Whether you’re all about the spontaneous, five-minute quickie or pre-planned nights of passion, once body-to-body contact comes into the equation, so does friction. This rubbing is the very thing which delivers the pleasure we’re all after, but too much can present problems, especially for those delving into hour-long affairs. Luckily, raw skin can be avoided by throwing some lube into the mix. The best lubricants enhance play for everyone involved and facilitate safe sex.
You can, of course, buy made-for-purpose personal lubricants for masturbation or sexual activity, or you could try something you might just have lying around the house. While we would always advise using something made by professionals, great sex sometimes demands improvisation. That being said, it’s always a good idea to be prepared, which is why every bedroom needs a bottle of lube discreetly tucked away in a nightstand.
Furthermore, needing lubricant isn’t something to be embarrassed about. We’d argue that lube makes most sexual encounters better. And the benefits of using a lubricant aren’t just limited to preventing friction, either, as different types of lube help improve sensitivity, smell nicer than latex, help guys last longer and even moisturize your skin.
We consulted Dr. Mary Jane Minkin MD, a clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University School of Medicine, about how to pick the best lubricant for you.
“There are many excellent lubricants available. First bit of advice: don’t buy a huge supply of the new lube the first time you try it-make sure it agrees with you first. (the vaginal tissue is among the most delicate in the body)”
“Next, consider if there are any special circumstances. For example, if you are a couple trying to conceive (and sometimes have to have sex at a certain time of the cycle it can be stressful and you will have limited lubrication)-then you want to use a sperm-friendly lubricant such as Pre-Seed (which will help keep those sperm alive!) Some of the other general lubricants available are Replens Silky Smooth (which is a good companion for the Replens moisturizer which many women use for ongoing moisture.) And never forget that foreplay is very important for stimulation of vaginal lubrication-and many couples will benefit from the use of vibrators: vibrators also increase pelvic blood flow that increases vaginal moisture.”
We’ve put together a list of the best lubricants with options available for every preference. Whether you’re looking for the best flavored lubes, odorless lubes, best natural lubes or one you can use with sensitive skin, we’ve got you covered. And, soon enough, you’ll be covered with the best lubes.
One final note: please remember that oil-based personal lubricants should not be used with condoms, as they can cause them to break. Stick to water- or silicone-based lubricants for safer sex.
1. #LubeLife Personal Lubricant
BEST OVERALL
This #LubeLife lubricant has almost 120,000 reviews on Amazon and is a #1 best seller in the sex category. It has a silky smooth texture with a buttery glide that compliments the body’s natural lubrication nicely. It’s compatible with sex toys and condoms and is water-based so it won’t stain your sheets and is easy to clean. It’s mixed to be hypoallergenic and is designed to be easy to put on and take off. However, because it’s water-based you should opt for something with silicone if you wish to use it in the shower.
This lube with army-inspired packaging offers long-lasting lubrication and contains vitamin E and aloe vera. While it’s not for use with silicone toys, it is condom safe and adds the perfect shine to latex clothing. It’s glycerin and paraben-free with inspiration drawn by soldiers masturbating with actual gun oil during Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia. Sometimes the most genius inventions come from being resourceful in unexpected circumstances.
If you’re going to town solo, try K-Y for playtime that doesn’t feel so lonesome. It’s got a non-sticky consistency that’s ideal for self-play with a formula made safe for toys, condoms, penises, vaginas and anal play. That said, this also makes for a stellar lubricant to use during sex, but we’re going to say it: using this lube by yourself is almost as good as the real thing. In the end, this lube can be your personal solo joy ride just as much as it can be your wingman in the bedroom.
By blending a water-based lubricant with a small amount of silicone-based lubricant, the BabeLube Silk offers the best of both worlds. This hybrid lube means you’ll enjoy increased longevity when compared to other water-based lubricants. It also means that this lubricant is compatible with silicone toys as long as they are cleaned immediately after use. In addition, this option contains no added flavors or scents and sports a formula that is hypoallergenic, vegan-friendly and won’t stain your sheets.
This lubricant comes expert recommended for its paraben-free formula that’s perfect for use with sex toys. It’s naturally warming via botanical ingredients to heighten sensitivity and sensation while you’re using it. This lubricant is also designed with women’s bodies in mind, as it’s glycerin-free and made with certified organic extracts that support the body. The vagina absorbs everything, including chemicals that potentially come from lubricant — so choosing an organic mix like this one is a healthy choice.
