The Best Lube For Any Type Of Sex: Tested & Reviewed

After 300+ hours of research consulting our medical review board and testing personal lubricants, we’ve assembled the de facto list of the very best lubes.
Photograph Of Hand Holding Bottle Of Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant Against Pastel Peach Background
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Updated:July 2023

After more than 300 hours of cumulative research consulting with our medical review board, crowdsourcing opinions from experienced enthusiasts, and personally testing only those products that passed our strict criteria for safety, we’ve gathered the de facto list of the very best lubes by type and sexual activity.

In A Hurry? Start With Our Top Personal Lubricant Picks

Important Things To Know:

  • Safety: Our recommendations are free from glycerin, parabens, capsaicin, benzocaine, added fragrances, flavors [we do offer safe flavored options], and dyes. These ingredients can be irritating or toxic and some can increase the chances of developing a vaginal infection.
  • How we chose: When choosing the best lubes, we weighed and tested: their ingredients, additives, potential allergens, intended use, performance, texture, and consistency.
  • Other considerations: Additionally, we ensured the pH of each of our top water-based picks was safe for vaginal use, and that osmolality met World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. We explain what these mean later on.

 

Best Lube: By Type

Best Overall Lube
Top Pick: Water-Based
Top Pick: Silicone-Based
Top Pick: Oil-Based
$11.95 (2.5 oz)
$12.99 (4 oz)
$21.95 (8.5 oz)
$21.99 (4.7 oz)
Description:

Bottom Line: The best personal lubricants offer a completely natural texture that mimics your body’s own lubrication while being compatible with all condom types, sex toys, and sexual activities. Aloe Cadabra is our best overall lube because it is easy to use, lightweight, highly versatile, and made with 95% food-grade NSF Certified organic aloe — a soothing ingredient that is perfect for those with sensitive skin — plus it’s available in 12+ flavors to sweeten oral sex safely. [Full Review + Video]

Description:

Bottom Line: Water-based personal lubricants are the go-to choice for many people because they are compatible with every sex toy material and condom type, making them incredibly popular among lube enthusiasts. Almost Naked is our top lube in this category because it is made with 95% organic ingredients while offering a long-lasting, gel-like formula that mimics your body's natural lubrication with a delicious vanilla scent and no sweet flavor during oral sex. [Full Review + Video]

Description:

Bottom Line: This is our team's favorite silicone-based lubricant because a little goes a very long way and it feels incredibly silky and smooth to the touch. The need for reapplication is minimal and like most lubes of this nature, holds up well when used in the water. One thing we really loved about Valm is the smart bottle design, which not only features a sleek pump, but a smart locking mechanism that prevents accidental spills or leakage — and it can be activated with just one hand. [Full Review + Video]

Description:

Bottom Line: While often overlooked, oil-based lubricants are as long-lasting as those made from silicone while being equally waterproof, moisturizing, and suited to anal sex. They are not compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms and shouldn't be used with latex or rubber sex toys. Made with the best ingredients, AH! YES OB is a certified 99% organic lubricant that doubles as a sensual massage oil. Formulated to soothe and condition skin, it doesn’t need to be washed off. [Read Full Review]

Best Overall Lube
$11.95 (2.5 oz)
Description:

Bottom Line: The best personal lubricants offer a completely natural texture that mimics your body’s own lubrication while being compatible with all condom types, sex toys, and sexual activities. Aloe Cadabra is our best overall lube because it is easy to use, lightweight, highly versatile, and made with 95% food-grade NSF Certified organic aloe — a soothing ingredient that is perfect for those with sensitive skin — plus it’s available in 12+ flavors to sweeten oral sex safely. [Full Review + Video]

Top Pick: Water-Based
$12.99 (4 oz)
Description:

Bottom Line: Water-based personal lubricants are the go-to choice for many people because they are compatible with every sex toy material and condom type, making them incredibly popular among lube enthusiasts. Almost Naked is our top lube in this category because it is made with 95% organic ingredients while offering a long-lasting, gel-like formula that mimics your body's natural lubrication with a delicious vanilla scent and no sweet flavor during oral sex. [Full Review + Video]

Top Pick: Silicone-Based
$21.95 (8.5 oz)
Description:

Bottom Line: This is our team's favorite silicone-based lubricant because a little goes a very long way and it feels incredibly silky and smooth to the touch. The need for reapplication is minimal and like most lubes of this nature, holds up well when used in the water. One thing we really loved about Valm is the smart bottle design, which not only features a sleek pump, but a smart locking mechanism that prevents accidental spills or leakage — and it can be activated with just one hand. [Full Review + Video]

Top Pick: Oil-Based
$21.99 (4.7 oz)
Description:

