Best Overall Lube: Aloe Cadabra

Best Overall Lube

Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant

5.0

$11.95 (2.5 oz)

[Note: Get Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant for only $10.16 and enjoy 15% off site-wide at Aloe Cadabra using code MyOrganicAloe — a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]

[Read Our Full Review]

Pros:

• Easy To Use, Great For “Lube Virgins” And Pros Alike
• Non-Sticky, Vegan, Edible, And Available In 12+ Delicious Flavors
• 2-In-1 Vaginal Moisturizer And Personal Lubricant Mimics Your Body’s Natural Lubrication
• 95% Organic Aloe Vera Soothes Sensitive Skin
• Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms

Cons:

• No Pump Dispenser So Application Can Be Messy
• Not As Long-Lasting As Silicone Or Oil-Based-Lubricants
• Can’t Be Used For Sex In The Bath Or Shower

Performance:

4.7

How It Feels:

4.8

Skin Compatibility:

5.0

Ease Of Cleanup:

5.0

Bottle Design:

4.0

Osmolality: 172 mOsm/kg (Passes WHO Standards)

pH Level: 3.8 to 4.2 (Balanced For Vaginal Use)

Bottom Line: Keep sexy time wet and wild with a barely noticeable formula that mimics your body’s own lubrication — in the tastiest way! Personally reviewed by Women’s Health Interactive, Aloe Cadabra Natural Personal Lubricant is lightweight, versatile, and made with 95% food-grade, NSF Certified Organic aloe vera so you can feel good about using it — inside and out! Available in 12+ delicious flavors, Aloe Cadabra takes vaginal and oral sex to new heights.

$10.16 @ Aloe Cadabra - CODE: MyOrganicAloe $17.99 @ HotCherry

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“Even if you’ve never used a personal lubricant before or you don’t think of yourself as someone who ‘needs’ to use lube, I’m here to tell you that Aloe Cadabra will change (and blow) your mind.”

Highly affordable but still made with quality ingredients you can trust, this versatile aloe-based formula is hydrating and feels just like your body’s natural lubrication — only better.

It’s a perfect choice whether you’ve never used a personal lubricant before or you’re a lube connoisseur looking for a new product to try.

→ Learn more* about Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant or check pricing*.

Best Water-Based Lube: AH YES WB

Top Pick: Water-Based

AH! YES WB - Organic Water-Based Personal Lubricant

5.0

$21.99 (5.1 oz)

[Note: Get AH! YES WB for only $18.70, a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]

Pros:

• Extra-Thick Formula With Guar Gum Provides A Luxurious, Cushiony Texture That Lasts As Long As You Do
• Aloe Vera Leaf Juice Brings Incredible Hydration To Every Sexy Spot
• No Added Fragrances, Flavors Or Dyes Make It Ideal For Those With Sensitive Skin Or Looking For An Unflavored Edible Lube
• Made With 96% Organic Ingredients As Certified By The Soil Association
• Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms

Cons:

• Might Be Too Thick For Those Who Prefer A Lightweight Texture
• No Pump Dispenser So Application Can Be Messy
• Not As Long-Lasting As Silicone Or Oil-Based-Lubricants
• Can’t Be Used For Sex In The Bath Or Shower

Performance:

5.0

How It Feels:

4.8

Skin Compatibility:

5.0

Ease Of Cleanup:

5.0

Bottle Design:

4.8

Osmolality: 260-290 mOsm/kg (Passes WHO Standards)

pH Level: 3.8 to 4.2 (Balanced For Vaginal Use)

Bottom Line: As one of our team's favorite lubricants, this long-lasting, ultra-hydrating product provides incredible comfort and glide during vaginal sex and won't mask your partner's natural taste during oral sex. With a velvety texture that’s thicker than you’ll find in most water-based lubes while being kind to delicate skin, AH! YES WB uses a luxurious formula made from organic ingredients you can trust.

$18.70 @ AH! YES -> CODE: WHI $18.70 @ Lovehoney -> CODE: AFF-WH15

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This water-based personal lubricant is made with 96% organic ingredients, making it one of very few water-based lubes that can make that claim — which is why we recommend it so highly.

