Sex can be one of the most enjoyable ways to connect with another person.
It allows people to enjoy their sensual side and feel a sense of belonging. While not essential, for many couples it can keep a relationship exciting and inspiring.
In this article, we're going to discuss some of the best lubricants for sex. When highlighting each products, we'll touch on some main features, as well as some pros and cons according to recent buyers.
Comparison Chart of the Best Sex Lubricants
Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Shibari Water-based  | ||
Astroglide Silicone-based  | ||
Lush Water-based Personal Lubricant  | ||
Swiss Navy Pers Water-based Lubricant  | ||
Uberlube Silicone-based Lubricant  | ||
Pjur Silicone-based Lubricant  | ||
KY Yours and Mine Water-based  | ||
Sliquid Water-based Lubricant  |
Who Uses Lube?
There is no shame in admitting that you need a sex lubricant to keep things wet and slippery. Lubes are not just for certain people. As a matter of fact, lubes should left handy next to the bed or wherever you like to get your freak on. Over time though, it's not uncommon for people to fall into a routine, making playtime a little less exciting.
Mixing up sex positions and toys can be temporary solutions, but eventually even these can become mundane. It might be time to consider a new lube to spice things up. These little personal saviors will help keep you wet and avoid pain or discomfort.
As a result, both you and your partner can experience an enhanced climax. Many know without foreplay or proper attention, the vagina may not naturally lubricate. Dryness may also be due to anxiety, dehydration, medication, and a lot more. This is where lube can come in handy. With the right lube, dryness doesn't have to be a problem anymore and total sexual pleasure can be assured.
Why Lube is a Must
We all know that the anus cannot produce natural lubrication. It is also fairly tight, so you must take the proper steps to ensure pleasure and comfort. This is why it is very important to keep a lube, specifically an anal lube, close by. Applying a generous amount of lube will make each thrust mind blowing, avoiding the pain and discomfort often associated with anal sex.
Sex lubricants, in general, are not a new idea. Back in the day though, these lubes were naturally prepared and the results were not conclusively positive. Some natural active ingredients have side effects such as causing tearing or yeast infections.
Enter the sex lubes of the modern days. The combination of research and science with natural ingredients offers the best solution to dryness during sex and anal play. There are brands that are designed to aid in painless anal sex and others that are manufactured to match the texture and even the flavors of sex.
No matter what your preference, there is a specially formulated lube for you. The importance of choosing the right lube is imperative. Remember that whether water-based or silicone, you are applying something to very sensitive areas and as such, you want high quality materials that won't cause any adverse reactions.
As you probably know by now, these parts of your body are not only among the most sensitive but also the most absorbent to external materials. This is why spitting and the use of just any lube during play is not recommended.
Water-based vs. Silicone vs. Oil-based Lubricants
Below is an overview of each type:
Silicone-based Lubricants
Ideal for fun in the water, silicone based lubes are long lasting and are sure to deliver when things heat start heating up in the shower, bathtub, hot tub, or elsewhere.
While they are not to be used with silicone based toys due to their likeness to damage the exterior of the toy, silicone based lubricants suffice for long-lasting enjoyment with minimal amounts of lube, so you don’t have to worry about running out. When using silicone based lubes, it’s encouraged to keep in mind the phrase, “a dot does a lot”.
Oil-based Lubricants
An absolute favorite among anal play, oil based lubricants provide a great deal of fun due to their viscosity and delicate, satiny feel. If combined with water based lubes, they can render a more natural experience and extend the use of the water based lubricant. While they should never be used with latex condoms due to them degrading the latex, they are still a pleasure to play with and can make a number of experiences better than before.
Water-based Lubricants
There’s no surprise that water based lubricants primarily include -- you guessed it: water. Due to this feature, they typically don’t bring any taste, color, smell, or staining to the party. While they may not last as long as silicone based lubes, the great benefit of reapplying more lube is the nourishment your body will receive as the water rejuvenates your skin. The smooth, clean, silky feel that your skin will exude after every use is almost enough to crave more in addition to the fun that follows.
Listed as Shibari Intimate Lubricant on Amazon, this water-based personal or sex lubricant is designed to keep sensitive skin soft and moisturized. It has been highly rated by users who say that it's very effective at an affordable price.
Available in a 16-ounce bottle, this lube contains the active ingredients of Carboxymethylcellulose, Glycerin, Glycol, Pentylene, Potassium Sorbate glycerin, parabens and water (Aqua). This product is considered as one of the highest quality, yet inexpensive sex lubes on the market.
Dubbed as a sex wonder in a bottle, the Shibari product has become a favorite household name. Its slick, water-based formula doesn't become tacky or sticky while in use and it doesn't dry out fast. One drop goes a long way with Shibari water-based lube.
Bottom Line
When it first came out, Shibari lube stole the limelight by offering the same benefits of more expensive lubes at a cheaper price. Its non-sticky feeling for long-lasting play and no-stain formula makes Shibari one of our favorite water-based lubricants.
2. Astroglide
Like Shibari, Astroglide comes in different sizes and types of lubes to cater consumers with different tastes and preferences. From gel to oil, there is something for everyone. The Astroglide water-based formula is another fantastic option.
This thicker, water-soluble formula is guaranteed condom-compatible, so you can have plenty of fun without sacrificing safety. It comes in a 2.5-ounce bottle, perfectly handy for those who are always on the go.
Bottom Line
This miracle sex lube is a favorite among consumers, as evidenced by its strong rating on Amazon.
Below are a few comments from satisfied customers:
- Super slick without getting sticky or tacky
- Lasts long even when exposed to air
- No odor
- Does not have a bad taste
- Compatible with all condoms
Astroglide won't let you down. Whether for vaginal or anal sex, the amazing Astroglide lube will take you far.
