The 6 Best Lubes for Anal Sex

You’re ready for a tantalizing anal experience.

Prepared to take your sexuality to the next level.

But you know that butt stuff isn’t something you dive right into. To have a great time, you’ll need to have some patience.

And you’ll definitely need some great lube.

In this article, I’ll walk you through different types of anal lubricants, then cover my top picks.

Keep in mind that it may take a little experimentation to find what you prefer.

Just like sex toys, there are many options for lube and different kinds suit different tastes.

Thankfully, the testing process for finding the right lubricant will be tons of fun!

What to Consider Before You Buy

There’s a popular myth out there that anal has to hurt.

That’s not true at all, but you can only avoid pain and discomfort if you use lube.

Trust me on this:

Lube is absolutely mandatory for any anal play.

And just to clarify, anal play includes not only butt sex, but also penetration with toys or fingers.

Why is lube mandatory?

Because the anus doesn’t lubricate itself like the vagina does, so you need to supply that yourself.

Failing to use this essential ingredient will lead to pain and possibly an injury.

When done correctly, butt play should never, ever hurt.

You can learn more about this in my article on how to have pain-free anal.

Use Anal Specific Lube

When it comes to butt play, any lube works, right?

Wrong!

You’ll need to buy a lubricant specifically designed for anal play.

Vaginal lubes have a thinner consistency and are designed to work along with the natural juices produced by the vagina. These lubricants easily absorb into the skin.

Anal lubes, on the other hand, tend to be slicker and have a thicker consistency.

Often described as “gels,” these thick lubricants remain slippery for longer periods of time than thinner lubricants.

The thicker consistency provides more of a barrier between your rectum and the inserted item, thus protecting your body.

Make sure you apply lube not only to your anus, but to the item you’re inserting into it.

Condom Compatibility

One crucial thing to keep in mind when selecting any type of lubricant is how compatible it is with condoms.

Oil-based lubricants can damage condoms, and that includes natural oils like coconut.

Now:

If you’re exploring anal play with a trusted partner and don’t use condoms, this point isn’t as important to keep in mind.

But in order to prevent any condom breakage, steer clear of oil-based anal lubricants.

Toy Compatibility

Next, you’ll need to consider how compatible your lubricant is with your sex toys.

Certain types of lubricant, like silicone-based products, aren’t compatible with silicone toys. Make sure you remember this, because using them together can cause your toy to warp.

Oil-based lubes may not be compatible with rubber items or, as mentioned, condoms.

If you want to be able to play freely with all types of lube, go for plastic, vinyl, or metal sex toys.

Before you buy a lubricant, check that it’s compatible with your toys. And before you buy a new toy, make sure it’s compatible with your lube.

Some of us may choose to keep a variety of lubricants for different sexual acts, which also works.

Beware of Desensitizing Lubes

Most sex product suppliers sell numbing or desensitizing lubricants, but you should be careful with these.

Pain is your body’s signal that something is wrong, and numbing your anus means you won’t feel this signal.

Using this type of product may mean that when it wears off you feel sore.

I personally recommend that you avoid irritation by using anal lubricants that don’t have any numbing agents. But if you do insist upon using them, make sure you do your research beforehand.

Anal Lube Ingredients

You’ll come across a few different types of anal lubricant:

• Water-based
• Silicone-based
• Oil-based
• Hybrid

What works best will be a matter of preference and also depends on what you want to use it for.

I’ll cover different categories of lubricant, along with their pros and cons. This should help you make an informed decision.

Remember:

You may have to experiment a bit with different kinds until you find the right product for you.

Water-Based

Water-based lubricants can be great for anal, as long as they’re specifically designed for butt play (which means a thicker consistency).

Here’s the deal:

Water-based lubes are easy to clean up and won’t damage your silicone toys.

The only real downside is that they don’t last as long as oil or silicone-based lubricants. So, you’ll have to pause a little more often to reapply this type of lube.

Pros:

• Easy and fast to clean up with water when you’re done.
• Compatible with condoms and all adult toys.

Cons:

• Must be reapplied more often than silicone or oil-based lubes.

Silicone-Based

Silicone-based lubes don’t dry out very fast, which makes them suitable for butt play.

You won’t have to pause as often to reapply silicone lube as you would a water-based product.

But they come with a couple downsides:

Some people won’t like them because they require more effort to clean up than water-based lubricants.

After using silicone-based lube, you’ll have to use soap and water to clean it up. This type of product is also likelier to stain your sheets than a water-based option.

As I briefly mentioned before, silicone lubes are damaging to silicone sex toys and can cause them to break.

Pros:

• Lasts longer than water-based lube.
• Hypoallergenic (but read ingredients closely).

Cons:

• Harder to clean up than water-based lubricant.
• Some brands may stain your sheets.
• Not compatible with silicone toys and can damage them.

Oil-Based

Oil-based lubricants are a popular choice for anal play because, like silicone products, they last a long time.

However, they’re harder to wash off than water-based options, and aren’t compatible with condoms.

You should only use oil-based lubricants if you’re with a trusted partner and aren’t using a condom. You’ll also need to watch out for sheet stains if you’re using oil-based lube.

Pros:

• Works great for foreplay in addition to anal penetration.
• Doesn’t need to be reapplied very often and stays slick.

Cons:

• Can cause damage to latex condoms.
• Requires soap and water to clean off.

Hybrid Lubes

Hybrid lubricants combine water-based ingredients with silicone.

A hybrid anal lubricant could be a good choice for you if you aren’t sure whether you prefer water or silicone.

This type of lube gives you the best of both worlds by being easy to clean and lasting longer than water-based options.