Bottom Line: While often overlooked, oil-based lubricants are as long-lasting as those made from silicone while being equally waterproof, moisturizing, and suited to anal sex. They are not compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms and shouldn't be used with latex or rubber sex toys. Made with the best ingredients, AH! YES OB is a certified 99% organic lubricant that doubles as a sensual massage oil. Formulated to soothe and condition skin, it doesn’t need to be washed off. [Read Full Review]

Best Lube: By Activity Or Purpose

Best Anal Lube
Best Flavored Edible Lube
Best Lube For pH-Balance
Best All-Purpose Lube
$30.95 (4 oz)
$14.00 (4.2 oz)
$21.99 (5.1 oz)
$22.95 ($9.18 / Ounce)
Description:

Bottom Line: Our team's favorite anal lube never misses its target, providing long-lasting comfort and glide during butt play with minimal need for reapplication — even in water. Yes, the bullet-like bottle design is masculine and not at all subtle, but it's what's on the inside that counts. After hours of testing during anal sex, we can't recommend this condom-compatible personal lube highly enough. [Full Review + Video]

Description:

Bottom Line: Edible lubricants can be safely swallowed during oral sex and many include flavorings that add a touch of sweetness to the experience. Sliquid Swirl enhances your natural flavor instead of masking it with a sugar-free formula available in 8 fruity flavors. This sex toy and condom-safe lube is perfect for delicious oral sex, seamlessly transitioning to vaginal penetration safely and effortlessly. [Full Review + Video]

Description:

Bottom Line: A pH-balanced lubricant supports vaginal health while lowering your risk of an imbalance that could lead to vaginal infections later on. AH! YES WB is our top pick for women because it is a 96% certified organic lube that mimics vaginal wetness with a texture that feels like your body’s own lubrication — only better — all while keeping vaginal pH perfectly balanced for lasting comfort and wellness. [Full Review + Video]

Description:

Bottom Line: Perfect for oral, vaginal, and anal sex, Organic Glide Probiotic All Natural Personal Lubricant is a skin-moisturizing oil-based lube that enhances almost any sexual activity. This waterproof lube, made from organic ingredients, also helps vaginal dryness and uses a non-staining formula that won’t wreck your bedding! It should not be used with latex or polyisoprene condoms or rubber sex toys. [Read Full Review]

Best Anal Lube
$30.95 (4 oz)
Description:

Bottom Line: Our team's favorite anal lube never misses its target, providing long-lasting comfort and glide during butt play with minimal need for reapplication — even in water. Yes, the bullet-like bottle design is masculine and not at all subtle, but it's what's on the inside that counts. After hours of testing during anal sex, we can't recommend this condom-compatible personal lube highly enough. [Full Review + Video]

Best Flavored Edible Lube
$14.00 (4.2 oz)
Description:

Bottom Line: Edible lubricants can be safely swallowed during oral sex and many include flavorings that add a touch of sweetness to the experience. Sliquid Swirl enhances your natural flavor instead of masking it with a sugar-free formula available in 8 fruity flavors. This sex toy and condom-safe lube is perfect for delicious oral sex, seamlessly transitioning to vaginal penetration safely and effortlessly. [Full Review + Video]

Best Lube For pH-Balance
$21.99 (5.1 oz)
Description:

Bottom Line: A pH-balanced lubricant supports vaginal health while lowering your risk of an imbalance that could lead to vaginal infections later on. AH! YES WB is our top pick for women because it is a 96% certified organic lube that mimics vaginal wetness with a texture that feels like your body’s own lubrication — only better — all while keeping vaginal pH perfectly balanced for lasting comfort and wellness. [Full Review + Video]

Best All-Purpose Lube
$22.95 ($9.18 / Ounce)
Description:

Bottom Line: Perfect for oral, vaginal, and anal sex, Organic Glide Probiotic All Natural Personal Lubricant is a skin-moisturizing oil-based lube that enhances almost any sexual activity. This waterproof lube, made from organic ingredients, also helps vaginal dryness and uses a non-staining formula that won’t wreck your bedding! It should not be used with latex or polyisoprene condoms or rubber sex toys. [Read Full Review]

09/30/2023 10:13 am GMT
Our Research

Our In-Depth Breakdown Of The Best Lubes

After spending over 300 cumulative hours and 2 years of research (and counting) evaluating the best lubes for every kind of sex, we’ve narrowed our picks to the list below.

All of the 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 when applicable.

Best Lubes By Type

Personal lubricants are water-based, silicone-based, or oil-based, but with so many available — each with their own sets of pros and cons — it can be difficult if not impossible to choose one.

If you’re not sure which type of lube you should reach for, the chart below will set you on the right path:

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?

Through our extensive research (300+ hours), we have found the very best lubricants by type — from trustworthy brands we’ve personally vetted, trust, and highly recommend — because we tested them ourselves.

