16 Best Lubes for Everyone (and Every Sexual Need)
Let’s be honest: The best lubes make everything better—and wetter. The only hitch? Amid seemingly endless options (it’s the golden age of lube, after all), finding the right lube for sex can take even more research than securing the best vibrator. To keep your search for the best lubes as frictionless as possible, we compiled everything you need to know about personal lubricant and pulled together a few tried-and-true options that work every time.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Lelo Personal Moisturizer, $21
- Best Water-Based Lube: Maude Shine Organic, $25
- Best Silicone-Based Lube: Überlube, $20
- Best Oil-Based Lube: Woo More Play Coconut Love Oil, $25
- Best Aloe Lube: Dame Aloe Lube, $18
- Best Value Lube: #LubeLife Water-Based Lubricant, $10
What types of lubes are there?
Not all lubes are created equal. Different bases have varying pros and cons for your sexual health, your sheets, and your sex toys, not to mention the inevitable cleanup process. The big three materials are water, silicone, and oil. On top of their material, tons of lubes market themselves with flavors, scents, and sensations. Some are hypoallergenic for sensitive skin; some are numbing to make anal play more comfortable; some have ingredients that deliver a warming effect. You can go with anything that floats your boat. Just read the ingredients and avoid glycerin if you’re prone to yeast infections—it’s been linked to the condition.
Made primarily of water plus thickening agents, water-based lubes are perhaps the most popular variety. As Good Vibrations staff expert Carol Queen, PhD, tells Glamour, it’s the only option that works well with everything: skin, silicone sex toys, and latex condoms. It’s less likely to stain fabrics, and easy to rinse off with water. The downside? Water-based formulas tend to dry out and become tacky quicker than other formulas, meaning reapplication may be necessary.
Silicone-based lubricants are generally safe to use vaginally, anally, and orally. According to a 2022 meta-analysis, they make sex more pleasurable because they can combat vaginal dryness or enhance anal sex. Silkier and longer-lasting than their water-based counterparts, silicone is great for shower sex since it doesn’t wash off with water alone, Justin Lehmiller, PhD, a research fellow at the Kinsey Institute, previously told Glamour. Plenty of brands promise their silicone lube won’t stain bed sheets, but that’s not a guarantee. Keep in mind to not use silicone-based lube with silicone sex toys, since the material can degrade over time.
Oil-based lubricant is another long-lasting option with many of the benefits as silicone. It’s fine to use with silicone sex toys, as long as you thoroughly wash your vibrators and suction toys after use. However, oil should never be used with latex condoms, Dr. Queen warns because it can cause the material to break down, leading to condom tears.
The best lubes
Overwhelmed? Don’t be! Whether you want to add some slippery action to your sex life, make solo play even more fun, or just find a bottle that you’re not ashamed to keep on your nightstand, there’s a great lube out for you. These are the absolute best lubes, based on reviews from their biggest fans.
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- 1/16
Best Overall Lube: Lelo Personal Moisturizer
You might already be familiar with (if not a superfan of) Lelo’s sex toys, but you shouldn’t sleep on its lube. From your very first intro, it’s easy to get hooked—and not just because the dispenser is the most beautiful on the market. This glycerin-, fragrance-, and paraben-free formula moisturizes skin with natural ingredients like aloe, making it gentle enough even for sensitive skin. Also, its silky, smoothness lasts surprisingly long for a water-based lube, even as you rub it between your fingers. It does need to be reapplied, because the aloe makes it quite absorbent, but it manages to avoid becoming sticky or pilly. And since it’s water-based, you can use it with latex condoms and vibrators.
- Type: Water-based
- Works with: Silicone toys, condoms
- Pros: Long-lasting slip, pump-top design, natural feel
- Cons: Pricey
- Review: “I really like the LELO lube because it's super smooth and silky, making intimate moments even better. The aloe vera feels luxurious and good on the skin and it can be used for different intimate activities. However, it's very slippery, so if you prefer a bit of friction, it might not be the best choice for you. It depends on whether you like things super slippery or not!” —Laurène Dorléac, CEO and founder of Climax
Save on the best lubes with these Lelo promo codes.
