8 Best Anal Sex Lube for Men in 2024

You could be forgiven for thinking that all personal lubricants are the same - but this isn't the case. Lubricant that's designed for anal play is often slightly thicker and longer-lasting than lube intended for masturbation or vaginal sex.

Although lube intended for anal sex or other anal play is different, there are still hundreds of products available, each with different ingredients, consistencies, and features. The sheer number of choices makes it difficult to decide which is best for you.

In this guide, we've explored the best anal lubes on the market - then picked our eight favorites based on different kinds of anal fun. Whether you're looking for something to use in the shower, something to reduce sensitivity, add a little heat play or just a great all-around lube, we've got you covered.

Choosing the right lube can make or break an amazing anal experience, so we've even included a few factors to think about that will help you choose a product that's right for you.

How We Put Together This Guide

We used the following criteria to put together this guide to the best anal lube:

• Tester feedback
• Overall effectiveness
• Safety and sensitivities
• Ingredient quality
• Quality and reputation
• Product features
• Peer reviews
• Market value

Best Anal Lubes for Men in 2024: Our Recommendations

Lynk Pleasure Water-Based Sex Lube & Anal Lubricant

For 2024, the lube we consider to be the best overall is still Lynk Pleasure's simple Water-Based Sex Lube. It's a very basic lubricant but it works well in practically every sexual situation, without exaggeration. If you need a lube that works for anal as well as every other kind of sex, this is the one to get.

What makes this lube such a good all-rounder is its consistency. Anal sex benefits from a thicker lubricant, as thicker generally also means longer-lasting. Water-based lubes are often quite thin - but Lynk Pleasure has managed to make this lube last much longer than the competition.

While thicker lubes are ideal for anal, they also have a reputation for being quite sticky or developing a tackiness after prolonged use. As it's water-based this lube does get sticky after a while, but don't get us wrong, it lasts a long time and is easy to reapply or reactivate. A little goes a long way, too - so you don't have to keep thinking about reapplication.

This consistency makes this lube perfect for all kinds of anal play. It's perfectly safe for use with condoms, it has no harsh or harmful ingredients that will irritate your skin, and it's compatible with all sex toys. It's also pretty cheap!

Results From Our Testers

• Lasts a very long time before needing reapplication
• The texture is almost like silicone lube but it's entirely water-based
• Great consistency for anal and any other sex
• Does get tacky eventually but it's easy to reapply or reactivate
• Not the most exciting lube but it works well

Pros and Cons

Customer Reviews

Anal Desensitizing Water-Based Lubricant by Passion Sex Lube

We think the best desensitizing anal lube on the market in 2024 is this lube by Passion. It'll numb you just enough to make anal that much easier, while still not completely dulling you to the sensations that you want to be enjoying, and those you want to avoid.

Featuring a solution containing 2% lidocaine, this lube will gently numb you wherever you apply it - it works great for anal, but can be used anywhere. Some numbing lubes are best avoided as they numb good sensations as well as bad sensations that let you know you should stop what you're doing - this lube isn't like that, so we consider it safer.

The water-based nature also means this lube is compatible with most sex toys and condoms, including those made from silicone and latex. We'd recommend the penetrating partner uses a condom so they don't get numbing cream on their penis.

While the solution only contains 2% lidocaine and is a gentle numbing lube that simply dulls sensations instead of getting rid of them entirely, we wouldn't recommend it to anyone who doesn't know what they're doing with numbing agents. It always helps to have a partner with experience there to make sure you don't use too much.

Results From Our Testers

• The numbing is gentle which makes anal easier but still safe
• Gets to work very quickly
• Thick consistency is great for anal
• Sex toy and condom compatibility is great
• It's best used by people with experience

Pros and Cons

Customer Reviews

Swiss Navy Anal Jelly Premium Water-Based Lubricant

Swiss Navy's water-based Anal Jelly is thick and cushioning enough to work perfectly with all kinds of sex toys - it's our best lube for use with toys in 2024. Though it's just the right consistency for use with tight strokers and anal toys, it's a great choice regardless of what toys you enjoy.

