The right lube can transform masturbation and sex. The trouble is, there are literally thousands of products on the market to choose from. We're here to help you find the right lube for you - and answer some frequently-asked lubricant questions along the way.
How We Put Together Our List Of The Best Lubes Of 2023
Sex is a very personal thing - so instead of relying on just one person's opinion, we've considered a number of factors when we put this list together. They include:
- Overall effectiveness
- Safety and sensitivities
- Quality & reputation
- Product features
- Peer reviews
- Market value
Note
This guide was originally published in September 2022. As part of our yearly quality assessment process (in early 2023), we evaluated every product recommendation to make sure it was up to the standards necessary to make it to this list. Here are some things we took in consideration:
- Feedback on each product throughout 2022.
- Usability and overall comfort of each lubricant.
- Overall trends and new emerging products that could potentially make it to the list.
- Industry trends and innovation.
Best Lube Choices of 2023 At A Glance
Best Overall Lube |
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Best water-based lube |
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Best Silicone-based lube |
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Best Natural Lube |
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Best Masturbation lube |
Stroke 29 Male Masturbation Cream Lube By Gun Oil Lubricants |
Best Anal Numbing Lube |
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Best Flavored Lube |
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Best Cum Lube |
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Best Fisting Lube |
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Best Warming Lube |
Now you've had a quick look at the best lubes available - why not take a more detailed look at the one(s) that suit you? Our in-depth review will cover everything you need to know - including some pros and cons, and what some real reviewers think.
Lynk Pleasure Water Based Sex Lube & Anal Lubricant
Price: $ | Base Type: Water-based |
Great for: Anal sex, vaginal sex, masturbation | Lasting Factor: 4/5 |
Sex Toy Safe: Yes, all materials | TSA Travel Size: No |
Latex Safe: Yes | Additional: No oils or toxins |
Lynk Pleasure doesn't miss when it comes to creating adult products - and their range of water-based lubes is no exception.
Created in an FDA laboratory here in the USA, this is a lube you can trust - even if you have sensitive skin.
A big part of what had us crown the Lynk Pleasure Water Based Sex lube as our very best on this list is just how long it lasts. Ordinarily, you'd have to look for a silicone lube if you want slickness that doesn't need numerous reapplications. Silicone has some downsides though, so long-lasting water-based lubricants are the best option - but they're hard to find.
The key to creating an exceptional water-based formula is selecting the right ingredients. Lynk Pleasure hasn't cut any corners here - so you get a long-lasting body-safe lubricant that's free from unwanted ingredients such as oils, glycerin, and parabens.
Lynk Pleasure hasn't cut any corners here - so you get a long-lasting body-safe lubricant that's free from unwanted ingredients such as oils, and scented chemicals.
Since it's so body-safe, it's perfect for any application. If you want to use a handful for masturbation, it's ideal. Likewise, it's got the ideal consistency for vaginal sex, anal sex, sex toy use - and anything else you can imagine.
Since it's water-based, it's also safe for consumption. Now, you probably don't want to consume lots of it (you'll need a dedicated lube if that's your plan) - but it certainly won't do you any harm if it ends up in or around your mouth.
All told, this is an outstanding lube. If you're looking for an all-purpose product that's safe, long-lasting, feels great, and is endlessly versatile, make Lynk Pleasure's Water Based Lube the one you choose.
What our customers say
When I used it I thought I'd been sent silicone lube by mistake. I've never felt a water-based product that lasts this long. Great value. Me and my wife use it for everything.
TTom L.
Water Based Sex Lube By Healthy Vibes
Price: $ | Base Type: Water-based |
Great for: Anal sex, vaginal sex, masturbation | Lasting Factor: 4/5 |
Sex Toy Safe: Yes, all materials | TSA Travel Size: No |
Latex Safe: Yes | Additional: No oils or toxins |
There's virtually nothing in it when it came to choosing between the Lynk Pleasure Lube and the Healthy Vibes Water-Based lubricant. In fact, it was just the amount of positive reviews that swung - so the Healthy Vibes Water Based lubricant is a deserved runner-up and winner of our favorite water-based product.
