to a thinner consistency.
FDA 510(k) cleared: no Price per ounce: $1.92 (25-ounce bottle) Condom compatible: only non-latex condoms Toy compatible: only non-mechanized toys Best for: anal use, penile masturbation
This coconut water-based lube has a thinner, more watery consistency that may blend more seamlessly with natural vaginal moisture.
For those who prefer a thinner lube, with a consistency similar to natural vaginal lubrication, Coconu Water Based offers a lasting, non-sticky glide and, like the Aloe Cadabra formula, is free of ingredients likely to cause irritation. It’s safe for use with condoms and all types of sex toys, but we found that it is not thick enough for anal use. With coconut water as its first ingredient, it was the most neutral-tasting and neutral-smelling of all the lubes we tested, making it a good choice for people who like to switch between oral sex and other activities. However, it’s more than twice as expensive per ounce as our top pick, and it is not suitable for people with coconut allergies.
FDA 510(k) cleared: yes Price per ounce: $8.33 (3-ounce tube) Condom compatible: yes, all types Toy compatible: yes, all types Best for: vaginal use
This thick, water-based gel lubricant is pH balanced for anal use but can be suitable for menopause-related vaginal dryness.
Sutil Rich is a superior water-based lube for anal use, though it can also be used vaginally and is a good choice for those with vaginal dryness. Its thick, jelly-like texture offers extra cushion for sensitive tissues, yet it is also safe for use with all types of condoms and toys. Because it is specifically pH balanced for the rectum, it is less likely to cause irritation to anal tissues than lubes intended for the more acidic vaginal environment. However, it is a few dollars more expensive per ounce than our top pick, and people who frequently engage in anal sex may prefer a less expensive option.
FDA 510(k) cleared: no Price per ounce: $7.25 (4-ounce tube) Condom compatible: yes, all types Toy compatible: yes, all types Best for: anal use, menopause-related vaginal dryness
For this guide, we interviewed sex educators, a urologist, a urogynecologist, two OB/GYNs, a cosmetic-chemistry expert, sex-toy store owners and employees, sex therapists, and the chief science officer of a major lube company. We also spoke with other industry professionals and crowdsourced opinions from various sex-positive communities.
Bianca Alba is a sexual health expert and journalist. Bianca earned a master of public health degree in 2014 from Indiana University, where they assisted research scientist Debby Herbenick, PhD, MPH, with academic and consumer research related to sex-toy use and worked as a blogger and sex educator at The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction. They have been researching and writing Wirecutter’s sexual-health reviews for a decade.
“Sex is a high-contact sport,” said Rachel Rubin, MD, a urologist and sexual-medicine specialist in private practice. “You want to make sure that the wheels are greased, to keep things moving well.” Personal lubricant can be particularly important during anal play, as well as to counteract vaginal dryness, Rubin said. But even when it’s not strictly necessary, supplemental lubrication can reduce friction during just about any form of solo or partnered sex, possibly making the experience more enjoyable overall.
Not all lubes are suitable for use with condoms: In general, you should avoid using oil-based lubes with condoms of any material. If you are trying to conceive, know that many lubes can negatively impact sperm motility, among other things. (Some formulas are compatible with sperm, oocytes, and embryos and therefore are meant for people who are trying to conceive.) And although lube can be helpful for addressing vaginal dryness, some people find a vaginal moisturizer better suited for that purpose. For this guide, we did not evaluate “fertility-friendly” lubes or intimate moisturizers.
To help prevent damage to sensitive tissues, personal lubricants are essential for anal penetration because the anal tissues do not create natural moisture the way a vagina does, as well as for people experiencing vaginal dryness due to changing hormones or medical concerns. Lube can also help prevent genital and anal tissues from becoming dry and irritated, a risk factor for STI transmission (PDF). In addition, they can increase sensation for both partners when condoms are in use, and they can help prevent discomfort when there is a size difference between partners. Lube is especially important when you are using silicone sex toys that are firm and can create a lot of friction.
Using lube isn’t a substitute for getting medical attention if you’re experiencing pain during sex. “For people who have horrible pain, just adding lube is not the answer,” said Rubin. “In fact, it’s really, really important that you see a clinician who can diagnose the problem and fix the problem.”
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies lube as a Class II medical device, the same class as menstrual cups and tampons. However, the agency considers menstrual cups exempt, meaning their manufacturers need not apply for premarketing clearance. Lube makers, on the other hand, are supposed to apply for FDA 510(k) clearance and demonstrate their products’ safety and efficacy. Some lube makers advertise their products as intimate moisturizers or massage oils rather than personal lubricants; in the absence of specific claims “to treat or prevent disease or otherwise affect the structure or functions of the human body,” these may be considered cosmetics—and therefore, not beholden to the FDA’s clearance requirement.
