At first glance, you’d think choosing a lube for anal sex would be straightforward. I mean, if it’s slippery enough to help the giver slide on in, it should do the trick, right?
Over time, I’ve learned that choosing the best anal lube can actually be a complicated adventure.
I remember my first time, bewildered by the plethora of options on offer at my local sex shop. I turned to my gay friend who’d tagged along on the errand, thoroughly overwhelmed and out of my element. “Help!” I whispered in desperation. It was scary.
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So I’m here to help you avoid that whole sordid affair! In this article, we’re going to take a look at the 5 best anal lubes on the market today.
Our Top 5 Anal Lube Recommendations
Product
Details
Our Rating
Pros
- Thick, plant-based formula
- Odorless
- Flavorless
- Compatible with all condoms
- Compatible with all sex toys
- Glycerin-free
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Easy to clean
- Safe for use anywhere on the body
Cons
- Not waterproof
- May dry out more quickly than silicone options
Our #1 Rated
Pros
- Long-lasting high-grade silicone formula
- 100% waterproof
- Paraben free
- Odorless
- Latex compatible
- FDA 510(k) approved
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Will stain sheets and upholstery
- Not compatible with silicone toys
- Can’t be used in hot tubs or jacuzzis with silicone parts
Our #2 Rated
Pros
- Long-lasting formula
- 100% waterproof
- Paraben free
- Odorless
- Condom compatible
- FDA 510(k) approved
- Discreet packaging
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Will stain sheets and upholstery
- Not compatible with silicone toys
- Can’t be used in hot tubs or jacuzzis with silicone parts
Our #3 Rate
Pros
- Thick, long-lasting formula
- Odorless
- Nearly tasteless
- Condom compatible
- Compatible with all sex toys
- Easy to clean
- Won’t stain sheets or other surfaces
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Contains parabens
- Contains glycerin
- May dry out more quickly than silicone options
Our #4 Rated
Pros
- Long-lasting formula
- 100% waterproof
- Paraben free
- 8 vibration patterns and 12 intensity levels.
- The panties are super cute!
- Nearly tasteless
- Condom compatible
- FDA 510(k) approved
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Will stain sheets and upholstery
- Not compatible with silicone toys
- Can’t be used in hot tubs or jacuzzis with silicone parts
- Can be very difficult to clean
- Might be too slick for users who like friction
Our #5 Rated
Things to Know Before Shopping for Lube for Anal Sex
Anal Lube Is a Necessity, Not an Option
As I’m sure you’ve noticed by now, the anus doesn’t self-lubricate as vaginas do. This means you and your partner will have to slather up in order to ease the process along. This will help you both minimize the possibility of pain, injury, and infection, which I guarantee is worth the extra effort. Problems like anal tearing can reeeeally spoil the fun!
Not All Retailers Are Trustworthy
The adult-product industry is largely unregulated. You can’t expect a high standard of quality in a lube just because it’s available for sale. Some distributors are known to use toxic ingredients like parabens, which can be harmful to the body. Luckily, there are plenty of reputable companies out there that have cornered the market on body-friendly sex products. More on that in a bit!
Ingredients Matter
There are three main types of lube bases: water, oil, and silicone. There are also hybrid blends, which are usually a combination of water and silicone.
Water-based lubes tend to be easy to clean and compatible with all types of condoms and sex toys. Because they wash off easily, bacteria unleashed during anal play is easily removed from the body, decreasing the chances of infection and vaginal pH disturbances.
However, because water-based lube washes off easily, it can’t be used for fun in your tub or shower. It also dries out more quickly than oil or silicone-based lubes, making it less than ideal for anal, which takes a fair investment of time when done right.
Oil-based lubes are slippery and long-lasting. However, they’re known to break down the material in condoms, diaphragms, and some sex toys. They’re also difficult to wash off and can trap bacteria against the body, increasing the likelihood of vaginal pH imbalances and other problems.
Silicone-based lubes tend to be super viscous, hypoallergenic, long-lasting, waterproof, compatible with most condoms, and less likely to harbor harmful bacteria than oil-based products. But like oil-based lube, silicone is messy and difficult to clean. It could stain your sheets permanently. It’s also incompatible with silicone sex toys.
Ultimately, water-based lube is more likely to be safe for your body, sex toy collection, and STI/pregnancy protection method than other types. However, silicone-based lube is traditionally a popular favorite for anal play due to its silky feeling and long-lasting power.
On top of all this, there are also folks who have allergies to certain lubes. Always check the ingredients of the product you’re considering and test a small amount on your skin before slathering it all over your precious genitals!
Your Lube May Affect Your Fertility
We can’t be 100% sure about this yet, as studies have produced a variety of results. Some researchers claim that the pH of most lubricants is too acidic to be sperm friendly. Additionally, the thick viscosity of lube can make it harder for sperm to travel to the uterus, and the water content can damage sperm by causing them to absorb water.
Now, I’ll take the liberty of assuming your intention for having anal sex isn’t to get pregnant. (If it is, we have a LOT more to talk about here than lube!) If you are trying to conceive and want to buy a lube you can use for both anal and vaginal sex, shop for a product that’s specifically been created to be sperm friendly.
Different Brands Have Different Consistencies
You might wonder whether there could really be much of a difference between, say, two varieties of a silicone-based product. It’s all lube, so it all must feel the same, right? Wrong!
