11 Best Lubes for Every Type of Sex, According to Experts
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Let’s be honest: Lubricants make everything better. The best lubes help make vaginal and anal penetration slippery and enjoyable, reduce friction and chafing between bodies (or your favorite vibrator), and allow you to focus more on your comfort and pleasure—you know, the good stuff.
Experts say water-based lubes are a great choice for sex and masturbation, as they can be used with all sex toys and condoms and wash off easily (though they might need frequent reapplication). They're also great lubes for menopausal dryness and vaginal dryness. Silicone-based lubes are excellent for anal sex or in the shower, while oil-based lubes are best suited for massage. (Don’t worry, we break down everything you need to know about different types of lubes below.)
Whether you want to add more wet action to your sex life, make solo play even more fun, or just find a bottle that’s discreet enough to keep on your nightstand, Glamour testers tried dozens of personal lubricants to find the very best ones. We consulted with sex toy experts, then evaluated the lubes based on feel, scent, how long they lasted, and overall value. Below, find our picks for best lube for sensitive skin, best lube for masturbation, and many more.
Your lube questions, answered
How we chose lubes
In order to narrow down our selections for the best lubricants for women, we consulted Glamour toy testers (including our own editors), as well as sex educators and board-certified gynecologists. Each product we tested was considered for the following criteria:
- Feel: Nobody loves a sticky lube that gets all over your sheets and clothes! We ensured that our picks were comfortable and smooth to feel and apply.
- Effectiveness: We considered how long-lasting each lube was compared to its type and use case (water-based lubes, for instance, require more frequent reapplication than silicone- and oil-based lubes—which might be fine for masturbation but irritating during vaginal and anal penetration).
- Formula: Our selections are free of ingredients like parabens, glycerin, flavor, and fragrance, which ob-gyns and other health experts have deemed harmful for the vaginal environment
- Ease of use: We considered how sticky each lube was, how difficult it was to clean up, and how thoughtfully designed its packaging was. The smoother and slicker it was, the more highly we rated it.
- Value: We evaluated how long-lasting each lube was and how much came in a bottle against its price.
What are the benefits of lube?
Lubes make sex and solo play more comfortable and enjoyable, so you can focus less on whether you’re wet enough and more on your pleasure. Use lube to reduce vaginal dryness, decrease friction during penetration and anal sex, or for a massage. They're also helpful when learning how to use a vibrator and how to use sex toys.
What are the different types of lube?
The three main types of lube are silicone-based, water-based, and oil-based. There are also hybrid lubes, which mix water and silicone. Each has varying pros and cons for your sexual health and how you plan to use it. Here’s what to know:
Water-based lubes are perhaps the most popular variety. They’re made primarily of water plus thickening agents, and they’re the only type that works well with everything: skin, silicone sex toys, and latex condoms. They’re less likely to stain fabrics and easy to rinse off with water. The downside? Water-based formulas tend to dry out and become tacky quicker than other formulas, meaning more frequent reapplication may be necessary.
Silicone-based lubes are generally safe to use vaginally, anally, and orally. Silky and longer-lasting than their water-based counterparts, they’re great for shower sex since they don’t wash off with water alone, Justin Lehmiller, PhD, a research fellow at the Kinsey Institute, previously told Glamour. Keep in mind, however, that silicone-based lubes should never be paired with silicone sex toys or silicone condoms, since the material can degrade over time.
Oil-based lubricants such as coconut oil are another long-lasting option with many of the benefits as silicone. You can use oil with silicone sex toys, but it should never be used with latex condoms, because it can cause them to break down.
On top of their material, tons of lubes market themselves with flavors, scents, and sensations. Some are hypoallergenic for sensitive skin; some are numbing to make anal play more comfortable; some have ingredients that deliver a warming effect. You can go with anything that floats your boat. Just read the ingredients and avoid glycerin if you’re prone to yeast infections—it’s been linked to the condition.