Turn On is a stellar water-based lubricant that will last you hours if you aren’t the bunny rabbit type. Why? Because one of the most non-sexy things you can do is stop in the middle, reach for the bedside table and reapply more lube. It’s a total turn-off. In addition, this lube has properties that hydrate and moisturize the skin to keep your naughty bits pampered during play. Of course, this bottle contains only stain-free, condom-safe, toy-friendly and hypoallergenic ingredients so you won’t have to worry about any mishaps whilst getting it on.
If you’re going to use lube, might as well protect and nourish your body at the same time, right? Luckily, maude’s shine organic lube does exactly that. This bottle is packed with nothing but 100% natural, organic ingredients that contain aloe for ultra skin hydration. The formula is pH-balanced and ideal for use on the human body, with toys and latex condoms.
Whatever you do — don’t use a water-based lubricant in the shower, it’ll wash right off. Silicone lubricant is more the way to go so it stays slippery and does its job despite the running water. This lubricant is designed to be waterproof and long-lasting for hours of protection. It’s made without parabens, glycerin, is hypoallergenic and non-irritating. That being said, it’s always a good idea to buy a small amount at first to see how your body reacts.
If you want to add some flavor to your lube-filled fun, try this ID Frutopia Natural Watermelon Flavored Lube. The watermelon flavor adds an extra dimension to your time together and is a great way to cover up the unpleasant smell and taste of latex. This advanced formula gives the product a silky smooth feel and taste that’s ideal for all kinds of sex. It can also be used with condoms and other toys, too. Plus, it’s easy to clean from sheets and hypoallergenic, too.
It may come as a surprise, but not all lubricants are vegan-friendly. Whether it’s an ingredient or the fact they’re tested on animals, vegan lube can be hard to find. If this is an issue you care about, choose the Aloe Cadabra Natural Personal Lube. This water-based lube contains only vegan-friendly ingredients, including aloe vera and vitamin E. It’s also free from parabens and glycerin and made in the USA.
For people with sensitive skin, it’s important to ensure your lube doesn’t do more harm than good. For this reason, it’s a good idea to stick with the Intimate Lubricants for Sensitive Skin by Penchant Premium. This lube comes specifically advertised for sensitive skin and is also accompanied by almost 7,000 five-star reviews from users happy with their experience. In addition to being great for sensitive skin, this skin-friendly lube will last longer than many water-based options and is odorless. It’s also safe for use with condoms and other adult toys.
Bad-smelling lube is a surefire way to kill the mood. Try this Valm Silicone-Based Personal Lubricant for a completely odor-free experience. This lube is long-lasting, clear, waterproof and great for all kinds of sex, including use with condoms and toys. In addition, when you order this lube, it comes packaged discreetly, and the bottle features a pump-action top to help prevent any unwanted spillages.
There are times when it’s important that your lubricant definitely does what it’s supposed to. That’s why it’s a good idea to have FAV personal lubricant on hand for anal penetration. This lubricant is gentle, long-lasting and designed to be suitable on sensitive skin. It’s compatible with silicone and rubbers toys as well as natural rubber latex, polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms. It’s also designed to be extra slippery and lubricating, an essential when entering the back door.
Cake is a lubrication brand that’s reimagining the way we lube up. With lubes for just about everything, Cake allows users to prioritize their specific needs (like solo play, duo play, toy play, anal play and more) to ensure the lube they’re using is the correct lube to use. There are tons of different variations Cake has to offer, but one we have to bring to your attention is their Stim for Him lubrication. This goop takes control of the penis by providing a stimulating, tingly feeling when you masturbate. It adjusts with friction back and forth from warm to cold to heighten your solo experience in a way no other lube has. Trust us, it’s a must-try.
This lubricant is actually a cream lubricant as opposed to silicone-based and is made with all-natural, body-friendly ingredients rather than harsh chemicals. It has a light, velvety texture without introducing too much moisture that can throw off the vagina’s pH balance. It’s free of glycerin and parabens, and is safe to use with silicone toys. Keep your sexual activity friction-free without causing infection with this water-based lubricant.
If all else fails — use coconut oil. It’s a versatile ingredient that’s just as high-performing in the bedroom as it is in the kitchen. This one is raw, unbleached and not hydrogenated so you won’t be introducing chemicals into your body, and it’s certified USDA organic. Use it as you would any other lube — a little goes a long way, and enjoy the non-slimy results. It’s a great hair and skin moisturizing treatment as well!
It may be the most expensive lube on our list, but when you unpack the Überlube Luxury Lubricant, you’ll understand why. The first thing you’ll notice about this high-end, luxury lubricant is the classy container it comes in. It’s not your average tube of lube. And, unlike average lubricants, Überlube isn’t just made to be slippery. It’s also designed to transfer sensation for a much greater experience. In addition, after you’ve finished having fun, the lubricant dissipates to leave your skin moisturized and softer than before.