The line between “lube” and “not lube” isn’t entirely clear. Throughout our research, we encountered many products for sale in the US that people use as personal lubricants but that are not FDA cleared as such. In sorting our thinking on the regulatory requirements versus the market reality, we reached out to four clinicians to ask what they usually recommended to their patients. One strongly recommended the use of only FDA-cleared personal lubricants; three were not insistent on FDA clearance.
“When a lubricant company undertakes the process of 510(k) clearance it sends the consumer a clear and concise message: The company is committed to patient safety and product efficacy,” Michael Krychman, MD, the medical director of Women’s Health Services at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, wrote in an email.
“Some lubricants have FDA clearance, but many great products—including natural options, such olive oil, coconut oil, and apricot kernel oil—don’t,” Sara Cichowski, MD, an associate professor of urogynecology at Oregon Health & Science University, wrote in an email. “I tell my patients that picking a lubricant is about personal preference, often based on skin sensitivity, texture/glide preferences and planned activity.”
You can find four main types of personal lubricants: water-based, silicone, water/silicone hybrid, and oil-based.
Water-based lubricants are ideal for all types of vaginal use—including intercourse, masturbation, and temporary moisturization—because it is most similar to natural vaginal moisture. Water-based lubricant is also the only type of lubricant that is generally compatible with all types of condoms and sex toys. Water-based lubricants can be used for anal sex as well, but for that purpose it’s important to choose a thicker formula that provides extra cushion.
Silicone lubricants are wonderful for penile masturbation, anal sex, and vaginal dryness because they do not lose moisture due to evaporation. They are compatible with most condoms, but they can damage silicone toys due to their molecular structure, and they can stain fabric.
Hybrid lubricants are similar to water-based formulas but tend to stay wetter longer due to the addition of a small amount of silicone. They’re compatible with most silicone sex toys.
Oil-based lubricants are similar to silicone lubes in that they do not lose moisture, but they are not safe to use with latex or polyisoprene condoms, and they can damage mechanized sex toys and stain fabric. In general, oil-based lubes are better for anal use than vaginal use.
To find the best water-based, silicone, hybrid, and oil-based lubes, we considered the following factors:
Altogether we tried 29 formulas: 19 water-based, four silicone, two water/silicone hybrid, and four oil-based lubes. We assessed the feel, smell, and taste of each, noting which lubes became sticky with heat and friction, which ones were likely to drip all over, and which ones lost their slip too quickly.
Our recommendations include three water-based formulas, one silicone lube, one hybrid lube, and two oil-based options.
This non-sticky, water-based lube is compatible with most types of condoms and sex toys, and it works well for a variety of sexual activities.
Available for just a bit more than you might spend on a lesser-quality lube from a drugstore, the FDA-cleared Aloe Cadabra Natural Aloe lubricant can work well for a variety of bodies and applications. It is pH balanced with low osmolality for vaginal health while being thick enough for penile masturbation and, in a pinch, anal use. It is compatible with all types of condoms and sex toys, and compared with most water-based lubricants we considered, its slick texture stays wet longer (before eventually becoming a bit sticky).
It’s specifically formulated to support vaginal health. Aloe Cadabra lubricant has a pH of 4.2 and osmolality of 172 mOsm/kg, well under the WHO recommendation of 1,200 mOsm/kg maximum. “I always recommend Aloe Cadabra for people with dry or sensitive vulvovaginal tissue,” said Helen Being, educational consultant for the Eugene, Oregon–based As You Like It sex-toy shop. The recipe is formulated to support the hydration of mucosal membranes, Being said, and does not contain the glycols and parabens that may upset the vaginal biome in some people.
It’s uniquely versatile among water-based lubes. While experts generally recommend a hybrid, silicone-based, or oil-based lube for penile masturbation and anal use, Aloe Cadabra’s creamy gel formula is thick enough that it is an acceptable option for those applications, unlike some of the thinner water-based lubes that we tried.
Those who like to alternate oral sex with other activities should note that we found the Natural Aloe version to be slightly sour tasting. But the company also offers 18 flavored varieties; Being recommends the Tahitian vanilla, strawberry, and peppermint flavors. “Their flavoring is never overwhelming. I think it adds a level of delicious aroma to the whole sexual experience.”
The largest bottle of this formula, 5.5 ounces of Natural Aloe, is less widely available than the 2.5-ounce bottle, which is commonly found online and in some specialty stores.
This beloved silicone lube—the best of the five we considered—comes in an elegant glass pump bottle.
Silicone lubes don’t lose moisture, so they stay wetter, longer. Überlube is the most expensive silicone lubricant we tested—and by far the best. It’s the only FDA-cleared formula we considered that lists dimethicone, the “oldest and most extensively used” silicone polymer, as its first ingredient.
Most silicone lubes feel generally the same. Überlube feels better. It can be useful for anal sex, penile masturbation, and vaginal dryness. And it’s packaged in a glass pump bottle that neatly dispenses the right amount for most uses.
sex doll for men The glass Überlube bottle may be easily dropped by slippery hands.