With FDA 501K approval, you know this is a product that you can trust - especially since there are no harsh chemicals added. Healthy Vibes have used very high-quality ingredients to make this product - and it really shows in just how effective it is.
With FDA 501K approval, you know this is a product that you can trust.
This is another water-based lube that you could easily mistake for a silicone product - based solely on how well it last, even with vigorous sex or masturbation.
As a water-based product, getting some in and around your mouth during oral sex isn't a problem - and there's no unpleasant chemical taste to put you off. What's more, it's perfect for use with virtually all sex toys and latex condoms, so it's an ideal one-bottle solution to have by the bed.
Water-based also means easy to clean, so this if you're looking for a versatile lube that you can apply liberally and not worry about cleaning up afterward, this is a great purchase.
What our customers say
Great lube! Works perfectly with my Fleshlight but just as good with my hand. I can use lots without it getting sticky too. Pleased with my purchase!
FF.C.
Pjur Original Silicone Bodyglide Lubricant
Price: $$$ | Base Type: Silicone-based |
Great for: Anal sex, vaginal sex, masturbation | Lasting Factor: 5/5 |
Sex Toy Safe: Yes, not all silicone toys | TSA Travel Size: Yes |
Latex Safe: Yes | Additional: 3 simple ingredients |
While they might not be quite as versatile as water-based lubes, silicone lubes are an excellent choice if you want a product that's very gentle on sensitive skin and extremely long-lasting.
In fact, silicone-based lube is the very best choice if you're looking for a product that will stand up to water. So, if shower play, fun in the tub, or anything involving bodily fluids is part of your sex life, then the Pjur Original Silicone Bodyglide Lubricant is an ideal choice. It's clear to see why this is the world's best-selling pure silicone lube.
It's clear to see why this is the world's best selling pure silicone lube.
There are only three ingredients that go into Pjur's silicone lube, and each is completely hypoallergenic. Occasionally, the color or an additive in lube will irritate the skin - so if that's ever been a problem, this is an option that's well worth your attention.
Since it's so gentle on the skin, there's nowhere this lube can't be used, making it a great choice for vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, mutual masturbation, and solo play.
What's more, as far as long-lasting lubricant goes - this is very hard to beat. It won't dry up - so you don't have to worry about reapplication interrupting your play.
Silicone lubricant also has the added bonus of leaving your skin feeling nourished and moisturized too, so if you're looking for a lube that will double up as a massage oil, this should be at the top of your shopping list.
What our customers say
I like the Pjur lube because you only have to use a small amount and it doesn't need reapplying all the time. This makes a bottle go much further. Worth a little extra spend.
KKevin P.
Sliquid H2O Lube Water-Based Natural Lubricant
Price: $ | Base Type: Water-based |
Great for: Vaginal sex, masturbation | Lasting Factor: 3/5 |
Sex Toy Safe: Yes, all materials | TSA Travel Size: No |
Latex Safe: Yes | Additional: Natural ingredients |
If you're looking for all-natural lubrication, you should look no further than Sliquid H2o Lube. Where most products contain some gentle chemicals, Sliquid has created a lube with an entirely natural ingredients list.
As well as being all-natural, there are no ingredients that have been derived from animal products or tested on animals either - so it's completely vegan, totally hypoallergenic, and highly ethical too. It's nice to be able to reach for a bottle of lube completely guilt-free!
Where most products contain some gentle chemicals, Sliquid has created a lube with an entirely natural ingredients list.
Of course, these kinds of benefits are only good if the product still works well - but you can rest assured that Sliquid's H20 lube really delivers.
This is a lube that's slightly thinner than most others on the market - but that adds a more natural feel. Sliquid H20 feels more like something your or your partner's body would produce, rather than a thicker gel.
