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The ultimate guide to the best water-based lube — plus 12 we love for foreplay and sex toy sessions
No longer will you be a fish out of water when it comes to the wet stuff
It’s no secret that lube is the key to great sex, and a pea-sized blob is all it takes to elevate your love life from ordinary encounter to sensory overload. But with so many different types of lubricant to choose from, it can be hard to decide which brand suits your needs.
The best sex lubes are generally designed to reduce friction during penetrative sex with a penis or a sex toy — which in turn reduces the risk of discomfort and injury. But these days lube brands also promise temperature-play, extra sensation, CBD-infusion, and even extra orgasm-power. So, what’s the difference between silicone and oil-based lube? And what gives water-based lube the edge?
Water-based lube is generally the most popular type of sexual lubricant on the market, with good reason. It’s often hailed as the superior emollient because it’s so versatile — water-based lube is generally safe for solo, vaginal or anal sex, plus it’s compatible with most sex toys and condoms. What’s more, water-based lubes generally contain fewer chemicals and more natural ingredients, which is why it’s a great all-rounder for all skin types and sexual proclivities.
With the help of Miranda Christophers, sex and relationship psychotherapist for menopause platform Issviva, we’re here to help you sort your oil from your water. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about water-based lubricant, plus our pick of the best sex lubes to shop now.
Best water-based lubes at a glance
- Best all-rounder: LELO Personal Moisturiser, £27.90
- Best on a budget: Lovehoney Enjoy Water-Based Lubricant,
£12.99£10.99 - Best on sensitive skin: Knude Society Glide, £15
- Best against dryness: Issviva x Joylux Photonic Gel Lubricant, £14.99
- Best flavoured water-based lube: Roam Cucumber & Yuzu Flavoured Lubricant, £9.99
What is water-based lube?
Sex lube is essentially an emollient that’s designed specifically to improve sexual enjoyment by minimising chafing. But it’s more than just lotion for the motion. The best water-based lubes double up as a hydrating moisturiser for your skin, while simultaneously reducing friction and transforming an average encounter into an extra-sensory sex party.
“Personal lubricants — often referred to as lube — are liquids or gels specifically designed for intimate use on the vulva, vagina, penis, and anus,” explains Christophers. “People can use lube during sexual activity to create more lubrication for comfort and pleasure and reduce discomfort from friction,” she adds.
But lube isn’t just for kinksters and moisture-challenged orifices. “Lubricants are great for use by anyone having sex regardless of their age, gender, or the sex they are having,” explains Christophers. “If you find that vaginal or anal sex can feel dry or uncomfortable, or you are experiencing vaginal dryness, then they can be particularly beneficial.”
What are the different types of lubricant?
Which type of lube is best for you? Sex lubricants generally come in three ways: oil-based, silicone-based, and water-based.
Water-based lube
Choosing the best sex lube is all about personal preference, but water-based lube is generally our go-to product for most sexual scenarios involving solo masturbation and partnered sex. “Water-based lubricants are ideal for use with sex toys and condoms and are generally milder so may be preferred by those with sensitive skin,” explains Christophers.
Oil-based lube
If you’re in for the long haul tonight you might prefer a touch of oil, but proceed with caution. “Oil-based lubes are longer lasting and safe to use with sex toys, however, they can disintegrate latex so are not recommended with the likes of latex condoms or dental dams.”
Silicone-based
While it tends to be thicker and longer-lasting than water-based, silicone-based lubes are not compatible with the majority of sex toys. That said, “silicone-based lubes last longer than the other lubricants so there is less need to reapply, and it still works in water”, says Christophers.
How we test the best water-based lubes
Because we take our role as sex testers seriously, we’ve dolloped and dosed ourselves in a variety of water-based lubes to find the very best.
Our team of willing volunteers — identifying as female, male, or gender-neutral and aged between 24 and 45 — used their chosen lube during solo and partnered sex, plus with their regular rotation of sex toys.
During their encounters — we asked each person to give their lube(s) multiple chances to shine — they considered each lotion’s consistency, smell, taste, longevity, packaging, and pump style.
