Healthy Intimacy Starts Here: These Are the 12 Best Lubes, Recommended by Experts (2024)

Healthy Intimacy Starts Here: These Are the 12 Best Lubes, Recommended by Experts (1)

Lubricants are used to reduce pain during sexual intercourse and enhance the physical experience. However, using the wrong lube (such as one with unhealthy ingredients) could cause discomfort and even potentially increase the risk of contracting STIs and STDs.

To select the best sex lubes, we spoke with two gynecologists who work in the sexual wellness space. They shared the best uses for lube, the pros and cons of each type, and what ingredients to avoid. We then searched the web to find the best lubes on the market, considering these experts' insights.

Types of Lube

There are four main types of lube:

  • Water-based lubes can be paired with condoms and toys and are great for reducing irritation but tend to require reapplication often, especially in water.
  • Oil-based lubes are long-lasting and waterproof and great for contraception and STI protection, but they may stain sheets and aren't compatible with latex condoms.
  • Silicone-based lubes are long-lasting and slick, great for water play, and latex- and condom-safe making them ideal for anal sex. However, Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOG, and OB/GYN, warns that they can't be used with silicone toys.
  • Hybrid lubes are often combined with water and silicone, are easy to clean up, and are usually longer-lasting than water-based lubes.

Ingredients to Look for in Lube

Experts recommend looking for natural ingredients and safe preservatives. Common natural ingredients are:

  • Aloe vera and vitamin E: These ingredients can provide natural lubrication and moisture.
  • Sodium benzoate and citric acid: These common preservatives are safe to use and won't disturb vaginal pH balance.
  • Hydroxyethylcellulose: An ingredient that closely mimics natural vaginal fluids without decreasing sperm motility.

Ingredients to Avoid in Lube

Some ingredients may do more harm than good. Avoid lubes with the following:

  • Phthalates: These synthetic chemicals are used in many cosmetic and personal care products. They've been noted as a potential health hazard and may be linked to reproductive issues as well as certain cancers.
  • Glycerin: While this ingredient is FDA-approved and has certain benefits, such as long-lasting moisture, it should be avoided in vaginal lubrication products as it can cause yeast infections and irritation.
  • Parabens: These preservatives can reduce the growth of bacteria, but they're also known to disrupt the endocrine system by mimicking estrogen, potentially causing fertility issues.
  • Propylene glycol: This ingredient is common in lubes as it can give the product a slippery, silky feeling. However, Dweck says they might cause sensitivity in some people.
  • Nonoxynol-9:This spermicide can cause infection or even make it harder to conceive.

It's also wise to avoid flavors, sparkles, and scents as they can cause irritation in some.

Our Top Picks

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In This Article

  • Types of Lube

  • Ingredients to Look For

  • Ingredients to Avoid

  • Our Picks

  • How We Selected

  • Our Experts

  • FAQ

  • Why Trust Verywell Health

Pros

  • Only 4 ingredients

  • Latex-safe

  • Versatile

Cons

  • Not compatible with silicone sex toys

Key Specs:

Type: Silicone-based | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E | Size: 3.8 fluid ounces | Scent: Unscented

Why We Recommend It

Uberlube’s Luxury Lubricant is silicone-based, meaning you only need a little bit to get you through a session, and it can be used for water play as well. It has these long-lasting lubricating benefits while being free from potentially harmful or irritating ingredients like parabens, glycerin, scents, and flavors. In fact, it has only four ingredients in total. The addition of vitamin E helps provide moisturization and softness.

We appreciate the discreet bottle, so it’s easy to keep on your nightstand without anyone realizing it’s lube. Plus, it has a hand pump that makes dispensing it seamless.

Another great silicone-based alternative is Pink’s Silicone Lubricant. This option also has the long-lasting benefits of silicone without any potentially harmful additives like parabens or glycerin. Plus, it includes vitamin E for skin rejuvenation and aloe vera for moisturization.

Keep in Mind

Unfortunately, since it is silicone-based, it isn’t compatible with silicone sex toys; it can cause them to deteriorate over time. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, we recommend our best water-based lube, LOLA’s Personal Lubricant.