This lube's consistency is quite similar to a gel, despite being water-based as opposed to silicone. This thickness makes it suitable for all kinds of anal toys, as it provides a good level of cushioning and comfort. It also means that the lube stays in place very well, and doesn't really drip from where you put it, unless you wait around for a good while.

The water-based formula includes gentle ingredients that are suitable for use with sensitive skin, and also mean they're compatible with toys regardless of their material. It's also compatible with latex and condoms, making it great for anal sex with another person, not just toys.

As it's water-based it does get a little tacky after a while, but it lasts a long time before this and is easy to reapply or reactivate. It's also very easy to clean up, rinsing away with a good bit of water, and won't leave any stains or marks.

Results From Our Testers

• Works well with basically any sex toy you can think of
• Nice thick consistency
• Lasts a long time before getting tacky but it does eventually
• Feels good on sensitive skin
• Doesn't run or drip from where you apply it

Pros and Cons

Silicone-Based Sex Lube Black Label Lubricant by Healthy Vibes

Our pick for the best silicone-based anal lube in 2024 is this Black Label lube by Healthy Vibes. It's incredibly slick and lasts a hell of a long time - and its formula contains 100% body-safe, FDA-approved ingredients with no harsh chemicals, making it good for sensitive skin.

Its texture is nice and cushioned which makes it perfect for anal. Lots of people swear by silicone-based lube for anal sex, staying clear of water-based. We don't always agree with this as there are plenty of great water-based lubes, but silicone is a fantastic choice for anal.

We mentioned this already, but the formula is safe for use with sensitive skin, skin conditions, or allergies, which is great to see - it's very moisturizing. All the ingredients are FDA-approved and body-safe, and it's also compatible with latex condoms, which is uncommon for silicone-based lubes.

However, silicone means that it isn't safe to use with soft-material sex toys such as those made from silicone, rubber, or jelly. This is a shame but it just comes with the territory. It is fine to use with hard toys though - feel free to try it out with any of your glass, wood, metal, or plastic sex toys.

Results From Our Testers

• It's extremely slippery and doesn't really get tacky
• Lasts a very long time so you won't need to reapply often
• It's waterproof and fun to use in the bath or shower
• It's good that it's compatible with condoms, especially for anal
• It's a shame it's not compatible with soft toys

Pros and Cons

Customer Reviews

Jelle Chill Cooling Anal Gel Lubricant by Wicked Sensual Care

Wicked Sensual our responsible for the lube we consider the best cooling lube for anal in 2024. Their Jelle Chill lube fills the niche in the market for people who want to experience cooling during anal and not just vaginal sex, meaning it provides a nice chill while also being cushioning enough for anal.

The cooling sensation comes from an ester of menthol in the ingredients. This specific blend is gentle, adding a cooling effect without any of the additional sensitivity that some people find from using it. There aren't any desensitizing ingredients either, which is uncommon but appreciated as you'll still be able to feel all the natural ingredients alongside the cooling tingle.

The temperature contrast it creates does an amazing job of heightening sensitivity for you and your partner. The cooling sensation actually encourages an increased blood flow - so your nerve endings become even more sensitive than they would usually be.

A big part of what makes this Jelle Chill stand out from the other cooling products available is its suitability for anal sex. This is an extra thick lube, so it stays exactly where you need it and stays there for a long time. A liberal application of Jelle Chill is the best way to use it to get a thorough cooling and a lot of cushioning during anal sex.

Results From Our Testers

• It's nice to see a cooling lube thick enough for anal
• Feels really good, and cooling works fast
• The cool tingling does make you feel more sensitive
• Lasts a long time before getting tacky but does eventually
• The sensation isn't for everyone

Pros and Cons

Customer Reviews

Jelle Heat Warming Anal Gel Lubricant by Wicked Sensual Care

Our best warming lube for 2024 also comes from Wicked Sensual's Jelle range. Jelle Heat adds a warm tingle to anal sex, again filling a niche as these lubes are mainly formulated for vaginal sex. If you're looking for a lube that warms you up and is also thick enough for anal, this might be the one.

The key ingredient in Jelle Heat is Vanillyl Butyl Ether, which is derived from vanilla beans. This ingredient, when used in lube, encourages enhanced blood flow, helping to increase the sensitivity of your genitals.