12 best water-based lubes in 2024
From LELO’s premium moisturising lube to Lovehoney’s water-based bestseller, we’ve rounded up the best lubricants to add bounce to your afterparty. You can thank us later.
Pros
- Free from fragrances, colourings, and parabens
- pH-optimised to protect your natural balance
Cons
- You’ll have to double your order to qualify for free delivery
If you have sensitive skin and also prefer a neutral aesthetic for your extrasensory sex accessories, you’ll appreciate this all-natural product from women-led UK-based sexual wellness brand Knude Society.
Made from a pleasing blend of seaweed and Acacia Senegal tree gum, it glides on (and in) like a dream, and remains delightfully lube-y without the need for frequent reapplications. What’s more, the simple yet stylish bottle will blend right in on your nightstand so no one will be any the wiser about what you plan to do tonight.
| Bottle size | 100ml |
|---|---|
| Cap type | Pop-top |
Pros
- Doubles as a body moisturiser, saving you cash and space in your bedside table
- Won’t stain your sheets
- One fan warned, ’be careful, extreme orgasms likely’
Cons
- Pricey — but consider it an investment in your sexual satisfaction
Ladies! If you’re single or you have a hot date tonight, this premium product from Swedish sex tech pioneers LELO is the pinnacle of lube evolution.
Its silky and rich texture promises to elevate penetrative sex for all parties involved. And, thanks to its glycerine-free, paraben-free, and unscented formula, LELO’s Personal Moisturizer is ideal for sensitive skin. Plus it’s thick and creamy enough to only require a few dollops — so a little goes a long way — making it the perfect addition to sexy time.
What’s more, it pairs perfectly with the brand’s exquisite sex toys, so if you’re flying solo tonight simply squeeze a couple of drops onto LELO’s bestselling SORAYA 2 Rabbit and prepare to get wet and wild.
| Bottle size | 75ml or 150ml |
|---|---|
| Cap type | Pump |
Lovehoney Enjoy Water-Based Lubricant
Pros
- Long-lasting formula that doesn’t pill (AKA won’t dry out or leave behind a tacky cast)
- Available in a travel-friendly 100ml size — and a 500ml bottle that one fan claimed lasted them a whole 6 months
Cons
- That packaging is not especially pretty or discreet
Looking for a pocket-friendly lube that promises to go the distance? If you’re new to sex lube and not sure if it’s your jam, this classic from Lovehoney is a great all-rounder.
Water-based lubricants are designed to mimic the body’s natural response to sexy time, so it slots right in with your mucus, saliva, and vaginal secretions without tasting or feeling like an intruder.
What’s more, it’s safe to use with most sex toys, so head over to Lovehoney and treat yourself to a sneaky vibrator while you’re there. You deserve it.
| Bottle size | 100ml, 250ml, or 500ml |
|---|---|
| Cap type | Pump |
Pros
- Suitable for vegetarians
- One satisfied shopper raved: ‘Best lube we’ve used! It doesn’t go sticky and need reapplying like other lubes’
Cons
- Not so travel-friendly
Material girls take note: if you like the finer things in life you’ll love this sensuous lube. Designed to feel like liquid silk straight out of the bottle, it doesn’t get sticky like some leading lube brands and washes away easily, too.
Better yet, a little goes a long way so you’ll only need a few drops to get things going, And at this price, that’s a lotta bang for your buck.
| Bottle size | 250ml |
|---|---|
| Cap type | Pump |
Pros
- Gel-like consistency
- Infused with aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to help moisturise your intimate tissue
Cons
- Be gentle with that squeeze bottle
If safe and pH-balanced ingredients are high on your priority list you’d be wise to invest in a tube of this delicious lube. Packed with natural ingredients including aloe vera, this magical elixir is perfect for sensitive and dry vaginas that need a little help getting started.
It feels super-light on first application but provides just the right amount of slip and slide to keep things delightfully fluid, leaving you to focus on the job at hand: lots of sex.
| Bottle size | 75ml |
|---|---|
| Cap type | Twist-top |
Lovehoney Discover Anal Gel Lubricant
Pros
- Easy to rinse off water-based formula
- Compatible with all sex toy materials — silicone, metal, plastic...
