The Best Oil-Based Lubes For Long-Lasting, Indulgent Sex
In A Hurry? Start With Our Oil-Based Lubricant Picks
Important Things To Know:
- Safety: All of our recommendations are free from glycerin, parabens, petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and added fragrances, flavors, and dyes. These ingredients can be irritating or toxic and some have been classified as carcinogens, as we’ll discuss below. We also did not include products that contain THC or CBD.
- How we chose: When selecting the best oil-based lubes, we considered: their intended use, ingredients, additives, potential allergens, texture, consistency, and performance. As a result of our strict safety and performance criteria, our recommended products represent the absolute best products available.
*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!
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Description: The absolute best oil-based lubricant available, AH! YES OB is 99% organic and is one of very few lubes that meets the Soil Association's organic standards. Long-lasting and extremely hydrating during and after use, this waterproof lube is velvety-smooth and perfect for vaginal and anal sex. [Read Full Review] |
Description: This probiotic formula relieves vaginal dryness and may be especially beneficial to those prone to vaginal or urinary tract infections. Ideal for any kind of sex — oral, vaginal, and anal — Organic Glide is an all-in-one that's made from organic ingredients you can trust, no matter how you use it. [Read Full Review] |
The absolute best oil-based lubricant available, AH! YES OB is 99% organic and is one of very few lubes that meets the Soil Association's organic standards. Long-lasting and extremely hydrating during and after use, this waterproof lube is velvety-smooth and perfect for vaginal and anal sex. [Read Full Review]
This probiotic formula relieves vaginal dryness and may be especially beneficial to those prone to vaginal or urinary tract infections. Ideal for any kind of sex — oral, vaginal, and anal — Organic Glide is an all-in-one that's made from organic ingredients you can trust, no matter how you use it. [Read Full Review]
If you’re on the hunt for a personal lubricant that can last even longer than silicone or water-based lunes, oil-based lubes might be exactly what you need for your next marathon romp with your partner.
Beating silicone lubes in just about every aspect possible, oil-based lubricants are often passed over — and what a shame.
They are just as waterproof and ideal for shower sex, but they last longer — requiring even fewer reapplications — and are generally made from natural oils that are often derived from organic sources.
All the benefits of a silicone lubricant in a natural, body-friendly product?
Bring it on!
Additionally, oil-based lubricants have a leg up on their water-based counterparts: they last way longer, can be used in water without rinsing away, and they’re ideal for anal sex — something most water-based lubes are unable to accommodate.
In fact, we’ve been unable to find a truly safe water-based anal lube!
We’ve done some serious research on oil-based lubricants and narrowed down the three best products that will take your sex life to the next level — safely.
In this review of everything you need to know about oil-based lubricants, we’ll cover:
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.
The Best Oil-Based Lubricants Available Right Now
Oil-based lubes are sadly few and far between, but the best ones offer plenty of underrated versatility during vaginal and anal sex.
Oil-based lubes:
- Have a texture that’s slick and slippery without feeling too unnatural
- Are the longest-lasting lubricants you’ll find anywhere — and typically require little (if any) reapplication
- Are safe for condoms made from polyurethane, nitrile, or lambskin (not latex!)
- Can be used during vaginal and anal sex
- Are waterproof and perform exceedingly well underwater
Oil-based lubricants have a few drawbacks, which we’ll talk about in greater detail later on.
They’re not compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms, generally shouldn’t be used during oral sex, and will stain your favorite bedding.
Additionally, they often include ingredients derived from nuts or seeds, which are particularly concerning for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Still, they’re an excellent lube choice for many sexual situations.
All of our recommendations have met our rigorous standards for performance and safety and are free from harmful ingredients like glycerin, parabens, mineral oil, petroleum jelly, and added fragrances, flavors, and dyes.
Not sure why it’s important to avoid those?
We’ll explain the science and the best-in-class features we considered later in this review.
As a result of our strict safety and performance criteria, none of the oil-based lubes we recommend are rated below a 4.5 out of 5 and are the best products available right now.
Editor's Note: All products reviewed by Women’s Health Interactive are independently researched, vetted, brand-neutral, and deemed to be the very best in their category.
We do NOT accept sponsored or paid reviews.
