The 4 Best Anal Lubes: After Hands-On Testing During Butt Play

When it comes to butt stuff, anyone who’s a fan of the activity will tell you that finding the best lube for anal is priority number one.
Since the anus lacks the ability to lubricate itself, picking out the right lube for your backdoor adventures means looking at the safety of its ingredients, as well as its texture and the way it performs.
While you can sample certain things quickly in one sitting (like cake, for instance) testing anal lube is a bit more intensive, as our team found out.
Through 28.5 hours of first-hand testing (yep, you know what that means), we determined that the best anal lubes available are GUN OIL (silicone-based) and AH! YES OB (oil-based).
In A Hurry? Start With Our Top Anal Lube Picks
- Safety: Our recommendations are free from parabens, glycerin, capsaicin, benzocaine or lidocaine (numbing agents), and added fragrances, flavors, and dyes. These ingredients can be irritating or toxic, can increase the chances of developing an infection, or lead to other issues.
- How we chose: When choosing the best anal lubes, we weighed and tested: their ingredients, additives, potential allergens, intended use, performance, texture, and consistency.
- No water-based anal lube: As of this writing, NO water-based anal lubes met our strict criteria for inclusion because of incompatible ingredients, pH, and osmolality levels. Here’s why.
- Lubes we researched: Over the course of 2+ years, we vetted hundreds of water-, silicone-, and oil-based lubricants across dozens of brands. Only 7 silicone and oil-based products met our strictest criteria for personal testing by 3 different members of our team.
*When you purchase a product through an affiliate link, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. On behalf of our entire team, thank you in advance for your support!
Our Top Recommendations
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Description: Bottom Line: The bullet-like marketing might turn some people off, but there is a lot to love about this lube if you can get past the bottle design — this is the consensus top pick among our anal lube testing team. Long-lasting even with minimal application, this silicone-based lube keeps things slippery and sexy, reducing friction for an incredibly comfortable anal experience, while also performing well in water for those who enjoy shower sex. [Full Review] |
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, even during extended sex sessions. [Full Review] |
Description: Bottom Line: This ultra-concentrated, premium formula from Sliquid uses three of the slickest pharmaceutical-grade silicones available, resulting in a product that “will last for hours with only a few drops.” Although it has a lightweight texture compared to the other anal lubes we tested, this one is perfect for those seeking a lube with serious endurance and a silk-like consistency that doesn’t feel heavy and requires minimal reapplication over time. [Full Review] |
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 as we discovered ourselves, does NOT stain — at all! [Full Review] |
Bottom Line: The bullet-like marketing might turn some people off, but there is a lot to love about this lube if you can get past the bottle design — this is the consensus top pick among our anal lube testing team. Long-lasting even with minimal application, this silicone-based lube keeps things slippery and sexy, reducing friction for an incredibly comfortable anal experience, while also performing well in water for those who enjoy shower sex. [Full Review]
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, even during extended sex sessions. [Full Review]
Bottom Line: This ultra-concentrated, premium formula from Sliquid uses three of the slickest pharmaceutical-grade silicones available, resulting in a product that “will last for hours with only a few drops.” Although it has a lightweight texture compared to the other anal lubes we tested, this one is perfect for those seeking a lube with serious endurance and a silk-like consistency that doesn’t feel heavy and requires minimal reapplication over time. [Full Review]
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 as we discovered ourselves, does NOT stain — at all! [Full Review]
Our In-Depth Breakdown Of The Best Anal Lubes
After spending 89.5 cumulative hours researching, evaluating, and personally testing anal lubes for more than 2 years, we’ve narrowed our picks to the list below.
All of the anal lubes we recommend have met our very rigorous performance and safety standards and are free from harmful chemicals (like parabens) and additives (like glycerin) while being pH and osmolality-friendly.
Best Silicone-Based Anal Lubes
Silicone lube is made from silicones — which are body-safe — and is ideal for anal sex thanks to its long-lasting durability and extremely slippery feel.
It’s luxurious, decadent, and feels wonderful with sex toys, but it isn’t safe to use with toys also made from silicone, as it will degrade their materials.
If you plan to have anal sex with a fluid-bonded partner, a silicone-based anal lube might be a great fit.
It is very silky and soft, and it never dries out, so it’s bound to last as long as you do.
Consensus Top Pick: Gun Oil
[Note: Get GUN OIL for only $16.99. Use code AFF-WH15 and get 15% off site-wide at Lovehoney — a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]
- Developed By Marines, This Lube Keeps Your Private’s (Parts) Performing Like A Well-Oiled Machine
- Formulated For Long-Lasting Lubrication During Solo Playtime Or Partnered Sex
- Vitamin E And Aloe Vera Add Soothing Moisturization During Vaginal And Anal Sex
- Waterproof For Sensual & Sexy Play In The Bath Or Shower; Compatible With All Condom Types
- Packaging Is Not At All Subtle
- Marketed Almost Exclusively To Men (Even Though Lubricant Is For Everyone), Which Could Be A Turn-Off To Some
- Cannot Be Used With Silicone Sex Toys
- First Time Opening Can Be Frustrating
This ultra-concentrated silicone lubricant is ideal for anal sex because it doesn’t have an extensive ingredient list and is very long-lasting — just don’t let the slightly obnoxious bottle design dissuade you from trying it.