Since it's thinner, you might need to use a little more to make anal or fisting completely comfortable, but it's long-lasting, so even if you do use a little more, you don't have to worry about continual reapplication. This definitely helps sex to feel more natural - with no fumbling around for a bottle among the sheets.
Since all the ingredients are natural, you can use it without panicking about it staining your sheets or clothing - it's very easy to wash out and clean up.
If you're looking for a lube that feels just like your body's natural lubrication, this is the product for you.
What our customers say
Great lubricant with no sticky residue.
AAlan P.
Stroke 29 Male Masturbation Cream Lube By Gun Oil Lubricants
Price: $$ | Base Type: Oil-based |
Great for: Masturbation | Lasting Factor: 5/5 |
Sex Toy Safe: No | TSA Travel Size: No |
Latex Safe: No | Additional: External use only |
If shopping for a personal lube that's going to be used exclusively for masturbation, Stroke 29 is an absolutely perfect option.
To be clear, as an oil-based lube, this won't mix well with sex toys or condoms - but when you realize how fantastic it feels in your hand, reaching for a sex toy will be the last thing on your mind.
If you've used lube to masturbate with before, Stroke 29 is going to be a noticeably different experience. As soon as it hits your hand, it starts to change temperature and texture - so you don't get that cold sensation like many water and silicone lubricants have. This makes the whole experience much more life-like. Stroke 29 starts off thicker and the more its used, the thinner and slicker it gets.
As soon as it hits your hand, it starts to change temperature - so you don't get that cold sensation like many water and silicone lubricants have.
Since Stroke 29 enhances masturbation to new levels, it actually helps you add another dimension to your play. Rather than just jacking off entirely to feel good, masturbation becomes a stamina-building exercise. In the same way, a male masturbator helps you get close to the edge and then back off - Stroke 29 does the same thing.
The product's called Stroke 29 because the team behind it feels that 29 strokes are all you'll need to bring yourself to orgasm. If you want to use Stroke 29 to help with longevity in the bedroom, just get yourself close - then slow or stop. With practice, you'll learn how to pace your masturbation so you last longer with a partner.
Stroke 29 doesn't just feel incredible either, it's also carefully formulated to leave your skin feeling healthy and refreshed. High-end natural ingredients include vitamin E, coconut oil, aloe vera, and sweet almond oil. Unlike some sticky artificial lubes, this isn't going to be something you want to wash off your skin after you've cum.
What our customers say
This takes masturbation to a whole new level. My blowjob toy barely gets used now I've discovered Stroke 29!
PPatrick G.
Anal Desensitizing Water Based Lubricant By Passion
Price: $$$ | Base Type: Water-based |
Great for: Anal sex | Lasting Factor: 4/5 |
Sex Toy Safe: Yes, all materials | TSA Travel Size: No |
Latex Safe: Yes | Additional: 2% Lidocaine for numbing |
Anal sex can be mind-blowing - but to fully enjoy the experience, it's sometimes useful to have a lube that slightly reduces sensitivity before full penetration.
This is exactly what the best anal sex lubes offer - but the best and most effective on the market is Passion's Anal Desensitizing Water-Based Lubricant.
With 2% Lidocaine as an active ingredient, Passion's lube offers just enough numbing to reduce any initial stinging sensation - but doesn't remove any of the pleasurable feelings from anal sex. What's more, the 2% Lidocaine isn't powerful enough to noticeably numb your penis or anus - so you don't have to worry about not feeling intercourse.
With 2% Lidocaine as an active ingredient, Passion's lube offers just enough numbing to reduce any initial stinging sensation.
Since this is still a water-based product, you don't have to worry about any adverse reactions when using with condoms or sex toys - so there's no danger of not staying safe, and no reason not to mix things up a bit with some toys. This makes it a perfect addition to prostate play - and will make your favorite prostate massager even more fun.