Additionally, AH! YES WB offers a thick texture that’s uncommon compared to other water-based lubes. Take a closer look below:

After her first experience with AH! YES WB, our editor-in-chief said:

“I had to do a double-take while using this with my husband because it didn’t feel like a water-based product. I expected it to be thicker, but the type of slip this product offers is beyond that of any water-based lubricant I’ve ever used before. It is incredibly slippery and long-lasting — both were a pleasant surprise.”

She noted that it was entirely flavor-free as advertised, and although it doesn’t have added fragrance, it does have a very slight aloe scent — one that’s refreshing, natural, and very subtle.

→ Learn more* about AH! YES WB or check pricing*.

Best Silicone-Based Lube: Wet Platinum

Top Pick: Silicone-Based

Wet Platinum Luxury Silicone Personal Lubricant

5.0

$44.95

[Note: Get Wet Platinum Luxury Silicone Personal Lubricant for only $33.71 using code "WHI25" at Adam & Eve or $35.96 using code "WHEALTH" at PinkCherry — specially negotiated discounts we secured after independent review.]

[Read Our Full Review]

Pros:

• Lightweight, Water-Like Texture Lasts An Incredibly Long Time And Washes Away Easily With Soap And Water
• Made From Concentrated High-Quality Silicones That Soften And Moisturize Skin After Application
• Inconspicuous Packaging Includes A Lot Of Product
• Formulated To Be Odorless, Flavorless, Colorless, And Never Sticky
• Waterproof For Sensual & Sexy Play In The Bath Or Shower; Compatible With All Condom Types; Ideal For Vaginal And Anal Sex

Cons:

• Disc-Top Bottle Can Sometimes Leak
• No Pump Dispenser So Application Can Be Messy
• Will Stain Fabrics
• Cannot Be Used With Silicone Sex Toys, Diaphragms, Or Dental Dams

Bottom Line: Wet Platinum Luxury Silicone Lubricant (formerly known as Glide) is a concentrated yet lightweight silicone lube that moisturizes skin with every use. Crafted with an odor-free and flavorless formula, this lube is long-lasting yet washes off quickly and easily.

$33.71 @ Adam & Eve - CODE: WHI25 $35.96 (9 oz) @ PinkCherry –> CODE: WHEALTH

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Luxurious and slick, yet also surprisingly lightweight, Wet Platinum uses a concentrated formula of high-quality, body-safe silicones that won’t become sticky — even during extended use.

With a perfect 5 out of 5 rating, this staff favorite is one of the best and safest silicone lubes out there.

→ Learn more* about Wet Platinum or check pricing*.

Best Oil-Based Lube: AH YES OB

Top Pick: Oil-Based

AH! YES OB Natural Plant-Oil Based Personal Lubricant

5.0

$21.99 (4.7 oz)

[Note: Get AH! YES OB for only $18.70, a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]

[Read Our Full Review]

Pros:

• 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
• Personally Reviewed By Women’s Health Interactive

Cons:

• Not For Use With Latex Or Polyisoprene Condoms, Dental Dams, Or Latex Diaphragms
• 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
• Can Stain Fabric

Bottom Line: The best in natural and organic lubricants, AH! YES OB Natural Plant-Oil Based Lubricant is an organic lubricant that you can feel good about using in more ways than one. This product is great for anyone who wants a hydrating, waterproof lubricant made with the very best ingredients.

$18.70 @ Lovehoney –> CODE: AFF-WH15 $18.70 @ AH! YES -> CODE: WHI

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If you’re looking for a personal lubricant with a thick, buttery formula that’s long-lasting, AH! YES OB is hydrating and perfect for those with sensitive skin as long as you don’t have nut or seed allergies.

Take a closer look below:

Our editor-in-chief Alison Huff personally reviewed this lube and said this:

“As someone who’s going through perimenopause and dealing with occasional bouts of hormone-induced dryness, this lubricant felt completely natural and left no stickiness behind.”

Made from 99% organic ingredients — more than any other product on our list — you can feel good about using this lubricant, inside and out.

→ Learn more* about AH! YES OB or check pricing*.