Dispensing your lubricant can be a complicated and messy affair. That’s why adding the Pulse Warming Lubricant Dispenser to your home could be a godsend. This advanced, C-shaped device features motion-sensing technology which squirts a pre-selected amount of precisely heated lubricant onto your hand when it’s activated. This closed system dispenser is also compatible with a wide range of lubricants, including water and oil-based options as well as flavored lubricants and massage oils. Say goodbye to sticky, messy bottles that ruin the mood.
19. Foria Wellness Intimacy Natural Lubricant with CBD
BEST CBD LUBE
One of the most important things for enjoying sex? To relax. This CBD lube combines the lubricating powers of lube with the zen of CBD for a great sexual companion in setting the tone physically. Foria Wellness’s lube is all-naturally moisturizing and has broad-spectrum CBD for enhancing arousal while easing and soothing discomfort. This lube is made with all-natural ingredients, free of chemicals and contains only two organic ingredients.
This O-Shot women’s lubricant is made with CBD and specially formulated to heighten female pleasure and sensation. It’s all-natural and designed to not irritate women’s vaginas with a blend of botanicals and hemp CBD. It provides a gentle warming and tingling sensation and the organic MCT coconut oil base is edible too. It’s been dermatologist tested and is hypoallergenic with zero THC.
The carefully formulated plant extracts in this lube by Dame are made to mimic the natural pH of the vagina, making it minimally invasive and a foreplay must-have. pH matched products are important for many women since sex can throw the vagina’s ecosystem out of whack. Its mostly aloe base means that it can be used with most toys and condoms, while quinoa seed and oat kernel extracts work to reduce inflammation and promote elasticity.
Pjur’s concentrated silicone lubricant proves that a little goes a long way. It’s always slick but never greasy, and thanks to an especially concentrated formula, you don’t have to apply it as much and get to conserve the product over time rather than using liberal amounts. It’s also waterproof, making that slip n’ slide fun in the shower even better. One buyer says, “At first I was skeptical that such a small amount of lube could go such a long way, but it definitely lasts.”
Cleaning out Fleshights can be tricky, and so can properly lubricating them before use. There’s nothing worse than inserting your member into a dry masturbation sleeve, so keep a bottle of the Fleshlube water lube-based by Fleshlight, which costs just over $10. It’s specifically engineered to use with male sex toys (aka your entire sleeve and ring collection) and features a hypoallergenic formula that will keep even the most sensitive skin happy.
24. Wet Platinum Silicone Based Sex Lube 3 Sampler
BEST SINGLE USE PACKETS
If you’re traveling or just looking to stay discreet on a date, single-use lubricant packs are the way to go. They’re also less awkward and messy than fumbling around with a bottle of lube in the heat of the moment. This pack is ideal if you’re looking to test a new lubricant before buying a whole new bottle. There are three packs in total and they’ll only cost you $5.
Chocolate-covered strawberries and oysters are great and all, but wouldn’t it be great if you could use a lubricant that contained natural aphrodisiacs? This lube by Hathor contains Horny Goat Weed, a potent booster of sexual desire. Available in two sizes, this passion-inducing lubricant is also popular with women experiencing menopause or dryness for any other reason. It’s also ideal for sensitive people thanks to its chemical-free but slightly sweet-tasting formula.
26. Good Clean Love BioGenesis Fertility Lubricant
BEST FOR FERTILITY
If you’re looking for ways to boost your chances of fertility, pick up Good Clean Love’s BioGenesis Fertility Lubricant. This pH-balanced formula might cost a little more than your average lube, but is totally microbiome friendly and filled with magnesium and calcium ions to increase your chances of getting pregnant. It’s one of the only lubes specifically formulated for anyone trying to become a parent, and uses water-based ingredients that don’t impede the movement of sperm.
Just in case there’s another pandemic, don’t miss out on lubes when they’re selling out fast. Instead, stay stocked with this huge container of ID Glide water-based lube that comes in an easy-to-use pump bottle. A must for your masturbation arsenal or anything else where you need some glide. You can use this large supply for group play, massages, or for filling up smaller bottles and saving money.
28. Also Consider: Lube Tube Applicator Syringe (2 Pack)
While this isn’t actually a sexual lubricant, it can make the act of applying lube a lot easier and stain-free. There’s nothing like trying to pump out the product and have it make a mess on your sheets. These Lube Tube applicator syringes come in a two-pack and are easy to fill for precise application. Ideal for anal sex, conserving lube or accessing other areas that are hard to reach. If you sanitize carefully, you can even reuse the syringe.