It's worth mentioning that this is one of the thicker lubes on this list - and for good reason. Anal sex tends to put more of a squeeze on anything that's being inserted - so a thicker lube will stay in place more effectively and not need constant reapplication.
Again, being water-based, it's easy to clean up and won't stain any clothing or sheets. And the sensation doesn't linger for too long after sex either. If you're eager to enjoy anal play but it's never quite felt perfect, Passion's Anal Desensitizing Water-Based Lubricant could be the missing piece you've been longing for...
What our customers say
I never wanted to try anal bc i was afraid it would hurt. This stuff makes it SO enjoyable and makes my husbands orgasms way bigger!
AArielle
Sliquid Swirl Lube Flavored Lubricant
Price: $$ | Base Type: Water-based |
Great for: Oral sex, vagina sex | Lasting Factor: 3/5 |
Sex Toy Safe: Yes, all materials | TSA Travel Size: No |
Latex Safe: Yes | Additional: 8 flavors, natural |
If you've ever tasted cheap flavored lubes, you're probably not won over by the experience. Most are artificial-tasting and - quite frankly - not very effective as lubrication.
The good news is, that Sliquid has stepped in to create high-quality, oral-enhancing personal lubricants that taste outstanding and actually work effectively as lube. If it's time to add a little flavor to your sex life, there's never been a better product.
It's important to address the elephant in the room when it comes to flavored lubes - yeast infections. They might not be fun to talk about - but they're even less fun to experience, and Sliquid has carefully considered this when creating their range of Swirl lubes. There's absolutely no sugar or sugar-derivatives to be found in any flavor - so no danger of picking up any kind of infection or discomfort.
There's absolutely no sugar or sugar-derivatives to be found in any flavour.
No sugar doesn't mean no flavor though. Choose from Cherry Vanilla, Green Apple Tart, Strawberry Pomegranate, Blue Raspberry, Pina Colada, Pink Lemonade, Blackberry Fig, and Tangerine Peach. There really is something for every taste.
Every flavor is vegan-friendly, has a pH-balanced formula, is glycerin and paraben free, and is completely non-toxic.
Of course, flavored lubes aren't just about taste - they also need to work effectively as a lubricant - and Swirl lube really does. As well as being thick and long-lasting - it's also extremely slick, so when you're finished with your tongue, you can enjoy all the benefits of wonderful sex with plenty of great-feeling slippery lubrication.
What our customers say
My partner now asks if she can please go down on me! If you ever wanted the ticket to more blowjobs, this is it! Works great as lube too, if we get that far!
TTom D
Spunk Lube Hybrid Cum Lubricant by Realistic Jizz Lube
Price: $$ | Base Type: Hybrid (silicone, water) |
Great for: Vaginal sex, masturbation, fantasy play | Lasting Factor: 4/5 |
Sex Toy Safe: Yes, all materials | TSA Travel Size: No |
Latex Safe: Yes | Additional: Looks/Feels like real cum |
You don't have to dip too far into any adult website to realize that cum play and cum fantasies are a very popular kind of kink. The trouble is, most guys only produce a small amount - and, unless you've got some impressive stamina, a cum-shot is more likely to be followed by a nap than exciting cum-play.
This is where Spunk Cum Lube is the perfect stand-in. A seriously realistic sperm substitute in serious quantities.
Now, it's one thing to look like semen, but it's quite another to feel like the real deal. However, the genius minds at Spunk have managed to replicate the semen perfectly - so you can genuinely recreate any jizz-based fantasy you can imagine, and there's nothing to say this isn't real semen.
You can genuinely recreate any jizz-based fantasy you can imagine, and there's nothing to say this isn't real semen.
Since this jizz-lube is water-based, you can use it safely with all silicone toys and condoms, and it's safe to get in your mouth too. In fact, it's absolutely perfect to use with squirting toys if you love that ejaculation sensation.
