The Best Lubes for Every Type of Play
If you’re not using lube, you’re missing out. Once assumed to be something that only older people might need due to perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, the reality is that the best lubes will make all sex-related activities much more pleasurable—no matter your age, gender, or whatever you’re into exploring.
It's why you should always have lube within reach. Lube is a sexually active person’s best friend. Not only does it help prevent friction during penetration—vaginal and anal—which can lead to micro-tears and chafing, making one susceptible to possible infections, but it can be an incredible asset when giving oral sex or if you need some slippery touches during foreplay. Nipples, as do other external erogenous zones, love lube, FYI.
Be sure to check out our many other sex guides, including the Best Sex Toys, Best Condoms, Best Vibrators, Best Clitoral Suction Toys, and Best Sex Machines.
Updated December 2025: We've added LubeLife Barely There Thin, Lelubé Ultra-Glide Water-Based Lube, Pjur Toy Glide Water-Based Lube, Howl Silicone-Based Lube, Playground Free Love, and LubeLife Water-Based Lube.
Lube Types: Silicone, Water, and Natural Oil
There are three kinds of lubes on the market: Water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based. To make the right choice for your sex life, your lifestyle, and even your sex toys, it’s paramount to have an understanding of each.
Water-based lubes are by far the most common because of their compatibility with silicone toys and latex condoms. These lubes also tend to be the most affordable—they’re water-based, after all—so you’re going to find them both online and in sex shops easily. High-quality water-based lubes may as well be called aloe-based lubes because Aloe barbadensis leaf gel is the primary thickener in almost all of them. This substance provides a high degree of slickness without leaving behind a sticky residue. (Sometimes a mushroom extract is also used to help achieve a silky-smooth texture.) However, not all water-based lubes are made equal, and some might feel sticky. That's because they have a bad habit of getting absorbed by the skin quickly, so they need to be reapplied more frequently than other lubes. In other words, finding your favorite water-based lube requires a bit of trial and error. That’s also why, when I can, I do the finger rub test first when dealing with water-based lubes. If the lube gets sticky, tacky, or, even worse, pilly or chunky, after a few minutes, I know it’s not going to be the best fit.
Silicone lubes, on the other hand, are oil-based. They provide a much higher degree of friction reduction and last longer, because they're not as readily absorbed by the skin. Because they are oil-based, you have to be careful not to stain your sheets or clothes when using them. Additionally, silicone lubes can degrade silicone toys over time, so it's best to keep most of your toys away from silicone lube (though glass and stainless steel toys and silicone lube get along great).
Natural oil-based lubes are becoming more common, and they typically use plant oils like coconut oil or avocado oil. The upside of these is that they play nicely with silicone toys and won't degrade them like silicone-based lubes will, and because they're made from natural oils they usually smell pretty good and are super hydrating. The downside is that they're a little more finicky and don't provide as much lubrication as silicone-based lubes. Oil-based lubes also can’t be used with latex condoms and can leave one heck of a stain on your sheets.
How to Test a Lube's Consistency
Just about every sex shop has a couple of tester lubes available. Like the makeup testers at Ulta or Sephora, they're there so you can get an idea if it's the right pick for you. The way I usually do this is what I call the thumb test. Squirt a little droplet onto your thumb and rub it between your thumb and index or middle finger. You're trying to get a sense of how the lube feels when it rubs out a bit. If you can feel the texture of your thumbprint, it's a pretty thin lube, which will give you a more tactile feel. If it feels like the lube makes a bit of a cushion between your fingertips, it's a thicker and, in my experience, slicker lube offering less friction. If it gets sticky or dry relatively quickly, then that should be a hard pass. Applying and reapplying lube shouldn’t be the star of the show, so don’t let it be.
Best Water-Based Lube
Without a doubt, the best water-based lube on the market hails from a company that makes many of our favorite sex toys. Like with all of Lelo’s products, you’re going to pay a little bit more, but when we’re talking about something you not only put on your body but in it, the extra few dollars are worth it. From a texture standpoint, Lelo is far superior to many of its fellow water-based lubes, because it stands the test of time. While other personal lubricants of this nature get sticky or tacky fairly quickly, Lelo's formula simply doesn’t.
