8 Best Anal Sex Lube for Men in 2023

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.

Best Anal Lubes for Men in 2023: Our Recommendations

Lynk Pleasure Water-Based Sex Lube & Anal Lubricant

In the heat of sex, you might not want to be frantically trying to find a specific bottle of lube. If you're someone who's looking for a single bottle of lube that works beautifully for whatever your encounter is going to involve, Lynk Pleasure's Water-based Sex Lube and Anal Lubricant is the perfect purchase.

Water-based lubes are often quite thin - but Lynk Pleasure has managed to create their Water-based Sex Lube to be far longer-lasting than a typical water-based product.

While thicker lubes are ideal for anal, they also have a reputation for being quite sticky or developing a tackiness after prolonged use. Again, the formulation of Lynk's Water-based Sex Lube never turns sticky, so you can expect ultra-smooth sex for as long as you can last. A little goes a long way, too - so you don't have to keep thinking about reapplication.

This perfect 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. As such, we've crowned the Water-based Sex Lube by Lynk Silicone our Best Overall Anal Lube - if you're going to buy just one bottle of lube, make it this one!

Pros and Cons

Customer Reviews

Relax Desensitizing Anal Lube by Clean Stream

Anal penetration shouldn't hurt - but it can sometimes be a little uncomfortable, at least initially. Taking things slowly to begin with and making sure you are your partner both aware of each other's sensitivities helps - but there's really no substitute for a high-quality lube - especially one that has a small amount of numbing agent.

This is where a lube like Clean Stream's Relax Anal Lubricant is an essential addition to your bedside cabinet. The water-based formulation includes 2% lidocaine - that's the same gentle anesthetic you'd typically use on a scrape or light sunburn. 2% lidocaine isn't enough to completely numb the area, so you don't have to worry about losing important sensations. Instead, it just desensitizes the sensitive skin slightly, taking away any stinging feeling.

Lidocaine aside, Relax Anal Lubricant is an excellent, long-lasting water-based anal lube. Consistency is important if you're using a lube for anal - thicker gels tend to stay where you need them to and last longer. Clean Stream has got the consistency exactly right here - so there's no need for constant reapplication.

While water-based lubricant is an excellent all-around choice, people often complain that this type of lube can become sticky or tacky during sex. This can be an unpleasant feeling that takes away from the pleasure of anal. There's definitely nothing to worry about in this area with Relax Anal Lubricant however, the consistency is exceptionally slick, and reviews often comment on how it remains perfectly slick, even for prolonged anal sessions.

So, if you're looking for an excellent personal lubricant that'll make anal extra comfortable, this is a fantastic choice. As such, we've crowned it our Best Desensitizing Anal Lube for Men. As an added bonus, it's very easy to clean up too - despite being a thicker consistency.

Pros and Cons

Customer Reviews

Water-based Desensitizing Anal Glide Extra by Body Action

Anal sex toys are more popular than ever. From prostate massagers to butt plugs, men of all orientations are discovering the joy of "butt stuff" - both alone and with partners. The trouble is, some people are put off by a bad first experience - and that often comes down to a lack of lube or the wrong lube being used.

So, where do you turn if you want a great lube that's going to make sure you have a silky smooth experience with your anal sex toy? We recommend Body Action's Anal Glide Extra - in fact, it's so good we've crowned it as our Best Anal Lube for Sex Toys.

Anal Glide Extra isn't quite as thick as some of the lubes on this list. The thicker the lube, the better it stands up to the thrusting motion of anal sex - but since many anal sex toys don't require vigorous thrusting, this offers a slightly more natural feel, almost like you're not using a lube at all.

A crucial point to cover is the fact that this water-based lube is almost certainly going to be safe to use with sex toys made of all materials. That's not to say you shouldn't do a spot-test to be certain - but virtually all sex toys will be 100% compatible with this gentle lube, not least because there are no harsh chemicals added.

There's no getting around the fact that the anus is a sensitive area of the body - it's part of what makes butt play so much fun. However, some people benefit from losing a little of that sensitivity to help with comfort. Body Action has included a 5% benzocaine solution to Anal Glide Extra, just to make sure any discomfort is eliminated.

Don't worry, it's not enough to dull the pleasure - just enough to prevent any stinging. Simply apply a little Anal Glide Extra to your anus around 5 minutes before you get started, and you'll have an unforgettable experience with your favorite anal toy!

Pros and Cons

Customer Reviews

Pjur Backdoor Anal Lube Silicone-based Sex Lubricant

Sometimes, even the best water-based lubes don't offer the kind of staying power and slickness required for more vigorous anal sex sessions. For that reason, we've included a silicone-based lube on this list - Pjur Backdoor.

When Backdoor was launched, Pjur wasn't shy about what its intended use was. Sometimes, you want to get wild, and Backdoor is designed to stand up to this kind of passionate sex. Silicone anal lubes are perfect for this job - they're very long-lasting and extremely slick, so you really can lose yourself in the moment.

Of course, the joy of wild anal sex isn't just reserved for the person who's giving - there's also plenty of fun to be had for the person receiving. For this reason, Pjur hasn't included any desensitizing agent in Backdoor - so you'll feel every stroke. That doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable though - the moisturizing jojoba oil that's added actually enhances your skin's flexibility, so you're far less likely to experience any stinging.

It's worth mentioning that silicone lubes are not suitable for use with all sex toys - so you'll need to find an alternative if you want to include silicone toys in your play. However, Backdoor is perfectly suitable for use with latex condoms, so you don't have to worry about protection failing.