Best Anal Lube: Pjur Analyse Me! (Silicone)

Best Anal Lube

Pjur Analyse Me!

4.7

$24.99 (3.4 oz)

Pros:

• Jojoba Oil Adds Cushion For Better Comfort And Is Highly Moisturizing
• Will Last As Long As You Do Without Becoming Sticky
• Completely Waterproof And Compatible With All Condoms

Cons:

• Stains Fabrics Easily
• Cannot Be Used With Silicone Sex Toys

Bottom Line: Infused with jojoba oil for maximum comfort during penetration, this high-quality silicone lube was specifically designed for anal sex. Free from preservatives, Pjur Analyse Me! is extra slippery, long-lasting, and highly moisturizing.

$24.99 @ Enhanced Male $39.00 @ PinkCherry

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!

Analyse Me! is a preservative-free silicone-based personal lubricant that has a short and sweet ingredient list you can trust to provide comfort during anal penetration.

Slippery and incredibly soft to the touch, this product features a thick, cushiony texture that moisturizes the skin and promotes elasticity without numbing any sensation in the process.

This lube does stain easily and it cannot be used with silicone sex toys, however, it receives high marks for its performance and condom compatibility.

→ Learn more* about Analyse Me! or check pricing*.

Best Flavored Edible Lube: Sliquid Swirl

Best Flavored Edible Lube

Sliquid Swirl

4.8

$14.00 (4.2 oz)

Pros:

• 8 Delicious Sugar-Free Natural Flavors
• Has A Light Taste That Enhances Oral Sex Without Overpowering It
• Vegan, Water-Based Formula Is Great For Those Who Enjoy Thicker Lubes
• Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms; No Glycerin Or Parabens
• Guar gum Adds Thickness; No Added Dyes

Cons:

• Those With Aspartame Allergies Should Avoid This Formula
• No Pump Dispenser So Application Can Be Messy
• Not As Long-Lasting As Silicone Or Oil-Based-Lubricants
• Can’t Be Used For Sex In The Bath Or Shower

Performance:

4.7

How It Feels:

4.7

Skin Compatibility:

5.0

Ease Of Cleanup:

4.7

Bottle Design:

4.0

Osmolality: All flavors < 1200 mOsm/kg (Meets WHO Recommendations)

pH Level: 4.1 to 4.4 (Safe For Vaginal Use)

Bottom Line: Our testing team found that Sliquid Swirl enhances your partner’s natural flavor instead of masking it completely, making it perfect for those who want to indulge in a little sweet treat without feeling like they’ve fallen face-first into a vat of fudge and caramel. With a sugar-free vegan formula available in 8 fruity flavors to suit any palate, this lightly-flavored yet delectable lube is the perfect accompaniment to oral sex.

$14.00 @ Sliquid $14.44 @ Lovehoney -> CODE: AFF-WH15

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!

Available in Cherry Vanilla, Green Apple Tart, Strawberry Pomegranate, Blue Raspberry, Pina Colada, Pink Lemonade, Blackberry Fig, and Tangerine Peach, this personal lubricant enhances your natural flavor without covering it completely.

Take a closer look below:

Our editor-in-chief’s favorite flavor is Pink Lemonade.

“This lube is thick and syrup-like but it isn’t sickeningly sweet,” she explained. “The flavor lasts but it’s very light and not overpowering. To be honest, it’s the one I look forward to reaching for the most during oral sex.”

With so many sugar-free and 100% vegan flavors to choose from, Sliquid Swirl adds just the right amount of sweetness during oral sex and it’s pH-balanced for vaginal penetration as well.

→ Learn more* about Sliquid Swirl or check pricing*.