Pros:

• They last a long time, like silicone-based products.
• Easier to clean up than purely silicone-based lubes.
• Compatible with latex condoms (usually).

Cons:

• Less common than other types, so there are less options available.

Natural Oils

Some people like to use natural oils, such as coconut or almond oil, for sexual explorations. You might already have these in your cupboard, which is convenient.

Natural oils are suitable when you aren’t using condoms (since oil will degrade the latex material). They work great for massage, too.

But these oils may not feel as comfortable for penetration as lubes specifically formulated for anal.

Scented or Dyed Lubes

I caution against using dyed or scented lubricants for anal play.

Your anus is a very sensitive area and the more basic your lubricant, the better.

Always check the ingredients on the lube you’re considering buying. When it comes to anal play, simpler ingredient lists are better and less likely to create any irritation or discomfort.

Top Lubricants for Anal Sex

Now that you know a little more about the types of lubrication available, it’s time to choose one.

I made sure to include a variety of options with different ingredients.

Remember that it may take a couple tries to find the right lubricant for you. So, if you don’t like the first product you try, don’t give up.

1. Doc Johnson Golden Girl Anal Jelly

If you want to try out an oil-based lubricant, I recommend the Doc Johnson Golden Girl Anal Jelly. It’s thick, smooth, and lasts a long time.

Suitable for sex toys, this thick jelly is easier to apply than waterier products, which can get messy.

For optimal results, you should use this lubricant liberally and reapply as needed. You shouldn’t use it with latex toys or latex condoms.

Pros:

• Lasts for a long time and doesn’t need reapplication often.
• PETA-certified and cruelty free.
• Simple ingredients list.

Cons:

• Greasy texture takes a lot of soap to remove.

2. Wicked Anal Jelle Lubricant

Wicked Jelle Anal Lubricant is a good choice for people who need a lube that works with condoms. It’s rich and thick, which helps it last a long time.

This is a water-based product, which means it’s safe to use with condoms and all sex toys.

Although it’s made with water, the product feels more like silicone in that it’s very slippery.

Wicked Anal Jelle Lubricant isn’t made with any fragrances, parabens, or desensitizers. Unlike some other lube products, it doesn’t get sticky or tacky over time.

It has a flip cap top, which makes it easy to apply in the heat of the moment.

Pros:

• Free from fragrances or parabens for a non-irritated experience.
• Has a pleasant, silky feel.
• Easy to wash off when you’re done.

Cons:

• Dries out faster than other lubricants.

3. Wet Uranus Silicone Anal Lubricant

If you want to try out a silicone-based lube, consider Wet Uranus Silicone Anal Lubricant. This product has a thick consistency to reduce friction and improve pleasure during anal play.

It lasts longer than water-based lube, so you don’t have to pause to reapply as often. It’s safe to use with condoms and (non-silicone) sex toys.

It has a simple ingredients list, so you don’t have to worry about irritation.

Pros:

• Compatible with condoms.
• Easy to wash off when you’re done.
• Thick consistency is easy to apply.
• Slick, pleasant feel.

Cons:

• Can feel sticky over time and may get messy.
• Washes off easily in shower (not good for shower play).

4. Astroglide Extra Thick Gel Lube

Another good water-based lubricant for anal play is Astroglide Extra Thick Gel Lube. It has an easy-squeeze bottle which makes it easy to apply during anal play.

It has a thick consistency that makes it perfect for butt stuff and reduces the need for re-application. The lubricant lasts a long time for a water-based product.

This option is compatible with all of your adult toys but shouldn’t be used for vaginal penetration because it has glycerin in it.

(Glycerin can cause yeast infections if you’re already prone to them).

Pros:

• Lasts a long time.
• Doesn’t have a scent.
• Comfortable, slippery texture.

Cons:

• Container is small.

5. pjur Back Door Silicone Anal Lubricant

Another silicone-based option, pjur Back Door Silicone Anal Lubricant has a silky feel that lasts and lasts.

You only need to use a small amount to create a smooth barrier and reduce friction.

But keep in mind that this product isn’t compatible with silicone adult toys.

Pros:

• Lasts a long time and won’t dry out.
• Jojoba has a mild relaxing effect.
• Works with condoms and non-silicone adult toys.

Cons:

• Expensive.

6. Sliquid Organics Natural Silk Hybrid Lubricant

If you want to try a hybrid lubricant with natural ingredients, consider this Sliquid Organics Natural Silk Hybrid Lube.

This product has a velvety feel and blends water and silicone with botanical infusions for a creamy texture.

If you’re sensitive to allergies, this natural product should be a good pick for you.

It works both for anal play and as a sensual massage oil. It uses vitamin E and sunflower seed oil to create a soft, slippery feel.

Note that you shouldn’t use this with silicone toys.

Pros:

• Lasts a long time.
• Natural ingredients.
• Works for massage as well as anal play.

Cons:

• Has a slight odor.

Final Verdict: Which Lubricant is the Best for Anal?

When you’re engaging in any type of anal play, you must always use lubricant.

Lube creates a cushion between the sensitive tissues in your anus and the object being used for penetration.

Always apply lube both to the item being inserted and your anus itself.

If at any point you begin feeling an uncomfortable amount of friction, pause and add more lube.

Hopefully, you now have an understanding of what to expect from different types of anal lube.

Our favorite option is the Sliquid Organics Natural Silk Hybrid Lubricant.

This product combines the best of both worlds in terms of silicone and water-based lubricants.

It lasts a long time, is easy to clean up, and is made with natural ingredients instead of mystery chemicals.

This should be a good pick for beginners and anal experts alike.