Lubricants come with advantages and drawbacks. Water-based formulas are ideal for those with delicate skin. Silicone and oil-based varieties last longer but may harm sex toys and latex condoms. Natural choices like olive oil can work, yet they also carry certain risks.
A quick look at the top lubes
- Best water-based lube: Blossom Organics Natural Moisturizing Lubricant
- Best silicone-based lube: Wet Platinum Pure Silicone Lubricant
- Best oil-based lube: AH! YES OB Plant-Oil Based Personal Lubricant
- Best natural lube: Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant & Moisturizer
When it comes to intimacy, a simple rule often applies: the wetter, the better. That idea fits perfectly for lube — more moisture generally equals a smoother experience.
If you assume lube is only for vaginal dryness, broaden your thinking. Consider it a way to lower friction, soothe skin, and enhance sexual enjoyment — regardless of gender, age, or life stage.
In fact, a 2009 Indiana University study involving 2,453 women found that more than 70 percent said lube improved pleasure and enjoyment during sex.
Carli Blau, LMSW, a sex and relationship therapist based in New York City, points out that “needing a lubricant does not mean that you’re not interested in your partner.”
So drop the notion that lubrication necessarily signals lack of arousal, and lean on your partner’s words instead of assumptions.
Think of lube as a little encouragement for your genitals — or a time-saver when you’re already running late. Here’s how to move from pre-play to foreplay with lubricant.
What exactly is lube?
Personal lubricant, commonly called “lube,” is a liquid or gel designed to reduce friction during sexual activity.
It’s suitable for many sexual activities, including penetrative and anal sex, as well as solo play. Some kinds are also compatible with sex toys.
Which type should you choose?
Consider the various bases lubricants use when selecting the best match for your needs. Lubes typically come in these categories:
- water
- silicone
- oil
- hybrid (a blend of multiple bases)
Hybrid lubes usually mix water and silicone. There are numerous formulations to cater to different preferences.
How we selected our picks
- Price. Plenty of affordable, safe lubricants exist. We included options across a range of prices to suit different budgets.
- Base. Since lubricants start with a base like oil, water, or silicone, we made sure to include a selection of bases to fit diverse needs.
- Customer rating. Lube choice is personal, but we favored products with strong user reviews.
Healthline’s selections for top lubes
Best water-based lube
Blossom Organics Natural Moisturizing Lubricant
Price: $$
Called a “versatile” choice, water-based lubricants can be applied to nearly any sexual situation — even with silicone toys.
Blau notes that water-based formulas are safe to use with latex and nonlatex condoms and may lower the chance of condom failure.
For vaginal sex, consider Blossom Organics Natural Moisturizing Lubricant, which is pH-balanced and helps reduce friction.
People favor this type of lube for three main reasons: it won’t stain bedding, it’s gentle on skin, and it rinses away easily with water.
Shop now at AmazonBest silicone-based lube
Wet Platinum Pure Silicone Lubricant
Price: $
For very reactive skin, silicone-based lubricants feel like silky sheets on sensitive areas. Silicone is hypoallergenic for most people and typically won’t trigger irritation. This category also tends to last longer.
If you want something that requires less frequent reapplication, silicone could be the answer.
When Kathryn, a 27-year-old who has sampled many lubricants, tried shower sex, she opted for a silicone-based product.
“It makes it way more pleasurable because water usually washes everything else away,” she explains.
A top silicone pick is Wet Platinum Pure Silicone Lubricant. This product is registered with the FDA and made from high-quality ingredients.
The main drawback: silicone-based lube can degrade silicone toy surfaces. Blau warns this can create tiny abrasions where bacteria may collect, making toys harder to sanitize.
“If you share toys,” she advises, “use water-based lubricant during toy play to keep things safer.”
On the upside, silicone lubricants are safe with condoms.
Shop now at AmazonBest oil-based lube
AH! YES OB Plant-Oil Based Personal Lubricant
Price: $$$
If you dislike reapplying, oil-based lubricants are the long-haul option. They often provide extended slipperiness so you can keep going without frequent touch-ups.
AH! YES OB Plant-Oil Based Personal Lubricant is well-known for its lasting slickness.
Pro tip: Oil-based lubes work nicely for sensual massages as well. However, they’re not suited for use with latex condoms because oils can weaken and tear latex.
A 2013 study linked oil-based lubricant use to elevated rates of Candida, the fungus behind yeast infections.