- 2/16
Best Silicone-Based Lube: Überlube
There’s a reason Überlube has almost 17,000 five-star ratings: It’s a near perfect lube. When swabbed, this silicone-based lube looks smooth and slippery. Before you even get it between your fingers, you know it’s going to be slick—and it is—but it never gets sticky. Some lubes require a ton of towels to clean up but not this one, which includes nonstaining silicone and moisturizing vitamin E. Überlube is designed to heighten sensation while reducing friction instead of just getting everything slippery, and it’s great for glass dildos, anal play, and shower sex. The only con with this lube: It’s so insanely slippery, so it can make trying to use the dispenser a bit tricky if you don’t wash your hands first.
- Type: Silicone-based
- Works with: Nonsilicone toys, condoms
- Pros: Long-lasting formula, waterproof slip, flavorless
- Cons: Shouldn’t be used with silicone toys.
- Review: “I almost exclusively use Überlube. A little goes a long way, it lasts long, and it doesn’t stain anything. It never gets sticky or clumpy; it stays silky and slippery. I can attest to two hours of usage without having to get more. Just a bit pricey, but worth it!” —Théo, NYC-based UX designer
- 3/16
Best Water-Based Lube: Maude Shine Organic
An aloe-vera-infused option from women-led sex toy company Maude, this long-lasting lube is glycerin-, paraben-, and fragrance-free—just right for anyone with a vulva. Between the fingers, this lube feels so slick and smooth, that you’d swear it was silicone or oil, but it’s all water-based. It maintains its integrity for as long as you use it, which also means you don’t feel like you need to shower midway through your romp due to stickiness. Talk about a mood killer. The hydrating plant-based formula is safe to use when trying to conceive. Better yet, the pump-top container doesn’t require any fumbling (no matter how slippery your hands might get) and dispenses just the right amount of lubricant without the mess of a squeeze bottle.
- Type: Water-based
- Works with: Silicone toys, condoms
- Pros: Organic formula, pump-top design, discreet packaging
- Cons: Pricey
- Review: “I love the Maude lube! It has no smell and isn't sticky at all. It stays slippery and doesn't leave any stains. I appreciate the pump system as it allows me to easily get the perfect amount without making a mess. It's also a great feature to prevent any accidental spills during the heat of the moment. Overall, it's a fantastic choice for a smooth and mess-free experience.” —L.D.
Save on the best lubes with these Nordstrom promo codes.
- 4/16
Best Oil-Based Lube: Woo More Play Coconut Love Oil
Woo’s luxe coconut oil-based formula is a two-for-one deal: First, it’s a silky-smooth massage oil that gently nourishes skin. And when you’re ready to move from foreplay to the main event, it becomes a slick lubricant that only heightens your pleasure. When swabbed, this lube has a nice, slow drip and between the fingers, it feels as though it will never be fully absorbed, which can either be great or annoying, depending on how you use it. Although the tube can get slippery fast because it’s not a dispenser, as far as oil-based lubes go, it’s an ideal formula to have on tap. It’s pricier than some of the other lubes on this list, but with plenty of reviews to back it up, it's clearly worth it.
- Type: Oil-based
- Works with: Silicone toys
- Pros: Versatile formula, natural ingredients
- Cons: Might be tough to squeeze out.
- Review: “The product is amazing. It is not sticky and doesn’t dry out and pull at your skin. My only problem is the product is really tough to get out of the tube.” —ElizVick, reviewer on Anthropologie
Save on the best lubes with these Anthropologie promo codes.
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- 5/16
Best Value Lube: #LubeLife Water-Based Lubricant
If you thought Überlube was loved and worshipped by lube fans, then let me introduce you to the only lube out there that can one-up it: #LubeLife. This water-based lubricant has almost 100,000 five-star reviews, this Amazon bestseller is one of the mega-retailer’s most popular sex lubes, and it’s easy to see why. Each generously sized bottle comes in at less than $10, and the lubricant itself provides the right amount of slip. It feels ultra-smooth between the fingers and never clumps, but a slight stickiness can occur especially as you add more dollops of it to the equation. It feels and looks light and clean, there’s a freshness about it that toys, fingers, and partners will enjoy. Beyond the water-based original, you can also opt for cooling and warming formulas, two-in-one massage oil, and toy-optimized lube. (You can even pick up a literal barrel of the stuff for just shy of $1,000, should you so desire.)
- Type: Water-based
- Works with: Silicone toys, condoms
- Pros: Nonstaining formula, no taste
- Cons: Might dry out quickly.