Best Lube For Women (pH-Balanced): Good Clean Love Almost Naked

Best Lube For pH-Balance

Good Clean Love Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant

5.0

$12.99 (4 oz)

[Note: Get Good Clean Love Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant for only $10.40. Use code WHI20 and get 20% off from Good Clean Love — a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]

[Read Our Full Review]

Pros:

• Made From Just 7 Organic Ingredients
• Super Long-Lasting And Great For Those Who Prefer A Thicker Water-Based Lubricant
• Lemon-Vanilla Scent Isn’t Overpowering During Oral Sex; Has No Discernable Taste
• First Carbon-Neutral Personal Lube
• Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms

Cons:

• No Pump Dispenser So Application Can Be Messy
• Not As Long-Lasting As Silicone Or Oil-Based-Lubricants
• Can’t Be Used For Sex In The Bath Or Shower

Performance:

4.7

How It Feels:

4.3

Skin Compatibility:

5.0

Ease Of Cleanup:

5.0

Bottle Design:

5.0

Osmolality: 250 to 400 mOsm/kg (Passes WHO Recommendations)

pH Level: 4.2 to 4.7 (Balanced For Vaginal Use)

Bottom Line: There’s a reason Good Clean Love’s Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant is one of our team’s top recommendations. Its long-lasting, smooth formula is perfect for oral sex, and because of its non-irritating, natural ingredients, it’s also safe to use for penetrative sex. Additionally, its incredibly delicious scent is heavenly yet this lube has no discernable flavor — if you love the smell of cookies, this is one you’ll definitely want to try.

$10.40 @ Good Clean Love -> CODE: WHI20 $18.99 @ HotCherry

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!

Free of dangerous petrochemicals and other toxic additives, this 95% certified organic lubricant is perfectly pH-balanced for safe vaginal use and it’s a great option for those with skin sensitivities, too.

Take a closer look at Almost Naked below:

Thick and long-lasting, this product features a smooth texture and transitions from vaginal sex to oral sex in a heartbeat — offering a light lemon-vanilla flavor that’s refreshing without being overpowering.

→ Learn more* about Almost Naked or check pricing*.

Best All-Purpose Lube: Organic Glide

Best All-Purpose Lube

Organic Glide Probiotic All Natural Personal Lubricant

4.7

$34.95 $22.95 ($9.18 / Ounce)

Pros:

• 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

Cons:

• 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

Anal Comfort:

4.7

Performance:

4.5

Skin Feel:

4.7

Ease Of Cleanup:

4.6

Bottle Design:

4.7

Bottom Line: Organic Glide Probiotic All Natural Personal Lubricant is a velvety oil-based lube that enhances almost any sexual activity and it’s one of the rare edible lubes that can be used in wet environments like the shower. This lube, made from organic ingredients, also helps vaginal dryness and unlike the majority of oil-based lubes, uses a non-staining formula that won’t wreck your bedding!

Check Price

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02/03/2023 01:07 pm GMT

One of the few oil-based lubes that are edible, this unflavored product is equally safe and perfect for vaginal and anal sex as well.

No other lubricant on our list is as versatile as Organic Glide in that regard.

Featuring a probiotic formula, this lubricant may benefit women who are prone to UTIs and vaginal tract infections.

Additionally, Organic Glide is non-staining — unlike other oil-based lubes — giving it yet another leg up over the competition.

→ Learn more* about Organic Glide Probiotic All Natural Personal Lubricant or check pricing*.

Best Lube For Sensitive Skin: Good Clean Love BioNude

Best Lube For Sensitive Skin

Good Clean Love BioNude Ultra Sensitive Personal Lubricant

4.7

$12.99 (3 oz)

[Note: Get Good Clean Love BioNude Ultra Sensitive Personal Lubricant for only $10.40. Use code WHI20 and get 20% off from Good Clean Love — a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]

Pros:

• Great For Anyone With Sensitive Skin
• Sperm-Friendly — Safe For Those Trying To Conceive
• Long-Lasting
• No Added Fragrances, Flavors, Or Dyes
• Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms

Cons:

• The Lack Of Pump Dispenser Can Make Reapplication Difficult
• Not As Long-Lasting As Silicone Or Oil-Based-Lubricants
• Can’t Be Used For Sex In The Bath Or Shower

Osmolality: 240 to 400 mOsm/kg (Meets WHO Recommendations)

pH Level: 4.0 (Balanced For Vaginal Use)

Bottom Line: Having sensitive skin doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a water-based lubricant thanks to Good Clean Love’s BioNude Ultra Sensitive Personal Lubricant. Long-lasting and safe to use when trying to conceive or when pregnant, this product will allow you to enjoy yourself without worrying about sensitivities.