Instead, it retains its silky smoothness past foreplay and into the main course. It’s also pH-balanced to match your skin and is free of parabens and glycerine, meaning if you or your partner are usually sensitive to lube, Lelo’s Personal Moisturizer might be the one that works for you.
Best Silicone-Based Lube
As someone with a lot, as in a ton, of silicone toys, I don’t have much use for silicone lubes. Which is sad, because I definitely prefer the texture of silicone lube to water-based lube, but I also love my silicone toys too much to mess with their integrity. However, when LubeLife Barely There Thin came my way, I was immediately smitten with its rich silkiness that retained its ideal consistency for far longer than most lubes. Granted, I wasn’t smitten enough to risk using it with my beloved silicone toys, but it quickly became a favorite for hands-only masturbation, anal play, and penetration with toys that are made of stainless steel or glass. Barely There Thin is free of parabens, glycerin, sulfates, and hormones, making it something I feel comfortable using both outside and inside my body.
Best Natural Oil-Based Lube
The Coconu oil-based lube uses coconut oil to keep things nice and slick. It's more stabilized than the coconut oil in your pantry, so it doesn't solidify as easily. During testing, I left it outside overnight, and it stayed liquid. Your mileage may vary if you live in a climate colder than the US Pacific Northwest, though.
On the skin, it feels light and never sticky. It just glides right on and never gets thick enough to inhibit sensation. Because it's coconut oil-based, it works great with silicone toys, though it provides slightly less overall slickness than a silicone-based lube. Still, it lasts longer than water-based lubes and leaves you nice and moisturized. You can even use a bit as a moisturizer in a pinch.
Best Grocery Store Water-Based Lube
When it comes to lube, accessibility is everything. That’s where Pjur Toy Glide Water-Based Lube comes into play. Not only can you order it directly from Pjur’s website, as well as other various online retailers, but you can also get this super slick lube at brick-and-mortar stores like Walmart. Considering the latter is the biggest retail chain in the US, with stores in every state except Hawaii, that’s good news. While certainly not the most expensive water-based lube on this list, it’s definitely not the cheapest. That being said, a little goes a long way, it lasts a fair amount of time—especially compared to other water-based lubes—and it has a surprisingly luxurious feeling that’s hard not to love.
Best Lube for Beginners
In terms of personal lubricants, Lelubé, which launched in November 2024, is new to the party. Which, of course, made me a little hesitant in giving it a try. Not because I don’t believe a lube can be awesome right out of the gate, but I’m just used to brands that have been around for a while and have had plenty of time to perfect their formula. However, Lelubé Ultra-Glide Water-Based Lube had me at the first drop. Not only does it feel extremely natural and hydrating, but it’s light as a feather, never gets sticky or chunky, and it’s free of both fragrance and flavor.
While the pricing is a little steep for someone who’s new to lube, the reason why I recommend it for beginners is because when you shop for lube, Lelubé, which is non-toxic, pH-compatible, antimicrobial, and non-staining, is exactly the type of product everyone should have in their arsenal. Starting healthy lube habits early on is the one of the best things you can do for yourself.
An Upgraded Silicone Lube
It was only recently that I heard about Howl, and I’m so glad I did. What started as a queer rave in London in 2019, has since evolved into a company that’s bettering the sex lives of everyone through sex education and their wellness products. While I gave both Howl’s water-based and silicone-based lubes a try, it was the silicone that really impressed me.
From the first few drops that touch my fingers—which is how I initially test lubes—I loved the cushiony, rich, almost-velvety feeling of it. I knew then it was a silicone lube that was going to last and last—something that turned out to be true when I incorporated it in both solo and partnered play.
