There are so many lubes to pick from and so many things that can go wrong with your toys and sensitive bits.
This is why I’ve made a list of the best lubes for every possible situation & sex toy material. Hopefully, thanks to this guide, you won’t have to worry about chemical reactions and balancing pHs and just focus on getting frisky instead!
There’s a lot to digest in this post, so bookmark it, print it, and stick it next to your bed if you have to!
Coming up is the dos and don’ts, followed by the top lubes that will never leave you high and dry again. We have something for every situation, may it be for casual vaginal or anal sex to big insertions!
So let’s slide right into it.
Contents
TL;DR
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Best water-based lube for vaginal sex |
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Best anal lube that is water-based |
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Best silicone lube for vaginal sex |
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Best lube for anal sex that’s silicone-based ( with relaxing jojoba oil ) |
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Best thick, long-lasting, and “waterproof” silicone lube |
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Best oil-based lube for vaginal sex |
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Best anal lube that is oil-based |
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Best Weed Lube ( THC or CBD! ) |
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Tastiest water-based flavored lube |
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Best lube hybrid ( water & silicone ) |
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Best natural lube that mimics female lubrification |
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Best bulk homemade lube |
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Best Fertility Lubricant and Pre Seed lube alternative |
Water-Based Lubes
Water-Based lubricant makes for great multi-purpose lube.
For one, you can use them with condoms and pretty much any toy there is. They also usually have a thicker consistency than most lubes, which helps a lot with friction. Another big plus is that you can also be as sloppy as you want when applying because water-based lubes do not stain fabrics.
One thing to keep in mind is that you should always stay clear of the cheap brands, especially for vaginal sex, since some low-quality ingredients can cause irritations.
The most common ingredients to avoid are parabens and glycerin. So, if you spot these in the ingredient list and you consider yourself prone to reactions, avoid buying at all costs.
The only real downside is that these are the least long-lasting types of lubes there is. Meaning that they might become sticky over time and you will need to reapply as you go, especially during extended play.
It’s worth noting that these lubes only really become sticky when our body absorbs all the water in the lubricant, and a bit of moisture ( spit & “natural lube” ) can reactivate it.
Pros:
- Compatible with all toys
- Has a nice natural thickness to it
- Condom compatible
- Doesn’t stain sheets
- Cheap
Cons:
- Dries up fast
- Usually not hypoallergenic so test on less sensitive skin before use
- Cheap brands include parabens and glycerin which can be an irritant for a lot of vaginas
Best Water-Based Lube for Vaginal Sex:
SLiquid H2O
Sliquid’s line is 100% Vegan, gluten-free, hypoallergenic, and pH balanced.
On top of being one of the longer-lasting water lubes on the market, it is free of any irritants, making it the best lube for a sensitive woman ( or any vagina owners really ).
This lube isn’t especially on the thick side but still works great for friction. The consistency merges itself seamlessly with your own personal lubrication, making the experience feel as natural as possible.
Even if this is an amazing option when it comes to natural lubricant for women, Sliquid still offers a parallel line of organic versions of their products ( Canada /U.K. / Australia ) as well.
The company also offers delicious flavored lube ( Canada / U.K. / Australia) and much more.
Sliquid is definitively my favorite lube brand today. They have succeeded in making me absolutely love water-based lubricant and coming from a silicone-based lubricant snob like me, that is no small feat!
WHERE TO BUY
Best Anal Lube:
Sliquid Sassy
I’ve already expressed my love for Sliquid’s H20, but if you need something a bit thicker & long-lasting from your anal sex lube( butts don’t auto lubricate ), Sliquid’s Sassy is definitely the way to go.
The extra thickness makes it perfect for anal play since it removes friction beautifully as well. It also takes much more effort to fully absorb through the skin. This means it stays slick for longer periods of time, especially compared to your basic water lube.
