This article was originally published on April 2, 2015 and has been updated throughout.
Lube is a little like masturbation. It's a big part of most people's sex lives, and almost nobody wants to talk about it. And, like masturbation, there are many ways to enjoy it. Even if you think you don't really "need" it, consider that you might really like it. Aside from the obvious uses, the right lube may be the accessory that lets you try something new or take an old favorite to the next level.
Furthermore, if you're struggling with irritation or discomfort, lube could be the answer — or the culprit. There are several types to choose from, and since every body is different, there is no #1 lube for everyone. If the #1 face moisturizer gave you a rash, you'd probably buy something else, right? You'd check the ingredients, do a little research, and find a product that made your skin feel good. Shouldn't your sex life feel good, too?
Here, we've rounded up a slew of the best lubes out there, plus the pros and cons so you can find your personal holy grail. All of them are body-safe and contain genital-friendly ingredients. Happy hunting!
Silicone Lubes
Pros:
The word "silicone" may not sound like the kind of thing you want anywhere near your most intimate parts, but the truth is, it's a very body-safe ingredient. Silicone is hypoallergenic and cannot be absorbed into the skin. But, the best part is its unmatched slickness and staying power. Silicone lube will not dry out, period. Plus, it will stay on in water but washes off easily with soap.
Cons:
Silicone lubricant cannot be used with a silicone toy (it will cause the material to deteriorate). It can also be tough to wash out of fabric, so, you know, try to be naked when you use it.
Swiss Navy Silicone Lubricant, $17.25, available at Amazon.
Photo: Courtesy of Amazon.
This one is non-sticky and unscented, and is perfect to use with a partner for a bit of massage foreplay or on your own for extra clitoral stimulation.
Trojan Arouses & Intensifies Lubricant, $19.99, available at Walgreens.
Photo: Courtesy of Trojan.
This long-lasting premium lube is naturally smooth, and works perfectly well with multiple types of condoms (latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane) — so if you’re allergic to latex, don’t fret.
KY True Feel Silicone Lubricant, $9.99, available at Target.
Photo: Courtesy of KY.
This dermatologically tested, skin-friendly formula promises not to dry you out. According to studies performed by the manufacturer, it's supposed to last three times longer than other water-based lubricants.
LifeStyles Luxe Silicone Lubricant, $6.99, available at Walgreens.
Photo: Courtesy of LifeStyles Luxe
This one promises to be long-lasting, meaning you won't have to constantly pause and reapply.
Wet Platinum Premium Silicone Lubricant, $14.29, available at Walgreens
Photo: Courtesy of Wet
This slick formula keeps you moisturized, and the bottle is spill-proof, making it great for on-the-go action.
Passion Lubes Premium Silicone Lubricant, $14.41, available at Amazon.
Photo: Courtesy of Passion.
In addition to being Vegan-friendly (a.k.a. not tested on animals), Sliquid products don't contain glycerin, which can be a skin irritant for some people.
Sliquid Silver Silicone Intimate Lubricant, $20.79, available at Walgreens.
Photo: Courtesy of Sliquid.
This no-drip formula is also latex-safe and waterproof.
Astroglide Diamond Silicone Gel, $10.39, available at Walgreens.
Photo: Courtesy of Astroglide.
This one doubles as a hair-frizz fighter.
Uberlube, $14, available at Babeland.
Photo: Courtesy of Babeland.
A classic never goes out of style.
Pjur Eros Bodyglide, $22.99, available at Drugstore.com.
Photo: Courtesy of Drugstore.com.
Despite the perfume-bottle styling, this one is both unscented and tasteless.
Pink Silicone Lubricant For Women, $18.49, available at Walgreens.
Photo: Courtesy of Walgreens.
One of the few silicone lubes you can find at the drugstore.
Wet Naturals Silky Supreme, $9.99, available at Drugstore.com.
Photo: Courtesy of Drugstore.com.
Water-Based Lubes
Pros:
While some might like the invisible slickness of silicone, others prefer water-based lube for its thick, cushion-y feel. This is the go-to type for anal play because it provides a generous, comfortable barrier. It's also safe to use with all toys and is generally less expensive than silicone. If it starts to dry out, water-based lube can be instantly revived with a little water or saliva, and it rinses off easily (no soap needed). It's probably the most readily available lubricant out there, and you can usually find a variety at any drugstore.
