Reduce the chance of throwing off your delicate pH balance with these safe, pleasure-enhancing lubes.
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The female reproductive system consists of a delicate and intricate microbiome that can easily be thrown off by irritating ingredients. Harsh ingredients such as glycerin and nonoxynol-9 can cause infection or even make it harder to conceive. For these reasons, it’s important to look at ingredient labels when searching for a new lube to ensure you’re purchasing one that’s right for you.
There are a few different types of lube: water-based, oil-based, silicone-based, and hybrid. The best kind for you depends on your intended use. Water-based lubes have a low risk of irritation and can be used with condoms and sex toys, but they often require reapplication. Oil-based lubes are not compatible with condoms but are good for severe dryness. Silicone-based lubes are very slick and good for water play, but they can’t be used with silicone toys. Hybrid lubes often combine water and silicone, making them easy to clean up and longer-lasting than water-based lubes.
To select the best sex lubes, we spoke with two gynecologists who work in the sexual wellness space. They shared the best uses for lube, the pros and cons of each type of lube, and ingredients to avoid. We then researched to find the best lubes, considering these experts’ insights.
Not compatible with silicone sex toys
Uberlube’s Luxury Lubricant is silicone-based, meaning you only need a little bit to get you through a session, and it can be used for water play as well. It has these long-lasting lubricating benefits while being free from potentially harmful or irritating ingredients like parabens, glycerin, scents, and flavors. In fact, it has only four ingredients in total. The addition of vitamin E helps provide moisturization and softness.
We appreciate that the bottle is discreet, so it’s easy to keep on your nightstand without anyone realizing it’s lube. Plus, it has a hand pump that makes dispensing it seamless.
Unfortunately, since it is silicone-based, it isn’t compatible with silicone sex toys; it can cause them to deteriorate over time. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, we recommend our best water-based lube, LOLA’s Personal Lubricant.
Key Specs: Type: Silicone-based | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E | Size: 3.8 ounces | Scent: Unscented
Compatible with condoms and sex toys
LOLA’s Personal Lubricant is a relatively affordably priced option that is free from potentially harmful ingredients like parabens, glycerin, and fragrances. LOLA considers it to be hypoallergenic, meaning the risk of an allergic reaction is low compared to other similar products (however, it’s worth noting that the FDA doesn’t really regulate these claims).
While most water-based lubricants require constant reapplication, LOLA’s thick, water-based formula has a longer window of effectiveness. This makes it great for a variety of people and uses, including those going through menopause. Since it’s water-based, it’s safe to use with condoms and sex toys.
Besides water, this lube contains FDA-approved preservatives sodium benzoate and citric acid, as well as gluconolactone and hydroxyethylcellulose for thickening and maintaining the lube’s texture. It does also contain propylene glycol, which may cause irritation for some people. If you’re worried about this ingredient, check out Sutil’s Luxe Lube instead.
Key Specs: Type: Water-based | Key Ingredients: Propanediol, hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium benzoate, citric acid | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Scent: Unscented
Not compatible with silicone sex toys
Silicone-based lubes are long-lasting and slippery, which means you won’t have to pause mid-session to reapply. We love Pink’s Silicone Lubricant because it has the long-lasting benefits of silicone without any potentially harmful additives like parabens or glycerin. The other benefit of silicone-based lube is that it’s safe to use in a bath or pool since it’s water resistant. It can be used with latex condoms or for solo sex. However, silicone-based lubes aren’t safe to use with silicone sex toys.
Besides silicone, this lube includes vitamin E for skin rejuvenation and aloe vera for moisturization. This can help prevent small skin tears during sex that increase the risk of infection.
Key Specs: Type: Silicone-based | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, aloe vera | Size: 2.8 ounces | Scent: Unscented
Not compatible with latex condoms
WOO’s More Play Coconut Oil lube has a really impressive ingredient list full of natural components like organic coconut oil, vanilla flavor, and beeswax. This coconut oil-based lube is long-lasting and great for combating severe dryness. While it can’t be used with latex condoms, it’s great for those engaging in solo play or who aren’t using a condom for partner sex.
The ingredients are naturally hydrating so your skin will feel silky smooth when you’re done. It has a mild vanilla scent thanks to the vanilla flavor added, but nothing too strong. It’s even safe to swallow!
