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I think we all know by now that wetter is better, and you absolutely should be using lube while having penetrative sex. The issue is knowing which type of lube to buy, considering there are countless water-based, silicone-based, oil-based, and hybrid lubes on the market.
It all comes down to what type of sex you're having. If you're having vaginal sex, water-based lubricants are typically your go-to. That's because water-based lubes aren't viscous and sticky (like most silicone-based lubes), won't stain your clothing and sheets (like some silicone-based and oil-based lubes), won't erode your sex toys made from silicone (like silicone-based lubes), and—most important of all—won't erode condoms (like oil-based lubes).
Whereas if you're having anal sex, you typically want to use a thicker, silicone- or oil-based lube. That's because the anus is not self-lubricating like the vagina. However, there are a few water-based lubes that are thicker and specifically made for anal sex. (We actually have a few recommendations on the list!)
In this piece, we provide our recommendations for water-based lubes. (If you're looking for silicone- and oil-based lubes, check out our lube recommendations specifically for anal sex.)
These 19 water-based lubes are high quality, safe to use with condoms, easy to wash off, and won't make a mess all over your sheets.
Vegan, fragrance-free, pH-balanced, paraben-free, and made in the US, Momentum's water-based lube is great to use in any situation. It also washes off easily, making clean-up quicker.
Pure for Men's water-based lube uses simple ingredients like Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. The pump makes it easy to use, and it doesn't require heavy-duty clean-up afterward.
With over 100,000 reviews on Amazon (and nearly five stars), this water-based lube pack from #Lubelife comes with a warming and cooling lube, ideal for those interested in exploring temperature play.
A staple from Lovehoney, the Enjoy water-based lube is very easy to squirt out because of the bottle's "pump." The pump also helps you not get lube everywhere.
HOWL is a UK-based, queer-owned company that has CBD in their lube, which helps to alleviate any pain your partner may experience in their anus or vagina during sex. This is one of the few water-based, CBD-infused lubes designed for anal sex currently on the market.
Drip is actually an Australian-based company, so shipping can get a little pricey when delivering to the United States, but honestly, it's worth it.
"This water based lube can be used with toys, penetrative sex, anal sex and as a massage gel," says Ashley Cobb, a sexpert for Lovehoney. "It has a subtle but very nice smell of ylang-ylang, and it cleans up easily without leaving annoying residue."
"This is one of the best anal water-based lubes around," says Cobb. "It has a very slick consistency and is long-lasting while remaining in place with its gel consistency, unlike most water-based lubes."
All right, P.S. Condom's lube is technically not a water-based lube, since it's aloe and plant-based. However, it has a very similar texture to water-based lubes and can be used in the same settings where one would prefer a water-based lube. The benefits of this lube are that it's made from all-natural ingredients and actually hydrates and rejuvenates your skin before and after sexual activity.
Another aloe-based lube that effectively functions the same as a water-based one, Very Good Parts lube is 100% natural and made with organic ingredients. It’s gentle, vegan, ph-balanced, and free of glycerin or parabens.
Tush Cush is a water-based jelly for those interested in doing butt stuff. This lube is particularly great to use with prostate massagers and anal beads.
Coconut water: great for hydration, AND sex. This coconut water-based lubricant is surprisingly long-lasting for a water-based lube. It has a silky texture, which feels soft on the skin, too.
Swiss Navy H20 is a thicker, water-based lube that lasts a long period of time without reapplication. It comes out like a gel and liquifies when friction is present.
Promescent lube is 100% paraben-free, odorless, colorless, and greaseless. This lubes manages to be thick without feeling sticky.
"This water-based warming liquid warms on contact, providing increased excitement for enhanced intimacy," says Cobb. "A little of this goes a long way. It warms comfortably, enhancing the experience beyond its regular heights and adding some spice. Don't be afraid to explore your body, it feels amazing everywhere."
This water-based lube from Astroglide is glycerin and paraben-free, and great for folks with sensitive skin.
pjur Aqua both moisturizes and lubricates, enhancing comfort during intimate sexual activity while supplementing the body‘s natural lubrication.
Royal lube is 100% non-toxic, gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and organic. It's also pH-balanced, fragrance-free, and made with aloe extract, so it's particularly useful if your partner has allergies or is prone to bacterial vaginosis or UTIs.
"System JO's lubricant is silky-smooth and long-lasting, with no artificial sweeteners or stickiness," says Cobb. "The taste is the best part about this lube. It’s the perfect oral sex addition."
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