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Apr 11, 2024

15 Best Anal Lubes of 2023, According to Sex Experts

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us? From silicone-based to water-based, these expert-recommended and top-rated lubes are long-lasting

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?

From silicone-based to water-based, these expert-recommended and top-rated lubes are long-lasting and mess-free.

When it comes to safe anal sex, using the best anal lubes for your needs is critical. “[Lube] reduces friction to lower the risk of condom breakage. It can also help to prevent small tears that can be painful and increase the risk of infection,” says Jess O’Reilly, Ph.D., sexologist and host of the Sex with Dr. Jess podcast. “And lube can enhance sensation and pleasure!”

Lubricants are especially important for anal sex, as the anus—unlike the vagina—does not self-lubricate, explains Jenni Skyler, Ph.D., L.M.F.T., C.S.T., a licensed marriage & family therapist, sex therapist, and director of the Intimacy Institute. But what type of lube is best? Most personal lubricants are either water or silicone-based, says O’Reilly. “Water-based lubes come in several formulations including gels, creams, and liquids. Because they’re primarily composed of water, they wash away easily and won’t leave stains or residue,” she says. “Silicone-based formulas are often a bit thicker, silkier, and longer-lasting. Many people prefer it for anal penetration, as it is longer-lasting.”

But there’s one caveat with silicone-based lubes that’s important to keep in mind: They can degrade the material of silicone sex toys, meaning it’s not the best option if you’re planning to use toys. And, if you’re using a condom, you should stay away from oil-based lubes, as they can break down the latex.

Meet the Experts: Jenni Skyler, Ph.D., L.M.F.T., C.S.T., a licensed marriage & family therapist, certified sex therapist, and director of the Intimacy Institute; Jess O’Reilly, Ph.D., sexologist and host of the Sex with Dr. Jess podcast.

Ready to find the best anal lubes? Check out our top-rated, expert-approved picks below.

“Astroglide X Silicone Gel offers a thicker, long-lasting formulation that is slick and silky,” says O’Reilly. Waterproof and hypoallergenic, this highly-rated lube comes in the form of a mess-free, no-drip gel—plus, it’s also safe to use with condoms. Reviewers especially loved the consistency of the gel, with one Amazon customer writing, “No worries about drying up... Stays silky smooth the whole time.”

With whopping 86,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, this best-selling water-based lube is a clear crowd favorite. Reviewers especially love that it’s water-based, making it safe to use with sex toys as well as with condoms, and that it’s gentle and doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. “This lube is great for everything! It does not have a strong smell (or taste), it is not sticky, and it’s not messy,” says one reviewer. “My sensitive skin hasn’t had any reactions and a little can go a long way!”

Designed specifically for anal sex, this hypoallergenic silicone-based lube from Swiss Navy is formulated with clove leaf oil, a mild numbing agent, which also gives it a nice scent. “Great product that stays slippery for a long time,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “Love the pump bottle as this makes using and applying very easy. The slight clove scent is also very nice.”

Cake’s Tush Cush offers a unique hybrid formula that’s a combination of both water-based and silicone-based lubricants—meaning it’s designed for comfort and long-lasting use. Plus, it’s also free from alcohol, glycerin, dyes, gluten, and fragrances. “Probably one of the best lubes I’ve used for backside fun. It’s thicker than regular [ones] and only one application was needed,” writes one reviewer on Amazon. “It’s long-lasting and easily applied—wipes off hands pretty easily but if it gets on the skin it doesn’t feel sticky.”

This water-based lube is loved by reviewers for its thick, long-lasting gel formula that doesn’t dry out quickly. Plus, it’s also fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. “It lasts pretty long for water-based lube, and it doesn’t leave any sticky or greasy residue...I love the gel consistency, it doesn’t spill everywhere,” writes an Amazon customer.

If you’re looking for a good lubricant to use with sex toys, O’Reilly recommends this pick from Astroglide, which is specifically tested with toys. The water-based formula also makes it able to be washed away easily without any stains or residue. “The lubricant is toy-safe and provides a smooth, natural feel that enhances the pleasure,” writes one reviewer on Amazon. “It is also long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about reapplying often.”

Skyler recommends this popular pick from Uberlube, which boasts 27,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. Reviewers especially love that it’s long-lasting and non-sticky—and that it’s easily dispensed by a handy pump feature. “I’ve never used a lube that lasts so long, feels so natural, and doesn’t get sticky. It totally doesn’t smell or stain anything...It stays slippery for a very long time after use,” raves one reviewer. “I definitely won’t ever be buying any other lubricant again.” Plus, it’s also versatile and multi-purpose, with many also using it for chafe protection and even hair styling.

