The 9 Best Lubes for Masturbation and Sex
When it comes to the best lube for sex, there’s a style for any and every occasion. No longer used for just lubricating the vagina or anus, today’s lubes go above and beyond to stimulate, relax muscles, and increase sensitivity for optimal pleasure. There are some ground rules to follow, though: Water-based and pH-balanced lubes are best for women; viscous lubes are best for anal sex; and absolutely do not use silicone sex toys with silicone-based lubes, says Dr. Lori Beth Bisbey, sex and intimacy coach.
With so many lubes on the market, why not experiment with ones that best suit your needs?
“Once considered taboo, lubricant is now a must-have for intimacy,” says Taylor Sparks, holistic erotic educator and founder of Organic Loven. “Lubricant can prolong foreplay, aid with painful friction, help extend intimacy, and reduce vaginal dryness. The right pleasure oil can turn a masturbation session into an uncharted adventure of self-love. Ranging in price, purpose, and formulations, lubricants are not all created equal. Read the backs of product labels and if you can't pronounce it, denounce it.”
Below, Sparks and three other sexperts, break down the most popular lubes for every situation—from foreplay and self-pleasure to intercourse with someone who has sensitivities or allergies.
Here's what we'll cover:
Best Lube Overall
Best Lube for Men
Best Lube for Women
Best Water-Based Lube
Best Lube for Anal Sex
Best Lube for Sex Toys
Best Lube for Masturbating
Best Lube for Foreplay
Best Lube for Sensitivities
How to Get the Most From Your Lube
If you’re looking to further amplify lube and, by proxy, your sex game, Sparks recommends the Lube Launcher. “When we typically apply lube, we put some on our fingers and insert them into the vagina, anus, or apply it to the penis,” explains Sparks. “As soon as it gets past the snug fit, most of the lube is left outside, but the Lube Launcher allows you to apply a significant amount of lube high into the vagina or anus, then it works its way down as you're having sex or masturbating, thereby wasting very little and not needing to re-apply as often.”
The Best Lube for Masturbation and Sex:
![<p>Courtesy of Amazon</p><p><strong>Best Lube Overall</strong></p><p>Using silicone-based lubes with silicone toys can degrade their quality. Thus, when it comes to pleasure with a gadget, use a water-based lube. Kenneth Play, the author of <em>Beyond Satisfied: A Sex Hacker’s Guide to Endless Orgasms, Mind-Blowing Connection, and Lasting Confidence</em>, says you can also use coconut oil as an alternative, which works well for women with sensitive pH balances (oil can break condoms though, so if you’re using toys in tandem with a condomed partner, avoid oil-based anything).</p><p>[$14; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Navy-Water-Based-Lubricant/dp/B000OO7KBO?&linkCode=ll1&tag=mj-bestlubeforsex-svillari-0923-update-20&linkId=8083c3a4dcb3e32f01307806aa16b020&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:amazon.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">amazon.com</a>]</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ihlp4tl2Ot.pAkOBXQGUcA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/d59bb4f00248e6cc5e02572aac0a2151)
Courtesy of Amazon
Best Lube Overall
Using silicone-based lubes with silicone toys can degrade their quality. Thus, when it comes to pleasure with a gadget, use a water-based lube. Kenneth Play, the author of Beyond Satisfied: A Sex Hacker’s Guide to Endless Orgasms, Mind-Blowing Connection, and Lasting Confidence, says you can also use coconut oil as an alternative, which works well for women with sensitive pH balances (oil can break condoms though, so if you’re using toys in tandem with a condomed partner, avoid oil-based anything).
[$14; amazon.com]
![<p>Courtesy of Hello Cake</p><p><strong>Best Lube for Masturbation</strong></p><p>Sometimes being a solo aviator is all you need, but hand lotion and Vaseline are not your allies in this sensual moment. Something more attuned to what one needs in those areas is this thick coconut oil-based cream that becomes a clear, slick gel. Get moisturized while you achieve the ultimate release — win-win.</p><p>[$20; <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=106246X1712071&xs=1&xcust=mj-bestlubeforsex-svillari-0923-update&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhellocake.com%2Fproducts%2Fso-low-lotion" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:hellocake.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">hellocake.com</a>] </p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/IwxEjJ1pq90X5BllwiTxCQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/a42b4a7751ebaee70e8b2f68ed2b22f7)
Courtesy of Hello Cake
Best Lube for Masturbation
Sometimes being a solo aviator is all you need, but hand lotion and Vaseline are not your allies in this sensual moment. Something more attuned to what one needs in those areas is this thick coconut oil-based cream that becomes a clear, slick gel. Get moisturized while you achieve the ultimate release — win-win.
