The Best Personal Lubricants (2024)

For this guide, we interviewed sex educators, a urologist, a urogynecologist, two OB/GYNs, a cosmetic-chemistry expert, sex-toy store owners and employees, sex therapists, and the chief science officer of a major lube company. We also spoke with other industry professionals and crowdsourced opinions from various sex-positive communities.

Bianca Alba is a sexual health expert and journalist. Bianca earned a master of public health degree in 2014 from Indiana University, where they assisted research scientist Debby Herbenick, PhD, MPH, with academic and consumer research related to sex-toy use and worked as a blogger and sex educator at The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction. They have been researching and writing Wirecutter’s sexual-health reviews for a decade.

“Sex is a high-contact sport,” said Rachel Rubin, MD, a urologist and sexual-medicine specialist in private practice. “You want to make sure that the wheels are greased, to keep things moving well.” Personal lubricant can be particularly important during anal play, as well as to counteract vagin*l dryness, Rubin said. But even when it’s not strictly necessary, supplemental lubrication can reduce friction during just about any form of solo or partnered sex, possibly making the experience more enjoyable overall.

Not all lubes are suitable for use with condoms: In general, you should avoid using oil-based lubes with condoms of any material. If you are trying to conceive, know that many lubes can negatively impact sperm motility, among other things. (Some formulas are compatible with sperm, oocytes, and embryos and therefore are meant for people who are trying to conceive.) And although lube can be helpful for addressing everyday vagin*l dryness, some people find a vagin*l moisturizer better suited for that purpose. For this guide, we did not evaluate “fertility-friendly” lubes or intimate moisturizers.

To help prevent damage to sensitive tissues, personal lubricants are essential for anal penetration because the anal tissues do not create natural moisture the way a vagin* does, as well as for people experiencing vagin*l dryness due to changing hormones or medical concerns. Lube can also help prevent genital and anal tissues from becoming dry and irritated, a risk factor for STI transmission (PDF). In addition, they can increase sensation for both partners when condoms are in use, and they can help prevent discomfort when there is a size difference between partners. Lube is especially important when you are using silicone sex toys that are firm and can create a lot of friction.

Using lube isn’t a substitute for getting medical attention if you’re experiencing pain during sex. “For people who have horrible pain, just adding lube is not the answer,” said Rubin. “In fact, it’s really, really important that you see a clinician who can diagnose the problem and fix the problem.”

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies lube as a Class II medical device, the same class as menstrual cups and tampons. However, the agency considers menstrual cups exempt, meaning their manufacturers need not apply for premarketing clearance. Lube makers, on the other hand, are supposed to apply for FDA 510(k) clearance and demonstrate their products’ safety and efficacy. Some lube makers advertise their products as intimate moisturizers or massage oils rather than personal lubricants; in the absence of specific claims “to treat or prevent disease or otherwise affect the structure or functions of the human body,” these may be considered cosmetics—and therefore, not beholden to the FDA’s clearance requirement.

The line between “lube” and “not lube” isn’t entirely clear. Throughout our research, we encountered many products for sale in the US that people use as personal lubricants but that are not FDA cleared as such. In sorting our thinking on the regulatory requirements versus the market reality, we reached out to four clinicians to ask what they usually recommended to their patients. One strongly recommended the use of only FDA-cleared personal lubricants; three were not insistent on FDA clearance.

“When a lubricant company undertakes the process of 510(k) clearance it sends the consumer a clear and concise message: The company is committed to patient safety and product efficacy,” Michael Krychman, MD, the medical director of Women’s Health Services at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, wrote in an email.

“Some lubricants have FDA clearance, but many great products—including natural options, such olive oil, coconut oil, and apricot kernel oil—don’t,” Sara Cichowski, MD, an associate professor of urogynecology at Oregon Health & Science University, wrote in an email. “I tell my patients that picking a lubricant is about personal preference, often based on skin sensitivity, texture/glide preferences and planned activity.”

You can find four main types of personal lubricants: water-based, silicone, water/silicone hybrid, and oil-based.

Water-based lubricants are ideal for all types of vagin*l use—including intercourse, masturbation, and temporary moisturization—because it is most similar to natural vagin*l moisture. Water-based lubricant is also the only type of lubricant that is generally compatible with all types of condoms and sex toys. Water-based lubricants can be used for anal sex as well, but for that purpose it’s important to choose a thicker formula that provides extra cushion.

Silicone lubricants are wonderful for penile masturbation, anal sex, and vagin*l dryness because they do not lose moisture due to evaporation. They are compatible with most condoms, but they can damage silicone toys due to their molecular structure, and they can stain fabric.

Hybrid lubricants are similar to water-based formulas but tend to stay wetter longer due to the addition of a small amount of silicone. They’re compatible with most silicone sex toys.