To be clear though, this isn't just a novelty product. When it comes to effectiveness as lubrication, this is up there with the best water-based lubes and natural lubes. It'll work perfectly for masturbation, vaginal sex, and anal sex too.
There are some effective ways of making spunk or jizz-style lube - but if you want the ultimate prop for playing out your favorite cum fantasies, this should be at the top of your shopping list.
What our customers say
Awesome stuff keeps going longer than I can
TTim
Elbow Grease Original Cream Lubricant
Price: $$ | Base Type: Oil-based |
Great for: Masturbation, anal, fisting | Lasting Factor: 5/5 |
Sex Toy Safe: No | TSA Travel Size: No |
Latex Safe: No | Additional: Not for vaginal use |
While less-than-perfect lube will sometimes suffice for a quick masturbation session, there are some kinds of sex play that just don't work without high-quality lubrication. If you're planning on playing around with fisting or huge toys, you need a lube that's made for the job.
If you're planning on playing around with fisting or huge toys, you need a lube that's made for the job.
Enter, Elbow Great Original Cream Lubricant. It's a product that's been around for a while - but there's no beating it if you want the mind-blowing sensations of fisting without compromising on comfort. In fact, even though it's billed as a fisting lube, it's a fantastic all-rounder that always feels exquisite.
The Original Elbow Grease lube is a different texture from a lot of the other lubricants on this list. It's more of a cream than a gel - and as such, it's extremely long-lasting. Despite its age, Elbow Grease is exceptionally skin-friendly too and has a very pleasant not-overpowering smell.
When it comes to slickness, there's nothing to beat Elbow Grease. Whether you're enjoying vaginal or anal play, the curves and contours of your hand and wrist glide into place with absolutely no resistance. Even first-timers to the joys of fisting play will be very pleasantly surprised at how easy Elbow Grease makes everything.
As with all oil-based lubes, this is one to avoid using with certain toys and condoms - but if the pleasure's coming from your hand, you won't find a better product.
There's a lot to be said for products that have stood the test of time. The fact that they continue to sell and attract ongoing repeat orders from happy customers is proof it's one of the best oil-based lube products on the market.
What our customers say
It's old school but it's the best!
SScott P.
System Jo H2O Warming Water Based Lube
Price: $$ | Base Type: Water-based |
Great for: Vagina sex, anal sex, masturbation | Lasting Factor: 4/5 |
Sex Toy Safe: Yes, all materials | TSA Travel Size: Yes |
Latex Safe: Yes | Additional: Warming lube, great to add realism to strokers |
While lube almost always adds to sex, there's no getting around the fact that it's often quite cold - especially if you've got the air conditioner running. To get around this, more and more companies are creating 'warming' lubes - specially formulated products that give a warming sensation against the skin.
That said, not all warming lubes are created equal - but System JO H20 stands out as the very best in the field. Not only is the warming component very quick acting and wonderful feeling - it's also an amazingly effective lubricant, perfect for anal and vaginal sex.
The possibilities for JO H20 warming lube are almost endless. Not only does it feel great against your body when applied by hand - but it also adds a wonderful new dimension to sex toys. Think about how good your favorite Fleshlight or dildo feels - now imagine it with a skin warmth of a real partner. It's a feeling that's hard to beat.
Think about how good your favorite masturbator or dildo feels - now imagine it with a skin warmth of a real partner. It's a feeling that's hard to beat.
As you can tell from the name, JO H20 lube is water-based, so it's non-sticky, beautifully slick, and very easy to clean up - with no staining to worry about. What's more, it's perfectly safe to use with all condoms and sex toys.
If you start to lose the heat, just give it a little blow. The cool air will react with the body-safe plant-based glycerin and reactivate the warmth. It never gets too warm either - so you don't have to worry about trying to wash it off quickly.
If you'd like to add an element of warmth to your favorite toy - or even just your hand - you're going to take masturbation to a whole new, life-like level.
