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Which is the Best Lube for your Sexy Situation?
on May 17, 2022
People who use lubricant have better sex - fact.
Not only does the slippery stuff ease penetration, it also makes playing, with or without sex toys, so much more enjoyable.
Even if you feel that your body is doing a great job without any assistance, you might be missing out on a whole lot of extra pleasure without knowing it.
Whether you want a water-based lube or you're feeling more experimental, this guide will help you to find the perfect sexual enhancement for any occasion.
Which Lube Do I Need?
The best way to choose your lube is to think about how you want to use it.
Best All-Rounder: Water-Based
If you buy only one lube, make it a water-based lube such as Lovehoney Enjoy. It has a light, natural feel which is perfect for sex and sex toys. Water-based lubes won't stain your bedsheets or warp the surface of your faithful vibrator, and are usually condom safe.
What customers say: "This is the best lube, non sticky, it doesn’t dry up quick and only need a little of it."
Water-based lube key stats:
- Vaginal Sex? ✅ Yes
- Anal Sex? ✅ Yes, but other lubes are better (eg: Anal Lube or Silicone Lube)
- Sex Toys? ✅ Yes (all materials)
- Masturbation? ✅ Yes
- Condom Safe? ✅ Almost always. Check label.
- Top tip: Keep a bowl of water next to the bed. If your lube starts to feel dry, just sprinkle a few drops over the area to bring it back to slippery life!
Best Long-Lasting: Silicone-Based
Silicone-based lubes like Lovehoney Indulge give us the best of both worlds: the slick feel of oil plus the safety-first advantages of water-based lube. Silicone lube is generally more expensive, but its long-lasting properties mean you won’t need to keep topping up and you’ll probably need less overall.
What customers say: "This lube is a staple for me, especially as it lasts longer than water based lube. The packaging is smart and functional and allows for easy application of lube. The lube is silky smooth and quite thick which leads to cushioned pleasure."
Silicone-based lube key stats:
- Vaginal Sex? ✅ Yes
- Anal Sex? ✅ Yes
- Sex Toys? ❗ Yes, with exceptions (do not use with silicone or real feel/soft plastic toys)
- Masturbation? ✅ Yes
- Condom Safe? ✅ Almost always. Check label.
- Top tip: Silicone lube is also waterproof, so sex in the shower or bath is a possibility. 🚿
Best for Oral Sex: Flavoured
Wonderful for oral sex, flavoured lube makes foreplay great fun and tasty, too. Generally, flavoured lubricants are suitable for penetrative sex too, so a blowjob, cunnilingus or analingus doesn't have to be the main agenda when using these delicious treats.
What customers say: "This lube is surprisingly fresh and fruity without being overly sweet. I love it! It gives excellent glide when used with toys or during sex with your partner as well, but of course it’s a winner during oral sex."
Flavoured lube key stats:
- Vaginal Sex? ❗ Often, but check the ingredients
- Anal Sex? ✅ Yes, but other lubes are better (eg: Anal Lube or Silicone Lube)
- Sex Toys? ✅ Yes (all materials)
- Masturbation? ✅ Yes
- Condom Safe? ✅ Almost always. Check label.
- Top tip: Some flavoured lubes, like peppermint flavour may add an extra tingle, further increasing your partner's excitement.
Best for Anal Sex: Anal Lube
The main difference between anal lube and regular sex lube is viscosity: anal lubes are much thicker for longer-lasting, cushioned glide. Anal lubes are often water-based, but sometimes contain silicone or oil, so make sure to check you're getting the right kind (if you're not sure, water-based tends to be the most versatile).
What customers say: "Ever since I found this lube, I don't think I will ever use any other kind! The viscosity and the sensation are absolutely fantastic, it's very long-lasting, and amazing for both anal and vaginal penetration."
Anal lube key stats (water-based):
- Vaginal Sex? ✅ Yes
- Anal Sex? ✅ Yes
- Sex Toys? ✅ Yes (all materials)
- Masturbation? ✅ Yes
- Condom Safe? ✅ Almost always. Check label.
- Top tip: Pick up a set of Bondage Boutique Lubricant Applicator Syringes to make sure you can always squirt some lube right where you need it most.
Best for Indulgence: Organic Lube
An increasingly popular choice for those concerned with the environment and sensitivity, lubes such as Sliquid Organics Natural Lubricant are often fortified with beneficial ingredients and botanical extracts. Using plant-based cellulose for thickness, these lubes are ideal for those investing in a healthy lifestyle and clear conscience
What customers say: "I’ve tried so many different lubes over the years (and suffered reactions to most) but this is the most private-area-friendly product I’ve come across! Makes for a really fun time with or without toys, even using a lot doesn’t cause me any reaction so it’s perfect for solo play or with my boyfriend."
Organic lube key stats:
- Vaginal Sex? Check label
- Anal Sex? Check label
- Sex Toys? Check label
- Masturbation? ✅ Yes
- Condom Safe? Check label.
- Top tip: Organic lubes can have the properies of silicone-based, water-based or even oil-based lube, so it's extra important to check the label on these ones to make sure they're going to do the right thing for your body and your sex life.
Best for Enhancing Sensitivity: Warming/Tingling Lube
Fast becoming a must-have in every bedside cabinet, warming and tingling lubes are a fun and easy way to spice up your sex life. They're often water-based and contain ingredients that feel warm or cool on the skin. There are a range of stimulating lubes and gels available, designed to awaken nerve-endings and enhance response to touch.
What customers say: "My partner loves the tingling sensation over any other. This lasts a long time and does the job perfectly. I have absolutely no complaints, it's easy to clean off and has a great consistency."
Warming/Tingling lube key stats:
- Vaginal Sex? ✅ Yes
- Anal Sex? ✅ Yes, but other lubes are better (eg: Anal Lube or Silicone Lube)
- Sex Toys? ✅ Yes (all materials)
- Masturbation? ✅ Yes
- Condom Safe? ✅ Almost always. Check label.
- Top tip: Different lubes use different ingredients to achieve their heat and tingle. If one doesn't work for you, another one might do the trick.
Lube FAQs
Is it safe to use lubricant with condoms?
For the most part, yes. All water-based and silicone lubes should be 100% safe for use with latex condoms, but safe sex is safest when you check the label. Oil-based lubricant is never latex-condom compatible as oil degrades latex. (And FYI, most male masturbation lubes contain oil.)
We'll always tell you on the product page if a lubricant is not suitable for use with condoms, so make sure to do your research before you buy.
What is 'silk lube'?
Some lubricants are referred to as silk or hybrid lubes. This means that they're technically a mix between water-based and silicone, but the silicone content is low enough that they're fine for use with silicone toys. The advantage of a hybrid lube is that it tends to be more long-lasting than one that is purely water-based.
Can I use coconut oil as lubricant?
Yes, although it can't be used with condoms and some sex toys. We recommend using a purpose-made, bottled lube which has been tested and approved for intimate use. Learn more about using natural lubricants.
Can I use lubricant with my sex toys?
You can use water-based lube with all sex toys. You should not use silicone lube with silicone sex toys or "real feel" soft plastic toys like Fleshlights, as the silicone in the lube can degrade the finish of your toy.