We are able to fund our team and maintain high editorial standards, objectivity and independence by earning affiliate commissions (*) when you purchase a product that we recommend, at no extra cost to you.
Thank you in advance for your support!
AH YES OB – Natural Plant-Oil Based Personal Lubricant
[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
- Personally Reviewed By Women’s Health Interactive
- 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
Alison Huff, our editor-in-chief, personally reviewed AH! YES OB.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
“Basically, a good oil-based lube is like a luxurious face mask — for your genitals. They’re fun to use and leave your skin feeling smooth as silk,” she added.
AH! YES OB hits all the right spots and it’s one of the best lubes available — featuring a texture that’s soft and slippery, with a consistency that’s thick enough to be used for vaginal or anal sex.
This product features an organic blend of oils that works well in so many situations because it’s incredibly long-lasting and hydrating.
The bonus for those who prefer to avoid products with heavy scents? It’s completely odor-free — not to mention it’s a top pick for those with sensitive skin.
Here’s a closer look at AH! YES OB:
Not only does AH! YES OB feel amazing on your skin during and after use, but its ingredients are equally as impressive.
It’s made with shea butter and vitamin E, both of which help to reduce friction while also ensuring your delicate skin is left feeling supple after use.
Additionally, this product is certified as 99% organic by the Soil Association, a UK-based organization that helps to set international organic quality standards for a variety of goods, produce, and products.
What more could you want in an oil-based sex lubricant?
Like all oil-based lubricants on our list, AH! YES OB should not be used with condoms made from latex or polyisoprene. It is only safe for those made from polyurethane, nitrile, or lambskin.
Additionally, it isn’t safe for latex diaphragms or dental dams; in fact, its thick texture makes it a poor choice of oral sex lube — there are safer edible and flavored options available.
Those caveats aside, the ingredients used in this product are safe — particularly for those with sensitive skin — so you can focus on what’s important — your pleasure.
→ Learn more* about AH! YES OB or check pricing*.
Organic Glide Probiotic All Natural Personal Lubricant
- 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
Organic Glide Probiotic All Natural Personal Lubricant is a particularly rare breed of oil-based lube — not only does it have an organic probiotic formula, but it’s also safe for oral, vaginal, and anal sex.
In fact, it earned the title, Best All-Purpose Lube, in our review of the best lubes available.
As we’ll talk about later, most oil-based sex lubes are thick and while the ingredients themselves may be safe for ingestion, their viscous texture can get “caught” in your throat during oral sex — leading to coughing or even choking.
Organic Glide is made from ingredients that include olive oil and argan oil, carrying a texture that’s thin enough to be used as an oral sex lube — safely.
Even though its consistency is more lightweight compared to many other oil-based lubes, this product provides excellent glide during oral, vaginal, and anal sex.
You’ll notice that Organic Glide features a probiotic formula, which the manufacturer notes may be beneficial to those who regularly deal with vaginal or urinary tract infections.
Interestingly, Organic Glide claims to be non-staining unlike other oil-based lubes, which is a major plus — although we have not yet personally tested this ourselves.
For that reason, you might want to be careful to avoid spillage and use your backup “laundry day” sheets the first time you take this one for a spin — just to be on the safe side.
Like all of the other oil-based lubricants on our list, Organic Glide can’t be used safely with condoms made from latex or polyisoprene and is only compatible with those made from polyurethane, nitrile, or lambskin.
Additionally, it isn’t safe for latex diaphragms or dental dams, either, even though it is a safe edible sex lube.
Whenever you’re ready to indulge in sensual sex play, solo fun, or anything in-between, this product is a great one to reach for.
→ Learn more* about Organic Glide or check pricing*.
Why Use Oil-Based Lube Vs. Others
We’re not going to lie — the selection of oil-based lubricants is considerably smaller when compared to the overwhelming number of water-based and silicone-based lubes available.
Although they may not seem popular at first glance, there are many reasons why an oil-based lubricant may be exactly what you’re looking for.
In this section, we’ll cover:
Why Use Oil-Based Lube
As we mentioned before, oil-based lubricants are often overlooked in favor of water or silicone lubes — which is a travesty as far as we’re concerned because they’re so versatile.
We discovered that when it comes to oil-based products, there are important pros and cons to consider.