Also, oil can stain linens and clothing and can be harder to launder out of fabrics.
Shop now at AH! YESBest natural lube
Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant & Moisturizer
Price: $$
Concerned about what’s in your lube? Natural lubes have become more common recently, though “natural” can mean different things to different brands.
Look for products with recognizable, few ingredients. Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant & Moisturizer is a solid choice, containing 95 percent aloe vera.
Sliquid Organics Natural Gel is another option that’s vegan and free of parabens, with no scent or flavor.
Coconut oil is a commonly used natural alternative, and 2014 research suggests it’s a clinically safe moisturizer. Still, it can stain bedding and compromise condom integrity because oils degrade latex.
Also be cautious about cross-contamination if you’re dipping fingers into a jar of coconut oil that’s also used for cooking. If you choose a multipurpose natural oil, reserve one jar exclusively for sexual use.
Shop now at AmazonA comparison of the top lubes
Blossom Organics Natural Moisturizing LubricantWet Platinum Pure Silicone LubricantAH! YES OB Plant-Oil Based Personal LubricantAloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant & Moisturizer
Price: $$$$ Base: water, silicone, plant oil, aloe Key ingredients: organic aloe barbadensis leaf extract, hyaluronic acid; propylene glycol, water, dimethicone; sunflower seed oil, shea butter, sweet almond oil; organic aloe barbadensis leaf juice, vitamin E oil, xanthan gum Customer rating: 4.5 stars each
How to apply lube the right way
We joke — there isn’t a single “correct” method for using lube.
Need it for solo play? Want intimacy but your body hasn’t started producing natural lubrication? Apply liberally wherever needed.
Jenny, 26, doesn’t naturally make enough lubrication for sex, so she and her partner use lube during foreplay, spreading it on genitals and adding more if things start to feel uncomfortable.
Kate, 27, says she uses lube about 75 percent of the time, whether alone or with a partner.
“Even if I’m already wet,” Kate says, “it’s still nice to have a bit of extra assistance.”
So put it on wherever you need—vagina, penis, or anus.
Once you find a lube you like, you can warm a bit in your hands before applying if the temperature bothers you. If you’re using a condom, remember to apply a compatible, non-oil-based lube to its exterior.
Whether you use condoms, diaphragms, or dental dams, lube reduces friction and often makes sex more pleasurable.
How to pick the best one
With so many lubricants available, choosing can be overwhelming. The main aim of lube is to minimize friction and boost comfort and pleasure, so the ideal product is a personal choice.
Consider how you’ll use it. If you’ll be using condoms or silicone toys, choose a compatible formula.
Water-based lubes are a safe starting point because they work in most scenarios and are good for sensitive skin. Silicone-based lubes last longer but can damage silicone toys over time.
Oil-based lubes are also long-lasting, but should never be used with latex condoms as they can cause tearing.
What to avoid
On the market you’ll see flavored, warming, tingling, and all-natural lubricants. These can be enjoyable, but scrutinize ingredient lists and, if concerned, test pH with litmus strips.
A healthy vaginal pH is roughly 3.5 to 4.5, so ideally your lubricant should be close to that range. Many products don’t list pH on their packaging, making verification tricky.
Watch out for ingredients that may irritate or inflame, including:
- glycerin
- nonoxynol-9
- petroleum
- propylene glycol
- chlorhexidine gluconate
Blau also recommends avoiding parabens, glycerin, and petroleum to lower infection risk. If you use condoms and toys, choose a lube that’s compatible with latex, rubber, and plastic.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use coconut oil as lube?
Yes, coconut oil can serve as a natural lubricant and can ease friction and vaginal dryness.
However, unrefined coconut oil is less processed and you should use a fresh jar reserved for sexual use to minimize contamination.
What can I use instead of lube?
Household items sometimes used as substitutes include olive oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, and aloe vera. Be aware that some may raise the risk of yeast infections or damage condoms, so a purpose-made product from this list may be safer.
Can you use baby oil for lube?
It’s not advised. While baby oil can moisturize skin, mineral oil-based products aren’t recommended as lubricants because they can increase infection risk and impair latex condoms.
What is lube used for?
Personal lubricant’s role is to cut friction and prevent irritation during sexual activity. It’s used with partners or alone, and there are many safe options depending on your needs.
Takeaway
Whatever your reasons for using lube, remember: it’s an easy and enjoyable way to enhance your sex life. So be bold, and lube up!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.