Meet our experts
- Carol Queen, PhD, a staff expert at sex-toy store Good Vibes
- Suzanne Silverman Fenske, MD, a double board-certified ob-gyn and assistant clinical professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
- Betsy Greenleaf, DO, a triple board-certified ob-gyn, urologist, and member of the PlusOne Wellness Collective
- Justin Lehmiller, PhD, a research fellow at the Kinsey Institute, Indiana University's renowned sex-research center
- Charlsie Celestine, MD, an obstetrics and gynecology physician in New Jersey
- Carolanne Marcantonio, LCSW, an AASECT-certified sex therapist and co-creator of sex-therapy association Wise Therapy
- Heather Shannon, LCPC, an AASECT-certified sex therapist
- Javay Frye-Nekrasova, MEd, a sex educator and expert at sex-toy store Lovehoney
- Amanda Chatel, a Glamour sex toy writer who has tested over 1,000 toys
- Malia Griggs, Glamour commerce editor and sex-toy writer who’s reported in this space for over four years
Best Overall: Überlube
- Why we love it: Long-lasting formula; not sticky; waterproof; pH-neutral; doesn't need frequent reapplication; stylish bottle
- Worth noting: Glass bottle may break if it slips from your hands; cannot be paired with silicone sex toys or polyurethane condoms
According to Carol Queen, PhD, a staff expert at Good Vibrations, Überlube is a best-in-show lube. You can use the FDA-registered lube with latex condoms, it’s unscented, and, though it feels smooth and slippery, it never, ever gets sticky. Überlube’s formula is designed to heighten sensation while reducing friction, and it’s also long-lasting and thick enough to use as an anal lube with vitamin E that moisturizes, to boot. “What makes Überlube stand out is its osmolarity- and pH-balanced formula, perfect for anyone prone to UTIs or vaginitis,” says Betsy Greenleaf, DO, a triple board-certified ob-gyn, urologist, and member of the PlusOne Wellness Collective. “Bonus: It doubles as a hair serum and anti-chafing product—great for athletes or travelers.”
“A little of this lube goes a long way, it lasts long, and it doesn’t stain anything,” says one Glamour tester. “It never gets sticky or clumpy; it stays silky and slippery. I can attest to two hours of usage without having to get more. It's just a bit pricey, but worth it.”
Type: Silicone-based | Works with: Non-silicone toys, latex, and polyisoprene condoms | Feel: Velvety soft and not sticky | Scent: Unscented | Flavor: Unflavored | Size: 1.86 fl. oz. | Best for: Vaginal penetration, anal sex, masturbation, shower sex, body massage, vaginal dryness
Best Water-Based Lube: Good Clean Love BioNude Ultra-Sensitive Personal Lubricant
- What we love: Natural feel; affordable; safe with all sex toys and condoms; easy to clean up; pH-balanced
- Worth noting: Dries quickly and needs frequent reapplication; won't work for shower sex
Water-based lubes are popular because they can be used with all sex toys (unlike silicone- and oil-based lubes). This lube’s hypoallergenic formula is designed to sync with the body’s chemistry to maintain its vaginal pH balance—so there’s less fear of a possible infection after using it. “The Good Clean Love BioNude is nice because it doesn’t have any kind of sticky residue—it just leaves your skin soft,” says Heather Shannon, LCPC, an AASECT-certified sex therapist. “Not only does it meet the criteria you should consider for water-based lubes (a pH balance between 3.5 and 4.5; an osmolality under 1,200; and fragrance- and flavor-free), but it can also be used with any condoms or toys, so no mental math is needed to figure out what goes with what. It has a thinner consistency and a very neutral smell. It can be used for anything since it’s water-based, but I’d suggest it for vaginal sex since there’s already likely to be some natural lubricant.”
Type: Water-based | Works with: All sex toy and condom materials | Feel: Smooth, slightly runny | Scent: Unscented | Flavor: Unflavored | Size: 3 fl. oz. | Best for: Vaginal penetration, masturbation
Best Silicone-Based Lube: Sliquid Silver
- Why we love it: Long-lasting slip; great for shower sex and anal; not too sticky
- Worth noting: Not safe for use with silicone sex toys
Sliquid is exactly that: slick and liquid. The silicone-based lube is a whole boatload of silkiness and then some. When rubbed between the fingers, you can tell that this lube doesn’t get sticky—no matter how many hours of play you indulge in with your partner. This lube is “great for anal and other kinds of play where you want it to start slippery and to stay slippery,” says Dr. Queen. Its texture is thicker than a water-based lube but not in a way that doesn’t feel natural. When swabbed, it drips just like any other silicone-based lube would: slower than most water-based, but faster than most oil-based.
“I only use silicone lube, and this is my favorite. It’s always on my nightstand, and I use it with everyone because it glides so nicely," says one Glamour tester. "I just pop a bit in a lube applicator then pop it into my bottoms and it’s smooth sailing. I’ve never experienced a broken condom with it, which is a true testament to how great it is.”