[$20; hellocake.com]
![<p>Courtesy of Amazon</p><p><strong>Best Lube for Men</strong></p><p>“Oil-based lubricants are great enhancers for male masturbation and body massage as they're thick, slippery, and easily applied and dispersed,” says Natasha Marie, head of content and sexual wellness expert at <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=106246X1712071&xs=1&xcust=mj-bestlubeforsex-svillari-0923-update&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmysteryvibe.com%2F" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:MysteryVibe;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">MysteryVibe</a>. Despite these positives, she warns that oil-based lubricants are not compatible with latex condoms, can disrupt vagina pH, and will stain sheets—so keep this to solo sessions.</p><p>[$25; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/AH-YES-OB-Personal-Lubricant/dp/B085S5VW64?&linkCode=ll1&tag=mj-bestlubeforsex-svillari-0923-update-20&linkId=8c6aa6572c612b7edb73eab5f74e755d&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:amazon.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">amazon.com</a>]</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/y6nHTh17itk1xJiMHBX9ng--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/5ddc32221c04a7b818a02094f21ac177)
Courtesy of Amazon
Best Lube for Men
“Oil-based lubricants are great enhancers for male masturbation and body massage as they're thick, slippery, and easily applied and dispersed,” says Natasha Marie, head of content and sexual wellness expert at MysteryVibe. Despite these positives, she warns that oil-based lubricants are not compatible with latex condoms, can disrupt vagina pH, and will stain sheets—so keep this to solo sessions.
[$25; amazon.com]
![<p>Courtesy of Amazon</p><p><strong>Best Lube for Women</strong></p><p>Setting the mood is always important. But what you do before and after erotic events is just as important. Lube Life has a rich and deep catalog with the perfect option to add to your arousal arsenal in this multifaceted lubricant. Their 2-in-1 combo lube starts as a sensual massage oil and doubles as an action-ready lube. Smooth and nourishing to every inch of you and your partner, it’s the ideal item for complete relaxation.</p><p>[$13; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/LubeLife-Water-Coconut-Massage-Lubricant/dp/B09R3B9DLH?&linkCode=ll1&tag=mj-bestlubeforsex-svillari-0923-update-20&linkId=2923b48654810a2f1272a6553e64b7ad&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:amazon.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">amazon.com</a>] </p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/EUX.pgExLA5ow_0VGCOS1g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/5ffdf36e22c5b356a155c0d073571da4)
Courtesy of Amazon
Best Lube for Women
Setting the mood is always important. But what you do before and after erotic events is just as important. Lube Life has a rich and deep catalog with the perfect option to add to your arousal arsenal in this multifaceted lubricant. Their 2-in-1 combo lube starts as a sensual massage oil and doubles as an action-ready lube. Smooth and nourishing to every inch of you and your partner, it’s the ideal item for complete relaxation.
[$13; amazon.com]
![<p>Courtesy of Bellesa</p><p><strong>Best Water-Based Lube</strong></p><p>Bellesa is a company you can trust for both high-quality toys and high-quality lubricants to accompany them. A little definitely goes a long way from this beautiful nondescript glass bottle. As the best water-based lube, it applies just as smoothly on your skin as it would anything from your treasure chest. It’s non-sticky and easy to clean off, although, you should be cleaning after every use. </p><p>[$24; <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=106246X1712071&xs=1&xcust=mj-bestlubeforsex-svillari-0923-update&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bboutique.co%2Fsex-toys%2Fsexual-lubricants%2Fbellesa-water-based-lubricant-7850502521077" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:bboutique.co;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">bboutique.co</a>] </p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/IqVZinHbyLlDiLduZbbEYw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/0ec45ba44280d473e94d5544ec7a090d)
Courtesy of Bellesa
Best Water-Based Lube
Bellesa is a company you can trust for both high-quality toys and high-quality lubricants to accompany them. A little definitely goes a long way from this beautiful nondescript glass bottle. As the best water-based lube, it applies just as smoothly on your skin as it would anything from your treasure chest. It’s non-sticky and easy to clean off, although, you should be cleaning after every use.
[$24; bboutique.co]
![<p>Courtesy of Amazon</p><p><strong>Best Lube for Anal Sex</strong></p><p>“When you’re exploring the backdoor, you’ll absolutely need lube as the anus is not self-lubricating,” advises Daniel Saynt, founder and chief conspirator of The New Society for Wellness (NSFW), a sex- and cannabis-friendly private members club in NYC. If you need the best lube for anal, this is most definitely it. All the slick with none of the mess, Boy Butter is, as suggested, buttery-good for a smooth, long-lasting experience. And honestly, if branding was all that mattered, this would be number one. But it did still make the list for a reason — because it actually works.</p><p>[$22 (was $24); <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Boy-butter-churn-squeeze-bottle/dp/B000PBVSNW?&linkCode=ll1&tag=mj-bestlubeforsex-svillari-0923-update-20&linkId=8760357067c99a4c7f7e8facef60eeb0&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:amazon.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">amazon.com</a>] </p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9Gcaljh9_iJf7Ik3RIkv_A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/88d377d30a047ec6f0d58febc94450ef)
Courtesy of Amazon
Best Lube for Anal Sex
“When you’re exploring the backdoor, you’ll absolutely need lube as the anus is not self-lubricating,” advises Daniel Saynt, founder and chief conspirator of The New Society for Wellness (NSFW), a sex- and cannabis-friendly private members club in NYC. If you need the best lube for anal, this is most definitely it. All the slick with none of the mess, Boy Butter is, as suggested, buttery-good for a smooth, long-lasting experience. And honestly, if branding was all that mattered, this would be number one. But it did still make the list for a reason — because it actually works.
