12 Best Anal Lubes, According to Experts and Reviews
Here’s what to look for…and what to stay far away from.
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Even if you're new to the wild and wonderful world of butt stuff, you've probably already heard that anal sex requires lube, lube, and more lube—and for good reason, too. As sex and pleasure educator Luna Matatas explains, "The anus isn't self-lubricating in the way that a vagina is, and the tissue can be delicate and easily injured if there's too much friction." Without anal lube, backdoor penetration of any kind—whether it be with an anal toy, a finger, or a penis—can be painful and even cause some mild bleeding afterward due to any tears in the sensitive anal canal tissue. Pretty sure that's not anyone's idea of a good time.
So! To make ~butt play~ as pleasurable and painless as possible, we've rounded up the best anal lube options on the market rn, including water-based lubes, silicone-based lubes, oil-based lubes, and everything in between. And though silicone-based lubes tend to be the best choice for anal sex or any other type of anal play, these top-rated choices are all slick, long-lasting, and—most importantly—body-safe.
Our top picks for the best anal lubes of 2024:
Without further ado, here are all our fave anal lubricants, as well as everything you should know before ya use it.
So...why is it important to use lube during anal sex?
Unlike the vagina, which can typically self-lubricate, the anus doesn't have this capacity, making lube an ESSENTIAL to cut down on friction and prevent tears. And no, a little bit of spit is not going to get the job done. "Spit might be cute, but it's not lube!" sex and pleasure educator Luna Matatas says. "Think about licking your lips when they are dry instead of using chapstick." It's simply not going to cut it, folks.
Whether you're putting toys, fingers, or penises inside the anus, you'll always benefit from the texture that lube creates (especially since many anal lubes include ingredients that can potentially ease tension and make anal more fun for everyone!). Matatas also suggests investing in a good lube applicator or lube shooter. "They help you get lube deeper into the rectum, which is great for making sure you're not just applying lube to the first couple of inches of the rectum if you're penetrating past that," she says.
What to know before having anal sex for the first time
We hate to be the bearers of bad news but...even the best anal lube won't magically allow for pain-free anal play (especially if you're new to butt stuff). Before embarking on penetrative anal sex with a partner, you can give lighter anal play a try. "There are so many different ways to pleasure the butt," sexologist Dr. Jess O'Reilly previously told Cosmo. She suggests preparing yourself by anal training or gradually introducing larger and larger anal toys (like butt plugs) into your anus to "train" your muscles. Or, you can simply use your fingers to get an idea of what anal stimulation feels like.
And while you may have heard that too much lube takes away the friction that makes anal sex feel good...that's definitely not the case. In fact, experts say lube is a must if you want a pleasurable and comfortable experience. So go ahead and be generous—you're better off overdoing the lube than skimping 'cause when it comes time for penetration, there's really no such thing as too much. Apply during foreplay, apply just before insertion, and keep applying as you play to keep things comfy. Speaking of which...
How to choose the best anal lube
When looking to lube up the booty, quality is everything since anal fissures aren't fun for anyone. And since not every lube is created equal, you're going to wanna make sure you keep a few things in mind:
Consider the formula
According to Matatas, there are three types of lubes: water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. Water-based lube is generally the easiest to find, and it’s safe to use with all condoms and sex toys, including silicone sex toys. Water-based is also the easiest to clean up but isn’t quite as slippery as silicone-based or oil-based formulas. "Some people prefer water-based lubes for sex because they clean up easier," Matatas explains. "For butt stuff, we want the lube to linger, so choosing a thicker water-based lube is my go-to."
Silicone-based formulas can sometimes work with condoms (the packaging should specify whether it’s condom-safe) but should not be used with silicone toys as it can cause the material to break down. "I love silicone lubes because they give a velvety texture to the body, making them great for external anal play and genital massage, too," Matatas says. "Silicone lubes are a popular choice for anal enthusiasts because a little goes a long way, so they last longer."
Finally, there’s oil-based lube, which is the slickest and lasts the longest but is a flat “no” for use with latex condoms or toys. "Any old oil will not do—we want to use oil-based lubes specifically formulated for sexual activity," Matatas adds.
Skip the unnecessary chemicals
Just like when finding a good lube for your vagina, it's best to avoid products with perfumes or scents, as these oft times will serve as irritants. As Babeland brand manager and sex educator Lisa Finn points out, the lining of your rectum is very good at absorbing stuff, so you don't want any unnecessary alcohol, flavorings, and artificial dyes. And while petrochemicals (like propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, or petroleum) and preservatives (such as parabens) aren't *totally* necessary to avoid, they can cause itching or irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Avoid anything "numbing"
FYI, if a lube advertises itself as “numbing,” then you want to stay far away. Lube that makes butt stuff less painful sounds too good to be true...because it is. “Never, ever using a lubricant that numbs the anal sphincter,” Organic Loven founder Taylor Sparks previously told Cosmo. "This is the one place that you want to know what is painful so that you can stop whatever action you are taking, and not wait for the numbing lubricant/cream to wear off and realize there has been damage." Numbing lubes with analgesics or desensitizing agents in them (like benzocaine) won’t let you know you’re overdoing it until after the fact, when the lube wears off, which is not ideal.
Meet the experts
- Luna Matatas is a sex and pleasure educator based in Toronto, Canada, who coined Peg the Patriarchy and hosts b-Vibe's The Plug podcast.
- Jess O’Reilly, PhD, is a Toronto-based sexologist and relationship expert as well as the co-author of The Ultimate Guide to Seduction and Foreplay.
- Lisa Finn is the brand manager and sex educator at Babeland.
- Taylor Sparks is an erotic educator and founder of Organic Loven, one of the largest BIPOC-owned online intimacy shops.
Why trust Cosmo?
Here at Cosmo, we have v high standards when it comes to sexual wellness recs. We've included a range of anal lube options—including stimulating formulas as well as formulas enhanced with CBD—so you can find the best sensation for you. You can also be rest assured all these picks are all body-safe, free from artificial fragrances, and hiiighly rated by some very happy customers, since you (and your butt) deserve nothing but the best.
Every one of our round-ups adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all budgets and bodies. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to do it yourself.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
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