Sliquid’s Sassy is definitively a must for any anal enthusiast, especially if you plan on using silicone-based toys!.
WHERE TO BUY
Best Silicone Lubricant
This probably would be the best overall lube option if only it was compatible with Silicone toys.
It requires very little amounts and lasts forever. This way you can focus on the fun and not on keeping everything well oiled up. Silicone is also our favorite purse and backpack lube since a small bottle can go a very long way.
It also doubles great as a long-lasting massage oil and will leave your skin baby-soft after wiping off.
The main complaint with these lubes is that, like oil, they can really stain your sheets. It is still something that a traditional grease-removing detergent will easily fix but it is still better to be careful when applying if you want to avoid some headaches. But if used properly, messes shouldn’t be really happening at all.
You see, all you really need is just a few drops. Just put 2 to 3 drops in your hand and apply directly to your genitalia/toys. It is easy to put too much so go gradually. If anything, if it isn’t enough you can always easily re-apply following the same process.
It’s worth noting that the claims you will hear online and in sex stores about silicone lube’s incompatibility with silicone toys are a bit blown out of proportion.
Your silicone toys won’t melt or explode if they come in contact with a silicone-based lubricant. In reality, what happens is that, over time, the toy will absorb the lube, slightly swelling, and deforming your toy in the process.
Still, this takes quite a bit of time for it to happen. So if you still want to use silicone lubes & toys together, you should simply thoroughly wash your toys right after use and there shouldn’t be any issues.
Just make sure you are using genuine silicone toys and lubes as there is plenty of unstable and unsafe mislabeled materials out there.
Pros:
- Condom compatible
- Lasts forever
- Hypoallergenic
- Requires very little amounts
- Odorless
- Leaves skin smooth once wiped off
- Doubles as a massage oil
Cons:
- Not compatible with silicone toys
- Stains fabrics
- Requires soap and water to fully remove
Silicone Lube for Vaginal Sex:
Sliquid Silver
Sliquid has done it again.
Even if the market is flooded with perfectly good silicone-based lubricant options, this company still succeeds in making a product that is pretty much on par with the higher-end silicone lubes ( like Pjur ) at a fraction of the price. The only real big difference is that the bottles may not be as pretty.
BUT if you want something that will look beautiful on your nightstand, you should go with Pjur Original. It’s one of the best lubes around and they’ve been one of the top brands in the field since forever.
Otherwise, if you’re looking for something that’s just as good at a fraction of the price, you should definitely go with Sliquid’s take on silicone lube.
WHERE TO BUY
Best Lube for Anal Sex:
Analyse Me by Pjur
Being the most high-end lube company to grace this slippery world, it is only normal they’ve come up with the perfect silicone option for anal sex.
They have mixed their classic pure silicone with Jojoba oil. A blend that successfully relaxes the anal muscles making penetration easier and as pain-free as possible.
It is great for both beginner & experienced asses.
The jojoba oil does not only helps with penetration but works very well on tense muscles as well, so it doubles as an awesome massage oil as well. Something that might come in handy for the following pains you might experience after all that sweet, sweet action.
If you don’t care much about the relaxing capabilities of this lube, you can always go with the previous option. Otherwise, what are you waiting for? Treat your ass with something nice!
WHERE TO BUY
Honorable mention:
Wet Platinum
I just couldn’t let this one out of our list.
What sets Wet’s Platinum apart is that it has a thicker consistency than most silicone lubricant options available today. A feature that makes this lube even more long-lasting than its counterparts.
Wet Platinum is also surprisingly water-resistant, so it is perfect as a shower sex lubricant as well. It also comes to no surprise that the thickness makes it great for anal sex also.
The only downside is that it is a bit harder to clean than your standard silicone lube.
WHERE TO BUY
Oil-Based Lubes
Oil-based lubes are best suited for committed couples who are both tested for sexually transmitted diseases & with sex toys.
This is because oil-based lubes can’t be used with condoms.