GUN OIL has a smooth and mildly thick texture which provides a lovely, slippery cushion during anal penetration.
Its limited ingredient list, which includes vitamin E and aloe leaf extract, is especially ideal for people with sensitive skin.
Developed by Marines, GUN OIL has a pretty interesting story behind its creation, being based on actual gun oil that was regularly used for masturbation by servicemembers while they were stationed far from home:
One of our team members really liked this lube:
“[GUN OIL] was far and away better than all others I tested, and I don’t care if you’re a man or a woman.
When something delivers the results you want (smooth, silky texture that lasts a long time, and feels great during and after sex with no tackiness) that’s all that matters.”
If you’re into water play, GUN OIL is a perfect lube because it’s completely waterproof.
During our testing, we found that it keeps going strong in the shower — far longer than most other silicone lubes we tried.
It won’t rinse away with water alone, yet it’s easy to clean up with soap and water.
GUN OIL doesn’t dry out or become tacky during use, so you can enjoy a long-lasting anal sex session without needing to pause and find the bottle over and over.
Like a well-oiled machine, this one always stays smooth — all the way through to the end.
Despite its über-macho bottle design (which may not appeal to everyone) GUN OIL is our number one silicone-based anal lube pick based on formula and performance alone.
(If it helps, once you’ve removed the gold plastic from the lid, it looks much less like a bullet.)
→ Learn more* about GUN OIL or check pricing*.
Also Good: Sliquid Silver
[Note: Get Sliquid Silver for only $25.49. Use code AFF-WH15 and get 15% off site-wide at Lovehoney — a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]
- Made From The Highest-Grade, Ultra Concentrated Silicone For Maximum Slip
- Just A Few Drops Is All That’s Needed For Lasting Endurance And Optimal Comfort
- Lightweight Texture Doesn’t Feel Tacky Or Greasy And Is Perfect For Those Who Don’t Want A Super-Thick Lube For Anal
- Waterproof For Sensual & Sexy Play In The Bath Or Shower; Compatible With All Condom Types
- Bottle Cap Can Leak And Some Reviewers Didn’t Like The Texture On Bare Skin
- Cannot Be Used With Silicone Sex Toys
With even fewer ingredients than GUN OIL, simplicity is Sliquid Silver’s secret weapon.
The texture is lightweight but with exceptional endurance that allows it to stay on without feeling like you’re covered in Crisco.
Lacking any scent or taste and leaving your skin feeling smooth and supple after use, Sliquid Silver is an invisible powerhouse in the bedroom.
One of our testers raved about Silver:
“It was really luxurious, lasted a long time (even after heavy and extensive rubbing on the surface of the skin or during penetration) and yet, when it did finally dry out it left a smooth and silky texture on the skin rather than a tacky weird one like other silicone lubes.
During anal sex, it was not even noticeable (in a good way) and never once needed reapplication.”
While the lube itself works wonders, the bottle leaves a bit to be desired.
The cap is prone to leakage. It will leak (of course) if it isn’t closed all the way, but even when closing the cap, at least a small drop of lube will escape from the tip — which then runs down the side of the bottle.
(It’s worth noting, however, that this particular issue is common with Sliquid lubricants, as they all feature the same basic bottle and cap design.)
Overall, Sliquid Silver covers all the bases as an anal lube: it has a smooth texture that’s long-lasting, waterproof, and feels great on the skin while providing plenty of comfortable lubrication during anal penetration.
→ Learn more* about Sliquid Silver or check pricing*.
Best Oil-Based Anal Lubes
Oil-based lube is excellent for anal sex because it never dries out and is extremely moisturizing.
Often made using naturally-derived oils, however, this type of lube is not safe to use with latex or polyisoprene condoms.
Some oil-based personal lubricants can be used as a massage oil, so it’s like getting a 2-for-1 product!
Consensus Top Pick: AH YES OB
[Note: Get AH! YES OB for only $18.70, a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]
- One Of The Few Lubricants That Meets The Soil Association’s Organic Standards; Certified as 99% Organic
- Extremely Hydrating And Long-Lasting Because It’s Oil-Based
- Waterproof; Safe For Condoms Made From Polyurethane, Nitrile, Or Lambskin
- No Added Flavors, Fragrances, Or Dyes
- Great For Vaginal And Anal Sex
- Not For Use With Latex Or Polyisoprene Condoms
- Sweet Almond Oil Or Sunflower Seed Oil Could Be Allergens To Some
- Not Safe For Oral Sex, As Its Thickness May Present A Choking Hazard
- No Pump Dispenser So Application Can Be Messy
AH! YES OB is the best of the best oil-based lubes on the market right now.
