How Old Do You Have To Be To Buy Lube?

You can buy personal lubricant at any age — there is no federal law that establishes an age restriction on buying lube in the United States.
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Q: How Old Do You Have To Be To Buy Lube?
A: You can buy personal lubricant at any age — there is no federal law that establishes an age restriction on buying lube in the United States.

There may, however, be state or local laws that impose age requirements or even the presentation of ID when buying lube, depending on where you shop.

Many in-person adult stores require customers to be 18 or older to enter, especially ones that sell pornography out in the open.

The same holds true when it comes to buying vibrators if you’re under 18.

Additionally, some stores may keep personal lubricants or condoms locked behind plexiglass doors (accessible only by an employee with a key) — although this is generally to prevent theft, not as a means of enforcing an age restriction.

(That said, if a store’s “policy” requires such items to be purchased only by adults, they may ask for ID.)

Luckily, many stores such as Walgreens, CVS, Target, Walmart, Spencer’s, and most pharmacies all carry lube in person and online.

In general, anyone can purchase a personal lubricant at these stores, unless local laws or store locations have established age requirements.

If you are unsure whether your local store has an age requirement for buying lube, try giving them a call to find out.

You can also purchase lube at online sex shops.

While some of them may ask you to enter your birth date to confirm that you are 18 or older, they usually don’t require proof of it.

While we wouldn’t necessarily advocate for lying about your age, it is worth noting that there are typically minimal barriers to online sex toy shopping.

Discreet places to buy lube online:

Bottom Line: There is no federal age requirement to buy lube in the United States.

Although there may be state or local laws that require you to be a certain age to purchase lube where you live, such laws are uncommon.

Buying lube at a drug store or novelty shop may be easier than getting into an in-person adult store (which likely will ask for ID), but adult online stores can be a great option, too.

Buying or using lube for the first time can be intimidating.

But it is certainly far better than using a random product that is not intended for use as a personal lubricant — one that may even be dangerous.

If you’re preparing to purchase lube, check out our Best Lube For Any Type of Sex review and if you’re not sure which one is right for you, take our lube quiz to find out!

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.

All Things Lube