The Best Lubricants for Sex

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Water, Silicone, Oil — Which Is Your Pick? Here Are Our 16 Favorite Lubes

The Best Lubricants for Sex

Water, Silicone, Oil — Which Is Your Pick? Here Are Our 16 Favorite Lubes

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In TV and movies, sex scenes typically go off without a hitch (unless you’re watching some romantic comedy where it’s purposely awkward).

The same applies in most pornography: No one ever reaches for a bottle of lube mid-act — but the truth of the matter is that lube is an important and necessary addition to good sex a lot of the time, and it does get used often in porn (just not on camera).

In real life, adding the right lube to whatever sex act you’re doing can be the difference between a mediocre encounter and a mutually gratifying sexual experience. (And, if you’re the one being penetrated, it can mean the difference between a pleasurable hookup and a seriously painful experience.)

Sure, there’s something that feels slightly awkward about pausing things right in the middle in order to lube up — but regardless of whether you’re giving or taking, it’s totally worth it.

“Lube is often overlooked, but it’s essential to a healthy and active sex life,” explains Dr. Lee Phillips, psychotherapist and certified sex and couples therapist.

“It helps keep everything moving smoothly and comfortably for all kinds of salacious fun and supplements your body’s natural moisture for longer-lasting and more enjoyable sex.”

But before you hit your local drugstore and choose whatever bottle happens to be on sale that week, you’ll want to educate yourself on the different formulas available, what they’re best used for and why that is.

Here’s a look at the best lubricants to use for whatever kind of sex you’re having — plus recommendations for the best one to get the job done.

That being said, when you’re on the market for a new lube, keep in mind that while these formulas work well for certain acts, personal preference acts as the trump card.

As Phillips says, “It’s an experiment to see what works best for you.” If your budget allows for it, test drive a few options to see what works best for you and your partner(s).

The Best Water-Based Lubricants

As the name suggests, water-based lubes are water-based. While this makes for a versatile formula, it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for long-lasting lube.

The pros: Water-based lubes are “great with toys, as they won’t compromise the integrity of the material,” Phillips explains. Water-based lubes cost less than other types of lube, making them easy on the wallet. And there’s a vast selection to choose from, including vegan-friendly and organic options. Another benefit is that water-based lubes clean up quickly and easily, with just a little soapy water and a towel.

The cons: As Dr. Jenni Skyler, an LMFT- and AASECT-certified sex therapist for AdamEve.com explains, the versatility of water-based lubes is also their biggest drawback. “As the ultimate jack-of-all-trades, water-based lubes are the master of none as they dry up more quickly than others and need more frequent re-application,” she explains.

Slippery Stuff Lubricant Gel

The Best Lubricants for Sex

If you’re opting for a water-based lube, this long-lasting formula is worth tracking down — even though it’s not as easy to find as the other staples you might come across at the drugstore. And although the price point might be steep, a better-quality water-based lube means less time spent reapplying, which will save you money in the long run. Not to mention a more effective shag session. And a little bit goes a long way — just a pump, and you’re in business.
$29.95 at AdamEve.com

Sliquid H2O Original Water-Based Lubricant

The Best Lubricants for Sex

This formula from Sliquid is a classic. Though it’s water-based, the formula is long-lasting, can be used safely with all sex toys and condoms and won’t stain your sheets for easy cleanup.
$17.60 at Amazon.com

Lovehoney Discover Water-Based Anal Lubricant

The Best Lubricants for Sex

This thicker water-based formula is ideal for anal play and can be used safely with any anal toy. It’s safe for condoms and makes for easy clean-up while providing that much-needed extra glide for your anal endeavors.
$16.99 at LoveHoney.com

Satisfyer Men Neutral Lubricant

The Best Lubricants for Sex

A little bit goes a long way, which is one of the many things that makes this neutral lubricant from Satisfyer a great pick. Keep things slippery with a grease and oil-free formula — at a very satisfying price point.
$12.94 at Amazon.com

The Best Silicone-Based Lubes

If you’re looking for the slickest formula on the market, silicone-based lubes will get the job done.

“These lubes are made from silicone, a versatile substance used in everything from medical equipment to cooking utensils,” Skyler explains.

The pros: “Silicone lubes are actually waterproof, so you can use them in the shower and anywhere you might get wet and wild,” says Skyler. They’re also long-lasting. Since your body doesn’t absorb silicone like it does the water in water-based lubes, you won’t need to reapply as frequently. Because of their slickness and longevity, silicone lubes are most recommended for anal play — without toys, though.

The cons: Using a silicone lube with your silicone-based sex toy may damage it and is not recommended. As Phillips points out, silicone lubricants often come at a higher price point than water-based lubes. But when considering their longevity, it may be more economical to use silicone-based lubes.