Cons
- That pumps dispenses way more than you need per round
Anal sex is no longer the taboo subject it once was, and these days it’s fairly mainstream to experiment with bum fun. That said, some of you still need reminding about how to enjoy safe anal sex — alone or with a partner.
Aside from the obvious need for barrier contraceptives to prevent STIs with a partner, your backdoor is not self-lubricating, so a healthy dollop of lube is an absolute necessity before you proceed.
Now that we’ve rammed that safety message home, this gold-standard anal lube is perfect for ass play. Apply it liberally before and during bum sex and enjoy the ride.
| Bottle size | 250ml |
|---|---|
| Cap type | Pump |
Gentil Health A Quiet Night In
Pros
- Another pH-balanced potion that shouldn’t disturb your vaginal microbiome
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- That bottle’s a little (read: lot) slippery when wet
This water-based sex lube from Australian-made and owned brand Gentil Health has been designed with self-love in mind. Yes, you can use it with your partner if you fancy, but if you’re in the mood for some solo fun it’s perfect for smoothing onto your favourite sex toy and finding your inner zen.
Completely free from parabens, petroleum, glycerin, and synthetic fragrance, this sensual lube is perfect for sensitive vulvas. Plus it’s vegan too, so you can enjoy solo or partnered sex with a conscience.
| Bottle size | 100ml |
|---|---|
| Cap type | Flip-top |
Roam Cucumber & Yuzu Flavoured Lubricant
Pros
- Crafted from 100% natural ingredients
- That square bottle stops it from rolling under the bed/sofa
Cons
- Designed to mimic your ‘natural wetness’ — AKA be generous
Summer is here and we’re in the mood for some fun. If you’re hoping to get fruity on this hot summer night, this delightfully zingy lube from burgeoning UK brand Roam is just the ticket.
Taking inspiration from summer spritz and G&Ts by the pool, this light and silky lube is enriched with agave, aloe and jojoba to hydrate your sensitive parts. Better yet, it’s lickable and tastes like cucumber and citrus fruit, so it’s perfect for a bit of skin nibbling as an aperitif before the main event.
| Bottle size | 50ml |
|---|---|
| Cap type | Pump |
Pros
- Perfect for massages, foreplay, and penetrative play with a partner
- Vegan and veggie-friendly
Cons
- Might leave a... uh... milky-looking stain on your sheets
If you’re dehydrated in the vagina department but you don’t wanna splash too much cash, we’re here for you. Pick up a bottle of Pinot Grigio from Lidl, order yourself a bottle of Slip N’ Slide and invite one of your Hinge dates over for a night of unadulterated budget fun.
This silky lube is cheaper than a night on the town but promises you double the fun, and it’s moist enough to go a long way.
| Bottle size | 200ml |
|---|---|
| Cap type | Pump |
Pros
- Infused with 250mg of adaptogens that may boost your comfort and aid vaginismus sufferers
- Stock up with a pack of three — and save more than £3 per bottle...
- ... or have a regular supply discreetly delivered to your door with Roam's subscription service
Cons
- Dries a little quickly so be ready to reapply
You know what’s really sexy in 2024? Disability inclusion in the bedroom.
This clever lube from our friends at Roam is the world’s first sex lubricant on the market that comes with braille script on the side and a square-edged design. This means our visually impaired friends can get freaky with the rest of us and it won’t roll off your nightstand in the midst of a sensual exchange.
It’s also gloriously creamy, long-lasting, and packed with enough natural ingredients to keep your vulva happy all night long.
| Bottle size | 50ml |
|---|---|
| Cap type | Pump |
HANX Universal Lubricant
Pros
- Non-sticky and non-staining
- Another brand offering regular top ups delivered discreetly to your door every 2/4/8/12 weeks...
- ... plus you’ll save 15% per order
Cons
- Hanx, if you’re listening, we want bigger bottles (pls)
Perhaps best known for its all-natural condom range, UK sexual wellness pioneer HANX knows a thing or two about safe and sexy sex and we’re big fans of the brand’s lube offering.