If you're looking for a wild night and want to feel every moment, Pjur Backdoor is a great choice. As such, we've picked it as our Best Silicone-Based Anal Lube. If water-based products don't quite deliver what you need, this is the perfect switch to make - you won't regret it.

Pros and Cons

Customer Reviews

Jelle Chill Cooling Anal Gel Lubricant by Wicked Sensual Care

There are lots of lubes on the market for people who want to enjoy vaginal sex with some added cooling sensation - but fewer for people who want to enjoy that glorious tingle-feelings when they're having anal sex. Fortunately, Wicked Sensual Care spotted the gap in the market and created the very Best Cooling Sensation Anal Lube out there - Jelle Chill.

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 it stays there for a long time!

The cooling sensation comes from a gentle ester of menthol in the ingredients. Menthol can sometimes add sensation to the skin - but this careful gentle blend is specifically designed to add a cooling effect with none of the additional sensitivity. What's more, Wicked Sensual Care never includes any desensitizing agents in their products - so you'll always get a fantastic natural feel alongside that glorious cooling tingle.

If you haven't used a cooling lube before, you're really in for a treat if you add a bottle of Jelle Chill to your sex life. The temperature contrast it creates does an amazing job of heightening sensitivity for you and your partner. In fact, the cooling sensation actually encourages an increased blood flow - so your nerve endings become even more sensitive than they would usually be.

If you'd like to take anal sex to the next level, adding a liberal application of Jelle Chill before penetration is going to make your next session memorable for all the right reasons!

Pros and Cons

Customer Reviews

Jelle Heat Warming Anal Gel Lubricant by Wicked Sensual Care

Wicked Sensual Care's Jelle products have already appeared on this list of the best anal lubes for men - so you probably won't be surprised to find another Jelle lubricant featuring as our Best Warming Sensation Anal Lube. If you're looking to add a warm tingle to anal sex, then Jelle Heat is an amazing way to turn the temperature up.

The magic ingredient in Jelle Heat is Vanillyl Butyl Ether. Although it's got a chemical-sounding name - it's actually derived from vanilla beans. In the kitchen, it can be used to add a little bit of warmth to dishes - but it's perfectly safe in the bedroom too, where it inspires 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, making anal sex feel even better than it usually does. Your partner will feel like they're gripping you even tighter - and each thrust will feel like you're closing to orgasm. Of course, it's not just the penis that benefits from this amazing feeling - the anus also responds to these sensations, adding to the feel of anal sex without any discomfort or stinging.

The consistency of Jelle Heat is also perfect for anal sex too. It's thick enough to not be displaced by vigorous thrusting - and even a little bit last a long time. Wicked Sensual Care has done an excellent job of creating a water-based lube with none of the downsides too - no matter how long you go for, it never takes on a sticky feel.

If the idea of temperature play does it for you, then Jelle Heat is only ever going to make anal sex more fun and more intense. With such a reasonable price for a 4 fl oz tube, it's a fantastic lubricant to add to your collection.

Pros and Cons

Customer Reviews

Anal ESE Numbing Cream by NassToys

There are hundreds of flavored lubes on the market - but not all lubes are good enough for anal sex. To be an effective anal lube, a product has to be thick, long-lasting, and occasionally slightly numbing. If you're looking for flavored lube that boasts all of this with a cherry (or strawberry!) on top - Anal ESE flavored lube is the perfect choice.

Unlike the other lubes on this list, Anal ESE has more of a creamy consistency. This makes it even better at staying where you need it. In fact, this makes the 7.5% benzocaine even better at numbing your anus - so expect amazing effects. The creamy consistency doesn't prevent the gel from working effectively as a lube though - it's perfectly slick and smooth.

We've decided on Anal ESE as our Best Flavored Anal Lube thanks to its glorious cherry and strawberry flavors. They're genuinely authentic tastes - not a faintly fruity chemical taste like you get with some lubes. Again, this is thanks to the carefully selected ingredients - there are carefully selected sweetening agents in Anal ESE. There's no sugar though, so you don't have to worry about irritation or the chance of any nasty bacteria hanging around.

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 perfectly safe for use with condoms and toys. Combine that with the sweet flavors and incredible numbing action, and you've got a lube that's absolutely perfect for whatever kind of anal play you can imagine!

Pros and Cons

Customer Reviews

H20 Water-Based Lube by JO

If you're just starting out with anal sex, the wide variety of anal lubes on offer - even here - might leave you scratching your head a little. Until you know whether or not anal is for you, you might not be sure about whether to add flavors, heat, or opt for more specialist numbing lubes.

If you're not sure exactly where to start, we'd recommend going for a completely body-safe lube that's free from additional features. This will let you get a really good feel for what kind of anal works for you. If that sounds good - let us introduce you to our Best Beginners Anal Lube - JO H2o Personal Lubricant.

JO (previously System Jo) has been around for a long time - so they know what makes a great lube. JO really is at the top of the lube game - and all their knowledge has gone into making a hypo-allergenic, oil-free, taste-free, and fragrance-free water-based lube that doesn't contain any numbing agents.

It stays in place exceptionally well, even if things hot up and you turn up the tempo. The beauty of using a non-specific lube is that you can switch between anal and other types of sex play without having to reach for different bottles.

All told, JO H20 is an amazing lube - whether it's for your first anal or just your first bottle of lube. In fact, if you've tried anal before and you or your partner hasn't enjoyed it as much as you'd like, we urge you to pick up a bottle of H20 and give it another go!

Pros and Cons

Customer Reviews

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?

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.

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:

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.

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 them 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.

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.

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 mindblowing sex you'll ever have!