As someone whose body doesn’t really respond to CBD, I didn’t get to experience what those who are positively sensitive to CBD might. That being said, if you love a lube with CBD, then this is one to try. Not only is CBD known to alleviate anxiety, reduce inflammation, and relieve chronic pain, but it naturally enhances blood flow to certain parts of the body, including the genitals, which can increase arousal and ultimately enhance sensation.
Best for Bath Time or Shower
Uberlube is a premium lube widely available online and in sex shops. It's also a luxurious little thing; it comes in a crystal-clear borosilicate glass bottle that feels like you're treating yourself or your partners to an elevated experience.
It's a great silicone lube, but where it shines is in the bathtub or during shower sex. As much as having sex in the water always seems like a good idea, the water washes away the vagina’s natural lubrication, leading to vaginal dryness, which can make penetration feel uncomfortable. Not only are silicone lubes pretty water resistant, making them great for use underwater, but they can also be a great substitute when natural lubrication takes its leave. If you squirt some on your hand and submerge your hand, it stays put. It doesn't float away and doesn't get diluted—important criteria when combining self-pleasure or partnered sex with water.
For a More Tactile Feel
As much as I love a cushiony lube, when I want something more tactile, meaning a bit thinner so there’s the right amount of friction, Sex au Natural has become my go-to water-based lube for just that. It offers a hydrating, silky sensation and also promotes natural lubrication. It even works with the body, helping to prevent bacterial and fungal infections, while not disrupting the pH balance of the vagina. It’s completely fragrance-free, making it ideal for anyone sensitive to smells.
Most Viscous Silicone Lube
Despite the name, this really is a lube for sex. It's a silicone lube with a reputation and a lot of die-hard fans in the queer community. After spending some time with it, I can confirm that, per drop, it lasts a little longer than most of the other silicone lubes I've tried. It also comes out of the bottle in thicker drops than other lubes—it's closer in viscosity to a water-based lube, which was a pleasant surprise. Silicone lubes can sometimes feel a little thin, but Gun Oil maintains a slick, frictionless texture no matter how long you use it.
Other Good Lubes
Over the years, we've tested dozens of different lubes, and some of them are pretty good if not exactly the best in any particular category. For those, we have this section.
Other Good Lubes
Over the years, we've tested dozens of different lubes, and some of them are pretty good if not exactly the best in any particular category. For those, we have this section.
LubeLife Water-Based Lubricant for $8: Not only does LubeLife make a stellar silicone lube, but their water-based lubes are great too. At the moment, I’m really enjoying their most recent water-based lube—they have a long and impressive line of these types of lubes—that’s surprisingly long-lasting for something that’s water-based. It’s also super smooth, feeling 100 percent natural, never gets that awful sticky or tacky texture that some water-based lubes develop over time, and upon tasting it, I noticed it had a very slight sweetness to it. While I haven’t used this lube during oral sex, I can definitely see it being a major asset in my performance.
Playground Free Love Lube for $18: If you’re susceptible to UTIs, bacterial vaginosis (BV), or similar infections, then this is the lube for you, as it’s been scientifically proven to both reduce and prevent such vaginal issues. Free Love is also free of glycerin and fragrance, both of which can lead to yeast infections and general irritations. Although Free Love is extremely smooth and makes for a great complement when trying to avoid friction, the biggest selling point is that it will protect you from infections that some other lubes just can’t.
Dame Arousal Serum for $30: I'm not a huge fan of warming or tingling lubes and have yet to try one that makes me a true believer. But Dame's Arousal Serum comes close. This is a warming, tingling, water-based lube that uses peppermint oil, cinnamon leaf oil, and ginger oil to provide some extra sensation during sex. If you have sensitive skin, I'd leave these products alone, but if you don't and want to try a stimulating lube, this is the one I'd recommend. Try it on a non-genital area first to ensure you know how your skin will react.
Maude Shine Water-Based Lube for $25: This used to be our top pick. It offers a silky-smooth texture, though it's on the thicker side for a water-based lube. Thicker water-based lubes typically last longer between applications. Using the thumb test, this lube gives you a slick but smooth cushion between your fingertips, which is a good indicator that it's going to keep things nice and slick.
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