Pros Of Using Oil-Based Personal Lubricants:
- They are long-lasting, surpassing even those made from silicone
- They are waterproof and won’t rinse away when used during penetrative sex in the bath or shower
- They tend to have a thicker texture, although some formulas are more lightweight to suit a variety of personal preferences
- They are generally made with fewer and naturally-derived ingredients
- They are versatile enough to be used for vaginal and anal sex, which isn’t always the case with water-based lubes
- Because they are made from oils, these lubricants are incredibly hydrating
- Oil-based lubes are generally compatible with most high-quality silicone sex toys
- They can often double as massage oils, making them ideal for erotic massage and sex
Cons Of Using Oil-Based Personal Lubricants
- They will degrade condoms made from latex or polyisoprene
- They will also degrade latex diaphragms and dental dams, although most oil-based lubes shouldn’t be used during oral sex because their thickness can pose a choking hazard
- Compared to other types of lubricants, oil-based products are the most likely to contain ingredients that are potential allergens
- They feel noticeably different when compared to your body’s natural lubrication, which may be a turn-off for some
- Most will stain fabrics — easily
- They aren’t water-soluble and can be more difficult to remove from skin after use
- Because they don’t include hydroxyethylcellulose, you may prefer to use water-based lubes if you’re trying to conceive
When Should You Use An Oil-Based, Silicone, Or Water-Based Lube?
Oil-based lubricants are fantastic, but that doesn’t make them ideal for every sexual situation.
If you’re not sure whether oil-based lubes are best for you or your needs, it’s important to consider what those are — and read through the comparison table below.
| 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 In An Oil-Based Lube And Safety
Oil-based lubricants can be a great addition to your sex life, but there are several things to consider before selecting (or using) one.
Of course, it’s important to understand the ingredients of any product you’re thinking about trying, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities because oil-based lubricants often use nut- or seed-based oils.
Additionally, there are safety concerns regarding condom use and a product’s formulation must be safe and FDA-approved.
All of these factors should be weighed before a lube’s performance.
If a lubricant is made from harmful ingredients that may cause irritation or infection, the way it performs in the bedroom is secondary.
Through our deep research, we found the best oil-based personal lubricants that meet and exceed all of our criteria in terms of safety and how it performs in the bedroom.
In this section, we’ll cover:
Are Oil-Based Personal Lubricants Safe?
Yes, they are safe when used as directed. But there are some important caveats to consider.
Many oil-based lubricants use ingredients that are derived from nuts, seeds, or other natural sources that may be potential allergens for some.
Before using an oil-based lubricant on your genital skin, you should apply it to a patch of skin on the inside of your arm to watch for reactions or signs of sensitivity — even if you don’t currently have any known allergies or sensitivities.
Additionally, you should avoid swallowing most oil-based lubes, as they may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Additionally, their thick consistency can also cause choking or coughing during oral sex.
The only exception is Organic Glide, which is designed to be edible and features a more lightweight texture that allows for safe swallowing.
For those susceptible to frequent vaginal infections, oil-based lubricants are a little more difficult to remove after use and may increase your risk of developing another infection if applied vaginally.
If you regularly experience vaginal infections and aren’t sure whether oil-based lubes are right for you, we advise that you talk to your OB-GYN or primary care physician first.
There are other times when an oil-based lubricant isn’t going to be your best option, such as when you plan to use condoms that will protect you from STIs.
Oil-based lubes will break down latex diaphragms and condoms made from latex or polyisoprene. They are only compatible with those made from polyurethane, nitrile, or lambskin, the latter of which won’t protect you from STIs.
Similarly, you shouldn’t use oil-based lubes with sex toys made from latex or jelly rubber because the lubricant will degrade the toy’s material, causing it to become unsanitary and unsafe to use.
Finally, oil-based lubricants can and will eventually expire — and they’re only safe to use as long as they have not reached their expiration, which can vary from 1 to 3 years depending on their storage and the amount of time that’s passed since they were first opened.
Oils tend to smell “rancid” when they go bad, so if you notice any changes to the smell, texture, or color of your oil-based lube, throw it away.
What To Look For In A High-Quality Oil-Based Lube
When choosing an oil-based personal lubricant, the first thing to look for is a list of safe ingredients — which we’ll talk about in just a bit — without additives that you are allergic to or sensitive to.