Like with any oil-based lube, the risk of stains is high. If that’s a concern of yours, you may want to opt for our best water-based pick, LOLA’s Personal Lubricant.
Key Specs: Type: Oil-based | Key Ingredients: Organic coconut oil, natural vanilla flavor, beeswax, water, jojoba esters, sunflower seed wax, acacia wax, Polyglycerin-3, stevia extract | Size: 3.3 fluid ounces | Scent: Vanilla
Compatible with condoms and sex toys
Not functional for water play
Sutil’s Luxe lube is a water-based lube that mimics the long-lasting effects of silicone. Those with sensitive skin can feel good that this lube is free from potential irritants like parabens and glycerin. Besides water, it includes natural hydrating ingredients like lotus root and oat beta-glucan. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps promote skin elasticity. These ingredients make this a great option for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Like all water-based lubes, Sutil’s Luxe lube is compatible with condoms and sex toys. However, it won’t help with water play. If you’re looking for a lube for water-based romance (alone or with a partner), we recommend our best silicone-based pick, Pink’s Silicone Lubricant.
Key Specs: Type: Water-based | Key Ingredients: Lotus root, oat beta-glucan, hyaluronic acid | Size: 4 ounces | Scent: Unscented
Compatible with rubber and plastic toys
Aloe Cadabra’s Natural Personal Lube is a unique aloe vera-based lube free from parabens, propylene glycol, and glycerin. This lube is vegan, edible, and comes in multiple fun flavors. It's made with 95% organic aloe vera and it contains vitamin E, so in addition to being safe for your body, it helps to reduce painful intercourse and relieves vaginal dryness. It’s a two-in-one deal as it acts as a personal lubricant and a vaginal moisturizer.
We like that this lube won't stain clothing or bedding, is pH balanced, and is rubber and plastic toy friendly. This bottle is a bit smaller than other lubes on our list, but the aloe vera base helps it last longer than water-based lubes.
Key Specs: Type: Aloe vera-based | Key Ingredients: Organic aloe vera, vitamin E | Size: 2.5 ounces | Scent: Unscented
Not compatible with silicone sex toys
Silicone-based lubes are the best for anal sex because they are slick, long-lasting, and condom compatible, says Dr. Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOG, an OB/GYN and Medical Advisor for INTIMINA, an intimate wellness brand. Since the anus doesn’t lubricate itself like the vagina, having an effective lube is key.
We chose pjor’s BACK DOOR as our top pick for anal sex because it is a silicone-based lube designed specifically for anal sex. It’s free from perfume or synthetic colors and contains jojoba seed oil to help with relaxation. Unlike some other anal sex lubes, this one is free from harsh numbing agents that could disconnect you from your body’s sensations.
Key Specs: Type: Silicone-based | Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, jojoba seed oil | Size: 3.4 ounces | Scent: Unscented
Not functional for water play
While many condoms come pre-lubricated, adding lubrication can enhance the sexual experience. Water-based lubes are great for this because they are compatible with both condoms and sex toys. We selected Lube Life’s Water-Based Personal Lubricant as our top pick for condoms because it is one of the most affordable water-based options that's also free from parabens and glycerine. Plus, since it’s free from oil and silicone, it’s non-staining.
On the downside, you may have to reapply it because it’s water-based, but that’s standard for water-based lubes. Besides water and safe preservatives, it also contains propylene glycol which could cause irritation for those who are sensitive to it. If you’re worried about this ingredient, we recommend trying our best for pregnancy pick, Good Clean Love’s Almost Naked Personal Lubricant.
Key Specs: Type: Water-based | Key Ingredients: Water, propylene glycol | Size: 12 fluid ounces | Scent: Unscented
LELO is a brand known for popular sex toys, but it’s not just sex toys they do well. They also make a great lube to go along with the toys. For masturbation, we recommend LELO’s Personal Moisturizer, a water-based lube free from fragrance, glycerine, and parabens. It has aloe vera for added moisture and longer-lasting effectiveness. This lube is a great option if you especially enjoy using sex toys for self-pleasure.
We also love that the bottle almost looks like a perfume bottle, so you could get away with leaving it on your nightstand without it being obvious that it’s lube. It has a pump to easily dispense it as needed.