- Reviewer: “This lube is a pure luxury—especially the prosecco flavored one. It’s so slick and smooth, that it enhances everything it touches. My partner and I don’t just use it for intercourse, but for oral, nipple play, and any other place that will be enhanced with slippery sensations. It never gets greasy, sticky, or leaves any residue behind, like some water-based lubes. It’s a fantastic product and I’ll never give it up.” —Ali, Paris-based student
- 6/16
Best Natural Lube: Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant
In the market for a clean, super-hydrating lubricant? Meet this natural option, formulated without parabens, glycerin, glucose, or synthetic fragrances. With a simple swab test, you can immediately tell that it's a bit thicker than a lot of the other water-based lubes out there, making it great for both vaginal penetration and anal play. It feels thick between the fingers too, but without losing that natural feeling. Its consistency has some weight to it, but in a way that reassures you that you won’t have to reapply it that often. Though, if you’re having anal sex or suffer from excessive vaginal dryness, that's an exception. Although its packaging leaves much to be desired—tubes can never live up to dispensers in our humble opinion—it’s pH-balanced for more comfortable play, especially oral sex.
- Type: Water-based
- Works with: Silicone toys, condoms
- Pros: Natural formula; nonirritating, pH-balanced
- Cons: Might dry quickly.
- Review: “After having my daughter, my body didn’t naturally lubricate the way it used to. I did a lot of research for a natural lube that wasn’t likely to irritate my skin or cause infection. I used coconut oil for a while, but then I suddenly developed an allergy to it. Aloe Cadabra was suggested to me by a friend who’d also developed a coconut oil allergy and it was exactly what I needed. It’s slippery, lasts pretty long, and I like knowing that it’s not going to disrupt my vagina’s flora which is always a risk with coconut oil.” —L, NYC-based acupuncturist and doctor of Chinese medicine
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- 7/16
Best Lube for Sex: Sliquid Silver
Sliquid is exactly that: slick and liquid. This silicone-based lube is a whole boatload of silkiness and then some. When rubbed between the fingers, you can tell that this lube is going to be long-lasting and never get sticky no matter how many hours of play you indulge in with your partner or solo. Of course, because it’s silicone it’s thicker than a water-based lube but not in a way that doesn’t feel natural. When swabbed it drips just like any other silicone-based lube would: slower than most water-based, but faster than most oil-based. This lube is “great for anal and other kinds of play where you want it to start slippery and to stay slippery,” says Dr. Queen. And since it’s not oil-based, it’s also safe to use with condoms.
- Type: Silicone-based
- Works with: Nonsilicone toys, condoms
- Pros: Long-lasting slip; great for shower sex
- Cons: Pricey
- Review: “I only use silicone lube, but this is my favorite. It’s always on my nightstand and I use it with everyone because it glides so nicely. I just pop a bit in a lube applicator then pop it into my bottoms and it’s smooth sailing. I’ve never experienced a broken condom with it, which is a true testament to how great it is. I also like that Lovehoney always has it in stock, so I can get everything I need on one site.” —Michael, Barcelona-based barista
Save on the best lubes with these Walmart promo codes.
- 8/16
Best Aloe-Based Lube: Dame Aloe Lube
If you’re into natural lubricants, this one from Dame (previously known as Alu) is your best bet. It was designed to match the vagina’s natural pH balance—and it’s free of glycerin, sugars, and parabens. In other words, even the most sensitive and yeast infection-prone vaginas can feel like they’re in safe hands with this lube. It also stays slick relatively long for a water-based lube and feels really nice (read: natural) against the skin.
- Type: Water-based
- Works with: Silicone toys, condoms
- Pros: Organic ingredients, pump-top design; pH-balanced
- Cons: Might get sticky quickly.
- Review: “This is one of my favorite lubes. It feels so natural, doesn’t need a lot of reapplying (unless you’re going the anal route), and it has a grip for the bottle so you can’t drop it no matter how slippery your digits! I have some friends who say it gets sticky after a while, but I’d categorize that stickiness as minimal compared to other brands.” —Amanda Chatel, Glamour sex toy writer
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By Hanna Lustig
- 9/16
Best Hypoallergenic Lube: Shibari Personal Lubricant
If you shake a bottle of Shibari, it almost looks like it’s just water—that’s how light it is. When you rub it between your fingers, you can tell there’s some oomph there, but it’s so minimal that for those who don’t want to feel like they’re using lube, it’s a match made in heaven. It’s non-staining which is fantastic for those of us who want to keep our perfect 600-thread sheets, well, perfect. It’s also hypoallergenic and free of perfumes and preservatives, making it an immediate bestie for those with sensitive vaginas. And because it’s water-based, it’s compatible with sex toys and condoms.