Oil-based lubricants are similar to silicone lubes in that they do not lose moisture, but they are not safe to use with latex or polyisoprene condoms, and they can damage mechanized sex toys and stain fabric. In general, oil-based lubes are better for anal use than vagin*l use.

To find the best water-based, silicone, hybrid, and oil-based lubes, we considered the following factors:

Altogether we tried 29 formulas: 19 water-based, four silicone, two water/silicone hybrid, and four oil-based lubes. We assessed the feel, smell, and taste of each, noting which lubes became sticky with heat and friction, which ones were likely to drip all over, and which ones lost their slip too quickly.

Our recommendations include three water-based formulas, one silicone lube, one hybrid lube, and an oil-based option.

Available for just a bit more than you might spend on a lesser-quality lube from a drugstore, the FDA-cleared Aloe Cadabra Natural Aloe lubricant can work well for a variety of bodies and applications. It is pH balanced with low osmolality for vagin*l health while being thick enough for penile masturbation and, in a pinch, anal use. It is compatible with all types of condoms and sex toys, and compared with most water-based lubricants we considered, its slick texture stays wet longer (before eventually becoming a bit sticky).

It’s specifically formulated to support vagin*l health. Aloe Cadabra lubricant has a pH of 4.2 and osmolality of 172 mOsm/kg, well under the WHO recommendation of 1,200 mOsm/kg maximum. “I always recommend Aloe Cadabra for people with dry or sensitive vulvovagin*l tissue,” said Helen Being, educational consultant for the Eugene, Oregon–based As You Like It sex-toy shop. The recipe is formulated to support the hydration of mucosal membranes, Being said, and does not contain the glycols and parabens that may upset the vagin*l biome in some people.

It’s uniquely versatile among water-based lubes. While experts generally recommend a hybrid, silicone-based, or oil-based lube for penile masturbation and anal use, Aloe Cadabra’s creamy gel formula is thick enough that it is an acceptable option for those applications, unlike some of the thinner water-based lubes that we tried.

Those who like to alternate oral sex with other activities should note that we found the Natural Aloe version to be slightly sour tasting. But the company also offers 18 flavored varieties; Being recommends the Tahitian vanilla, strawberry, and peppermint flavors. “Their flavoring is never overwhelming. I think it adds a level of delicious aroma to the whole sexual experience.”

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The largest bottle of this formula, 5.5 ounces of Natural Aloe, is less widely available than the 2.5-ounce bottle, which is commonly found online and in some specialty stores.

Silicone lubes don’t lose moisture, so they stay wetter, longer. Überlube is the most expensive silicone lubricant we tested—and by far the best. It’s the only FDA-cleared formula we considered that lists dimethicone, the “oldest and most extensively used” silicone polymer, as its first ingredient.

Most silicone lubes feel generally the same. Überlube feels better. It can be useful for anal sex, penile masturbation, and vagin*l dryness. And it’s packaged in a glass pump bottle that neatly dispenses the right amount for most uses.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The glass Überlube bottle may be easily dropped by slippery hands.

The addition of silicone to a water-based formula gives hybrid lubes lasting wetness. Sliquid Silk is a non-staining hybrid formula that’s safe for use with condoms and silicone toys. It does not have FDA clearance.

It’s an especially creamy fluid that offers lasting smoothness with minimal stickiness. It is pH-balanced for vagin*s, and it contains none of the most common potential irritants (propylene glycol and parabens) found in some similar formulas.

The plastic bottle has a snap-close top. It’s easy to use and keeps the lube from leaking. This formula comes in several sizes, from a 2-ounce travel bottle ($5.50 per ounce) to an 8.5-ounce bottle ($2.82 per ounce).

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Beyond a lack of FDA clearance, Sliquid Silk has one additional drawback: It tastes especially bitter, and therefore it isn’t great for use with oral sex.

Oil-based lubricants are polarizing: Not all oils work well in the vagin*l biome, and oil can damage latex condoms and mechanized sex toys, as well as stain fabric. However, like silicone lubes, oil-based lubes don’t lose moisture due to evaporation and therefore work great for anal use, penile masturbation, and vagin*l dryness. Coconu Oil Based is the best oil-based lube we’ve considered.

Unlike most coconut-oil-based lubes, this one is not a solid at room temperature. That makes it much easier to dispense. It contains a blend of coconut and other oils that give it a pliable texture similar to petroleum jelly. With body heat, it melts to a slippery liquid. It works equally well for vagin*l and anal sex, and it’s especially good for people experiencing vagin*l dryness.

It comes in a convenient squeeze tube. Many oil-based lubricants are sold in tubs or jars due to their thick textures. That presents a dilemma as to how to hygienically dispense the lube. Dig it out with a spoon? Risk introducing bacteria with fingers? This lube’s squeeze tube eliminates those concerns.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

At $25 for a 3-ounce bottle, Coconu Oil Based is the most expensive of the oil-based lubricants we evaluated.

