No matter what kind of intimacy you prefer, a little lube levels it up.

For smooth sailing during partnered sex or supercharging your solo toy play, the right lubricant eases tension, combats discomfort, and can even add a little flavor or heat to the moment.

Sex looks different for everyone, and that means tools and toys do, too. Slide into the best lubes on the market and discover what works for you before you keep making waves in bed. 

What is lube?

In the context of sex, a lubricant is a liquid or gel that you can apply to toys or genitals to reduce friction during intimate activities. It can make doing the deed smoother, easier, and more pleasurable. 

While a lube’s slip is important — that is its main job, after all — a high-quality one adds a layer of comfort, allowing you to focus purely on feeling good. It’s a key player for people experiencing vaginal dryness, experimenting with anal play, or just wanting to level up safety and pleasure. Some lubes even have flavors for variety or change temperature to make things even hotter.

Types of lubricants 

With so many options available for so many activities, choosing a lube can feel overwhelming. Understanding the different types of lubricants out there and what their main purposes are is a good first step to narrowing them down.

When picking a lube, there are three things to consider: the sexual activity you use it for, allergies and sensitivities (for both you and your potential partners), and compatibility with sex toys or contraceptive methods like condoms. So before diving in, figure out what your needs are first. You might need to try out multiple lubricants to find the right one.

To help you find your perfect match, here are the most common types of lube: 

• Oil-based: Luscious and very slippery, oil-based lubricants last longer on your body. But they're not ideal for latex condoms and most toys because they can dissolve certain materials. They are, however, a great option if you’re looking for something that doubles as a massage oil.

• Silicone-based: These lubes are slick and long-lasting, making them great for extended sessions. But like their oily counterparts, they may break or damage latex condoms and some sex toys. The bright side is that silicone-based lubricant is 100% waterproof, so you can use these lubes in the water. 

• Water-based: A top pick for sensitive skin and anal play, water-based lubes are gentle and compatible with condoms and sex toys. These lubes are versatile and easy to clean up, but may require re-application for long sessions. Pro tip: Don't use them in the shower because they’ll just wash away.

• Hybrid: Hybrid lubricants are the best of both worlds. These products combine the properties of silicone and water-based lubes, giving you long-lasting slip with easy clean-up. 

• Flavored: These lubes enhance oral sex (for obvious reasons). They come in pretty much every flavor from peach to vanilla to suit your taste. Some brands may cause irritation, so always check the label, and never use flavored lube for vaginal penetration — any sugar content could cause yeast infections. 

• Natural: Some people prefer using natural lubricants, like those made with coconut oil, aloe vera gel, or baby oil. Exercise caution if you go the natural route, as some options may damage latex condoms or contribute to infection. And don’t use anything that isn’t made specifically for sex. Your coconut oil isn’t meant for the bedroom.

• Warming or cooling: If you’re into temperature play, warming and cooling lubes do just that. Some have ingredients like menthol, cinnamon, and ginger to add an extra layer of sensitivity. Just try them out on your skin first to see if you like the way they feel before bringing them below the belt.

What can lube be used for? 

Lubricants are for spicing things up in the bedroom and then some. They serve a few practical purposes beyond just slipping and sliding, from remedying dryness to reducing friction. Here are a few things you can use lube for: 

• Vaginal dryness: Some people struggle to produce natural lubrication — a symptom that can crop up depending on the menstrual cycle, menopause, or certain medications. Lube can help alleviate that dryness-related discomfort and make sex more pleasurable for everyone. 

• Reducing friction: Too much friction during sex can cause painful intercourse or even injury. Use lube to ease the agitation, whether giving a handjob or having penetrative sex. 

• Smoother skin: Some lubes have moisturizing ingredients that leave the skin feeling silky and hydrated after play. Now, that's dual-purpose. 

• Saving time: When the mood strikes, sometimes you don't want to wait to get properly warmed up with your body’s natural lubricant. Bottled lube can help you get right to it, foreplay or no foreplay. 