We loved this lube – and not just for anal sex.
Made with safe and hydrating ingredients that add lots of comfort and moisture to your most sensitive backdoor bits, this lube is thick as hell — which helps to alleviate any penetration-related pain.
In our experience, it does have a bit of a grainy texture, at least in the beginning until it warms and “melts” from the heat of your skin.
AH! YES OB is made from 99% organic ingredients — which shows the level of care that went into this product’s development.
The same goes for the gorgeous packaging.
The box looks like an expensive cosmetic, while the bottle could be mistaken for high-end lotion at first glance.
In fact, speaking of lotion, during and after use, having this lube on your skin will feel luxurious and supple, with no tackiness or greasy feeling.
As with all oil-based lubes, this one cannot be used with latex or polyisoprene condoms because it breaks down their materials — which is the one major drawback when using it as an anal lube.
It is safe for use with those made from polyurethane, nitrile, or lambskin, although the latter offers no protection against STIs.
AH! YES OB is made with all-natural ingredients including sunflower oil, shea butter, and vitamin E.
AH! YES OB soothes and heals sensitive skin, which is why this particular lube is great for anal sex.
It is supremely moisturizing and since it’s oil-based, it won’t dry out.
As our Editor-In-Chief Alison Huff noted in her personal review of AH! YES OB:
“Initially, I was surprised at just how thick this lube was straight out of the bottle. It felt slightly grainy at first and I was a little worried about how the texture would feel when I was actually using it.
However, I found that rubbing the lube between my hands melted the oils and butters perfectly to give the product a smooth, pleasant, and very rich texture.
AH! YES OB is incredibly slippery. Surprisingly, it wasn’t greasy and once I washed it off, my skin was left feeling velvet-soft and nourished.”
One of our testers was blown away by AH! YES OB after using it as an anal lube:
“Overall, I think this was my favorite lube I’ve tried of any kind — water, silicone, or oil-based…For its intended purpose of anal sex, it passed with flying colors!”
This lube is also a great choice for shower or bath sex.
Since oil and water don’t mix, this one will stick (and slick) where it needs to while everything else washes away.
Like many oil-based lubes, you’ll want to read through the ingredient list, particularly if you have nut or seed allergies because this product uses sweet almond and sunflower seed oil in its formula.
Based on its performance in the bedroom, however, it’s our top oil-based anal lube recommendation.
→ Learn more* about AH! YES OB or check pricing*.
Also Good: Organic Glide
- Organic Probiotic Formula May Be Beneficial To Those Prone To Vaginal Or Urinary Tract Infections
- Relieves Vaginal Dryness & A Little Goes A Long Way
- A Rare Oil-Based Lube That Is Edible; No Added Flavors, Fragrances, Or Dyes
- Waterproof; Safe For Condoms Made From Polyurethane, Nitrile, Or Lambskin; Claims To Be Non-Staining
- Great For Oral, Vaginal, And Anal Sex
- Not For Use With Latex Or Polyisoprene Condoms, Dental Dams, Or Latex Diaphragms
- Inclusion Of Argan Oil Means Some People With Tree Nut Allergies May Need To Avoid It
- No Pump Dispenser So Application Can Be Messy
- Can Stain Fabric
Besides aesthetically gorgeous packaging, Organic Glide shares AH! YES OB’s commitment to using natural ingredients.
Organic Glide comes out of the bottle as a thick and opaque gel that melts into a buttery smooth oil with body heat.
Providing both comfort and staying power, Organic Glide is a fantastic natural lube for anal sex as long as you aren’t using condoms made from latex or polyisoprene.
One of our testers was impressed by Organic Glide before they even tried it:
“The moment I poured some onto my fingers and started rolling it around my index/middle finger and thumb, it was like ‘Holy sh*t, this stuff is amazing!
Like, right away you could FEEL the silkiness, longevity, slipperiness, and quality of it.”
Despite being made from botanical ingredients, Organic Glide doesn’t have any odor or taste that might distract you and spoil the mood.
The formula allows for longer bouts of playtime without the need for reapplication and although we’re recommending this product specifically for anal sex, it is entirely safe for vaginal and oral sex, as well.
While most oil-based lubes stain fabrics and can be a pain to wash off, Organic Glide stands out for its easy cleanup — during our testing, we found that it washes out of fabrics easily and does NOT stain.
We have to wonder if wizards made this product — an oil that doesn’t stain? Who dreamed that was possible?
Our testers noted that although it performs well in the shower (it is waterproof), you generally need to shower after using it if you want to remove it thoroughly from your skin.
Overall, however, Organic Glide is one of our favorite oil-based anal lubes and it’s definitely one worth trying if you’re not using condoms made from latex or polyisoprene.