- Type: Water-based
- Works with: Silicone toys, condoms
- Pros: Hypoallergenic formula; available in multiple sizes
- Cons: Might get sticky after application.
- Review: “This is a good and reasonably priced water-based lubricant. If you’re not satisfied with what you have tried before, give this a whirl. Pros: Clean, clear, light feeling; lubes nicely with a greasy feel; taste and smell are pleasant and very mild; lasts as long as any water-based lube I have tested; can be used for massage, masturbation or penetration—one product for all; easy to apply and spread; and safe for all toys.” —Dutton, reviewer on Amazon
- 10/16
Best Nonsticky Lube: Astroglide Water-Based Liquid
Time-honored favorite Astroglide is a long-lasting water-based lube made with just four ingredients. The finger test reveals only smooth sailing, albeit a little on the runny side. This water-based lube doesn’t feel greasy and doesn’t get tacky or pilly. The packaging is not ideal but that's a small con when everything else is considered. It washes off clean with water, doubles as a vaginal moisturizer, and minimizes irritation, making for an all-around comfortable experience. No surprise there, since it was invented by a rocket scientist looking to create a super-slick lubricant.
- Type: Water-based
- Works with: Silicone toys, condoms
- Pros: Unscented formula; doesn’t stain.
- Cons: Contains glycerin.
- Review: “When I need a water-based lube so I can enjoy silicone toys, I turn to Astroglide. It's great for being water-based, which means it gets the job done. It lasts, comparatively speaking, and is really easy to clean up without leaving behind a tacky residue.” —Ahren, NYC-based producer
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- 11/16
Best Warming Lube: Unbound Jolt Gel
When regular-shmegular lube isn’t revving your engine like you need, break out this stimulating gel from beloved sex toy brand Unbound. It’s an actual gel, so it's far thicker than your usual lube. The more it’s rubbed (between fingers or during penetration), the less thick and more natural it becomes. With the swab test, this gel stays put. It’s packed with botanicals that’ll give you a pleasant tingling warmth (without tipping into burning or stinging) no matter where you apply it, making your orgasm all the more intense. And because it’s water-based, it’s a good companion for using with toys and partners. However, this lube comes with a warning: After it’s been on your fingers, wash your hands thoroughly before touching anywhere near your face. It’s minty and can cause eye irritation.
- Type: Water-based
- Works with: Silicone toys, condoms
- Pros: Adds extra sensation; tingling sensation.
- Cons: Might be too intense.
- Review: “When I first started getting into lube, meaning I upgraded from random free samples, I started experimenting with sensations. But WOW! Some felt like my vagina was going to burst into flames. Then I came across this gel and it's fantastic! It feels cool and refreshing, and because it's a gel, it lasts longer than similar products that are water-based.” —Maria, NYC-based PR rep
- 12/16
Best Long-Lasting Lube: Gun Oil
Yes, the packaging is a little aggressive, but Gun Oil is actually a gentle silicone lubricant. The hypoallergenic formula (complete with vitamin E for added moisture) is slippery and latex condom-friendly, just don't use it with any silicone toys. According to the finger test, Gun Oil is like that childhood Slip N Slide toy in a bottle. While it is marketed toward people with penises, anyone who likes a super slick lube will love it. “It's fabulously slippery,” says Dr. Queen. This lube is so concentrated and long-lasting that you can use it during marathon bedroom sessions, shower sex, and backdoor encounters without worrying about it drying out.
- Type: Silicone-based
- Works with: Nonsilicone toys, condoms
- Pros: Waterproof formula; great as anal lube.
- Cons: Obvious packaging
- Review: “It lasts, it never runs out of juice, and it doesn’t get sticky unlike some water-based brands can. I love the silicone-based, but the water-based one is great too. 10/10, it’s slick and smooth, and stays that way for the duration.” —Ahren, NYC-based producer
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- 13/16
Best Vegan Lube: Coconu Water-Based Lubricant
Not all lubes taste or even smell good, but Coconu Water-Based Lubricant is an exception. Because it’s edible, you can use it during oral sex to make things even more slippery—definitely a plus for those who aren’t always keen on tasting their partner’s genitals. The finger test proves that this lube feels just like natural lubrication, albeit a bit more runny, and after some proper finger rubbing, it never gets sticky or pilly. It remains silky smooth. Nontoxic, 100% cruelty-free, and pH-balanced for those of us with a vagina.