Skyler recommends this pick from Intimate Earth as it’s silicone-based, which makes it longer-lasting than water-based lubes, but also contains a natural relaxant that’s extracted from the chamomile plant, called bisabolol. “This is the key to the best anal ever! Stays wet. Doesn’t end up all sticky. Slides like a dream,” an Amazon reviewer writes. “ZERO actual numbing but all the relaxation!”

This highly-rated silicone-based lubricant is formulated with vitamin E and aloe vera, which helps moisturize skin as well as minimize friction. Plus, it’s also hypoallergenic and water-resistant. Reviewers were especially impressed with how long-lasting it was, even with minimal application. “It’s very silky, easily washes with soap and water, lasts a long time, has no odor...in short, it’s perfect,” writes one Amazon reviewer.

This Boy Butter lube is formulated with a blend of coconut oil and organic silicone, giving it a creamy, silky consistency and also making it long-lasting. “Smooth, creamy, rubs in well without feeling greasy. A little goes a long way,” one reviewer writes. “Lasts a long time though sometimes you do still need to reapply...This works much better than pure coconut oil or any water-based lube I’ve ever used.” Just remember: Because it’s oil-based, you won’t want to use this if you’re using a condom.

Coconu is actually the first coconut oil-based lubricant that’s USDA-certified organic, according to the brand. Made with coconut oil as well as beeswax, shea butter, and other soothing ingredients, this natural, hypoallergenic lube has reviewers raving about its silky texture and clean ingredients. “We only need to apply a small amount and it lasts a long time. It’s not slimy or sticky at all,” writes one customer. “It is the perfect lube texture and feels kind of velvety. You’ll never want to use other lubes again!”

If you’re looking for something that feels luxurious, this water-based lube from LELO comes in a chic bottle and has an unscented, non-greasy formula that’s also infused with aloe vera for longer-lasting moisture. Reviewers especially love the sleek, discreet packaging, with one Amazon customer raving, “It blends in well with my perfumes, no need to hide it in the night stand. It stays slick all night, doesn’t leave any residue.”

Another popular lubricant recommended by Skyler is this pick from K-Y, which comes in the form of a glycol-based jelly formula. Reviewers not only love the thick consistency of the jelly, but also that it gives a nice warming sensation. Writes one satisfied Amazon customer: “Love this product and love the warming sensation! Jelly feels great, not sticky and not watery, perfect consistency.”

This water-based lubricant is certified 95% organic and fragrance-free—not to mention, it also comes in eco-friendly packaging. The formula also contains minimal ingredients, including aloe vera for an extra soothing effect. “This is such great lube!!! Good, clean ingredients…so it doesn’t fight with the natural pH, but rather works with it,” one reviewer writes.

Another lube that Skyler recommends is this best-seller from Adam & Eve, a versatile water-based lube that’s slick, long-lasting, and easy to clean, according to the over 2,000 reviewers who gave it a perfect rating. “My wife and I hate having to reapply lube during foreplay, now that we have the Adam and Eve Lube we only need to apply it once,” one customer writes. “We really like this water-based product because of the way it lasts and feels more natural!”

Consider which type of lubricant is best for your needs. Water-based lubes wash away easily and won’t leave stains or residue—meaning they’ll make for easier clean-up—while silicone-based lubes are typically thicker and longer-lasting, according to O’Reilly. However, silicone-based formulas aren’t ideal if you’re planning to use silicone sex toys, as they can degrade the toy’s material, says Skyler. Oil-based lubes are another long-lasting option—but you’ll want to avoid these when using condoms, as they can break down the latex.

Check the ingredients. Ideally, your lubricant will be free of parabens, dyes, alcohol, and fragrances, and will be formulated with clean, minimal ingredients so as to ensure that it doesn’t irritate your skin—particularly if your skin is sensitive. You’ll especially want to be mindful of the ingredient list if you opt for lubes that have any special sensation (like numbing or relaxing) features.

“You can use the same lube for anal as you do for vaginal penetration,” says O’Reilly. “However, you don’t want to reuse lube for anal and then transfer it to the vagina, as you risk transferring bacteria from the anus. For example, if you’ve lubed up a condom or toy for insertion into the anus, wash [the toy] and reapply fresh lube if you’re switching to vaginal play post-butt play.”

If you’re planning to use anal lubes for vaginal sex, you should also keep in mind that lubes specifically designed for anal sex also tend to be thicker, meaning they can also be tougher to slough out of the vagina, adds Skyler.

We consulted Jenni Skyler, Ph.D., L.M.F.T., C.S.T., a licensed marriage & family therapist, sex therapist, and director of the Intimacy Institute, as well as Jess O’Reilly, Ph.D., sexologist and host of the Sex with Dr. Jess podcast. We also combed through countless ratings, reviews, and product specs to narrow down the best anal lubes for various needs and preferences.

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.

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