Jelle Heat works by stimulating the heat-sensitive receptors in your skin. As blood rushes to the area, your nerve endings become more sensitive, increasing sensations. While this feels good on the penis of the giver, the anus of the receiver also benefits here as the lube adds to the feel of anal sex without any discomfort or stinging.

The consistency of Jelle Heat makes it a good choice for anal too. It's thick enough to not be displaced by vigorous thrusting, and a little bit lasts a long time. Wicked Sensual Care has done a great job of creating a water-based lube that's nice and thick, but it will get tacky after a while. Luckily, it's quick and easy to reapply.

Results From Our Testers

• Works great for anyone wanting a warming sensation during anal
• The warmth adds to sensitivity, increasing sensations
• It's thick, feels great to use, and is quick to heat up
• Gets tacky eventually but lasts quite a while
• The sensation isn't for everyone

Pros and Cons

Customer Reviews

Anal ESE Numbing Cream by NassToys

We've decided on Anal ESE as our best-flavored anal lube for 2024 thanks to its cherry and strawberry flavors. They're genuinely authentic tastes - not a faintly fruity chemical taste like you get with some lubes. Additionally, it lasts a long time, it's thick, and provides a slight numbing, all of which are great for anal.

The quality of the flavors here is thanks to the carefully selected ingredients. There's no sugar in this lube, so you don't have to worry about irritation or the chance of any nasty bacteria hanging around. Instead of sugar, it contains sweetening agents that were chosen on account of how they taste natural.

This makes it great where you need it. It also makes the 7.5% benzocaine even better at numbing your anus, as it doesn't spread and numb other areas. The creamy consistency doesn't prevent the gel from working effectively as a lube though - it's nice and slick.

Although the consistency of Anal ESE is a little different from some of the other lubes on this list, it's still water-based, so it's safe for use with condoms and toys. It does get tacky after a while of use, like every water-based lube, but it's easy to reapply or reactivate.

Results From Our Testers

• The flavors taste natural and not just like chemicals
• The creamy consistency is thick and smooth
• The numbing agent is mild but we'd still only suggest using if you or your partner have experience
• We wish there were a few more flavors
• Stays in place which is great considering the numbing effects

Pros and Cons

Customer Reviews

Sliquid H2O Lube Water-Based Natural Lubricant

If you're looking for an anal lube suitable for beginners in 2024, Sliquid H2O is what we consider the best anal lube out there for newcomers to anal sex and play. It's designed to feel like natural lubrication but remains cushioned enough to help ease into anal.

Sliquid's formula is gentle and vegan-friendly; it's free from glycerin, parabens, and other potential irritants, while also being hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin. It uses plant cellulose as a thickening agent which helps make it perfect for anal sex, as well as using tight anal strokers.

Though it's thick enough to not be super runny and get everywhere, it's still fairly thin and light, which also helps you feel like you aren't covered in gunk. It's easy to reapply (which is good as it gets tacky after a while of use) and very easy to clean, after which it won't leave stains.

Furthermore, as it's a water-based lube, it's compatible with sex toys as well as condoms, so you can really use it with everything. If you've never tried anal before (or any kind of anal play) you really need a nice cushioning lube to help things go smoothly - this is the one for you.

Results From Our Testers

• Nice and slick and smooth
• Natural formula feels good on the skin
• Thin enough to feel light but cushioned enough for anal sex
• Gets tacky after a while like all water-based lube
• Lasts a decently long time

Pros and Cons

Customer Reviews

Become a Sex Toy Reviewer: Your Path to Free Sex Toys

Join Our Tester Program

How to choose the best anal lube for you

We've hopefully narrowed down your anal lube choices a little by picking our favorite lube options above. However, if you're still not totally sure which is going to be the best lube for you, why not take a look at some additional factors to consider?

1. Know how you'll be using it

Assuming that 'anal sex' is just one type of sex is a little bit like assuming 'oral sex' is just one specific action. In truth, anal sex takes on countless different forms - virtually all body parts could be involved, you might like slow sex, fast sex, vigorous sex, gentle sex - and so on.

For example, if you think you're going to enjoy a frantic rough session, you might opt for a lube like Pjur Backdoor - specially formulated for passionate sex.