Type: Silicone-based | Works with: Non-silicone toys, latex, and polyisoprene condoms | Feel: Light, very slick, almost powdery | Scent: Unscented | Flavor: Unflavored | Size: 8.5 fl. oz. | Best for: Anal sex, vaginal penetration, shower sex
Best Lube for Masturbation: Maude Shine Organic
- What we love: Hydrating; long-lasting; pH-balanced; good for vaginal dryness; pump-top bottle
- Worth noting: Needs frequent reapplication; cannot be used in shower or bath
This long-lasting lube is glycerin-, paraben-, and fragrance-free and has a thin consistency—“great for vaginal sex” and solo play says Shannon. Between the fingers, its consistency is thin and light. “I’m a big fan of Maude Shine lube for masturbation. Its pump-top makes it super easy to dispense without making a big mess, and it locks too,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. “It doesn’t have a distracting scent, and I can use it with my silicone vibrator. A little goes a long way, and though it does eventually dry out and need reapplication, it doesn’t leave a sticky residue. My vibrator is easy to rinse off after.” Shine Organic is formulated to be pH-balanced, so you don’t have to worry about bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections after using it. Another big plus is the lube's pump-top container that doesn’t require any fumbling (no matter how slippery your hands might get) and dispenses just the right amount of lubricant without the mess of a squeeze bottle.
Type: Aloe- and water-based | Works with: All sex toy and condom materials | Feel: Thin, light | Scent: Unscented | Flavor: Unflavored | Size: 8 fl. oz. | Best for: Masturbation, vaginal penetration, vaginal dryness
Best Lube for Sensitive Skin: Pjur Infinity Water-Based Lube
- What we love: Free of ingredients that upset vaginal environment; long-lasting
- Worth noting: Cannot be paired with polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms
The vagina's environment is, perhaps unsurprisingly, quite delicate—more so for some than others. The best lubes for sensitive skin are body-safe and avoid ingredients like glycerin, parabens, petroleum jelly, and alcohol which can disrupt the vagina's pH balance and lead to yeast infections. Gynecologists advise looking for hypoallergenic water- and silicone-based lubes that match the vagina's pH (the average range is between 3.8 and 5.0 according to the National Institutes of Health).
“This is the perfect water-based lube if you are sensitive, as it is unscented and has a smooth texture,” says Frye-Nekrasova. “It has a slick consistency that allows everything to glide with ease. This is one of the longest-lasting water-based lubes I have ever used.” The Infinity formulation is pH-optimized, and free of additives, oil, fragrances, and flavors.
Type: Water-based | Works with: Silicone toys, latex condoms | Feel: Slick | Scent: Unscented | Flavor: Unflavored | Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | Best for: Vaginal dryness, sensitive skin, masturbation, vaginal penetration, anal penetration
Best Lube for Vaginal Dryness: Good Clean Love Almost Naked Aloe & Water Lubricant
- What we love: Gently moisturizing aloe vera helps with vaginal dryness; can be used with silicone sex toys and condoms
- Worth noting: Needs frequent reapplication
Vaginal dryness during sex impacts around 17% of people assigned female at birth between age 18 to 50, according to Cleveland Clinic. There's a ton of reasons why that may be the case (yeast infection, breastfeeding, birth control, medication, stress). Post-menopause, that number jumps to more than 50%, as estrogen decreases. The right kind of personal lubricant can help act as a vaginal moisturizer and increase your comfort during sex and masturbation.
“This personal lube earns points for being pH- and osmolarity-balanced, making it ideal for those prone to vaginitis or UTIs,” says Dr. Greenleaf. “It has a tangy scent and slippery feel, though it may require multiple applications and can sometimes dry out, leaving a gritty texture. Still, it’s worth a try for its safety and balance.” It's free of irritating parabens and petrochemicals and is rich in organic aloe vera, which is super moisturizing and ideal for anyone with sensitive skin.
If you're looking for other lubes for menopausal dryness, Dr. Greenleaf also likes Foria Sex Oil, as its CBD formula can help relax pelvic muscle tightness. It's oil-based, however, which can potentially alter the pH of the vagina (and lead to dryness for some).
Type: Aloe- and water-based | Works with: All sex toy and condom materials | Feel: Slick, slippery | Scent: Unscented | Flavor: Unflavored | Size: 4 fl. oz. | Best for: Vaginal dryness, menopausal dryness, vaginal penetration
Best Lube for Anal Sex: Pjur Backdoor Silicone Anal Lube
- What we love: Long-lasting slip; jojoba oil relaxes anal muscles
- Worth noting: Cap tough to unscrew off in heat of moment; cannot be used with silicone toys (many dildos and butt plugs are silicone)
Anal lube is crucial—the anus doesn't lubricate itself, after all. “For anal sex, choose lube that is thicker and longer-lasting,” says Luna Matatas, a sex educator. “Silicone lubricants are a top choice for many booty-pleasure enthusiasts because of their staying power.” This formula from Pjur was formulated specifically for anal play. “It has jojoba oil, which helps to relax the sphincters, making anal more pleasurable,” says Javay Frye-Nekrasova, MEd, an AASECT-certified sex educator. “It has a smooth, slick texture and consistency that feels great on the body as well as toys (just not silicone toys). The soothing sensation and long-lasting slickness will allow you to enjoy anal for lengthy stretches of time without worry.”