Each is made from safe ingredients, free from potentially dangerous chemicals, and performs well in the bedroom.

→ All top picks by type of lube were aggregated from existing reviews based on consensus testing and evaluation:

Best Overall Lube: Aloe Cadabra

Best Overall Lube
Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant
5.0
$11.95 (2.5 oz)
Pros:
  • Great For “Lube Virgins” And Pros Alike
  • Available In 18 Delicious Flavors & Scents
  • 2-In-1 Vaginal Moisturizer And Personal Lubricant
  • 95% Organic Aloe Vera, Non-Sticky
  • Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms
Cons:
  • No Pump Dispenser
  • Not As Long-Lasting As Others
  • Not Waterproof
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 18 delicious flavors and scents, Aloe Cadabra takes vaginal and oral sex to new heights.
$10.16 @ Aloe Cadabra -> CODE: MyOrganicAloe $17.99 @ HotCherry


Women’s Health Interactive writer Vanessa Russell reviewed Aloe Cadabra personally and said:

“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.

Best Water-Based Lube: Good Clean Love Almost Naked

Top Pick: Water-Based
Almost Naked
5.0
$12.99 (4 oz)
Pros:
  • Made From Just 7 Organic Ingredients
  • Thick And Super Long-Lasting
  • Light Lemon-Vanilla Scent And No Discernable Taste
  • First Carbon-Neutral Personal Lube
  • Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms
Cons:
  • No Pump Dispenser
  • Not Waterproof
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

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.

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.

Best Silicone-Based Lube: Valm

Top Pick: Silicone-Based
Valm Silicone
4.8
$21.95 (8.5 oz)
Pros:
  • Slippery, Silky Texture
  • Smart Pump Lock Prevents Leaks
  • Minimal Re-Application Needed
  • Discreet Yet Sexy Bottle
  • Waterproof; Compatible With All Condom Types
Cons:
  • Hard To Wash Off
  • Will Stain Your Sheets
  • Can’t Be Used With Silicone Sex Toys
Bottom Line: While you can expect any silicone lube to feel slick and soft, Valm feels more slippery and much silkier compared to others — it was the clear favorite among all the lubes our team tested. That, the minimal re-application needed during use, and the beloved cap lock on the bottle make this a top choice that our team can’t recommend enough.
$21.95 (8.5 oz) @ Valm

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

The bonus?

The sleek, sexy bottle it comes in features an easy-to-use pump that actually locks to prevent spills.

Yes, that’s as amazing as it sounds — and we absolutely love it.

This team favorite is one of the best and safest silicone lubes out there and it’s one we reach for again and again.

→ For more, read: The Best Silicone-Based Lubes

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)
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 @ AH! YES -> CODE: WHI $21.99 @ Lovehoney

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.

Best Lube For Sex

When seeking a lubricant that will perform well during a specific activity, the base (water, silicone, or oil) may not matter much to you — but it can still be difficult to choose the best one for your needs.

Based on more than 300 hours of research and our team’s testing under specific circumstances, the product recommendations below represent the best of the best for specific sexual activities (like oral or anal sex) and purposes (such as being pH balanced for vaginal sex or equally suited for every sexual activity).

In addition, they are made from safe ingredients and free from potentially dangerous chemicals, while performing well in the bedroom and beyond.

→ All top picks by sexual activity or purpose were aggregated from existing reviews based on consensus testing and evaluation:

Best Anal Lube: Gun Oil

Best Anal Lube
GUN OIL
4.7
$30.95 (4 oz)
Pros:
  • Long-Lasting, Comfortable Lubrication
  • Soothing Vitamin E And Aloe Vera
  • Minimal Reapplication, Waterproof
  • Compatible With All Condom Types
  • Developed By Marines
Cons:
  • Packaging Is Not Subtle
  • Marketed Almost Exclusively To Men
  • Cannot Be Used With Silicone Sex Toys
  • First Time Opening Can Be Frustrating
Bottom Line: GUN OIL may be a little over the top with its packaging (and marketed primarily toward men), but it is a fantastic way to keep things running smoothly when anal sex is on the menu regardless of gender. Waterproof and compatible with all condoms, our testing team found that this lube lasts for an exceptionally long time while staying silky for maximum enjoyment and the addition of vitamin E and aloe vera provides soothing moisturization for even those with the most sensitive skin.
$16.99 @ Lovehoney –> CODE: AFF-WH15 $26.99 @ The Enhanced Male

Gun Oil 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 lasts for an exceptionally long time.

This lube cannot be used with silicone sex toys, however, it receives high marks for its performance during anal play and its condom compatibility.