Cons:
Water-based lube will dry out eventually, so you may need to reapply (meaning you'll go through a bottle faster). And, since it's water-soluble, it won't stay put for shower or bathtub sex. Keep an eye out on those drugstore brands too, since a lot of them contain glycerin, which can trigger yeast infections.
Isabel Fay Natural Water Based Lubricant, $12.95, available at Amazon.
Photo: Courtesy of Amazon.
This formula is long-lasting without being sticky or drying out, but it still washes off easily without leaving residue.
Healthy Vibes Personal Lubricant, $15.95, available at Amazon.
Photo: Courtesy of Healthy Vibes.
This vanilla-cream-flavored lubricant washes off easy and has no aftertaste. Win-win.
JO H2O Flavored Vanilla Cream, $7.99, available at Walgreens.
This hypoallergenic lube promises not to leave behind any stains.
ID Glide Water Based Personal Lubricant, $15.49, available at Walgreens.
Photo: Courtesy of ID Glide
This formula gives you added moisture for even more intimacy.
KY Liquid Personal Water Based Lubricant, $12.99, available at CVS.
Photo: Courtesy of KY.
The Please line was created by the legendary sex-positive toy shop, Good Vibrations.
Please Liquid Lubricant, $8, available at Good Vibrations.
Photo: Courtesy of Good Vibrations.
Don't mind the retro shampoo-bottle look. This one's a winner.
Slippery Stuff Personal Lubricant Gel, $12.49, available at Amazon.
Photo: Courtesy of Amazon.
Lelo is one of the best toy-makers on the market. These folks know what they're doing.
Lelo Personal Moisturizer, $24.90, available at Lelo.
Photo: Courtesy of Lelo.
When it comes to lube, a pump dispenser is your best friend.
Passion Natural Water Based Lubricant, $11.99, available at Walgreens.
Photo: Courtesy of Walgreens.
Hybrid Lubes
Pros:
Sometimes you can have it all! Hybrid lubes (also known as "silk" lubes) are mostly water-based with just a small amount of silicone. In almost all hybrids, the silicone shows up in such a teeny amount that it won't damage silicone toys, so feel free to use these with all materials. And, as we know, a little silicone goes a long way, so these lubes give you that slippery feeling with a thicker cushion.
Cons:
While these lubes are like magic, they're magic with a little compromise. You shouldn't expect them to be as slippery as silicone or thick as water-based. Other than that, there's really no downside.
BabeLube Silk, $16, available at Babeland.
Photo: Courtesy of Babeland.
Each product from this line is made with certified-organic botanicals.
Sliquid Organics Natural Lubricating Silk, $10.19. available at Amazon.
Photo: Courtesy of Amazon.
This one's a cult classic for good reason.
Liquid Silk, $17.99, available at CVS.
Photo: Courtesy of CVS.
This one has a 50/50 formula, meaning it's not ideal for silicone toys, but pretty spectacular for body usage.
Jo Hybrid Personal Lubricant, $9.55, available at Amazon.
Photo: Courtesy of Amazon.
Oil
Pros:
Great for massage, foreplay, and hand jobs. Oil or oil-based lubes are an easy and accessible option for "outercourse" sex. Plus, you can't argue with accessibility. In a pinch, you probably have a bottle of EVOO in the kitchen, right?
Cons:
Oil is not recommended for intercourse, primarily because it's not easy to get off you or out of you. That stuff will stick around for a while, keeping bacteria with it and leaving you open to infection. Oil also damages latex, meaning it's not safe for use with most condoms, dental dams, etc. And, remember, that EVOO hasn't been processed or tested for this purpose. Plus, if it's been hanging out in your kitchen for months, it's probably come into contact with unwashed hands, food bacteria, and plenty of other things that don't belong on your genitals.
Ride Rub Stroke Oil, $14.95, available at The Pleasure Chest.
Photo: Courtesy of The Pleasure Chest.
Thick as a hand cream and non-staining.