Aside from that, they have a lot in common with their silicone counterparts, feeling even more natural and retaining heat in a strangely natural way.
Another big win over silicone is that they can even be used with silicone toys as well without any risks of deforming your toys over time.
This makes oil great for solo play as well because who needs a condom for that!
Vagina owners beware: Most oil-based lubes won’t work for vaginal play, so stick to our suggestion below and nothing else!
Pros:
- Lasts Long
- Feels natural
- Retains heat with friction
- Compatible with all sex toys
- Doubles as massage oils
Cons:
- Stains Sheets
- Not Condom Compatible
- Not Hypoallergenic so test on less sensitive skin before using
Best Oil-Based Lube for Vaginal Sex:
Coconut Oil Lube
If you thought the above list of Pros were short, Coconut Oil lube extends it greatly:
This DIY lube is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory. Coconut oil also tastes and smells great and not only does it prevent you from getting yeast infections, but it also helps with vaginal dryness thanks to its moisturizing capabilities.
Coconut oil is easy and not too messy to apply since it comes in a semi-solid form that melts at body temperature.
It’s also worth noting that it is a great homemade lube that should raise any suspicion in households with snoopy roommates.
The applications do not stop at the bedroom either:
Coconut oil is great for cooking ( which makes it a great edible lube as well ), massages, it leaves your hair shiny and healthy and works well as a general moisturizer as well. We could go on forever about the many benefits of coconut oil but this isn’t what this article is about!
Still, since coconut oil has many uses, I still advise you to keep a separate bottle of sex lube to avoid cross-contamination.
If your room temperature is particularly low or high, you might have some issues with the application.
If it’s particularly cold, coconut oil will become very rigid and difficult to scrape out of the pot.
In contrast, in very warm temperatures, the oil becomes completely liquid making it easy to drop it all over the place and stain your sheets.
So if you live in a warm country, we suggest transferring your oil in a clean squeeze or pump bottle and apply like any other lube.
Also, keep in mind that coconut oil isn’t hypoallergenic, so test the oil on your skin before applying. If you have particularly sensitive lady bits, I would also avoid coconut oil altogether.
Lastly, make sure to get unrefined extra virgin coconut oil to avoid any complications.
WHERE TO BUY
Best Oil-Based Lube for Anal Sex:
Boy Butter
Boy Butter comes with many of the advantages of coconut oil since it is one of its main ingredients. This time though. the added ingredients make this lube thicker, non-staining, and, more importantly, not dependant on the room temperature.
It doesn’t melt or harden so you can apply as much as you want and it lasts forever.
We also love that it cleans right off of you with a bit of water. Otherwise, if left on you, it will get absorbed by your skin, moisturizing it in the process.
Contrary to its hilarious name, the texture of boy butter is more akin to soft margarine. The tub it comes in is also hysterical, so extra points for that!
Boy butter is also well suited for more extreme practices like fisting or other big insertions, but it might get a bit expensive due to the amounts required. If you’re in for something cheaper for that purpose keep on reading!
Our only complaint is that it doesn’t taste all that great so I suggest doing any type of oral before applying.
WHERE TO BUY
Best Weed Lube
Whether you’re looking to get high via other means or simply looking for more comfort, weed lube is a great option!
Do keep in mind that the effects on penises, vulvas, clits, and anuses vary HIGHly, so read through the following entries carefully to avoid any surprises or disappointments!
But that’s just like uh, our opinion, man.
Best THC Lube
Floria used to make a very online-accessible THC lube—but since it’s now discontinued, so your best bet is to go the DIY route (or check your local legal weed shop for “pleasure/sex oils,” which are often THC lubes in disguise.
How it works
THC lube works by activating cannabinoid receptors in your skin and genitals, increasing sensitivity and blood flow—basically making everything feel more everything, including getting you high!
For people with vulvas, because vaginal tissue is rich in mucous membranes and has high absorption potential, THC-lube often produces stronger, more immediate effects.