$10.40 @ Good Clean Love –> CODE: WHI20 $22.00 @ Good Vibes

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!

Good Clean Love BioNude is a trusted choice for sensitive skin because it has a limited list of ingredients — and all of them are body-safe.

Irritation is a common complaint among those who use personal lubricants but it’s a particular concern for many who’d like to use lube but are afraid of how their skin might react.

This product was designed with sensitive skin in mind, avoiding the use of parabens and glycerin in favor of hydroxyethylcellulose as a thickening agent.

Learn more about BioNude below:

Like most water-based lubes, however, you may need to reapply it during use — but that’s a small compromise for a product that mimics your body’s natural lubrication while keeping your skin comfortable, healthy, and happy.

→ Learn more* about BioNude or check pricing*.

Best Lubricant For Men: Sliquid Naturals H20

Best Lubricant For Men

Sliquid Naturals H20

4.8

$14.00 (4.2 oz)

Pros:

• Mimics Your Body’s Own Lubrication — Only Better
• Long-Lasting Vegan Formula Is Kind To Sensitive Skin
• Colorless, Odorless, And Flavorless With Just 5 Body-Safe Ingredients
• Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms

Cons:

• No Pump Dispenser So Application Can Be Messy
• Not As Long-Lasting As Silicone Or Oil-Based-Lubricants
• Can’t Be Used For Sex In The Bath Or Shower

Osmolality: 500-700 mOsm/kg (Meets WHO Recommendations)

pH Level: 4.0 to 4.4 (Balanced For Vaginal Use)

Bottom Line: Sliquid Naturals H20 is a best-seller for a reason — it has an amazing vegan formula that doesn’t compromise on quality or performance. Emulating your body’s natural lubrication, this product is incredibly slick and is perfect for those with sensitive skin.

$12.99 @ The Enhanced Male $14.00 @ Sliquid

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!

Sliquid’s signature water-based formula provides long-lasting lubrication during masturbation or hand jobs with just a few drops — plus it’s gentle on sensitive skin.

Learn more about Sliquid Naturals H2O below:

Compatible with all sex toys and masturbators — including Fleshlights — Sliquid Naturals H20 is the perfect lube to reach for during solo exploration or partnered sex.

Being water-based, it may require reapplication during extended play — but you’ll never have to worry about it destroying your favorite pocket pussy in the process.

→ Learn more* about Sliquid Naturals H20 or check pricing*.

Best Lube For Couples: Sliquid Organics Sensation

Best Lube For Couples

Sliquid Organics Sensation

4.5

$12.00 (2 oz)

[Note: Get Sliquid Organics Sensation for only $8.49. Use code AFF-WH15 and get 15% off site-wide at Lovehoney — a specially negotiated discount we secured after independent review.]

Pros:

• The Combination Of Peppermint And Food-Grade Menthol Delivers Dual Cooling And Warming Sensations
• Mimicking Your Body’s Natual Lubrication, Agar Agar Adds A Nice Cushion To This Organic, Aloe-Based Formula
• Water Soluble And Non-Staining, Clean Up Is Easy
• Compatible With All Condoms And Sex Toys
• Unflavored And Unscented

Cons:

• Contains Several Potential Allergens For Those Sensitive To Latex, Seeds, Flowers, Or Menthol
• Sensations Are Subtle But MAY Be Too Strong For Some
• Not Edible Or Meant To Be Used During Oral Sex

Bottom Line: Sliquid Organics Sensation is perfect for couples who want to spice things up in the bedroom. Pleasantly cool when you apply it, this lube becomes warmer with added friction. Body-safe ingredients are the key to experimenting with temperature play and sensation without irritation, and this lube delivers the quality we’ve come to expect from Sliquid.

$8.49 @ Lovehoney -> CODE: AFF-WH15 $10.39 @ HotCherry

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!

Starting off cool and warming up through friction, this stimulating lubricant provides a subtle sensation that isn’t overpowering and you only need a small amount to achieve results.

The warmth created by this lube can even help your body to produce more of its own natural lubrication — so reapplication may not be necessary during partnered sex.