Key Specs: Type: Water-based | Key Ingredients: Water, aloe vera | Size: 5 fluid ounces | Scent: Unscented
When being intimate, the last thing you should be thinking about is harmful chemicals in your body. Sliquid Organics Silk Lubricant’s silicone and aloe vera-based formula is free of any unwanted additives and is safe to use with rubber, plastic, and latex.
This lube is botanically infused and vegan, and the 12% silicone blend makes it longer lasting. The aloe vera in the formula acts as a natural moisturizer along with vitamin E, which helps counter menopause-related vaginal dryness. Green tea and hibiscus in the lube offer invigorating sensations that support skin elasticity.
Unfortunately, because of the gel-like consistency, this lube can become sticky with continued reapplication compared to most water-based lubes.
Key Specs: Type: Hybrid | Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, vitamin E, hibiscus extract, green tea extract | Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Scent: Unscented
Compatible with sex toys and condoms
When connecting with your partner or yourself sexually during pregnancy, lube can help ease any friction-related discomfort and make for a more pleasurable experience. The water base behind the Good Clean Love Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant will leave you feeling, well, almost naked. It’s highly recommended by gynecologists and is free from parabens and glycerin. Plus, it’s made with organic aloe leaf juice which helps moisturize and extend the water-based lube’s effectiveness. A 2012 study even concluded that this lube is one of the safest out there, which is especially important during pregnancy.
The formula is long-lasting, moisturizing, and easy to clean up. You won’t have to worry about it leaving behind any bothersome stains because of its water base. It’s infused with light lemon and vanilla scents without irritating chemical additives making it ideal for anyone with sensitive skin. Plus, it’s safe for silicone toys and latex condoms.
Key Specs: Type: Water-based | Key Ingredients: Water, aloe vera | Size: 1.5 fluid ounces | Scent: Unscented
For oral sex, flavored lubes can mask the latex flavor of a condom and add novelty. We recommend Sliquid Naturals’ Swirl because it is free from potentially harmful ingredients like glycerin, parabens, and propylene glycol. It is vegan and hypoallergenic as well.
We love that it comes in a bunch of flavors–from cherry vanilla to pina colada to cater to a variety of taste preferences. It’s sugar-free, but it does contain aspartame. There’s some mixed messaging around the safety of aspartame for internal use, so you may be best off using this exclusively for oral or non-penetrative sex.
For penetrative sex without a condom, we recommend WOO’s More Play Coconut Oil Lube because it has a subtle vanilla flavor and is safe to swallow. For penetrative sex with a condom, we recommend Lube Life’s Water-Based Personal Lubricant.
Key Specs: Type: Water-based | Key Ingredients: Water, natural flavoring & aspartame | Size: 4.2 ounces | Scent: Cherry vanilla
4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best lubes we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These lubes are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great lubes, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These lubes are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend lubes with this rating; you won't find any on our list.
To select the best lubes, we interviewed two gynecologists with experience in sexual wellness:
They shared the pros and cons of different types of lubes, who would benefit from using lube, the best lube for different intentions, and ingredients to seek out or avoid. They also shed light on whether lube affects your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Considering their recommendations, we researched the web for the best lubes for various uses.
Water-based lubes are made using water-soluble ingredients and are easy to clean up. According to Dr. Eilber, water-based lubes are great for reducing irritation and pairing with condoms and toys, but they tend to require reapplication since they’re absorbed quickly. Since they dissolve in water, they're not the best choice for shower sex.
Silicone-based lubes are very slippery and are designed to last longer than water-based lubes. They don't wash or wipe away easily so they're good for longer sessions, anal sex, and water play. Silicone lube is also safe for latex condoms but not a good idea to pair it with silicone toys. Dr. Dweck advises that a little goes a long way for silicone-based lube so be careful about overapplying it.
Oil-based lubes are usually made using natural oils such as vitamin E or coconut oil. They’re long-lasting and waterproof like silicone. They help with more severe dryness, says Dr. Eilber, but they are not compatible with latex condoms, and they could stain bedding and clothing.
Hybrid lubes typically have a combination of water and silicone, so they have a mix of the pros and cons of each option. The water makes them easy to clean up and the silicone keeps them from drying out so they last longer.
Besides the base ingredients of oil, water, or silicone, lubes often have other ingredients to enhance their function. Aloe vera is a common one that provides natural lubrication and moisturization. Vitamin E is another commonly added ingredient with similar benefits to aloe vera.