Pros

  • Menopause-friendly

  • Compatible with condoms and sex toys

  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • May become sticky

  • Not ideal for traveling

Key Specs:

Type: Water-based | Key Ingredients: Propanediol, hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium benzoate, citric acid | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Scent: Unscented

Why We Recommend It

LOLA’s Personal Lubricant is a relatively affordable water-based option free from potentially harmful ingredients like parabens, glycerin, and fragrances. LOLA considers it hypoallergenic, meaning the risk of an allergic reaction is low compared to other similar products (however, it’s worth noting that the FDA doesn’t really regulate these claims).

While most water-based lubricants require constant reapplication, LOLA’s thick formula has a longer window of effectiveness. This makes it great for various people and uses, including those going through menopause. Since it’s water-based, it’s safe to use with condoms and sex toys.

Besides water, this lube contains FDA-approved preservatives sodium benzoate and citric acid, as well as gluconolactone and hydroxyethylcellulose for thickening and maintaining the lube’s texture during use.

If you're not set on LOLA's Personal Lubricant, there are other great water-based lubes on the market that may be worth a try, such as LELO's Personal Moisturizer. It's a water-based lube free from fragrance, glycerine, and parabens and offers aloe vera for added moisture and longer-lasting effectiveness. It's also sex toy-friendly and condom-safe. Just keep in mind that this option also contains propylene glycol, which may irritate some users.

Keep in Mind

LOLA’s Personal Lubricant contains propylene glycol, which may irritate some people.

Pros

  • Made with natural ingredients

  • Organic ingredients

  • Safe to swallow

Cons

  • Not compatible with latex condoms

Key Specs:

Type: Oil-based | Key Ingredients: Organic coconut oil, natural vanilla flavor, beeswax, water, jojoba esters, sunflower seed wax, acacia wax, Polyglycerin-3, stevia extract | Size: 3.3 fluid ounces | Scent: Vanilla

Why We Recommend It

WOO’s More Play Coconut Oil lube has an impressive list of natural ingredients, including organic coconut oil, vanilla flavor, and beeswax. This coconut oil-based lube is long-lasting and great for combating severe dryness. It’s great for those engaging in solo play or who aren’t using a condom for partner sex.

The ingredients are naturally hydrating, so your skin will feel silky smooth when you’re done. It has a mild vanilla scent thanks to the vanilla flavor added, but nothing too strong. It’s even safe to swallow!

Keep in Mind

This pick isn't best for people looking for unflavored lubes, as there is a naturally added flavor. Also, the coconut oil base means it can't be used with latex condoms and increases the risk of stains.

Pros

  • Long lasting

  • Moisturizing

  • Compatible with condoms and sex toys

Cons

  • Not functional for water play

Key Specs:

Type: Water-based | Key Ingredients: Lotus root, oat beta-glucan, hyaluronic acid | Size: 4 ounces | Scent: Unscented

Why We Recommend It

Sutil's Luxe lube is a water-based lube that mimics the long-lasting effects of silicone. This pick is sensitive skin-friendly because it's free from potential irritants like parabens and glycerin. Besides water, it includes natural hydrating ingredients like lotus root and oat beta-glucan. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps promote skin elasticity. These ingredients make this a great option for those with dry or sensitive skin.

Like all water-based lubes, Sutil's Luxe lube is compatible with condoms and sex toys. It also comes in various sizes (some small enough to fit your carry-on on the plane).

Keep in Mind

This pick isn't ideal for water play. If you’re looking for a lube for water-based romance (alone or with a partner), we recommend our best silicone-based pick, Uberlube’s Luxury Lubricant.

Pros

  • Vegan

  • Compatible with rubber and plastic toys

  • Moisturizing

Cons

  • Small bottle

Key Specs:

Type: Aloe vera-based | Key Ingredients: Organic aloe vera, vitamin E | Size: 2.5 ounces | Scent: Unscented

Why We Recommend It

Aloe Cadabra's Natural Personal Lube is a unique aloe vera-based lube free from parabens, propylene glycol, and glycerin. It's made with 95% organic aloe vera, and it contains vitamin E, which helps to reduce painful intercourse while moisturizing and relieving vaginal dryness.