For people with penises, the effect tends to be more about improved circulation. Some men do report increased sensitivity, while others find it helps more with comfort than intensity. For similar results as with vulvas, do think about using it anally!
To make your own
You’ll need a cannabis distillate or concentrate, coconut oil, and a little patience.
We’re looking at a dosage of 1 gram of distillate to 4 oz of coconut oil for a pretty potent mix! Add more coconut oil for a less potent option.
Mix and heat gently until the two fully combine, then funnel it into a little bottle and let it cool before use.
If you don’t have access to distillate or concentrates, you can still make it from flower using this simple method from Wake & Bake
Some things to keep in mind:
- Start low and wait 10–30 minutes for the full effect (yes, like an edible for your genitals).
- Check compatibility if you’ll use condoms — oil-based lubes can degrade latex
- Avoid using too much: the localised effect may last 1–2 hours or more, so more isn’t always better — start small and see how your body responds.
- Always patch-test on a less sensitive area first to check for irritation or allergic reaction.
- If you are in a jurisdiction where THC is illegal or you’re subject to drug tests, tread carefully — although topical application alone is unlikely to trigger a test, ingestion will almost certainly.
WHERE TO BUY
Best CBD Lube
Floria CBD lube
Floria’s CBD collection offers a more everyday use-friendly option for sexual wellness — think less “high drama” and more “smooth, sensible upgrade.” Their best sellers include:
The Awaken Arousal Oil is more “enhancement first”.
Chosen for heightened sensation, elevated mood, and a slightly luxurious feel.
Awaken Arousal Oil is a broad-spectrum CBD plus botanical oils designed to support warmth, circulation, and sensation without THC-driven intoxication.
The Intimacy sex oil is more “comfort first”
Lower key, great for regular use, especially if you’re dealing with mild discomfort, dryness or just want a smoother ride.
The Intimacy CBD Lube is a straightforward infused lubricant with CBD, chosen for its body-soothing and comfort-enhancing properties (especially helpful if you experience dryness or tension).
How it works
CBD lube is all about mellow, body-melting pleasure. CBD helps to relax muscles ( tight pusses and anuses rejoice! ), reduces discomfort, nourishes the skin, soothes sensitive spots, and can heighten sensation without the high.
Think more warm healing waves of calm than cosmic giggles.
For people with vulvas: CBD lube supports improved circulation, reduces possible inflammation, and may help relax pelvic tissues — which can make penetration, orgasm or post-sex recovery smoother.
For people with penises: It may help with skin condition, minor sensitivity issues, or post-sex friction/irritation — though the “peak sensitivity” effect tends to be more modest compared with vulvas (again due to different tissue types).
To make your own
If Floria isn’t available in your region or if you’d like a more affordable alternative, use the same method outlined in the THC entry, but with CBD concentrate/distillate instead.
And if you do decide to go with the flower option, go with a CBD-dominant strain like Charlotte’s Web!
Some things to keep in mind:
- Start conservative and wait 5–10 minutes, gauge how you feel. You can always add more next time.
- Check condom compatibility; oil-based products will break latex condoms.
- The oils outlined here, while generally safe, may irritate or cause allergies in some, so spot test somewhere less sensitive before the real deal.
WHERE TO BUY
Other great mentions
Tastiest Flavored Lube:
Wicked’s Flavored Lubes
Back in my old sex shop days, I’ve probably tasted gallons’ worth of flavored lube, and pretty much every one of them had an unpleasant “luby” aftertaste. And believe me, this can quickly become quite sickening after a while.
So when we received Wicked’s line of lubes, my life was changed forever ( as well as the lives of the people in charge of restocking the demos ).
They are water-based, like most edible lube. They come in a ridiculous amount of delicious flavors like salted caramel, mocha java, vanilla bean, cinnamon bun, candy apple, and more, with no weird aftertaste at all.