10 of the best lubes to buy 

Choosing a lube can be a slippery process, but it's fun, too. To narrow it down, do your research and try a few of your top choices to see what you (and your partner) like and dislike. 

Here's a curated list of some of the best lubes out there so you can start shopping: 

1. P.S. Organic Aloe + Plant-Based Lube

Dermatologists love her! This $19 lube contains a handful of hydrating and natural ingredients, like organic aloe, snow mushrooms, and farm-grown hemp. It's ideal for use on your most sensitive bits, and it's safe to use with silicone sex toys and latex condoms. If you like to keep things more natural, this P.S. lube is a great all-around choice. 

2. ZALO Personal Moisturizer

Priced at $9.99, ZALO is the best water-based lube for a seamless experience. Ideal for people with sensitivities, it's hypoallergenic, unscented, and latex-friendly. Apply and reapply as you see fit.  

3. Überlube

This luxury silicone-based lube is made from premium silicone, with no glycerin or parabens to worry about. Unscented and water-friendly, it's perfect for taking in the tub or shower sex if that's how you roll. This lube is on the pricey side at $31.99 for 3.8oz, but it’s worth it for its performance alone. 

4. Goodparts Hydrating Organic Lube

This Goodparts personal lube lubricates and nourishes your most private areas. It’s $28 per bottle, and you can sign up for a subscription for a discount — which is a nice choice if you’re lubing up often. It’s 100% natural, aloe-based, and meticulously crafted with organic ingredients. And it’s also vegan and comes in a pretty green bottle that’ll jazz up your nightstand. 

5. Sutil Rich

If you're looking for the best anal lube or the best lube for vaginal dryness, try Sutil Rich. It has a pH of six and an enhanced viscosity, which makes it the ideal ally for butt stuff, menopausal discomforts, and dryness. With ingredients like lotus root, hyaluronic acid, and horny goat weed (wink wink), this popular water-based lube creates a sensual and soothing experience. 

6. Astroglide Liquid

For a frictionless experience, Astroglide Liquid should be at the top of your list. It’s a popular and affordable option that waves goodbye to skin irritation, dryness, and those awkward moments of discomfort during sex. Water-based for effortless slip and slide, it maintains the mood for as long as you want it to last. Astroglide Liquid is also non-staining and compatible with latex condoms. 

7. pjur BACK DOOR 

pjur BACK DOOR is one of the top silicone-based lubes in the game. This personal lubricant works for all types of anal play (if you couldn’t tell from the name), and it contains jojoba to nurture, moisturize, and soothe. And if you can believe it, BACK DOOR is great for massaging and moisturizing because it doesn't get sticky or dry out. This lube is $39 for a 3.4oz bottle, but you’re paying for the best.

8. Dame Arousal Serum

This slick serum has more than just a cute name. It’s one of the best lubes for women and people with vaginas. Designed to elevate intimate moments, it's a unique, tingly topical that delivers a warm tingle to your vulva and surrounding area. This formula is edible and tastes like cinnamon to make things even more exciting. It’s $30 per 1oz, and it has a two-year shelf life.

9. Sliquid Naturals Silk

Sliquid Natural Silk lubricant is free of DEA, glycerin, and other potentially irritating agents. Vegan-friendly and hypoallergenic, this unique water and silicone formula is ideal for longer-lasting sexual activity. It's fragrance and flavor-free, and it’s pretty affordable and easy to find at most stores that sell lube. If you’re looking for a starter, Sliquid is the one. 

10. Unbound Jelly

This water-based lubricant is made from 95% organic ingredients. Slick and gentle, it tastes subtly of vanilla and lemon, making it a great option for oral play. It's pregnancy-friendly, compatible with latex condoms and sex toys, and doesn't contain glycerin, glycol, or parabens. At only $18, it's a steal and perfect for beginners. 

Let Quinn help you feel good

Everyone experiences pleasure differently, from lubes and toys to sex positions. To add something new and exciting to solo or partnered play, try Quinn. This audio erotica app, created by women for everyone, is home to an incredible range of ethical audio porn. Find everything from degradation to narrated sex stories across a universe of niches. 

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