As we mentioned earlier, many oil-based products use ingredients derived from nuts, seeds, or other natural sources that can be allergens for many, so it’s important to check the label carefully.
Additionally, you should always opt for a lubricant that is FDA-approved.
The final consideration is how that lube performs in the bedroom.
All of these factors are reflected in our ratings.
When choosing the best oil-based lubricants, we considered:
- Safe Ingredients: It is always better to use lubes with a limited list of high-quality natural ingredients that won’t cause irritation. Although most oil-based lubricants do not include glycerin (which can cause yeast infections) or parabens, (which may possibly lead to endocrine disruption), they should always be avoided.
- Allergens: This is always an important consideration, particularly for oil-based lubricants, because they so often use oils derived from nuts, seeds, or other natural sources that can be allergens. Always read the product label thoroughly to examine ingredients and we highly suggest doing a patch test of any new lubricant on your inner elbow to watch for reactions before applying it to your genitals.
- Additives: It is always best to select an oil-based lubricant with a short ingredient list that is free from added fragrances or dyes that may irritate delicate vaginal or anal tissue.
- Formulation: It’s important to consider the way a lube is formulated and how its ingredients fit together.
- Texture/Consistency: Oil-based lubricants have an incredibly slippery texture that is often thick, but can be more lightweight, depending on their formula. Although they don’t tend to feel similar to your body’s natural lubrication, we considered the thickness of each lube, selecting a range to suit a variety of preferences — including one that’s thin enough to be used during oral sex.
- Performance: Finally, we considered the performance of each lubricant we included in our list of recommendations. This factor is only considered after a product passes each of the criteria above because if it isn’t completely body-safe, the way it performs doesn’t matter.
What Are The Safest Ingredients For An Oil-Based Lube?
For a lubricant to be classified as oil-based, it has to be mostly made up of oils.
Oil-based lubes are often derived from plants, although sometimes synthetic oils or other added ingredients, like vitamin E, may be included.
Safe Ingredients Found In Oil-Based Personal Lubricants:
- Coconut oil (virgin, unrefined)
- Olive oil (extra virgin)
- Avocado oil
- Cocoa butter
- Vitamin E oil
- Almond oil (or sweet almond oil)
- CBD oil
- Evening primrose oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Sunflower seed oil
- Shea butter
All of the oils listed above are not only safe as lube ingredients in oil-based lubes, but they are safe when used as lube alternatives on their own.
Additionally, some oil-based lubes may also include small amounts of safe non-oil ingredients, such as aloe vera gel or beeswax, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Safety Of Oil-Based Lube When Trying To Conceive
Oil-based lube is safe to use during pregnancy — and while trying to conceive.
But just because an oil-based lube is safe to use doesn’t mean it’s necessarily beneficial — at least if you’re trying to get pregnant.
Research is unclear regarding the way lubricant affects fertility and there is particularly little information regarding oil-based lubes because they’re generally used less often than water-based products.
Still, the Mayo Clinic suggests that anyone trying to conceive should use hydroxyethylcellulose-based products because “these lubricants don’t decrease sperm motility and are the most like natural vaginal mucus.”
Since hydroxyethylcellulose is only listed as an ingredient in specific water-based lubes, you may want to take this into consideration if you’re trying to conceive.
If you’re looking for a water-based lube while trying to conceive, Good Clean Love’s BioGenesis is one of our favorites.
What Ingredients Should I Avoid In An Oil-Based Lube?
It’s important to look at the ingredients of oil-based lubes if you have any allergies or sensitivities, since many products may include ingredients derived from nuts or seeds.
In addition to any personal allergens you may have, there are several ingredients you should avoid in oil-based lubricants, including:
- Glycerin
- Parabens
- Petroleum jelly
- Mineral oil
- Added dyes or fragrances
Do Oil-Based Lubricants Contain Glycerin?
Generally, they do not. Oils are slippery and tend not to need “help” from glycerin the way that many water-based lubricants do.
Glycerin is best avoided because it can increase your risk of yeast infections.
None of our oil-based lube recommendations contain glycerin.
Do Oil-Based Lubricants Contain Parabens?
Not usually — most oil-based products are largely made up of oils and don’t require parabens as a preservative.
Parabens, which are often included in many personal lubricants — particularly those which are water-based — are suspected to be endocrine disruptors.