What our customers say
My masturbator already feels great, but this makes it feel like a real mouth. Out of this world! Will not go back to a standard lube.
HHoward H.
What is lube?
'Lube' - or 'personal lubricant' is a kind of liquid or gel that's designed to stop friction or irritation during masturbation or sex.
Whatever your gender, most of us produce some natural lubricant - but it's often either not enough or not exactly where we need it. Don't worry though - there's an almost endless range available of bottled-lubes to choose from, no matter what kind of fun you're hoping to have.
We've put this list together to help you find the one that's exactly right for you.
Whether you're looking for something to help with vaginal dryness, a great masturbation lube, something that'll help with anal sex, or something even more wild - we've tried and tested the best on the market.
How to Choose the Best Lubricant for your Needs
We've explored 10 of the very best lube types here, but how can you be certain you're getting the best lube for you?
The answer lies in what you're planning to use your lubrication for. Different types are suitable for different uses. With that in mind, let's take a look at what's available:
Want more Lube options?
Check out our recommended guides to help you choose the best lube for your sexual needs:
What are the different lube types?
Water-based lubes
- Cost-effective, versatile, perfect with toys, and can be used for almost any sexual play
Water-based lubes tend to have water as their primary ingredient. This is a very cost-effective way of making lube - and it's also very body-friendly.
Water is very un-reactive, so it won't irritate your skin or cause problems with any sex toys (although you'll need to be careful if your toy isn't waterproof). As such, you can use a water-based lube with all condoms without fear of breakage.
Flavored lubes tend to be water-based - since it's safe to consume in small quantities.
As such, water-based lubes are great all-rounders - perfectly good for masturbation, anal sex, vaginal sex, mutual masturbation, massage, use with sex toys, and much more.
Oil-based lubes
- Perfect for external use, and long-lasting masturbation sessions.
If you're looking for a very long-lasting lube, oil-based lubricants could be the ideal product for you. Since they're based on skin-friendly oils, they don't absorb as quickly as water - so they tend to last much longer than a water-based alternative.
That said, oil can break down some of the materials that condoms and sex toys are made from, such as latex. This makes it less-than-perfect if you're being careful with condoms or want to make sure your toys stay in their best condition.
Oil-based products are fantastic for masturbation as they feel extremely slick and warm to your body temperature quickly. This also makes them great choices for massages too - especially full body-to-body sessions.
Some people are sensitive to oils - so oil-based lubes are generally not recommended for internal use - but be sure to check the ingredients if you're potentially sensitive.
Since oil isn't dissolved by water, oil-based lubes are perfect for play in the shower, tub, or sauna. That said, oil-based lubes are also harder to clean up for the same reason - so go careful if you've got expensive bedsheets!
Silicone-based lubes
- Great for longer sessions, sex in the shower, and luxurious masturbation or massages
Silicone-based lube is easily the slipperiest product on the market - and it's often considered more luxurious than water-based lubes.
A silicone-based product is perfect if you're going to enjoy a longer sex play session as it is not absorbed by the skin at all, so you won't have to think about reapplying. Again, like oil-based lubes, it's waterproof, so perfect for use in the shower or the bathtub.
Unlike oil-based products, silicone-based lube is safe to use with most condoms and sex toys - although you'll need to be careful, some silicone toys may deteriorate.
Remember though, silicone lube is extremely slippery - so be warned if you have hard floors. That's a trip to the emergency room that could be a touch embarrassing!
Which lube is right for you?
There's a lubricant out there for everyone and every kind of sex play - it's just a case of working out what you're going to use it for. If in doubt, a high-quality water-based lubricant is a great first choice and won't break the bank. From there, you can decide on more specialist lubes based on what you've got planned...
Side Note
This best of list will be periodically updated as better lubricants become available or products simply no longer perform as well. As with all best of lists, this will be a living document.