Swiss Navy Silicone-Based Lubricant

The Best Lubricants for Sex

This formula will make you appreciate Swiss efficiency. This one comes in water and silicone-based formulas in a leakproof bottle, so rest assured if you and your lady get so hooked that you end up carrying your bottle back and forth between your two places. The Swiss don’t mess around — made from the highest-grade silicone. This formula will make both anal and vaginal penetration more pleasurable.
$32.99 at Amazon.com

pjur Original Silicone Lubricant

The Best Lubricants for Sex

Need something thicker and more long-lasting? Give the pjur Original Silicone Lubricant a try. Though this formula is more expensive, it lasts longer and requires less frequent reapplication. This is a solid option for adding extra lubrication to any shower sex act.
$24.30 at Amazon.com

Überlube Silicone Lubricant

The Best Lubricants for Sex

Überlube first launched in 2004, making it a relatively recent entrant into the sex products space, but it’s clear that they know what they’re doing. Silky smooth and incredibly long-lasting, it’s easy to see why so many reviewers note that a little goes a long way.
$26.99 at Amazon.com

Sliquid Silver Silicone-Based Lube

The Best Lubricants for Sex

Not content to make a great water-based lube, liquid also boasts a strong entry in the silicone game. Made from medical-grade silicone and “formulated by sensitive women,” it’s long-lasting and has a great overall feel.
$14.99 at Amazon.com

Oil-Based Lubricants

Out of all types of lubes, oil-based wins for longevity.

“Oil-based lubes (or just oil, like coconut oil) have a luxuriously longer shelf life than all of the above,” explains Phillips. However, there are some factors to consider when opting for oil-based.

The pros: Oil-based lubricants and oils like coconut oil take the cake for longevity and are often the most natural lubricant option. “I find that since all other water-based, silicone, and/or hybrids are not FDA approved and come with their own pros and cons, oil-based is a good option for those who want to avoid any chemicals,” says Phillips.

The cons: “Oil-based lubes are not safe to use with condoms and can damage sex toys made from rubber-based materials like TPE, TPR or jelly,” says Skyler. They can also permanently stain sheets and clothing. “On rare occasions, they can also cause some health complications, such as urinary tract and yeast infections,” Skyler adds.

Pure for Men Coconut Lube

The Best Lubricants for Sex

Pure for Men is all about anal sex, so it makes sense that they’d have an awesome anal-friendly lube to offer. It boasts a pleasing vanilla scent and an incredibly long-lasting ooey-gooey-ness that can put other lubes to shame in the slick and slippery department. If you’re venturing out of the water- and silicone-based categories, it’s not to be missed!
$11.99 at PureForMen.com

AH! Yes OB Natural Plant Oil Based Lubricant

The Best Lubricants for Sex

This all-natural plant oil lubricant feels luxurious to apply. It can be used as a personal lubricant or to get things started with a full-body massage. As with other oil-based lubricants, it should not be used with condoms. However, this formula is compatible with sex toys that are made from silicone for long-lasting, damage-free play.
$23.99 at Amazon.com

Organic Glide Natural Personal Lubricant

The Best Lubricants for Sex

Want long-lasting lube that’s all-natural and edible? This formula from Organic Glide checks all the boxes. It is engineered to be gentle on vaginas and includes probiotics that prevent yeast infections and UTIs.
$22.95 at Amazon.com

Beia Body and Intimacy Serum

The Best Lubricants for Sex

This all-natural oil-based lubricant feels like a luxury experience. Don’t let the price tag put you off. This innovative lube provides long-lasting, lightweight moisture where you need it without any harmful ingredients. It also smells incredible.
$42.00 at BeiaBeauty.com

The Best Flavored Lubricants

If you’re looking for a fun way to improve oral sex, flavored lubes keep things slippery while providing a fun burst of flavor. Made in a wide variety of fun flavors, there’s no shortage of options for edible lube for those who are interested in having a taste.

The pros: “Flavored lubes come in a wide assortment of yummy options and can lead to a lot of tongue play,” says Skyler. They can also make oral sex last longer; thanks to the additional slippage they provide.

The cons: “Flavored lubes are only great for oral sex, primarily fellatio,” Phillips explains. “They tend to be flavored because of sugar or sugar substitutes, which can be dangerous for the vagina when it comes to yeast infections.” This means it’s important to use only during oral sex with a penis, or to select a sugar-free option that won’t irritate vaginas.

#LubeLife Water-Based Piña Colada Flavored Lubricant

The Best Lubricants for Sex

Thirsty for a taste of something tropical? #LubeLife’s delicious piña colada lube is just what you need. An unbeatable price meets a fantastic flavor that’ll have you coming back for more. What’s not to like?
$6.69 at Amazon.com

Sliquid Swirl Green Apple Flavoured Lubricant

The Best Lubricants for Sex

If you’re environmentally conscious, the Sliquid Swirl Green Apple Flavoured Lubricant is vegan-friendly and contains no glycerin or parabens.
$16.99 at LoveHoney.com

Doc Johnson Good Head Flavored Lubricant

The Best Lubricants for Sex

Not sure which flavor will do it for you? Why not try a selection of lubes? This multipack of Good Head lubes from Doc Johnson contains five different flavors to tickle your tastebuds at a price you can’t beat.
$19.99 at LoveHoney.com

A&E Flavored Lubricants

The Best Lubricants for Sex

A tried-and-true option, Adam & Eve flavored lubricants come in a variety of flavors, from traditional fruit options like strawberry and watermelon to inventive flavors like cotton candy. They’re all sugar-free, which makes them vagina-friendly.
$12.95 at AdamEve.com

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