Every unique formula you try will have its own consistency, which may change over time during use. Some lubes end up feeling sticky, gummy, or goopy after a few minutes. This isn’t what you want, especially for anal. Aim for a product with a smooth, silky, natural texture, just like the real thing!
Some Lubes Come with Special Effects
Humans are an especially creative species. Thanks to that, we now have lubes that can warm, cool, or even desensitize the skin. Some anal-play enthusiasts love products with a numbing or soothing effect, as the process can be painful when handled without proper caution and warm-up.
I wouldn’t personally ever use a lube with desensitizing effects. Pain can feel pleasurable in some cases, but when it comes to anal, it’s a big flashing sign of danger. It’s important to pay attention to the body’s signals in order to avoid injury.
Feel free to check our guide on anal sex!
Sliquid Sassy Water-Based Anal Lubricant
Anal Lube
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The Sliquid brand has a rabid following of devoted fans due to its commitment to body and environment-friendly ingredients.
This product is a water-based lube infused with plant cellulose to provide a thickening agent specifically designed for long-term anal play. It’s compatible with all types of condoms and sex toys. It’s also glycerin-free, paraben-free, vegan, and safe for vaginal use.
So WTF is not to love here?! I guess the only real drawbacks are that it’s not waterproof and miiiiiiight not last as long as silicone lube.
Pros
- Thick, plant-based formula
- Odorless
- Flavorless
- Compatible with all condoms
- Compatible with all sex toys
- Glycerin-free
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Easy to clean
- Safe for use anywhere on the body
Cons
- Not waterproof
- May dry out more quickly than silicone options
Wet Platinum Silicone Lubricant
Anal Lube
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
This long-lasting lube is made from pure high-grade silicone that’s guaranteed not to dry out or absorb into the skin. It’s got a slippery texture and is entirely waterproof, making it a great choice for fun in the shower or tub. (Avoid using it in hot tubs and jacuzzis with silicone seals, however, as it will cause them to degrade.)
It’s also odorless, paraben free, compatible with latex condoms, and has even been approved by the FDA as a ‘medical device.’ Awesome! Just remember, it’s likely to stain your sheets and upholstery, and can’t be used with silicone sex toys.
Pros
- Long-lasting high-grade silicone formula
- 100% waterproof
- Paraben free
- Odorless
- Latex compatible
- FDA 510(k) approved
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Will stain sheets and upholstery
- Not compatible with silicone toys
- Can’t be used in hot tubs or jacuzzis with silicone parts
Penchant Premium Silicone Personal Lubricant
Anal Lube
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
This silicone lube is a serious crowd pleaser online and it’s not hard to see why. Like Wet Platinum, it’s long lasting, waterproof, paraben free, FDA approved, condom compatible, and odorless. Its texture isn’t oily, greasy, or too thick. Instead, it stays slippery and smooth throughout use and washes off without any nasty residue.
Pros
- Long-lasting formula
- 100% waterproof
- Paraben free
- Odorless
- Condom compatible
- FDA 510(k) approved
- Discreet packaging
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Will stain sheets and upholstery
- Not compatible with silicone toys
- Can’t be used in hot tubs or jacuzzis with silicone parts
Astroglide Extra Thick Gel Lube
Anal Lube
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- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
I don’t have to tell you how much people love Astroglide, as it’s basically a household name at this point. This particular product is the brand’s extra-thick water-based lube, made to be especially long lasting and appropriate for anal play.
It’s compatible with all sex toys and latex condoms. It’s also unscented, easy to clean, and won’t stain your sheets like silicone lube.
The problem with this product, in my opinion, is that it contains glycerin, making it less than ideal for vaginal penetration. It also contains Methylparaben, which is not so body friendly, and isn’t good for use in the shower or tub.
Pros
- Thick, long-lasting formula
- Odorless
- Nearly tasteless
- Condom compatible
- Compatible with all sex toys
- Easy to clean
- Won’t stain sheets or other surfaces
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Contains parabens
- Contains glycerin
- May dry out more quickly than silicone options
Valm Silicone Based Lube
Anal Lube
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Valm’s silicone lube is long lasting, paraben free, waterproof, odorless, nearly tasteless, FDA approved, and compatible with latex and polyurethane condoms. It also comes in a classy black bottle that’s guaranteed not to leak.
Unfortunately, this lube has actually reported to be too slick by users who prefer a bit of friction. Keep this in mind if a more resistant texture is more your cup of tea.
Pros
- Long-lasting formula
- 100% waterproof
- Paraben free
- 8 vibration patterns and 12 intensity levels.
- The panties are super cute!
- Nearly tasteless
- Condom compatible
- FDA 510(k) approved
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Will stain sheets and upholstery
- Not compatible with silicone toys
- Can’t be used in hot tubs or jacuzzis with silicone parts
- Can be very difficult to clean
- Might be too slick for users who like friction
My Personal Favorite?
I’m biased toward Sliquid Sassy, though many silicone-lube lovers might disagree with my choice.
I’m lazy, you see, and would rather invest in a lube that can be used with all types of sexual activity, toys, and birth-control methods. I don’t want to have to pause during sex like, “Ah fuckleforks”. Can this one be used with condoms? Is it compatible with this toy? Can it safely go inside my lady garden without ruining its elegant ecological balance?”
With Sliquid, the answer is always YES, meaning my mind’s at ease. (And during anal play in particular, that’s exactly how it should be!)
Oh, and the fact that it’s easy to clean gets my lazy-ass seal of approval too. No gunk, no funk!
That’s my verdict and I’m sticking to it, but experiment and see what works for you!