Gun Oil Stroke 29, $26.99, available at Walgreens.
Photo: Courtesy of Walgreens.
Despite its oil base, Boy Butter washes off with just water (no soap necessary).
Boy Butter Original, $16.99, available at Drugstore.com.
Photo: Courtesy of Drugstore.com.
This one's for all the coconut-oil fiends.
Dr. Pinks Coco Lube, $17.99, available at Lubezilla.
Photo: Courtesy of Lubezilla.
Sensitive-Skin Lubes
Pros:
Everyone's genitals are sensitive, and that's why we like them. But, some are more tender, dry, or prone to infection or tearing. For those folks, there are a growing number of sensitive-skin lubes that won't sting or irritate and will provide superior cushioning. These lubes are also great for everyday use outside the bedroom, as gentle moisturizers for anyone dealing with dryness or irritation. If you're easing back into sex after childbirth, injury, or a medical procedure, these are the way to go.
Cons:
Most of these lubes are water-based and therefore prone to the same minor flaws. Some may turn sticky and require reapplication.
Blossom Organics Personal Moisturizing Lubricant, $7, available at Babeland.
Photo: Courtesy of Babeland.
One of the most ecological and body-friendly products available: edible, vegan, USDA-certified organic, and cruelty-free.
Sinclair Organic Lube, $18.95, available at Adam & Eve.
Photo: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
Great for anyone dealing with daily dryness or discomfort.
Shibari Intimate Lubricant, $14.51, available at Amazon.
Photo: Courtesy of Amazon.
Probiotics + moisture = happy, healthy sexytimes.
Organic Glide Probiotic Personal Lubricant, $14.70, available at Amazon.
Photo: Courtesy of Amazon.
Made with carrageenan and 100% vegan ingredients.
Sliquid Satin, $15, available at SheBop.
Photo: Courtesy of SheBop.
Warming Lubes
Pros:
Some people really like warming lube.
Con:
Some people really don't like warming lube.
This isn't about pros and cons as much as personal preference. While some report that warming lubes significantly increase their pleasure, others find them pointless or uncomfortable. The only way to know is to give one a whirl. Here are some tried-and-true options.
G Female Stimulating Gel, $14.99, available at Drugstore.com.
Photo: Courtesy of Drugstore.com.
Warms on contact and when you blow on it.
Please Warming Gel Lube, $12, available at Good Vibrations.
Photo: Courtesy of Good Vibrations.
Super-tingly and 100% natural.
Sliquid Organics Natural Warming Lubricant, $15, available at Babeland.
Photo: Courtesy of Babeland.
This one heats up with cinnamon.
Emerita OH Warming Lubricant, $4.99, available at Amazon.
Photo: Courtesy of Amazon.
A warming lube for those with sensitive skin.
ID Moments Warming Lubricant, $9.99, available at Lubezilla.
Photo: Courtesy of Lubezilla.
Flavored Lubes
Pros:
Flavored lubes have come a long way, so don't write them off as just a silly novelty gift. A lot of brands have honed these products to taste pretty damn good, and if you like to add a little extra sensory experience in your sex life, these are an easy and fun way to accomplish that. Lube is a great addition to oral sex of all kinds, but traditional lube can often taste, um, terrible. Get a good flavored one and the problem is solved.
Cons:
But, yeah, sometimes they're gross. With flavored lube, it's a good idea to go to an actual sex shop — a female-friendly, sex-positive sex shop, that is. Take a minute to sample the options (for obvious reasons, flavored lubes are generally water-based and edible) and find the one that suits your palate.
Sliquid Swirl Natural Intimate Lubricant, $14, available at Babeland.
Photo: Courtesy of Babeland.
An all-natural favorite.
Hathor Aphrodisia Lubricant Lickeurs, $22, available at Hathor Aphrodisia.
Photo: Courtesy of Hathor Aphrodisia.
Try the Mojito Peppermint.
BabeLicious Flavored Lubricant, $8, available at Babeland.
Photo: Courtesy of Babeland.
Choose from Salted Caramel, Candy Apple, or Pomegranate.
Wicked Flavored Water Based Intimate Lubricant, $10.46, available at Amazon.
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