→ Learn more* about Organic Glide or check pricing*.
Anal Lubes That Didn’t Make Our List
We considered hundreds of lubricants (of all types) from dozens of parent brands over the past two years.
Most were eliminated immediately for one of two reasons:
- Unsafe ingredients (namely glycerin or parabens and numbing agents)
- A pH and osmolality that is not anal safe (water-based lubes only)
We cover the latter in detail here.
Lubes that we researched but didn’t consider for testing included products manufactured by:
- Slippery Stuff
- Anal-Ese
- Booty Call
- Wet (Uranus)
- Tush Ease
- Mojo
- Astroglide
- ID (Xtreme)
- KY
- LubeLife
- Fleshlight
- Doc Johnson (Rear Entry, Anal Glide)
- Jelique (Hiney Helper)
- Arcwave
- System Jo
- Lovehoney
- Adam & Eve
- TooTimid
- PinkCherry
- CalExotics
- Wicked
- Fifty Shades of Grey
- XR Brands
- Body Action
- TENGA
- Kama Sutra
- Fuck Sauce
- Plush
Lubes We Tested But Did Not Recommend
Not everyone can be a winner, unfortunately.
We tested a variety of other anal lubes but they couldn’t top our other choices.
The testing was rigorous (and fun) but we’ll take a quick look at the lubes that didn’t quite make the cut.
- Pjur Analyse Me! (Silicone)
Featuring a surprisingly oily texture that was almost “too” oily, we also found that this one was highly likely to make a mess — and not in a good way.
The bottle design is less than discreet (it’s got “ANAL” right on the label) but it doesn’t close effectively — which means it easily spills all over the place.
- Pjur Backdoor
This product is designed specifically for anal sex yet felt tacky very early on — as though it dried out immediately upon exposure to air, causing more friction than it was designed to alleviate.
One of our testers experienced slight “bruising” beneath the outer skin layers of his penis due to the increased friction after using Pjur Backdoor while wearing a condom.
This lubricant may work for others in different situations, such as in the bath or shower (or without a condom) — but it didn’t fare well among our own testers.
- Intimate Earth Ease
This one performed well when compared to the Pjur products we mentioned above, featuring a far runnier texture in comparison.
That said, in our testers’ experience, it worked far better without a latex condom than with one.
Intimate Earth Ease cleaned up easily and it didn’t stain the sheets — which is good, since the bottle cap can leak easily.
Why You Might Consider Trying These Anal Lubes
Even though the anal lubricants mentioned above didn’t meet our expectations in every way, that doesn’t mean they’re poorly-made products that aren’t worth trying yourself.
Each is made by a trustworthy brand and crafted from quality, body-safe ingredients.
When we select products to test and review, we are already starting with exceptionally high standards to ensure no one ends up with sub-par lubes.
No one wants buyer’s remorse in the middle of anal sex.
Many factors contribute to whether a particular anal lube is a perfect fit for some people and not others but much of it has to do with your personal preferences regarding texture — and whether you’re using condoms or silicone sex toys.
When testing anal lubricants, those factors weighed heavily into the scoring given by each of our testers.
Just as we did when making our final selections, you may need to try a few different products before finding your perfect anal lube.
It is your butt, after all, so find what works best for you.
Why Trust Our Review
We’ve invested 89.5 hours (and counting) researching, evaluating, and testing the best anal lubes over the last two years so we know exactly what to look for in terms of ingredients, performance, and most importantly — safety.
We took advice from our medical review board, recommendations from subject matter experts on our team, and aggregated crowdsourced opinions, to create a list of anal lubes — silicone and oil-based — that met our strict criteria for safety and performance.
As we’ll talk about later, we were unable to find a single water-based lubricant with an anal-safe pH.
Only seven silicone- and oil-based products were selected for personal testing, which several experts on our team (Vanessa Russell, Justin Perlman, and others) performed, using all our finalists in real-world conditions in the bedroom over several weeks to form a consensus.
Scoring them across 25 unique criteria, we used this data to discern our top recommendations.
In addition, we constantly evaluate new entries to the market as they become available.
Finally, we do not accept paid placements, and all our recommendations are brand-neutral.
For accuracy and thoroughness, we also have an expert from our medical review board evaluate all reviews.
How We Made Our Picks & Features We Considered
When we spoke to our medical review board and began researching anal lubricants and their safety, we noticed a disturbing trend: potentially harmful ingredients were common in most mainstream anal lubes — brands you’ve probably heard of before or have even used in the past.
Although common ingredients like parabens and glycerin eliminated about 60% of all anal lube candidates, we made the disappointing discovery that of the remaining 40%, all of the water-based anal lubes were eliminated from contention.
Why?
As we’ll discuss later on, water-based anal lubes — those marketed specifically for use during anal sex — do not have anal-safe pH or osmolality levels.