Type: Silicone-based | Works with: Non-silicone toys, latex, and polyisoprene condoms | Feel: Thick, slick | Scent: Unscented | Flavor: Unflavored | Size: 3.4 fl. oz. | Best for: Anal play
Best Oil-Based Lube: Ah! Yes Oil-Based Lube
- What we love: Moisturizing; soft to touch; good for body massage
- Worth noting: Not compatible with condoms; not best suited for sensitive intimate areas; hard to clean off
Here's a silky-smooth massage oil that gently nourishes skin. When you’re ready to move from foreplay to the main event, it becomes a lubricant that can heighten your pleasure. “This is an excellent choice for hand jobs, anal, and vaginal play for those who have no problems with the oils in it," says Dr. Queen. “Because it's oil, it's slick, and has a natural fragrance from the nuts and seed oils it's made with, though there's no added scent.” The lube is rich in hydrating ingredients like sunflower seed oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter.
Type: Oil-based | Works with: Silicone toys | Feel: Slick, oily | Scent: Unscented, though there's a little fragrance from the natural ingredients | Flavor: Unflavored | Size: 4.7 fl. oz. | Best for: Masturbation, body massage, non-latex toy play
Best Lube for Penile Masturbation: Gun Oil Silicone-Based Lubricant
- What we love: Long-lasting; smooth, frictionless texture; moisturizing; doesn't need frequent application
- Worth noting: Can stain sheets and clothes; harder to wash off
Despite its rather intense packaging, Gun Oil is a great lube (especially for penile masturbation). Water-based lubes need frequent reapplication, and oil-based lubes can clog the pores. But this lube is smooth and doesn't dry out, thus needing reapplication (a real buzzkill in the middle of a solo session). It can be used in the shower and is also moisturizing. “This is a fantastic lube that's packed with vitamin E and aloe to keep you well lubricated,” Shannon says. "It's a thin, silky, slippery, and stays slick for a long time. It has staying power." Its formula also avoids ingredients like parabens, glycerin, spermicides, propylene glycol, fragrance, flavoring, and chlorhexidine—all of which can irritate the skin, says Suzanne Silverman Fenske, MD, a double board-certified ob-gyn and assistant clinical professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Type: Silicone-based | Works with: Non-silicone toys, latex, and polyisoprene condoms | Feel: Thin, silky | Scent: Unscented | Flavor: Unflavored | Size: 8 fl. oz. | Best for: Penile masturbation, vaginal dryness, vaginal penetration, shower sex
Best Lube for Condoms: PlusOne Hybrid Glide
- What we love: Compatible with most condoms; longer-lasting than most water-based lubes; easier to rinse off than most silicone-based lubes
- Worth noting: Not compatible with polyurethane condoms
If you're searching for a lube that pairs well with condoms for vaginal and anal sex, experts recommend this hybrid lube from PlusOne. It's cushier and longer-lasting than your standard water-based lube, so you're not stuck reapplying it frequently, but it's easier to clean up than a 100% silicone-based lube. “This water-silicone combo is a game-changer,” says Dr. Greenleaf. "It’s super slick, stays slippery, and works perfectly with condoms." It’s also versatile for all types of penetration. Though it has a watery feel, it lasts way longer than typical water-based lubes.”
Type: Hybrid (water and silicone) | Works with: Latex condoms, polyisoprene condoms, non-silicone sex toys | Feel: Slick, slippery | Scent: Unscented | Flavor: Unflavored | Size: 4 fl. oz. | Best for: Vaginal penetration, anal penetration
Best Lube for Oral Sex: Coconu Water-Based Lubricant
- What we love: Long-lasting; feels natural; edible; safe with latex; hypoallergenic
- Worth noting: May not feel slick enough for anal sex
Dr. Queen recommends Coconu’s vegan coconut-water-based lube. The formula is edible, so it’s an excellent lube for oral sex if you want to make things more slippery—and for those who aren’t always keen on tasting their partner’s genitals. The finger test proves that this lube feels just like natural lubrication, albeit a bit runnier, and after some proper finger rubbing, it never gets sticky or pilly—just silky smooth. Plus, it’s nontoxic, 100% cruelty-free, and pH-balanced.
Type: Coconut water-based | Works with: Silicone toys, condoms | Feel: Creamy, silky | Scent: Slightly vegetal | Flavor: Coconutty | Size: 3 oz. | Best for:
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