It contains ingredients (coconut and almond oil) that may be allergens for some people.

A runnier—and edible—option, Coconu Water Based feels great and tastes a lot like coconut water. Similar to Aloe Cadabra, it has a simple ingredient list that is unlikely to cause vagin*l irritation (unless you have a coconut allergy) and has a pH of around 4.5 to 5. It is also FDA-cleared.

It has a thin, slippery texture that feels similar to natural vagin*l moisture. This lube is not a good choice for anal use, which requires a thicker texture. However, if you’re looking for a lube that doesn’t dramatically change the feel, taste, or smell of sex beyond adding wetness, Coconu Water Based is your best bet.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Because Coconu Water Based is runnier than our other water-based lube picks, it can drip from an open tube even when you’re not applying pressure. Take care when holding the tube open, and try to keep it upright.

At $8.33 per ounce, this is one of the pricier lubes we recommend. If you want to spend less, we recommend Sliquid H2O or Sutil Luxe as similar but less expensive options.

Water-based lubricants designed for anal use tend to not work well for vagin*l use, and vice versa, and even some of the thicker lubes we tested are considered too acidic for vagin*l use per WHO standards. With a pH of 6, Sutil Rich is in range for both anal and vagin*l use, making it a versatile choice for people who do both. It has not been cleared by the FDA.

It has a thick, “cushiony” gel-like texture that’s ideal for protecting delicate anal tissues. We found the glide to be long-lasting with relatively little stickiness. Sex therapist Venessa Farn, LPC-SASD, CTS, NCC, recommended this formula for menopausal people, who may prefer its higher pH and thicker texture.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Sutil Rich has not been cleared by the FDA. For shipping to the US, this lube is available only through a handful of specialty retailers.

This formula contains a “pleasure tonic” including ginseng and horny goat weed, which may be a dealbreaker for people who have sensitive tissues.

If you want an aloe-forward, water-based lube in a convenient pump bottle: Maude Shine is FDA-cleared and has a lovely slick texture. It’s a bit more expensive than our top pick from Aloe Cadabra,though, and it contains a number of botanical extracts that may be irritants for some people.

If you’re looking for other serviceable Aloe Cadabra alternatives: Sexual-health experts we consulted frequently recommended the water-based lubes Sliquid H2O and Sliquid Sassy. Both are affordably priced, and the two contain the same allergy-friendly ingredients, though neither has earned clearance from the FDA. While H2O is more fluid, Sassy is thicker and more cushiony, with a slightly higher but still vagin*-friendly pH, making it a good choice for anal sex.

If you are allergic to coconut and prefer a runnier lube: Sutil Luxe has a “watery” consistency similar to that of Coconu Water Based and is available for a similar price. It contains moisture-preserving hyaluronic acid. It is not cleared by the FDA.

If you want the thickest and creamiest of all the water-based lubes we considered: Boy Butter H2O applies almost like body lotion. Although it is an excellent, cost-effective choice for condom- and toy-friendly anal use, it isn’t the best option for vagin*l use. It is not cleared by the FDA.

If you’re looking for a lower-cost oil-based anal lube: Consider Boy Butter Original. This formula is thick and long-lasting. Its unique creamy formula of hydrogenated vegetable oils, glycerin, and silicone is water soluble and therefore non-staining, unlike other oil-based lubes. This lube is not vagin*-friendly and should not be used with latex condoms. It does not have clearance from the FDA. Compared with the more-economical 16-ounce tub, the 9-ounce squeeze bottle provides an easier and potentially more-hygienic way to dispense the product.

Water-based personal lubricants

Astroglide Liquid contains both glycerin and propylene glycol—two common irritants. Astroglide Gel contains glycerin and a paraben. As you might guess, contains neither glycerin nor parabens, but it still has propylene glycol, which many people choose to avoid. We didn’t include this FDA-cleared formula in our testing.

Exsens Pure Aqua, an FDA-cleared water-based formula, contains glycerin yet has a low-enough osmolality (600 mOsm/kg, the company reports) and pH appropriate for vagin*l use. Thick with a very mild flavor, it’s great for people who desire a “cushiony” lube, but it can become a bit sticky as it dries.

f*ck Water Original is technically not a hybrid lube due to its percentage of dimethicone, but it looks and performs like one. Like other hybrid-type lubes, it stays wetter longer than any water-based lube. The company reports a higher osmolality (2,300 to 3,400 mOsm/kg) than the WHO recommends (1,200 mOsm/kg or less). It is FDA cleared.

Good Clean Love Almost Naked is a popular, FDA-cleared aloe-vera-based formula. We found that it was stickier than Aloe Cadabra, and some people might find the strong vanilla fragrance unpleasant.