So if you like mixing tasty with sexy, I highly suggest you try this collection of flavored lube.
And even though these are amazing for oral sex, you should avoid using them for vaginal penetration if you are on the sensitive side.
This is because the more you add ingredients the more you put yourself at risk of irritations.
WHERE TO BUY
Best Hybrid Lube:
Sliquid Silk
Sliquid’s take on hybrids ( a blend of water-based and silicone lube ) is a favorite for the price and quality of their ingredients.
It has all the features of silicone, but it’s thicker, silkier, and doesn’t stain sheets. And like always, Sliquid’s products are perfect for sensitive vaginas as well.
So if you can’t stand the thinness of silicone lubes and the stains they leave, but still crave a long-lasting lub,e your search is over!
Just remember that, like any other silicone lube, it isn’t entirely compatible with silicone toys.
WHERE TO BUY
Best realistic lube:
Sutil Lube
Now, what if you’re looking for a lube that isn’t only compatible with strokers ( remember, silicone lubes, oil-based lubes and hybrid lubes will damage most if not all male masturbators ) but also feels very close to natural female lubrification?
The best Fleshlight lube ( or any realistic stroker lube really ) in my opinion is definitely Sutil! It was made to match a woman’s lubrification, not to satisfy men, but to blend more naturally and consistently with women’s lubrification… so it’s basically a near-perfect facsimile!
It’s stringy and has an almost identical consistency to female lubrification!
All this without risks of damaging your toys, plus if you have a woman in your life, the lube is going to work wonderfully with her vaginal flora as well!
Of course, this lube is a touch pricey, and if you’d like a more affordable alternative, I’m also a big fan of Sliquid Sea.
It has a similar goal to Sutil though it doesn’t quite reach the exact same level of realism as Sutil!
WHERE TO BUY
Best Lube for affordable bulk:
J-Lube, XLube, and K-Lube
J-Lube, X-Lube, and K-Lube have made a name for themselves in the “fisting & large toy communities”, because they’re awesome, affordable bulk lube options. And now the message has finally reached most of us other normies.
Turns out, Costco-style, DIY lube is something almost anyone can get behind.
They are a concentrated powder that you mix with your preferred amount of water to achieve the consistency that you like, may it be almost solid to completely runny.
These are also condom safe, and if you get yourself empty pump bottles, you can make yourself a big collection of different types of lubes for every situation that’ll last you an eternity ( unless you run some kind of orgy den ).
The difference between J, K, and XLube.
J-Lube is primarly used as a veterinary lube, and if you think this is strange, keep in mind that the other popular choice in the fisting and large toy community is straight-up Crisco!
The big advantage is that a 10-oz bottle of J-lube powder costs about 20 USD and can be mixed into 6 to 8 Gallons of lube, depending on your preferred consistency. This DIY lube is pretty much as cheap as it gets.
It’s biggest disadvantage is that it’s not exactly vaginal safe as it contains lots of sugar. But it’s great for dirt-cheap butt stuff!!
K-Lube is probably the best choice for most people thinking of using this for vaginal play. It’s got few ingredients so it’s a lot less likely to irritate demanding bits. It’s got a great shelf life, just like J-Lube. And… it’s not branded for beasts.
XLube is the purest form of lube you can get. It’s pure Polyethylene Oxide. It’s basically K-Lube but without the preservatives. You can either add your own… or just make sure to brew tiny batches as the shelf life isn’t great at all on these.
Being just one ingredient, it’s perfect for the most sensitive love canals, but not great if you like to make a big batch and just forget about it.
WHERE TO BUY
Best Fertility Lubricant
Good Clean Love Regenesis Fertility-Friendly Lubricant
I don’t know if you knew about this, but sperm and lube don’t really agree with each other.
PH and other sciency stuff I’m not certified to talk about in any way all play a role. But the bottom line is that if you’re trying to conceive and need the help of lube to do it in the most pleasing way, you will need a fertility-friendly lube!