In fact, we couldn’t find a single water-based anal lube currently being manufactured that meets those requirements for safety. Here’s why.
For this reason, we focused our recommendations on anal lubes that are silicone or oil-based, and for which pH and osmolality do not apply.
But we didn’t stop there.
When choosing the best anal lubricants, features we considered included:
- Natural And/Or Safe Ingredients: It is always best to use lubes with a short list of high-quality ingredients that are completely body safe and are naturally derived (when applicable). This includes avoiding unsafe ingredients like glycerin or parabens.
- Limited Allergens: Allergic reactions (even if mild) are an important concern for your most delicate parts. Although some plant oil-based products contain potential allergens for certain people, half of our top selections are silicone-based — which carry minimal risk.
- No Additives: We avoided those products with added flavors, fragrances, and dyes, as these ingredients can irritate delicate rectal tissue, potentially leading to infection. We also avoided products that included added ingredients whose purpose is to numb the anus during penetration, as these can lead to unintended anal injury during use.
- A Safe Formulation: This includes the way a lube is developed and how its ingredients fit together.
- Texture: Lubes made from silicone or oil tend to be thicker and more slippery; water-based products are generally lightweight and feel more like natural lubrication.
- FDA Approval: All of our anal lubricant recommendations have either a registered 510(k) clearance with the Food & Drug Administration as of this writing or were exempt from providing one. Every product is approved for sale within the U.S.
- Great Texture/Consistency: We selected a variety of lubricants that offer lasting slickness and a cushiony texture that makes anal penetration easier and more comfortable, and that protects the anus from injury.
- Real-World Performance: Finally, members of our team tested how each anal lubricant performed, evaluating all of our finalists firsthand, using them on their skin and during anal sex. They kept track of how they performed not only during anal intercourse but also during clean-up.
Although the performance of an anal lube is certainly important, this consideration should always come after those given to ingredients, safety, and formulation.
Even if an anal lube works wonderfully, the way it performs is secondary if it contains harmful ingredients or additives that can cause anal irritation, infection, or injury.
On that note, you may be wondering whether you should use a numbing lubricant to make anal sex more comfortable — and why we did not include such lubricants in our list of recommendations.
As we’ll talk about later, we strongly suggest that you avoid desensitizing lubes because they can mask the pain caused by injury.
The Performance Of Anal Lubricants
Above all things, anal lubricants should generally have a texture that is thicker than most other types of lube, providing long-lasting slickness that makes anal penetration more comfortable — while preventing injury to the anus at the same time.
Depending on the formula, anal lubricants may have a thick, jelly-like consistency or one that is heavy and slippery.
In our experience, some oil-based anal lubes feel a little odd at first — featuring a texture that’s thick and sometimes even grainy — but once the product warms from body heat and friction, the lube will “melt” and become very slippery.
This is great news for those of us who are sensitive to textures.
Anal lubes with a water base are generally suitable for all condom types and sex toys, however, they will not withstand use in the bath or shower.
Unfortunately, to date, we have not yet been able to find a water-based lubricant with an anal-safe pH.
Silicone or oil-based anal lubricants perform well in wet environments so they’re excellent choices for anal play in the bath or shower, but they are far more likely to stain fabrics.
There are also limitations on both in terms of compatibility with sex toys and condoms of various materials.
In general, silicone anal lubricants cannot be used with sex toys made from silicone, as the lube will degrade their material.
Most silicone lubes are compatible with all condom types.
Oil-based anal lubricants will degrade condoms made from latex or polyisoprene.
Although they are safe for use with those made from nitrile, polyurethane, or lambskin, the latter does not offer STI protection.
Additionally, oil-based anal lubes cannot be used with sex toys made from latex, rubber, or jelly rubber, as they will degrade their materials.
When considering any anal lubricant’s performance, we took into account the different preferences some might have by including lubricants with varied bases and use intents — specifically with condoms or toys.
This also included formulations that would work well in water.
Our team then tested how each of our finalists performed during anal intercourse (with AND without condoms, as applicable), and during clean-up to determine which anal lubes were the best.
As a result of our testing and research, we selected a variety of formulations, giving clear preference to those made from silicone or oil, as no water-based anal lubes met our criteria.
Everything You Need To Know About Anal Lubes
Anal lubricants serve a very specific (yet important!) purpose, which is why it’s vital to understand what they do, how they differ from other types of lube, and when (and how) to use them.
What Are Anal Lubes?
Since the anus doesn’t lubricate itself naturally like a vagina, anal lube adds moisture to delicate rectal tissues, easing pain during penetrative anal sex, soothing soreness, and increasing pleasure at the same time.
It also makes anal sex safer — which is important and often overlooked.
The right anal lube can lower the risk of STI transmission by reducing friction and making penetration easier while preventing injury to the anus.