- Type: Water-based
- Works with: Silicone toys, condoms
- Pros: Long-lasting; feels natural.
- Cons: Some felt the packaging needed some work.
- Review: “Coconut-based lubes have gotten increasingly high-profile as research has been done on coconut's potential as an antimicrobial agent. I love that this brand is making a water-based lubricant—oils, even the best oils, are not for everyone, and this lets users enjoy a coconut-based product with latex or in cases where oil isn't the number one choice.” —Dr. Queen
- 14/16
Foria Intimacy Sex Oil With CBD
This is another favorite of Glamour's Chatel. “My introduction to Foria came in the form of the THC intimate oil back in 2013,” she says. “It was amazing, then my boyfriend at the time finished off the bottle by drinking it. Sadly, once it was gone, it was gone-gone because Foria has since paused the production of its THC line. But from the ashes came the Foria CBD line. The Foria Intimacy Sex Oil is silky smooth and super long-lasting, meaning it passes the finger test with flying colors—no stickiness or clumpiness here! It's moisturizing properties are evident the second you touch it.”
- Type: Oil-based
- Works with: Glass and steel toys
- Pros: CBD-infused, long-lasting
- Cons: Can’t be used with condoms or silicone toys.
- Review: “This lube lasts and lasts, so reapplication is only necessary if you’re having a marathon intercourse fête. It’s also great for those nights when I had too much to drink and things are, um, a bit on the dryer side. I love it so much that I recommended it to my gynecologist and have even gifted it to a few friends who use lube. Needless to say, they’re all hooked too. It also has a slight, rich scent that reminds me of shea butter—although I imagine that’s the coconut oil I’m smelling. Either way, it’s delicious to all the senses.” —A.C.
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- 15/16
Best Bio-Match Lube: Good Clean Love BioNude Ultra-Sensitive Personal Lubricant
If you have a vagina, then a gynecologist-recommended lube that matches the body's natural chemistry should be high up on your list. The vagina can be fairly temperamental, and it doesn’t take much to throw off the pH balance. It's designed to be totally in sync with the body, so you don’t have to worry about a possible infection after using Good Clean Love BioNude lubricant. When put to the finger test, it feels smooth, with the right amount of wateriness, which is exactly how a lube should feel. While it didn’t get sticky during the test, you could feel that it was headed in a drier direction, but it’s water-based, so that’s to be expected.
- Type: Water-based
- Works with: Silicone toys, condoms
- Pros: Feels natural, affordable.
- Cons: Dries up faster than some reviewers would like.
- Review: “As far as water-based lubes go, this one is right up there for me. Because it’s water-based, it doesn’t last as long as I’d ideally like and dries out a bit after a while, but it never gets sticky or clumpy in the process. For me, having to reapply is a small price to pay for a lube that I can use with condoms and silicone toys.” —Melanie, NYC-based yoga instructor
- 16/16
Best Arousing Lube: Play Primer by Runi
Chatel’s first introduction to Runi’s Play Primer came through a friend who also works in the sexual wellness space. “It's very stealthily packaged,” she says. “To the touch, Play Primer is thicker than water-based lubes because it’s aloe-vera-based. It feels smooth and a bit denser than vaginal secretions, which I thought was great. Not only does it have a heavier sensation to it, but in addition to CBD and other body-friendly components, it also includes adaptogenic cordyceps and shiitake mushrooms—a winning combo when it comes to increasing blood flow to where it’s used. This makes Play Primer a double hitter: It encourages natural lube while lubing.”
- Type: Aloe-vera-based
- Works with: Silicone toys, condoms
- Pros: Mushroom- and CBD-infused, super smooth
- Cons: Pricey
- Review: “The sex serum has all natural ingredients (love), and is condom and toy safe (love x2), but the best part is that the texture is perfectly smooth, nonsticky, and nongreasy, so no mess (mega love!). Because it’s an aloe-vera-based serum, it is creamier than other arousal products and mixes so well with my natural bodily fluids—it really just intensifies everything and doesn’t feel artificial. After my first orgasm, which came on super strong, my body wanted more and my second orgasm was bigger and stronger than the first. Even though the packaging says it’s made for women, my partner, who is a male, said it made his orgasm stronger too.” —Alex, NYC-based therapist