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Buying lube can be, at best, embarrassing and, at worst, downright confusing, especially if the only type of lube you’ve purchased before is from the drugstore. But as the Strategist’s in-house sex-pert (I write all of our sexual-health stories, about everything from vibrators to menstrual cups), I can tell you that lube can make just about anything you’re doing in the bedroom that much better, as long as you find the right one for the job. There are silicone-based, water-based, and oil-based formulas; some are flavored, some are unscented; and some are even infused with CBD. You don’t even want to think about experimenting with anal penetration until you’ve got a silicone-based lube in your bedside drawer, while a little water-based lube goes a long way when breaking out your vibes and air suction toys. To get a survey of what’s out there, I talked with 14 experts — including employees at adult retailers, sex educators, advocates, and therapists — about the kind they’d recommend, and I also included several of my own favorites that I’ve used in the past and given out to friends. Below, the eight best lubes to keep in your nightstand (or wherever else you might want to put them). And if you’re looking for more stuff to spice up the bedroom, be sure to check out our lists of the best vibrators, dildos, and butt plugs.
What we’re looking for
Ingredient
The most important thing to look out for when shopping for lube is the main ingredient. Silicone-based lubes are excellent if you’re looking for something long-lasting that you won’t have to keep reapplying during sex. But if you’re looking for something to use with silicone toys, you should choose a water-based lube. Oil-based lubes, meanwhile, are easy to spread, moisturizing, and great if you like to incorporate massage into your foreplay (though they are not condom-safe).
Size
If affordability is a factor, you also want to keep an eye on the total ounces of lube you’re getting per dollar.
Best lube overall
Ingredient: Silicone-based | Size: 1.6 ounces
Überlube has only two ingredients: pure silicone and vitamin E. This simple ingredient list — along with the fact that it’s gluten, glycerin, and paraben free — makes it one of the best natural lubes too. The very first time I tested out the lube, I was impressed: It was very slippery and smooth but not sticky on the skin. And a smaller, but no less important, detail is the lube’s stylish glass bottle, which looks nice enough to leave on your nightstand. The vitamin E provides additional smoothness; that, along with the cushiony feel of the silicone and the extremely long-lasting formula, makes this lube especially ideal for those engaging in anal sex. This is the lube I always give to friends who have just started to experiment with anal and they always end up thanking me for it later. The main drawback is Überlube, like all silicone lubes, cannot be used with silicone sex toys; but for pretty much every other type of play, Überlube is great to have on hand.
Best water-based lube
Ingredient: Water-based | Size: 4 ounces
If you are looking for a lube to use with your toys, I recommend Sutil, which is known for providing an almost siliconelike feel despite being water-based. “It provides luxurious, long-lasting glide and silky, sensual pleasure,” says Kim Ibricevic, the manager of Lady Konfidential, whose opinion I trust because she’s been recommending sexual-health products to customers for over 25 years.
Best (less-expensive) water-based lube
Ingredient: Water-based | Size: 4 oz
Maude makes some of the Strategist’s most trusty vibrators, but they also have a line of top-rated lubes. Shine is a water-based lube with a touch of aloe mixed in for a more hydrating formula that isn’t too tacky or watery. That being said, compared to Sutil, the Shine does have a tendency to dry out a bit quicker, but since it’s less expensive, you don’t have to be shy about reapplying. And while looks aren’t everything, the design of the bottle is much nicer than the rather medical-looking tube Sutil comes in. And the bottle is also much more functional: I especially appreciated the locking pump top for easy access without spills. In addition to Shine, they also have a silicone-based lube and a warming, water-based lube available, too.
Best coconut-oil-based lube
Ingredient: Coconut-oil-based | Size: 3 ounces
Because this lube from Coconu is coconut-oil based, it’s not latex-condom safe, and some folks might have a sensitivity or allergy to it. But for folks looking for something edible, its coconut-oil base makes it a good option. The oily consistency is also great if you like to incorporate massage into your play. The formula contains coconut as well as sunflower and sweet-almond oils, and is free of alcohol, petroleum, parabens, gluten, fragrances, and dyes. Those looking for a natural lube should know this is also USDA certified organic, hypoallergenic, and cruelty free.
Best lube for anal
Ingredient: Silicone-based | Size: 3.4 ounces
Silicone-based lube is the way to go for anal sex without silicone toys involved because it provides the most cushion and lasts the longest. Pjur’s Back Door lube is specifically made with anal sex in mind. And unlike Überlube (which is only formulated with silicone and Vitamin E), Pjur’s Back Door is formulated with natural ingredients like jojoba and guava extract that can help the muscles relax to make penetration a bit easier. It also contains no numbing agents, which is especially important because you need to be able to listen to your body if something becomes painful so you don’t accidentally injure yourself.
Best lube for sensitive skin
Ingredient: Water-based | Size: 4 ounces
If you have sensitive skin, I recommend Good Clean Love’s Almost Naked water-based lube, which was featured in our deep dive into the best natural lubes. The first ingredient is organic aloe, and it’s 95 percent organic. It is also hypoallergenic, so it most likely won’t cause skin irritation.
Best flavored lube
Ingredient: Water-based | Size: 3 ounces
Flavored lube is especially fun to whip out during oral sex. Unbound’s Jelly lube is a water-based vegan formula that is lightly flavored with food-grade vanilla and lemon flavoring. Bonus: The minimalist millennial-pink tube would blend in seamlessly with any of your other beauty products. (The lube also comes in to-go-size packets, in case of a booty call.)
Best CBD-infused lube
Ingredient: Coconut oil-based | Size: 3.7 oz.
CBD is often used in topical lubes and intimacy oils and has a reputation for enhancing sensation. My favorite CBD-infused lubes are from Foria, which I started using and recommending to friends after talking to Kate Miller, a co-founder of CBD brand Miss Grass. Miller had told me they “promote relaxation, stimulate blood flow, and increase your natural lubrication, all of which can lead to way better orgasms,” and I can say that in my personal experience, they perform as advertised.
Some more lubes we’ve written about
Our experts
• Sofiya Alexandra, comedian and co-host of the sex, dating, and gender podcast Private Parts Unknown
• Samantha Bard, co-owner of Shag
• Dr. Evan Goldstein, founder and CEO of Bespoke Surgical
• Kim Ibricevic, manager of Lady Konfidential
• Ian Kerner, sex and relationship specialist and author of She Comes First
• Ashley Manta, sex educator and founder of CannaSexual
• Carolanne Marcantonio, sex therapist and licensed master social worker
• Kim Marks, owner of As You Like It
• Kate Miller, a co-founder of CBD brand Miss Grass
• Emily Morse, doctor of human sexuality and the host of Sex With Emily
• Kit Richardson, buyer for the Museum of Sex and its MoSex shop
• Daniel Saynt, founder of NSFW
• Shelby Sells, writer and sex and relationship expert
• Carol Queen, a staff sexologist at women-founded sex-toy retailer Good Vibrations
Additional reporting by Maxine Builder
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