We like that this lube won't stain clothing or bedding, is pH balanced, and is rubber and plastic toy-friendly. It's also vegan, edible, and comes in multiple fun flavors.

Keep in Mind

This bottle is a bit smaller than other lubes on our list, but the aloe vera base helps it last longer than other water-based lubes.

Pros

  • No numbing agents

  • Designed for anal sex

  • Long lasting

Cons

  • Not compatible with silicone sex toys

  • May make it harder to orgasm

Key Specs:

Type:Silicone-based |Key Ingredients:Dimethicone, jojoba seed oil |Size:3.4 ounces |Scent:Unscented

Why We Recommend It

The anus doesn't lubricate itself like the vagina, so it's important to have an effective lube like Pjor's Back Door. It's a silicone-based lube, and Dweck says they're the best for anal sex because they are slick, long-lasting, and condom compatible.

This lube stands out because it's specifically designed for anal sex. It's free from perfume or synthetic colors and contains jojoba seed oil to help with relaxation. Unlike some other anal sex lubes, this one doesn't have harsh numbing agents that could disconnect you from your body's sensations. It's slippery, effective, and also a good pick for first-timers.

Keep in Mind

This pick stains easily and isn't compatible with silicon sex toys. Also, some have reported that while it doesn't contain harsh numbing agents, it does slightly alter the sensation, which can make it harder for people with penises to orgasm. That being said, it's still more than effective and allows for ample pleasure.

Pros

  • Free from harmful ingredients

  • Latex-, rubber-, plastic-friendly

  • Moisturizing

Cons

  • May become sticky

Key Specs:

Type: Hybrid | Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, vitamin E, hibiscus extract, green tea extract | Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Scent: Unscented

Why We Recommend It

When being intimate, the last thing you should be thinking about is harmful chemicals in your lube (and your body). Sliquid Organics Silk Lubricant’s silicone- and aloe vera-based formula is free of unwanted additives and safe for rubber, plastic, and latex.

This lube is botanically infused and vegan, and the 12% silicone blend makes it longer lasting. The aloe vera and vitamin E in the formula act as a natural moisturizer, which may help counter menopause-related vaginal dryness—also, green tea and hibiscus in the lube offer invigorating sensations that support skin elasticity.

Keep in Mind

Unfortunately, this lube can become sticky with continued reapplication compared to most water-based lubes because of the gel-like consistency.

Pros

  • Made with organic ingredients

  • Compatible with sex toys and condoms

  • Sensitive skin friendly

Cons

  • May require reapplication

  • Small bottle

Key Specs:

Type: Water-based | Key Ingredients: Water, aloe vera | Size: 1.5 fluid ounces | Scent: Unscented

Why We Recommend It

When connecting with your partner or yourself sexually during pregnancy, lube can help ease any friction-related discomfort and make for a more pleasurable experience. The water base behind the Good Clean Love Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant will leave you feeling, well, almost naked. Gynecologists highly recommend it, and it is free from parabens and glycerin. Plus, it’s made with organic aloe leaf juice, which helps moisturize and extend the water-based lube’s effectiveness. A 2012 study even concluded that this lube is one of the safest out there, which is especially important during pregnancy.

The formula is long-lasting, moisturizing, and easy to clean up. Because of its water base, you won’t have to worry about it leaving behind any bothersome stains. It’s infused with light lemon and vanilla scents without irritating chemical additives, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Plus, it’s safe for silicone toys and latex condoms.

Keep in Mind

While still affordable, this lube may be pricier in the long run. The bottle is small and offers less product than other options, and since it's water-based, you may need to re-apply on top of that. We'd suggest purchasing the larger bottle or the two-pack to get more bang for your buck.

