Anal Lube Options: How To Choose A Lubricant

Now that you’re convinced about needing lube for anal sex, you might not be sure which lubricant to reach for.
We’ve got you covered.
You can start with our top picks of the safest and best lubes for anal.
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Description:
Bottom Line: Our consensus top-rated silicone anal lube hits the bullseye every time providing long-lasting slippery-smooth velvety comfort during all forms of butt play with minimal need for reapplication, even in water and during extended anal sex sessions. Don’t let the bullet-like (and über-macho) bottle design stop you from picking this one up — its formula was a clear winner for our anal aficionados. [Full Review + Video]
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Description:
Bottom Line: Extremely hydrating and long-lasting thanks to a rich formula that includes skin-loving shea butter and vitamin E, this lube is our top oil-based pick for anal use. Although it is incompatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms (as all oils are) and cannot be used with latex or rubber toys, the texture of AH! YES OB is incredibly thick and lotion-like, requiring little in the way of reapplication. [Full Review + Video]
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Description:
Bottom Line: This ultra-concentrated premium formula uses three of the slickest pharmaceutical-grade silicones available and requires minimal reapplication, even during extended use. With just a few drops applied, the silk-like texture goes on smooth and reduces friction while heightening sensation. Our testers loved its lasting endurance and versatility in water and the bedroom. [Full Review + Video]
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Description:
Bottom Line: Made with all-natural ingredients, Organic Glide’s thick texture melts into friction-reducing magic when used as an anal lubricant. A little bit goes a long way with impressive staying power, although it cannot be used with latex or polyisoprene condoms, nor with latex or rubber sex toys. While oil-based lubes can be a mess to clean up after, Organic Glide washes out of fabrics easily and does NOT stain — at all! [Full Review + Video]
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Best Overall (Silicone)
Description:
Bottom Line: Our consensus top-rated silicone anal lube hits the bullseye every time providing long-lasting slippery-smooth velvety comfort during all forms of butt play with minimal need for reapplication, even in water and during extended anal sex sessions. Don’t let the bullet-like (and über-macho) bottle design stop you from picking this one up — its formula was a clear winner for our anal aficionados. [Full Review + Video]
Best Overall (Oil)
Description:
Bottom Line: Extremely hydrating and long-lasting thanks to a rich formula that includes skin-loving shea butter and vitamin E, this lube is our top oil-based pick for anal use. Although it is incompatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms (as all oils are) and cannot be used with latex or rubber toys, the texture of AH! YES OB is incredibly thick and lotion-like, requiring little in the way of reapplication. [Full Review + Video]
Also Good (Silicone)
Description:
Bottom Line: This ultra-concentrated premium formula uses three of the slickest pharmaceutical-grade silicones available and requires minimal reapplication, even during extended use. With just a few drops applied, the silk-like texture goes on smooth and reduces friction while heightening sensation. Our testers loved its lasting endurance and versatility in water and the bedroom. [Full Review + Video]
Also Good (Oil)
Description:
Bottom Line: Made with all-natural ingredients, Organic Glide’s thick texture melts into friction-reducing magic when used as an anal lubricant. A little bit goes a long way with impressive staying power, although it cannot be used with latex or polyisoprene condoms, nor with latex or rubber sex toys. While oil-based lubes can be a mess to clean up after, Organic Glide washes out of fabrics easily and does NOT stain — at all! [Full Review + Video]
09/30/2023 10:13 am GMT
Beyond our top recommendations, there are plenty of personal lubricant options available for anal sex, including:
Here’s a cheat sheet for selecting the best lube based on how you intend to use it:
Lube Type: |
Oral Sex |
Vaginal Sex |
Anal Sex |
Condom Types |
Sex Toy Types |
Bath/Shower Use |
Does It Stain? |
For every situation and personal preference, there’s a personal lubricant, so if you’re not sure which is right for you, read through our in-depth lube guide or take our helpful lube quiz to find your perfect match.
Dr. Susan Milstein, the medical review team member we spoke with earlier, explained:
“Deciding to use lube for anal sex is important, but make sure it’s one that’s safe for anal sex. Having the wrong lube, like a water-based one for anal, defeats the purpose of using it in the first place.”
Let’s take a look at the four main lube categories below.
- Water-Based Lubricants (Not Recommended For Anal Sex)
Water-based lube is water-soluble — making it easy to clean up — and it tends to have a texture that’s similar to your body’s natural lubrication.
Additionally, water-based lube is safe to use with any type of condom, dental dam, or diaphragm.
That’s where their benefits stop, however, when it comes to anal sex.
Water-based lubes are often too thin to provide comfortable anal penetration, but more importantly, they rarely have an anal-safe pH or osmolality level — which can lead to irritation or infection.
In fact, we cannot recommend a single water-based anal lubricant for this reason and highly suggest you choose a different lubricant base altogether.
- Silicone-Based Lubricants
Silicone-based lubes last much longer than water-based options and are just as safe for condoms of all types.
Since we’re discussing anal sex, silicone may be a better and safer option than water-based lube.
Silicone personal lubricants tend to have a thicker consistency and silky-smooth texture that is noticeably different from your body’s natural lubrication.
Their heavier, cushiony texture makes them a particularly good choice for anal sex; in fact, most of our anal lube recommendations are silicone-based.
Silicone lube won’t wash away in the shower, which is great. But they can’t be used with silicone sex toys because they may damage the material.
Our review of the best silicone-based personal lubes explores all of our hand-picked recommendations of the safest products available right now.
An oil-based lubricant is one that is made from natural (and sometimes organic) oils that are body-safe for anal sex.
Oil-based lubes are thicker than other lubricants, last longer, and don’t need to be re-applied as often as others.
But they’re not right for everyone.
Some products may include nut-based oil ingredients, which is cause for concern for those who have allergies.
Additionally, oil-based personal lubricants cannot be used with latex or polyisoprene condoms, which is problematic if you rely on these during anal sex.
If you’re interested in learning more about them, we’ve found the best oil-based personal lubricants.
- Natural And Organic Lubricants
Natural and organic personal lubricants may be water-based or oil-based, depending on the formulation, although when it comes to anal sex, it’s best to stick with oils.
Natural and organic products made using nut-based oils should be avoided if you or your partners are allergic to those ingredients.
Through our independent research, we found the best and safest natural and organic lubricants that are available right now.