Lubricated condoms, although they do provide a slippery texture, may not have enough lubricant on them for extended anal sex sessions, so you’ll still want to have anal lube handy.
When Should You Use An Anal Lube?
The answer to this is simple:
You should use an anal lube any (and every) time you engage in anal penetration.
It is never safe to have anal sex without lube.
How Is Anal Lube Different From Regular Lube?
Several characteristics make anal lubricants stand out from those used vaginally or orally:
- Their pH balance should be higher, if water-based: The pH balance of water-based anal lubricants should be higher than vaginal lubes. That’s because the pH of the anus is higher than that of the vagina.
- Their texture is thicker: Anal lubricants have a thicker consistency compared to other lubes. This adds comfort and eases pain during deep anal penetration.
- They last longer: Anal lubes, especially those made from oil or silicone, are longer-lasting than other lubricants. With any quality anal lube, you’ll find that a little goes a LONG way.
- They feel slicker to the touch: Anal lubes, particularly those made from silicone, typically feel extra silky and smooth to the touch. This creates more glide and reduces friction.
How Does Anal Numbing Or Desensitizing Lube Work?
Desensitizing or numbing lube is a controversial product among sexperts and doctors alike.
This type of lubricant is meant to numb the anus to dull pain and minimize discomfort.
That sounds good — in theory.
However, we don’t recommend using desensitizing lube because it can cause confusion with your body’s natural pain receptors and lead to injuries.
Dr. Justin Lehmiller is a social psychologist and the host of the Sex and Psychology Podcast and a member of our medical review board, he advised people to be very careful when using numbing lubes. He said:
“While [desensitizing lubricants] may temporarily increase comfort, too much desensitization can lead people to engage in longer or more aggressive sex than they otherwise would have, which can create a risk for injury.”
Especially during anal sex, the indication of pain is an important signal that lets our body communicate that something is wrong.
When you can’t feel an injury as it’s occurring, you won’t stop doing the activity that is causing it. In many cases, you’ll have no idea that anything is wrong until it’s way too late.
Additionally, desensitizing lube contains potentially unsafe numbing ingredients such as lidocaine or benzocaine.
These compounds can be irritating to rectal tissues and cause major discomfort.
How To Use An Anal Lube
Using anal lubricant is easy — apply a few drops to the anus and/or the penis, finger, or toy that will be penetrating it, and reapply as often as needed.
Your mileage may vary depending on the lube’s formula and how long your sexual activity lasts.
Pros And Cons Of Anal Lube
Anal lube is the best choice when you’re looking for a personal lubricant that will offer a texture that provides easier and more comfortable penetration during anal sex while preventing injury to delicate anal tissues.
If you intend to explore butt play — whether during intercourse or with toys — having an appropriate anal lube on hand is non-negotiable.
Anal Lube Pros:
- They have a texture that’s thick, allowing for comfortable anal penetration while protecting the anus from injury at the same time
- They are long-lasting and generally require little-to-no reapplication during use
- Some products are designed to relax anal muscles through the use of natural oils and safe ingredients, making penetration easier
- They are waterproof if silicone-based or oil-based
- They are compatible with all condoms if water-based or silicone-based
- They are compatible with all sex toys if water-based
- They are easy to clean up if water-based
Anal Lube Cons:
- Some anal lubes contain numbing agents (although none of our recommendations do), which can potentially result in unintended anal injury during use
- If water-based and truly pH-balanced for anal use, they are not compatible with vaginal sex, as the natural pH of the vagina (4.5) is lower than that of the anus (7-8)
- Those made from silicone or oil may stain sheets and fabrics
- Those made from silicone are generally not compatible with silicone sex toys
- If oil-based, they are not compatible with condoms made from latex or polyisoprene and they will degrade sex toys made from latex, rubber, or jelly rubber
- They are more difficult to clean up if silicone or oil-based
When Should You Use A Water-Based, Silicone, Or Oil-Based Anal Lube?
Personal lubricants are available in a variety of different formulas but they do not perform equally in every situation.
Before buying an anal lube, you should first consider the kind of sex you plan to have while using it — and whether it will involve any condoms or sex toys.
Here’s a cheat sheet for selecting the best anal lube based on how you intend to use it:

Lube Type: | Water-Based | Silicone-Based | Oil-Based |
---|---|---|---|
Oral Sex | Yes | Yes | Not usually |
Vaginal Sex | ONLY if pH/Osmolality suitable | Yes | Yes |
Anal Sex | ONLY if pH/Osmolality suitable | Yes | Yes |
Condom Types | All | All | Polyurethane, nitrile and lambskin only |
Sex Toy Types | All | All but silicone | All but latex |
Bath/Shower Use | No | Yes | Yes |
Does It Stain? | No | Yes | Yes |
Lube Type: |
---|
Oral Sex |
Vaginal Sex |
Anal Sex |
Condom Types |
Sex Toy Types |
Bath/Shower Use |
Does It Stain? |
What You Should Look For In An Anal Lube And Safety
There are several factors to consider when you’re looking for quality anal lube.