3. Lush Personal Lubricant
Another favorite among couples is Lush's Personal lubricant, available in many different packing styles, sizes, and formulas. The Lush Personal Lubricant water-based sex lube comes in three different sizes (i.e., 4, 8.5, and 17 oz).
It promises long-lasting, natural feeling sensations and guarantees a dramatic reduction in friction. That way, you won't lose any momentum during foreplay or penetration.
Bottom Line
In particular, we love the honesty of this product. It is plain and simple, but goes above and beyond for the job it is made for. It's also guaranteed safe by doctors for the most sensitive areas of your body. It is thin, but slippery and lasts very long, allowing you to play for hours without having to reapply.
Because it is water-based, it is non-irritating for most people. It is unflavored and fragrance-free, leaving you without the unpleasant taste that usually comes with other, more expensive lubes. As with other water-based lubes, this one delivers the promise of no-stain formula, so you can get wet and wild all night without a mess.
The Water-based Personal Lubricant comes in nice, discreet packaging, including a spill-free pump mechanism on top. A very important factor that sets Lush apart is its high quality and safety ratings. Safe, effective, and FDA approved US facilities – what more can you ask for a personal lube?
Top 3 Silicone-based Lubricants
Below are some of our favorite silicone-based lubes:
1. Swiss Navy Personal Lubricant
Available in 8-ounce bottles, the Swiss Navy Personal Lubricant is among the best silicone lubricants available in the market these days. It is proven to be very effective at an affordable price.
With an almost perfect rating on Amazon, this personal lube is found to be long-lasting, slick to the end, and very practical. For more even better control over this slippery lube, a launcher is included with the purchase.
Bottom Line
Personally, we recommend the silicone-based formula because it delivers in every aspect. A little goes a long way, allowing things to stay slick for as long as you can last. An added bonus is that it doesn’t leave stains like other regular silicone personal lubes. Additionally, there is no unpleasant odor or taste. The Swiss Navy Personal Lubricant is not just effective but safe even for those who are just starting out or with years of experience. Its active ingredients include Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, and Tocopheryl Acetate – all known to have no negative side effects of any kind.
2. Uberlube
A go-to name in personal lube industry, Uberlube, comes in different types and sizes. We personally recommend that 50 mL Uberlube Luxury Lubricant. By offering an effective product at a cheap price, Uberlube is a great option for anyone looking to spice things up.
Users love this product so much that they keep it handy in the drawer and on the nightstand along with their favorite condoms, sex toys, and other personal lubes. There are a few water-based products made by Uberlube that we also love, but this luxury version is definitely unbeatable.
Bottom Line
There are many reasons this product is a favorite among couples. With Überlube, making love feels amazing as it makes all of your nether regions ultra silky. What's more, a little goes a long way. It performs for as long as you need it and eventually, it naturally dissipates and leaving the skin soft and supple.
3. Pjur Eros Bodyglide
This brand name has been among the biggies in the industry of personal lubes for decades. From chafing prevention to silicone lubricant, there is no other way to go but using the Pjur products.
Our favorite among the Pjur products is the Pjur original silicone personal lubricant that comes in an 8.5-ounce bottle. Its effectiveness, safety ratings, and sex-toy compatibility truly set it apart from other lubes.
What we love most about this product is that even a drop goes long way without drying out. Once playtime is over, it dissipates without leaving a trace of wetness or stickiness. The Pjur original silicone personal lubricant is also very safe to use as it is hypoallergenic and compatible with condoms. At this price, there is no better option than the Pjur silicone lube.
Benefits of Using Silicone-based Lubes
Now we’re going to take a moment to take a look at some of the amazing benefits of using silicone based lube.
Despite the fact that silicone seems like something you wouldn’t want apply all over your precious parts, there are a surprising number of advantages from using these types of lube.
- Silicone is incredible for individuals with delicate skin.
- Great for use in the water which means the fun doesn’t have to end at the shower, bath, or hot tub. You can take it wherever you go!
- Leaves your skin feeling silky smooth - great for couples massages or those who love to lather down that special someone
- Silicone based lubes are extra slippery, meaning they are great for anal
- Unlike oil based lubricants, silicone lube can be used in conjunction with latex condoms
Downsides to Using Silicone-based Lubes
Knowledge is power and staying informed is not only responsible, but it can save you from any complications that may arise down the road.
Here are some of the common downsides of using silicone based lube you should be aware of:
- Less is more - often times, silicone-based lubes are more spendy than water- or oil-based but their long-lasting effect means you (in theory) use less in the long-run.
- Clean up can be more challenging than other types of lubricant such as water-based. You’ll find that silicone-based lubes may be difficult to wash off your bed sheets or any other type of fabric it comes into contact with.
- Silicone lubes tend to taste bad. We definitely don’t recommend applying any then going down on your partner. You may need to put some mouthwash in your bottom drawer if you make a habit out of it.
- As mentioned above, a major downside of using silicone based lube is their tendency to work against silicone based toys - fair warning!
- Silicone-based lubricants also tend to leave a film or coating on your skin after you’re done using it. This can be washed off over time, but you may still feel it immediately after washing. But don’t worry, it’s harmless.
Conclusion
In the end, we hope we’ve contributed a great deal toward your next purchase and pleasurable experience. Out of the lubes we’ve highlighted, all are great products that certainly stand apart compared to other silicone based lubes on the market. If this review was beneficial, be sure to drop us a comment and let us know what part stood out. We love hearing from our readers! Enjoy!
“After finishing my Masters of Public Health in Human Sexuality, my entrepreneurial spirit and love for writing led me on a blissful path. I set out to create a safe space for people to learn about sexual wellness and gain sound advice on some playful toys. With some help from a few friends, Bliss Bumble was formed – I guess you could say we’re just a couple busy bees.”