None of the oil-based products we recommend contain parabens.
Additional Oil-Based Lube Ingredients To Avoid
Mineral oil is a lube alternative many people use although we don’t recommend it because it is derived from crude petroleum and highly refined. It should be avoided.
Untreated mineral oil has been classified as a carcinogen, and although the highly-refined stuff is clear and odorless, it can irritate delicate vaginal and anal skin.
You’ll want to keep your distance from petroleum jelly, as well, for similar reasons.
Best known as Vaseline, petroleum jelly shouldn’t be in your lube, nor should it be used as a lubricant by itself.
Why? Because you run the risk of developing yeast infections and, according to one study, it may increase your risk of transmitting HIV.
Additionally, you should also avoid lubricants that have added dyes or fragrances — especially if you have allergies or are prone to irritation.
Finally, added flavors are generally something to avoid — although you’ll rarely find those in an oil-based lubricant because most are not meant to be used during oral sex.
If you are looking for an edible lube, seek a water-based product with natural ingredients that add flavor without the use of sugar (or sugar derivatives), as they can lead to yeast infections.
All of the oil-based lubricants on our list of personal recommendations are free from ingredients that should be avoided — so you can indulge in them with 100% confidence.
- Do Oil-Based Lubes Have pH Or Osmolality?
Unless they contain water or water-based ingredients, oil-based lubes don’t have a pH level or osmolality range.
Since pH measures how acidic or basic a water-based solution is, oil-based lubricants don’t have a real measurement of pH.
Likewise, osmolality refers to the concentration of particles dissolved into water and as such, is a factor that does not typically concern oil-based lubes.
Though there are ways to measure the pH of a solution that doesn’t contain water, these methods won’t work for everything and also don’t guarantee an accurate result.
FDA Approval Of Oil-Based Personal Lubricants
Since lubricants are classified as medical devices, the FDA requires a 510(k) clearance that proves the product is safe before it can be put on shelves and sold in the United States.
However, some oil-based lubes are marketed as massage oils or vaginal moisturizers, and these products don’t necessarily require the same form of approval.
All of our oil-based lube recommendations either have a registered 501(k) clearance certificate on file with the FDA as of this writing or were exempt from requiring one.
The Texture, Consistency, And Performance Of Oil-Based Lubes
Oil-based personal lubricants have a long-lasting, slippery texture that offers exceptional glide — without seeming quite as “unnatural” as silicone lubricants tend to feel to the touch.
They also don’t resemble your body’s own lubrication the way that water-based lubricants will.
When you’re using an oil-based lubricant, you’ll be able to tell it’s an oil.
That’s not a bad thing — but their texture clearly makes them stand apart from other lubricant types.
Oil-based lubes typically have a thicker texture, although there are some lightweight formulas available.
Both are equally well suited to vaginal and anal sex, but most oil-based lubricants shouldn’t be used for oral sex because they can cause coughing or choking when swallowed.
Another added bonus is that they’re waterproof, which means they can be used for penetrative sex in the bath or shower, but that also makes them more difficult to remove — they will require soap and water.
Additionally, oils are notorious for staining fabrics and oil-based lubricants are generally no exception. Organic Glide, however, claims to be non-staining, although we have not tested this personally.
One reviewer noted that “It doesn’t stain the sheets…it doesn’t leave a yucky film on your fingers and there is no smell. You will not be disappointed!”
Oil-based lubes should not be used with sex toys made from latex or jelly rubber, as they’ll degrade their materials. Similarly, they cannot be used with condoms made from latex or polyisoprene, nor with latex dental dams.
They are only safe for condoms made from polyurethane, nitrile, or lambskin — but the latter does not offer protection from STIs.
To meet the many needs of our readers, the oil-based lubricants we recommend provide a range of textures, consistencies, and formulations to choose from.
In Conclusion
Oil-based personal lubricants are amazing because they’re plant-based and last longer than other lubes — even those made from silicone!
They’re often underrated, however, and quite frankly — there just aren’t many of them out there.
Of those, it’s important to know which ones are safest — and why — so you can make an informed decision about the best ones to try.
We hope our recommendations have taken all the speculation out of choosing the right oil-based lube so you can focus on the really important stuff, like using them!
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