Alternatively, if you're new to anal or find that you or your partner is especially sensitive, you might want to choose a good beginner's lube or one with a numbing agent.

Ultimately, you know what you're going to enjoy - and that enjoyment is only ever going to be enhanced by choosing the right lube for the situation.

2. Keep in mind the different kinds of lubricants

You can be forgiven for assuming that all lubes are essentially the same - but they're definitely not. Some lubes are suitable for certain kinds of sex - whereas others aren't.

We've taken an in-depth look into the different kinds of lubricants in our dedicated blog on sexual lubricants - but here's a quick glance at the key points:

3. Make sure it is compatible with your toys (if you use them)

If you think the lube you're using is going to come into contact with any of your sex toys, it's a smart idea to stick to water-based lubricants.

This is because most toys are made, at least in part, from silicone. Silicone sex toys can deteriorate when they come into contact with some silicone-based lubes - significantly shortening their life.

Silicone and oil-based lubes are also much harder to effectively clean from compatible toys - which increases the chance of harmful bacteria hanging around.

Some manufacturers of silicone toys will say that their products are safe for use with other lube types - but if you're in any doubt, water-based is always going to be a safe choice.

4. Think about the length of your sessions

As you can see above, we often talk about how long different lubricants last for.

Generally speaking, water-based lubes have the shortest life when they're on your skin - this is because your body can absorb the water and cause it to dry into your skin. Silicone lubes and oil-based lube will often last much longer - because your body can't absorb the ingredients.

So, ask yourself how long you're happy to go before you reapply. You and your partner might be comfortable stopping regularly to grab the bottle - but if you'd prefer to lose yourself in the sex, you might want to opt for a longer-lasting formulation.

5. Make sure it's compatible with any condoms you might use

Condoms and anal sex often go hand-in-hand. Not only do they protect against STIs - but they also help to make sure your sex is as clean as possible. Of course, not everyone uses condoms - but if you are relying on them, you should choose a suitable lubricant.

As a rule, water-based lube is the best choice here. It's safe to use with virtually all condoms and doesn't increase the chance of breakage. Silicone lubes are also generally safe too - but it's good to check before you commit.

The big no-no relating to condoms is oil-based lubes. Although both natural rubber latex condoms and polyurethane condoms are non-porous, the oil in some lubes can deteriorate the material, increasing the chance of breakage. Save the oil-based lubes for massage and masturbation.

6. Think about the ease of clean-up

Whether we like it or not, great sex is usually followed by some degree of cleaning up. When you're enjoying anal sex, this becomes especially important, not least because of the number of bacteria that live in that area. This bacteria can grow in any unclean lube that's left behind after penetration.

When it comes to choosing a lube, it pays to think about the clean-up a little bit. Firstly, some lubes are much harder to clean than others. Silicone-based lubes and oil-based lubes often aren't displaced properly with water - so you need to use a cleansing product (like shower gel or soap) and possibly a shower douche/enema attachment to break down the lube properly.

Water-based lubes are much easier to clean, however, warm water directed from the shower head will usually displace the lube effectively.

If you're used to effectively showering or bathing after anal sex, then you should be fine choosing any lube that's compatible with your play. If you're just finding your way in this area, it might be a good idea to stick to water-based lube.

The Best Anal Lube for Men: Conclusion

All lubricants are different. Some are fantastic for anal sex - others aren't. In the selection above, we've looked at a variety of different lubes and talked about how effectively they perform based on the type of sex you're having, including:

• Desensitizing lubes
• Lube for anal sex toys
• Silicone lube for longer sessions
• Cooling and warming lubes for temperature and sensation play
• Flavored lube

Along with the best all-around lube and the best lube for anal sex beginners. Choosing the one that's most suited to your needs will greatly enhance your experience of anal sex. If you're not sure, think about the different properties of the different lube types, the type of sex you're going to be having, how long you want your sessions to last, compatibility with sex toys and condoms, and how much effort is needed to clean the lube after your play.

It might sound like there's a lot to think about - but trust us, the right kind of lube can transform boring or uncomfortable anal sex into some of the most mind blowing sex you'll ever have!