Learn more about Sliquid Organics Sensation below:

Made with peppermint and food-grade menthol, this sensitizing lube mimics your body’s natural lube — with a little something extra for added excitement when you’re playing with your partner.

If you or your partners have allergies to latex, seeds, flowers, or menthol, however, this one is best avoided.

Additionally, the sensations from this lubricant may be uncomfortable for anal sex — so if you use it in this way, proceed with caution.

→ Learn more* about Sliquid Organics Sensation or check pricing*.

What To Look For

It’s important to find a product that provides the type of lubrication you need for the type of sex you intend to have while avoiding harmful ingredients like glycerin, parabens, and additives like fragrances, dyes, or unsafe flavoring that may cause irritation or infection.

• Is Lube Safe?

Yes, personal lubricants are safe to use as long as they’re made from body-safe ingredients, are used as directed, are compatible with any sex toys or STI barriers you intend to use, and do not include any particular ingredients you (or your partner) are allergic to.

• What Are The Safest Ingredients For Lube?

When selecting a personal lubricant — of any type — it’s important to choose a product that uses only the safest ingredients.

These include:

• Water
• Aloe vera gel
• Body-safe silicones
• Plant-based oils

• What Lube Ingredients Should You Avoid?

Many unsafe lube ingredients should be avoided.

These include:

• Glycerin (also referred to as glycerine or glycerol)
• Parabens
• Petroleum

• Why You Need Glycerin-Free Lube

Glycerin both encourages yeast infections and kills good bacteria in the vagina, plus it raises a lube’s osmolality, which can cause irritation and infections.

Most water-based lubricants on the market contain glycerin, however, that ingredient is not found in any of our recommended products.

• Why You Need A Paraben-Free Lube

Parabens are often used as preservatives in lubricants and are suspected to be endocrine disruptors.

Because the CDC states that the “health effects from environmental exposure to low levels of parabens are unknown,” all of our recommendations are free from parabens.

• Safety Of Lubricant Ingredients When Trying To Conceive

Generally, lubes that are created to aid in conception include hydroxyethylcellulose, an ingredient that has been shown to mimic natural vaginal mucus without decreasing sperm motility or function.

• Why Lube pH Matters

Lubricants that do not match the pH level of your vagina (4.5) or anus (5.5 to 7) can increase your risk of infection but can also cause damage to your vaginal or anal tissue.

• Why Lube Osmolality Matters

The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that the ideal lube should have an osmolality of less than 380 mOsm/kg and no higher than 1200 mOsm/kg to ensure optimal safety and reduce the risk of irritation or infection in vaginal or anal tissue.

• FDA Approval Of Personal Lubricants

A company can market its lubricant in the United States after receiving 510(k) clearance or being marked as exempt from needing it.

As of the time of writing, all of our recommendations were either exempt from producing a 501(k) clearance certificate or had one on file showing approval from the FDA — and both are equally acceptable.

The Texture, Consistency, And Performance Of Lubes

When it comes to the texture and consistency of a lubricant, products offer a variety based on their formulas.

Water-based products tend to closely resemble your body’s natural lubrication — only in a much larger supply — and they don’t necessarily “feel” like a personal lubricant.

They’re also compatible with all STI barriers and sex toys.

Silicone and oil-based lubricants have a consistency that tends to be thicker and much longer-lasting, but they generally have a texture that’s somewhat unnatural in comparison.

Both have compatibility issues, however.

Silicone lubes cannot be used with toys made from silicone, as they’ll degrade the material.

Likewise, oil-based lubricants cannot be used with latex or rubber sex toys, and they will degrade STI barriers made from latex or polyisoprene.

When considering any lubricant’s performance, we took into account the varied preferences people might have, testing products across a range of textures from lightweight to thick.

We also included formulations designed to maintain vaginal pH, enhance vaginal flora, or promote fertility.

Our team then tested how each of our finalists performed during oral, vaginal, and/or anal intercourse, and during cleanup to determine which lubricants were truly the best of the best.

As a result of our rigorous testing, we chose a variety of textures, consistencies, and formulations in our selections.