Head South Slip Serum is a simple water-based lube with an elegant glass pump bottle that you can replenish with refill tubes. It’s an enjoyable formula, watery and not sticky, and nearly flavorless. It’s on the pricier side among lubes made with similar ingredients, however, and it does not have FDA clearance.

Priced at $1.24 per ounce in its largest bottle, the FDA-cleared Lube Life Water Based Lubricant—which also includes propylene glycol as its second ingredient—is the best value water-based lube of quality that we’ve found. However, we discovered that it gets a little stickier than most upon drying.

Personal Fav Whet—a water-based lube with a variety of botanical extracts—is the most expensive lube we tested, at $24 for a single ounce. Although the glass pump bottle is lovely, and the lube is high-quality, you can spend much less on a good lube; Coconu Water Based and Sutil Luxe, for example, provide a similar experience. It is not cleared by the FDA.

The water-based lube Pink Water includes propylene glycol, a potential cause of higher osmolality, as its second ingredient. We found that its pH is higher than ideal for vagin*l use, and the manufacturer says this formula is not compatible with latex condoms. It has earned FDA clearance.

The water-based Pjur Back Door Moisturizing lube, an FDA-cleared formula, stays slippery with friction. It’s marketed for anal sex and offers a good thickness, but our measurements showed it to be in a better pH range for use as a vagin*l lubricant.

The water-based lube Slippery Stuff Gel is another economical choice for anal use, especially when purchased in a 32-ounce pump bottle. It is very thick—almost stringy—and it stays wet a long time. Its pH is higher than ideal for vagin*l use. It does not have FDA clearance.

Sliquid Organics Natural is another good aloe-based, water-based lube similar to Aloe Cadabra but without FDA clearance. Its added botanical extracts may be a dealbreaker for people with sensitive tissues.

Wicked Simply Timeless Aqua is a thinner water-based lube that has low osmolality (170 mOsm/kg, the company reports) and is pH balanced specifically for menopausal people. It includes a derivative of hyaluronic acid for added moisture and comes in a convenient pump bottle. It is also available in a thicker gel form. Neither formula is FDA cleared.

Silicone personal lubricants

The packaging for Gun Oil—bullet shaped with a snap top and removable cap—is a bit macho and fussy, but it’s a good silicone lube with FDA clearance and added aloe and Vitamin E.

The makers of Pjur Original claim that this was the first silicone lubricant, introduced in 1995. It has earned FDA clearance. Overall it’s a nice lube, but the squeeze-bottle design makes dispensing a precise amount difficult.

Replens Silky Smooth Personal Lubricant is a two-ingredient formula that many buyer reviews say is overly sticky, creating a film on the skin. This specific formula has not earned FDA clearance.

Swiss Navy Silicone Lubricant has FDA clearance and is available in bulk formats, including a gallon jug with a convenient locking pump cap.

Hybrid personal lubricants

The hybrid lubricant Wicked Simply Hybrid Jelle is much thicker than Sliquid Silk, making it a good condom- and toy-friendly option for anal use. However, it has relatively high osmolality (2,350 mOsm/kg, the company reports) and lacks FDA clearance.

Oil-based personal lubricants

We found The Butters Aloe x Shea Original Lube oil-based formula to be a bit grainy at room temperature, and the flavor was off-puttingly salty. It is not cleared by the FDA.

Sensuous Beauty Love Balm is an oil-based lube available in a variety of flavors. It does not have FDA clearance. The non-flavored version is simply solid coconut oil with added Vitamin E. You may prefer to purchase a jar of coconut oil for a fraction of the price.

This article was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson.

1. Bruce Albert, chief scientific officer at CC Wellness, phone interview, March 29, 2024

2. Helen Being, educational consultant for As You Like It, email interview, January 22, 2024

3. Sara Cichowski, MD, associate professor of urogynecology at Oregon Health & Science University, email interview, May 29, 2024

4. Searah Deysach, owner of Early to Bed, email interview, January 18, 2024

5. Jake Dunskis, lube expert at The Men’s Room Chicago, email interview, January 26, 2024

6. Venessa Farn, LPC-SASD, CTS, NCC, counselor in private practice, phone interview, May 10, 2024

7. Michael Krychman, MD, medical director of Women’s Health Services at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, email interview, June 2, 2024

8. Kandarpa McGinty, cosmetic chemist, phone interview, April 9, 2024

9. Rachel Rubin, MD, urologist and sexual medicine specialist, phone interview, February 16, 2024

10. Adam Sorenson, retail employee at As You Like It, email interview, January 19, 2024

11. Tristan Taormino, author and sex educator, phone interview, January 17, 2024

12. Maureen Whelihan, MD, FACOG, OB/GYN in private practice, phone interview, February 29, 2024