Besides these natural ingredients, many lubes contain preservatives. Sodium benzoate and citric acid are two such preservatives that are considered to be safe. Hydroxyethylcellulose is another ingredient you might see in lube; it is helpful for those trying to conceive because lubes with this ingredient closely mimic natural vaginal fluids and have been found to be helpful because they don't decrease sperm motility.
Some people are able to tolerate most lube ingredients without any issue, says Dr. Dweck. However, there are some ingredients to stay away from, particularly if you are sensitive.
Generally, the same ingredients that are excluded from "clean" cosmetics should be excluded from lube, says Dr. Eilber. These include glycerin, parabens, and phthalates. Glycerin could increase the risk of yeast infection for those who are prone to them, and parabens may disrupt the endocrine system. Dr. Dweck also says propylene glycol might cause sensitivity in some people. She says many gynecologists also recommend avoiding flavors, sparkles, or scents in lubricants, especially for those who are sensitive to additives.
Your intended use for lube will impact which lube you should buy.
For anal use, Dr. Dweck recommends silicone lube because it is very slick, long-lasting, and compatible with latex condoms. Silicone lube is also good for water play. For contraception and STI protection, she recommends a non-oil lubricant. If you are engaging in solo sex with a sex toy, the best type of lube will depend on the material of the toy. For silicone toys, water-based lubes are best.
Lube prices can range from a few dollars to upwards of $50 or more. Dr. Eilber points out that lubes with higher-quality, natural ingredients will cost much more than an alternative with less of these top-tier ingredients.
When selecting a lube based on price, consider how much of it you’ll have to use. For example, you’ll probably go through water-based lube quicker than silicone-based lube because of the need to reapply water-based lube more often.
It’s also a matter of what your priorities and needs are. If you are sensitive and worry you may have an allergic reaction to certain ingredients, a natural lube may be a safer choice that’s worth the investment.
The best lube for you will really depend on your intended use. Per Dr. Eilber, oil-based lubes are great for more severe dryness, however, they can’t be used with condoms. Water-based lubes are usually less irritating and are compatible with condoms and toys, but they require reapplication. Silicone lubes are the most slippery, but if you will be inserting it into the vagina, keep in mind that silicone is tough for the vagina to clear.
Lube can be applied to a sex toy, condom, or directly onto your own body or your partner’s body. The recommended amount will depend on the type of lube you’re using. For water-based lube, you may want to be more generous; whereas with silicone-based lube, you won’t need too much to reap the benefits.
If you're using water- or silicone-based lube with a latex condom, the lubricant can help reduce friction that will, in turn, reduce the risk of condom breakage, thus keeping you safer. Oil-based lubricants, however, will degrade a latex condom quickly and lead to breakage so they are not recommended for use with latex condoms.
Dr. Dweck warns that the ingredient nonoxynol-9, a spermicide, might increase risk for STIs including HIV because it could cause small tears in the genital tissue that increase risk for exposure to pathogens. Lubricants that are considered hyperosmolar can also cause epithelial tissue damage. Lubes that contain glycerin and propylene glycol fall into this category.
Yes. In fact, more lubricant can help the condom do its job even better. Additional lubricant can reduce friction even further to minimize the chance of the condom breaking. It can also reduce the chance of irritation of delicate tissues which can lead to infection.
If you choose to use an additional lubricant, make sure to choose one that is compatible with the type of condom you're using. Oil-based lubes do not pair well with latex condoms.
Isabel Vasquez RD, LDN is a registered dietitian and freelance health and nutrition writer. Her work is especially focused on helping individuals divest from a one-size-fits-all approach to health and connect with their unique needs.
As a seasoned health writer, Isis Briones knows the importance of finding products that work best for you and your conditions. You can count on her to always provide a variety of recommendations from licensed medical professionals because she has tested and reviewed tons of products over the years to know everyone is different.
Dezzutti CS, Brown ER, Moncla B, et al. Is wetter better? An evaluation of over-the-counter personal lubricants for safety and anti-hiv-1 activity, Tachedjian G, ed. PLoS ONE. 2012;7(11):e48328. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0048328
Ayehunie S, Wang YY, Landry T, Bogojevic S, Cone RA. Hyperosmolal vaginal lubricants markedly reduce epithelial barrier properties in a three-dimensional vaginal epithelium model. Toxicol Rep. 2017;5:134‐140. doi:10.1016/j.toxrep.2017.12.011
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