In addition to seeking out a lube that is specifically designed to make anal sex enjoyable, you’ll also want to avoid harmful ingredients like glycerin, parabens, and added flavors, dyes, or fragrances that can be irritating or damaging.
Additionally, pH and osmolality are important considerations, however, these affect only water-based anal lubricants.
Unfortunately, there are none we are comfortable recommending at this time.
Is Anal Lube Safe?
For the most part, yes.
When used as directed and made from body-safe ingredients that you or your partner are not allergic to or sensitive to, anal lube is completely safe.
It is important to understand, however, that not all anal lubes are safe.
One thing we discovered when researching anal lubricants, much to our dismay, related specifically to water-based products being marketed for anal use.
We found several potential products that passed our criteria for safe ingredients with flying colors, however, they failed to reach the necessary pH and osmolality levels required for safe anal use.
We discuss this in far more detail below.
Before using any new anal lubricant, it’s a good idea for you and your partner to do a patch test on the inner elbow to monitor the area for potential reactions before using them during anal sex.
Additionally, anal lubricants have a shelf life of between 1 and 3 years.
- Will Anal Sex Make Your Butt Bigger?
Anal sex will not make your butt bigger but it’s a reasonable thought.
Though the rectum does stretch during anal penetration or when using a butt plug or anal toy, it won’t permanently make your butt larger.
The use of anal lube will make anal penetration easier and much more comfortable, but you can rest assured that your butt (or anus) will not grow larger as a result.
What Are The Safest Ingredients For Anal Lube?
When you’re choosing an anal lubricant — or any lube, for that matter — you always want to select a product that uses the safest ingredients.
Safe anal lube ingredients include:
What Anal Lube Ingredients Are Unsafe And Should Be Avoided?
Every booty deserves extra care and attention, which is why steering clear of harmful ingredients is essential.
Unsafe anal lube ingredients you should avoid include:
- Glycerin
- Parabens
- Petroleum
- Polyethylene Glycol
- Benzocaine
- Lidocaine
- Mineral Oil
- Added fragrances, flavors, or dyes
- Any other ingredients you and/or your partner is allergic or sensitive to
- Why You Need A Glycerin-Free Anal Lube
Most commonly found in water-based lubricants, glycerin is used as a thickening agent in lubes and is frequently sourced from animal fats and soybean oil.
It’s not safe to use in or on your genitals because it’s high in sugar content which could lead to bacterial growth and cause yeast infections and irritation.
- Why You Need A Paraben-Free Anal Lube
Often used as preservatives for cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, methyl parabens (often known simply as parabens) are not safe to ingest and can be highly irritating to your genitals.
Why (And When) Anal Lube pH And Osmolality Matter
You may have heard the terms “pH” and “osmolality” before but brushed them off as being some sort of science-based mumbo-jumbo.
When it comes to water-based anal lubricants, however, pH and osmolality matter greatly.
A typical and healthy rectal pH is between 7 and 8 which means that anal lubricants should be in a higher pH range, as well, between 5.5 to 7.
The pH of vaginal lubes is generally around 4.5, however.
The difference in pH might not sound like much but it is important to consider — using an anal lube with a pH that’s too low can lead to rectal irritation and possibly infection.
To ensure that you’re not throwing off the very important pH levels in your anal cavity, be sure to use a lube that is designed and marketed specifically for anal sex — one with a pH between 5.5 and 7.
It’s important to note that many water-based lubes are marketed for anal use, yet have a pH that is too low for the activity.
Lube osmolality matters just as much as pH.
Osmolality refers to the concentration of ingredients that are not water.
Lubricants that go above the WHO’s recommendations and standards for lube osmolality can potentially irritate your rectum and lead to irritation or infection.
As we mentioned earlier, pH and osmolality only affect lubricants that are water-based.
→ For more, read:
FDA Approval Of Personal Lubricants For Anal Sex
Personal lubricants of any type and regardless of their use during sexual activity are classified as “Class II medical devices” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
To that end, lube manufacturers have to register their products for 510(k) clearance unless they are exempt from requiring this.
Regardless of having the clearance or exemption, the FDA has considered the product and you can trust that it’s approved for sale in the U.S.
All of our anal lubricant recommendations have either a registered 510(k) clearance certificate on file with the FDA as of this writing or were exempt from providing one.
Why Is It Hard To Find A Safe Water-Based Anal Lube?
Our list of top recommendations for anal lubes includes only products made from silicone or oil — which may leave you wondering about water-based anal lubes.
It’s no secret that our recommendations must meet very stringent requirements for inclusion because your personal safety is very important to us.
We deeply research every product before deeming it safe — or not.
The truth is that most water-based lubes contain glycerin, which eliminates the majority of products from consideration entirely.