Pros

  • Free from harmful ingredients

  • Variety of flavor options

  • Sugar-free

Cons

  • Artificial flavoring

Key Specs:

Type: Water-based | Key Ingredients: Water, natural flavoring & aspartame | Size: 4.2 ounces | Scent: Cherry vanilla

Why We Recommend It

For oral sex, flavored lubes can mask the latex flavor of a condom and add novelty. We recommend Sliquid Naturals' Swirl because it is free from potentially harmful ingredients like glycerin, parabens, and propylene glycol. It's sugar-free, vegan, and hypoallergenic as well. We love that it comes in a bunch of flavors–from cherry vanilla to pina colada—to cater to a variety of taste preferences.

Keep in Mind

It does contain aspartame. There’s some mixed messaging around the safety of aspartame for internal use, so you may be best off using this exclusively for oral or non-penetrative sex. For penetrative sex without a condom, we recommend WOO’s More Play Coconut Oil Lube because it has a subtle vanilla flavor and is safe to swallow. For penetrative sex with a condom, we recommend Lube Life’s Water-Based Personal Lubricant.

How We Selected the Best Lubes

To select the best lubes, we interviewed two gynecologists with experience in sexual wellness. Considering their recommendations, we researched the web for the best lubes for various uses based on the following criteria:

  • Purpose: When selecting lubes, we took the guidance of our experts and prioritized the purpose they'd be used for. We narrowed down our list based on each product's safety for their intended uses, type (water, oil, silicon, and hybrid), and overall performance.
  • Key ingredients: Our experts agree that ingredients are crucial when picking out lubricants. We assessed options based on the type of lube and their primary ingredients. We prioritized options with healthy, vulva- and vagina-friendly ingredients.
  • Value: After assessing the above, we compared the overall benefits to the financial cost of each product.

Our Experts

We consulted two experts during the research and writing of this article on the best personal lubricants:

  • Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOG, an OB/GYN and medical advisor for INTIMINA, an intimate wellness brand.
  • Karyn Eilber, MD, a urogynecologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and co-founder of Glissant Intimate Wellness. She is also the editor and co-author of the newly released book A Woman’s Guide to Her Pelvic Floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What lube is most recommended?

    The best lube for you depends on your intended use. Water-based lubes are usually less irritating and are compatible with condoms and toys, but they require reapplication. Silicone lubes are the most slippery, but if you will be inserting it into the vagina, keep in mind that silicone is tough for the vagina to clear.

  • How do you apply lube?

    Lube can be applied to a sex toy, condom, or directly onto your own body or your partner’s body. The recommended amount will depend on the type of lube you’re using. You may want to be more generous with water-based lube, whereas with silicone-based lube, you won’t need too much to reap the benefits.

  • Does lube affect your risk of STIs or infections?

    If you're using water- or silicone-based lube with a latex condom, the lubricant can help reduce friction that will, in turn, reduce the risk of condom breakage, thus keeping you safer. Oil-based lubricants, however, will degrade a latex condom quickly and lead to breakage, so they aren't recommended for use with latex condoms. Dweck warns that the ingredient nonoxynol-9, a spermicide, might increase the risk for STIs,including HIVbecause it could cause small tears in the genital tissue that increase the risk for exposure to pathogens. Lubricants that are considered hyperosmolar can also cause epithelial tissue damage. Lubes that contain glycerin and propylene glycol fall into this category.

  • Can you use lube with a lubricated condom?

    Yes. In fact, more lubricant can help the condom do its job even better. Additional lubricant can reduce friction even further to minimize the chance of the condom breaking. It can also decrease the chance of irritating delicate tissues, which can lead to infection.

Why Trust Verywell Health

Isabel Vasquez, RD, LDN is a registered dietitian and freelance health and nutrition writer. Her work is especially focused on helping individuals divest from a one-size-fits-all approach to health and connect with their unique needs.

As a seasoned health writer, Isis Briones knows the importance of finding products that work best for you and your conditions. You can count on her to always provide a variety of recommendations from licensed medical professionals because she has tested and reviewed tons of products over the years to know everyone is different.

Healthy Intimacy Starts Here: These Are the 12 Best Lubes, Recommended by Experts (2024)

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