The water-based option is free from nasties and completely vegan, but most importantly it’s been approved by genuine gynaecologists. So, add a few dollops of this to your sex toy/penis/fingers and rest assured that your vagina is in good hands.
| Bottle size | 50ml |
|---|---|
| Cap type | Pump |
Pros
- We’re big fans of its fresh aloe scent
- That lime-green decanter is a treat for the eyes, so leave it on display
- Also offers a money-saving subscription service
Cons
- Beware: that bottle's made from glass, rather than hard-wearing plastic
Is single-use plastic and Climate Change keeping you awake at night? If you care deeply about the planet and what you put inside your body, but you also want to get laid (no judgment here, we’re with you babe), you’ll love this clever lube from eco-conscious menstrual experts Nixit. The brand specialises in reusable and BPA-free menstrual cups that won’t poison you or the planet.
Unsurprisingly, its lube offering has also been created with the utmost care, so this 100% natural product promises to gently moisturise your sensitive bits, leaving you to focus on the important stuff: getting it on.
| Bottle size | 118ml |
|---|---|
| Cap type | Pump |
The benefits of sex lube
The benefits of adding the best water-based lube to your sexual toolbox are manifold:
Reducing friction
Let’s be honest, after a long night of passion we all get a little chafe-y sometimes. “The benefits of using lubricant for sexual activity can include reducing irritation and discomfort from friction such as rubbing or chafing, which can cause burning, pain, and tears,” explains Christophers.
Moisture boost
Struggling to get wet in the heat of the moment? Even the steamiest sex sessions sometimes need a little help in the moisture department. “Vaginal lubrication can be affected by many factors including stress, anxiety, and hormonal changes,” she adds.
Sexual dysfunction
If you’re anxious and need help learning to relax, a dollop of lube can work wonders in most sexual scenarios. “Lubricants can be very beneficial for vaginismus or arousal difficulties and are recommended when using dilators,” says Christophers.
Adding lube into the mix can also increase sensations of pleasure and arousal, and can even make sex more enjoyable, says Christophers. “Many people enjoy the use of lubes regardless of their age or circumstances,” she says. “They are great for solo-play, partnered or multi-partnered sex.”
Anal sex
Fans of bum-fun take note! “Lubricants are recommended for anal play and anal sex as the anus does not self-lubricate,” warns Christophers.
Safe sex
Lube can also play an important role in keeping everyone safe from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancy. “Lubricants may help reduce condom breakage as the increased moisture can reduce friction,” adds Christophers.
The facts about sex lube
Shopping for the perfect emollient to transform your solo masturbatory or partnered sexy time is supposed to be fun. But while lube is undoubtedly a great way to add sensation to your sex life, there are a few pointers to consider before you start clicking.
Remember to always practise safe sex. “Lubricants do not prevent pregnancies, so birth-control methods should always be used if wanting to avoid pregnancy,” warns Christophers. “Similarly, they do not prevent STIs.”
Lubricants may also cause thrush and Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) for some people, says Christophers. “Recommendations include using water-based lubes and avoiding glycerin or products that include sugar if you’re experiencing thrush, but it’s worth seeking medical advice if you are experiencing issues.”
If you have any concerns about lube, pregnancy or anything related to sexual health, always reach out to your doctor for advice.
How to use water-based lube
Not sure how to use lube? The secret to a successful lube-life is to start small and that way you can build up gradually. Squeeze out too much lube and you’ll both be slipping all over the place.
Apply a pea-sized dollop of your lubricant of choice absolutely anywhere that feels good including your body, fingers, penis, vulva, vagina, or directly onto a condom, and enjoy the slippery sensations.
If you need to add a little more, keep squeezing out globs of the good stuff while you go. And don’t worry about messing up your sheets, water-based lube is generally easy to wash out afterwards.
But a word of warning: not all lubricants taste that nice, so if you’re hoping to nibble on each other’s flesh tonight, opt for a flavoured lube.
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