Studies suggest that glycerin promotes yeast infections by killing good bacteria and yes — anal yeast infections are a thing.
Those products that don’t contain glycerin often include unsafe ingredients like guarana and ginseng, which could be irritating — so those cannot be considered, either.
The water-based anal lubes that actually pass our ingredient test must then pass the requirements for anal-safe pH and osmolality — and this is where the remaining candidates typically fail.
When anal pH is disrupted by a lube whose pH is too low and better suited for vaginal use, rectal tissue can become irritated or damaged, leaving it more prone to infection.
We performed very deep research and to our surprise and dismay, discovered that several “great” water-based lubes that are being marketed for anal sex have a low pH that is best suited to the vagina — not the anus – or osmolality readings that are inappropriate for safe consideration.
The very few remaining products that have safe ingredients, appropriate pH, and safe osmolality are either unavailable at this time or they are from new and/or unreputable companies we are still gathering information on.
For this reason, we currently do not recommend ANY water-based anal lubricants as safe but are working on finding options we trust.
Anal Lube Alternatives: Safe (And Unsafe) Home DIY Remedies
It’s best to stick with specially formulated anal lubes for the reasons we’ve outlined, but in a pinch, there are some mostly safe home anal lube alternatives you can try.
- If you are thinking about using one, however, look over this complete list of anal lube alternatives first.
FAQs About Anal Lubes
Below, we’ll address some of the most common questions regarding anal lubes and their use.
Do I Need Anal Lube?
If you intend to have anal sex (or anal penetration of any kind), yes.
The anus doesn’t provide its own moisture or lube, so unless you want anal sex to be painful and possibly lead to injury, pick up a bottle.
Does It Need To Be Specifically Anal Lube?
Not necessarily.
Regular intimate lubes can do in a pinch, provided they are anal-safe in terms of pH or osmolality (when applicable) and have a consistency that enhances comfort and reduces friction during anal penetration.
This is a case of “the best tool for the job”— anal lubes are thicker with longer-lasting formulas compared to personal lubricants of the general variety.
How Much Anal Lube Should I Use?
That is up to your comfort level, but there’s no need to slather on a boatload.
Anal lubes are made so you can use a few drops or a small squirt to get the party started and they should last without needing to reapply often (if at all).
That said, it really comes down to a lubricant’s formula, the amount you apply, and the length of sexual activity.
When in doubt, apply more than you think you need.
Where To Buy
Anal lube makes backdoor loving an extremely enjoyable and incredible experience — whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.
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$30.95 (4 oz)
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$21.99 (4.7 oz)
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$34.00 (4.2 oz)
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Description: Bottom Line: The bullet-like marketing might turn some people off, but there is a lot to love about this lube if you can get past the bottle design — this is the consensus top pick among our anal lube testing team. Long-lasting even with minimal application, this silicone-based lube keeps things slippery and sexy, reducing friction for an incredibly comfortable anal experience, while also performing well in water for those who enjoy shower sex. [Full Review] |
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, even during extended sex sessions. [Full Review] |
Description: Bottom Line: This ultra-concentrated, premium formula from Sliquid uses three of the slickest pharmaceutical-grade silicones available, resulting in a product that “will last for hours with only a few drops.” Although it has a lightweight texture compared to the other anal lubes we tested, this one is perfect for those seeking a lube with serious endurance and a silk-like consistency that doesn’t feel heavy and requires minimal reapplication over time. [Full Review] |
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 as we discovered ourselves, does NOT stain — at all! [Full Review] |
Bottom Line: The bullet-like marketing might turn some people off, but there is a lot to love about this lube if you can get past the bottle design — this is the consensus top pick among our anal lube testing team. Long-lasting even with minimal application, this silicone-based lube keeps things slippery and sexy, reducing friction for an incredibly comfortable anal experience, while also performing well in water for those who enjoy shower sex. [Full Review]
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, even during extended sex sessions. [Full Review]
Bottom Line: This ultra-concentrated, premium formula from Sliquid uses three of the slickest pharmaceutical-grade silicones available, resulting in a product that “will last for hours with only a few drops.” Although it has a lightweight texture compared to the other anal lubes we tested, this one is perfect for those seeking a lube with serious endurance and a silk-like consistency that doesn’t feel heavy and requires minimal reapplication over time. [Full Review]
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 as we discovered ourselves, does NOT stain — at all! [Full Review]
That said, all lubes are not created equal, nor can they always be used for every type of sex you want to have.
If anal sex is on the menu, do your bum a solid and use anal lubes that are made from safe and high-quality ingredients — like those we recommended above.
Trust us, your booty will thank you for it.
Editor’s Note: This article is part of our Everything Lube hub, an in-depth and evolving resource that comprehensively explores all aspects of personal lubricants from the different types and how to use them, to ingredients and safety — created to help you achieve the sexual pleasure you deserve.
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