Best Flavored Edible Lube: Sliquid Swirl

Best Flavored Edible Lube
Sliquid Swirl
4.9
$14.00 (4.2 oz)
Pros:
  • 8 Delicious Sugar-Free Natural Flavors
  • Light Taste Enhances Oral Sex
  • Great For Those Who Enjoy Thicker Lubes
  • Long-Lasting With Few Reapplications
  • Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms
Cons:
  • Contains Aspartame (Potential Allergen)
  • May Leave Subtle "Diet Soda" Aftertaste
  • No Pump Dispenser
  • Not Waterproof
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 $16.99 @ Lovehoney

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.

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.

Best Lube For Women (pH-Balanced): AH YES WB

Best Lube For pH-Balance
AH! YES WB - Organic Water-Based Personal Lubricant
5.0
$21.99 (5.1 oz)
Pros:
  • Extra-Thick Formula, Cushiony Texture
  • 96% Organic Ingredients
  • No Added Fragrances, Flavors Or Dyes
  • Ideal For Those With Sensitive Skin
  • Compatible With All Sex Toys And Condoms
Cons:
  • Might Be Too Thick For Some
  • No Pump Dispenser
  • Not Waterproof
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 $21.99 @ Lovehoney

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.

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.

Best All-Purpose Lube: Organic Glide

Best All-Purpose Lube
Organic Glide Probiotic All Natural Personal Lubricant
4.7
$22.95 ($9.18 / Ounce)
Pros:
  • Organic Probiotic & Non-Staining Formula
  • A Little Goes A Long Way
  • Rare Oil-Based Lube That Is Edible
  • Minimal Reapplication; Waterproof
  • Compatible With Silicone Sex Toys
Cons:
  • Incomptabiile With Latex Or Polyisoprene Condoms
  • Incompatible With Latex/Rubber Sex Toys
  • Argan Oil Is A Possible Allergen
  • No Pump Dispenser
Bottom Line: Organic Glide Probiotic All Natural Personal Lubricant is a velvety oil-based lube that enhances almost any sexual activity (including anal sex) 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, uses a non-staining formula that won’t wreck your bedding!
Check Price
09/30/2023 10:13 am 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.

Other Lube Picks

Based on more than 300 hours of research and our team’s real-world testing under specific circumstances, these product recommendations represent the best personal lubricants for sensitive skin, men, and couples.

In addition, they adhere to our strict safety guidelines and are made from hypoallergenic ingredients free from potentially dangerous chemicals, while also performing exceptionally well in the bedroom and beyond.

Our selections below were aggregated from existing reviews based on consensus testing and evaluation:

Best Lube For Sensitive Skin: Good Clean Love BioNude

Best Lube For Sensitive Skin
Good Clean Love BioNude Ultra Sensitive Personal Lubricant Good Clean Love BioNude Ultra Sensitive Personal Lubricant
4.7
$12.99 (3 oz)
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.

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.

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.

Best Lubricant For Men: Sliquid Naturals H20

Best Lubricant For Men
Sliquid Naturals H20 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.

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.

Best Lube For Couples: Sliquid Organics Sensation

Best Lube For Couples
Sliquid Organics Sensation Sliquid Organics Sensation
4.5
$12.00 (2 oz)
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.

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.

Why Trust Our Review?

We’ve invested over 300 cumulative hours researching, evaluating, and testing the best personal lubricants available over the last two years, writing more than 100,000 words (and recording dozens of videos) on the topic.

Our selections were aggregated from our top recommendations made in every article we’ve ever written about the best of any specific lube type.

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 started digging into what made a great lubricant, we noticed a disturbing pattern: potentially harmful ingredients were rampant in most mainstream lubes — brands you’ve probably heard of before.

In fact, things like parabens, glycerin (found in MOST water-based lubes), unsafe silicones, sugar-based flavorings (that can cause infections), and even fragrances and dyes, eliminated about 90% of all total candidates.

But we didn’t stop there.

When choosing the best lubricants, features we considered included:

  • Quality, Safe Ingredients
  • Limited Allergens
  • No Additives
  • A Safe Formulation
  • FDA Approval
  • Great Texture/Consistency
  • Real-World Performance

To learn more about each of these criteria and how we use them to rate products, click here.

Other Things To Know

Personal lubricants can be used to enhance just about any sexual situation, whether you’re exploring oral, vaginal, or anal sex with partners or enjoying masturbation on your own.

  • What Are The Different Types of Lube?

Personal lubricants fall into three categories: water-based, silicone-based, or oil-based.

The best lube for sex may not be the best lubricant for sex toys, and lubricants are not necessarily cross-compatible between oral, vaginal, and anal sex, either.

Here’s a cheat sheet for selecting the best 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 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:

  • 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.

In Conclusion

With such a massive selection of products available, finding the perfect lubricant can feel like a monumental task — but it doesn’t have to be.

Our list of recommendations has been vetted by not only our writing team but our medical review board as well, removing all of the guesswork and ensuring that any lubricant you choose will be safe and effective.

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.