[$22 (was $24); amazon.com]
![<p>Courtesy of Amazon</p><p><strong>Best Lube for Toys</strong></p><p>An all-around perfect choice for a dynamite time, Lelo’s F1L is one of the best lubes to use with your toys. As you'd expect from Lelo, the design of the bottle is killer. It’s totally the kind of thing one can leave amongst cologne bottles and no one would be the wiser. Within the sexy and stylish bottle is long-lasting lube that is silky and high quality. Give what you’ve already got a little boost with this classy water-based lubricant.</p><p>[$18 (was $25); <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Water-Based-Performance-Moisturizer-Unscented-Hypoallergenic/dp/B09MS5M7KP?&linkCode=ll1&tag=mj-bestlubeforsex-svillari-0923-update-20&linkId=232ec36ce254b8756815b4652235d6a0&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:amazon.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">amazon.com</a>] </p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PWVwTeCG7AJ05dj_KVUVng--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/847e7921f1c172dd47a2c957a2d2b7b1)
Courtesy of Amazon
Best Lube for Toys
An all-around perfect choice for a dynamite time, Lelo’s F1L is one of the best lubes to use with your toys. As you'd expect from Lelo, the design of the bottle is killer. It’s totally the kind of thing one can leave amongst cologne bottles and no one would be the wiser. Within the sexy and stylish bottle is long-lasting lube that is silky and high quality. Give what you’ve already got a little boost with this classy water-based lubricant.
[$18 (was $25); amazon.com]
![<p>Courtesy of Ulta</p><p><strong>Best Lube for Foreplay</strong></p><p>If you’re looking for something extra during playtime might we suggest adding a little charge? Unbound Babes’ Jolt Gel gives just the boost you need to get the blood flowing with a rush of warmth to the most sensual of spots. This water-based gel is a great collaborator for you and your partner, for use with toys, and to use in tandem with other lubes. Just a smidge goes a very long way and it’s an excellent choice to get things going before the big show.</p><p>[$24; <a href="https://howl.me/ckB668FWc3v" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:ulta.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">ulta.com</a>] </p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/l.AE_WC1K6.KcWpaBjxszg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/208bdc66a989f971550bedcdce736c64)
Courtesy of Ulta
Best Lube for Foreplay
If you’re looking for something extra during playtime might we suggest adding a little charge? Unbound Babes’ Jolt Gel gives just the boost you need to get the blood flowing with a rush of warmth to the most sensual of spots. This water-based gel is a great collaborator for you and your partner, for use with toys, and to use in tandem with other lubes. Just a smidge goes a very long way and it’s an excellent choice to get things going before the big show.
[$24; ulta.com]
![<p>Courtesy of Lovers Stores</p><p><strong>Best Lube for Sensitivities</strong></p><p>Wicked is a tried and true supplier of sexual wellness products; you can’t go wrong with anything from its lineup. For those whose skin can be a bit fussy, this is a great option because the last thing you want to be uncomfortable is in the bedroom. Aqua Sensitive won’t lead you astray but rather glide you in the right direction. Clinically tested and hypoallergenic, this is a great addition to the nightstand for those who are prone to skin irritation.</p><p>[$19; <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=106246X1712071&xs=1&xcust=mj-bestlubeforsex-svillari-0923-update&url=https%3A%2F%2Floversstores.com%2Fproducts%2Faqua-water-based-sensitive-lubricant" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:loversstores.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">loversstores.com</a>] </p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/l5k.hezet5yp3kjpN0tTDw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/e414344433d9e4b38b324cb0af5920ed)
Courtesy of Lovers Stores
Best Lube for Sensitivities
Wicked is a tried and true supplier of sexual wellness products; you can’t go wrong with anything from its lineup. For those whose skin can be a bit fussy, this is a great option because the last thing you want to be uncomfortable is in the bedroom. Aqua Sensitive won’t lead you astray but rather glide you in the right direction. Clinically tested and hypoallergenic, this is a great addition to the nightstand for those who are prone to skin irritation.
[$19; loversstores.com]