For some reason, the most popular and recommended fertility lubricant online is Pre Seed Lube… But weirdly enough Pre Seed Lubricant is also the fertility lube I’ve heard the most complaints about. From irritations to short duration before drying, I’ve basically heard it all.
The real unsung hero of non-irritating, longer-lasting, pH-balanced fertility lubes? Good Clean Love’s Regenesis!
It’s everything you want from a quality water-based lube, but in a fertility-friendly package.
Now, do keep in mind that if you have medical issues that affect your fertility, this won’t supercharge sperm or your uterus or anything like that. It just won’t get in the way of your swimmers trying to reach that finish line!
WHERE TO BUY
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best lubricant for Vaginal Dryness?
This really depends on your intent.
If strictly for sex, I would opt for a good silicone lubricant, as these just won’t dry over time and you won’t have to rely on natural lubrification to reactivate your lube as it gets absorbed by your body like with water-based lube.
If you plan on throwing silicone toys in the mix, I would opt for a long-lasting water-based lube. This way, the silicone-on-silicone interaction won’t damage your toys. Of course, you will need to re-apply as you go if you intend on playing for long periods of time!
Want something that mimics the consistency of female lubrication? For pure realism, I would recommend Sutil lube. It is extremely similar to the real thing, and it agrees beautifully with the female flora as well! Just keep in mind that as with any other water-based lube, you will need to reapply as you go if you go for extended periods of time.
Looking for something that’s actually moisturizing? If you don’t get any reactions when applied on skin ( I recommend testing on the palm of your forearm ), coconut oil can be a great natural lubricant that lasts even longer than water-based lubes.
Just keep in mind that oil-based lube will break down condoms, so this is only an option for tested couples and toy play!
Can I use saliva as lubricant?
Saliva is a tricky fella.
Sure, in a pinch it can work, but for one, it’ll dry super fast as the water in your saliva will get absorbed by the body rather quickly. So you’d better have a large supply of the sucker as you’ll need a lot of it!
What’s more, if applied vaginally, saliva can cause irritations and incompatibilities with the vaginal flora as it usually comes attached with mouth bacteria, residue from foods, and so on.
You can use a bit of spit to reactivate a drying water-based lube, but beyond that I wouldn’t rely on it.
Can you use coconut oil as lube?
Absolutely! But you have to keep a few things in mind:
- It needs to be extra virgin and unrefined
- you need your own sex-specific container to avoid cross-contamination.
- Especially if used vaginally, do a prior allergy test on the inside of your forearm. If there’s no itching or redness, you’re good to go.
- Oils break down condoms, so it’s only good for tested couples or sex toy play
- For men planning on using these with their strokers, if the stroker isn’t made of pure silicone, it can break down your toys as well.
Can you use Vaseline as lube?
I would not recommend Vaseline as lube, as it comes with all the disadvantages of oil-based lubes ( break down condoms, not compatible with vaginal flora, etc ) without any of the advantages. Vaseline can also lead to a host of irritations in such sensitive areas.
What’s more, it’s pretty hard to wash off as well, so taking care of the post-play mess is a bit of a nightmare.
It could be ok as a solo lube for male masturbation ( without toys ), but even then, you have so many much better options at your disposal.
Can you use Aquaphor as lube?
Can you use baby oil as lube?
Just like any petroleum & mineral-based oils, I would not recommend baby oil for internal use OR toy play. So I would stay away from baby oil just like with Aquaphor and Vaseline.
What can you use as lube that isn’t branded as such?
So if Vaseline, Aquaphor, and Baby Oil are out of the question, what can you get if you live somewhere with nosy roommates/family?
Coconut oil, of course!
Now, coconut oil does come with its own set of limitations and precautions, so do scroll back to the coconut oil question above or the coconut oil lube entry for more information!