The Absolute Best Lubes for Anal Sex, According to Sex Experts

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When it comes to safe anal sex, using the best anal lubes for your needs is critical. “[Lube] reduces friction to lower the risk of condom breakage. It can also help to prevent small tears that can be painful and increase the risk of infection,” says Jess O’Reilly, Ph.D., host of the Sex with Dr. Jess podcast. “And lube can enhance sensation and pleasure!”

Why is it so important to use a lube specifically for anal play, though? Unlike the vagina, the anus does not self-lubricate, explains Jenni Skyler, Ph.D., L.M.F.T., C.S.T., a licensed marriage & family therapist, sex therapist, and director of the Intimacy Institute. So, for comfortable and pain-free sex, you’ll want to keep things lubricated to decrease friction and prevent tears, bleeding, and other potential injuries. Not to mention, using a personal lubricant makes it less likely that your condom will break—thereby decreasing your risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Meet the Experts: Jenni Skyler, Ph.D., L.M.F.T., C.S.T., a licensed marriage & family therapist, certified sex therapist, and director of the Intimacy Institute; Jess O’Reilly, Ph.D., host of the Sex with Dr. Jess podcast.

When choosing a personal lubricant, it’s important to find one that feels best for your body. Most lubes are either water or silicone-based, says O’Reilly. “Water-based lubes come in several formulations including gels, creams, and liquids. Because they’re primarily composed of water, they wash away easily and won’t leave stains or residue,” she notes. “Silicone-based formulas are often a bit thicker, silkier, and longer-lasting. Many people prefer it for anal penetration, as it is longer-lasting.”

But there’s one caveat with silicone-based lubes that’s important to keep in mind: They can degrade the material of silicone sex toys, meaning it’s not the best option if you’re planning to use toys. And, if you’re using a condom, you should stay away from oil-based lubes, as they can break down the latex.

Ahead, find top-rated, expert-approved anal lubes for safer, more comfortable backdoor play.

Silicone-Based Sex Lube Gel

“Astroglide X Silicone Gel offers a thicker, long-lasting formulation that is slick and silky,” says O’Reilly. Waterproof and hypoallergenic, this highly-rated lube comes in the form of a mess-free, no-drip gel—plus, it’s also safe to use with condoms. Reviewers especially loved the consistency of the gel, with one Amazon customer writing, “No worries about drying up... Stays silky smooth the whole time.”

Natural Lubricating Gel

This water-based lube is loved by reviewers for its thick, long-lasting gel formula that doesn’t dry out quickly. Plus, it’s also fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. “It lasts pretty long for water-based lube, and it doesn’t leave any sticky or greasy residue...I love the gel consistency, it doesn’t spill everywhere,” wrote an Amazon customer.

Natural Water-Based Lubricant

Amazon reviewers with sensitive skin rave about this water-based lube. The gentle, non-irritating formula contains only natural ingredients, and is free of glycerin, parabens, and hormones. “I am in love with this lube...I am very sensitive to anything that gets remotely close to my body,” shared one shopper. “This lube is slick, but thin enough and it's also long lasting. As far as sensitivity goes, there is no color, no scent and I feel no side effects when I apply and use it...I am so ecstatic to finally find a lube that my body agrees with!”

Back Door Relaxing Silicone Anal Glide Lubricant

This silicone-based lube from Pjur is specifically designed for anal play. The long-lasting formula contains jojoba seed oil, which helps relax muscles (but without any numbing effect!) for a more comfortable experience—making it an especially helpful pick for beginners who may be new to anal play. “This is the best lube we’ve used for anal. A little goes a long way, just a few drops...the relaxing effect really works,” shared one reviewer on Amazon.

Shine Organic Aloe-Based Personal Lubricant

Formulated with hydrating organic aloe, which makes it ultra-moisturizing, this water- and aloe-based lube is slick without becoming sticky, and quickly washes off with warm water for easy clean up. The all-natural, pH-balanced formula is also hypoallergenic and free of parabens, glycerin, and fragrance. Plus: The locking pump design makes for quick, easy application.

“This is INSANELY good...It’s not too thick so it doesn’t take any friction away, making textures feel great,” said one reviewer. “It’s not super sticky and is not drying. While I may have had to reapply a couple times to get the slickness back, the lube is super hydrating. Your hands aren’t left super sticky and they feel hydrated as if you just applied lotion!”

Oil Based Personal Lubricant

Coconu is the first coconut oil-based lubricant that’s USDA-certified organic, according to the brand. Made with coconut oil as well as beeswax, shea butter, and other soothing ingredients, this natural, hypoallergenic lube has shoppers raving about its silky texture and clean ingredients. It can even be used as a massage oil. Keep in mind, though, that this lube is not compatible with condoms, as the oil-based formula can degrade latex.

“We only need to apply a small amount and it lasts a long time. It’s not slimy or sticky at all,” writes one customer. “It is the perfect lube texture and feels kind of velvety. You’ll never want to use other lubes again!”

Water-Based Personal Lubricant

With over a whopping 100,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, this best-selling water-based lube is a clear crowd favorite. Reviewers especially love that it’s water-based, making it safe to use with sex toys as well as with condoms, and that it’s gentle and doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. “This lube is great for everything! It does not have a strong smell (or taste), it is not sticky, and it’s not messy,” said one reviewer. “My sensitive skin hasn’t had any reactions and a little can go a long way!”

Tush Cush Lubricant

Cake’s Tush Cush offers a unique hybrid formula that’s a combination of both water-based and silicone-based lubricants—meaning it’s designed for comfort and long-lasting use (and it’s safe to use with all sex toys, too!) Plus, it’s also free from alcohol, glycerin, dyes, gluten, and fragrances.

“Probably one of the best lubes I’ve used for backside fun. It’s thicker than regular [ones] and only one application was needed,” shared one reviewer on Amazon. “It’s long-lasting and easily applied—wipes off hands pretty easily but if it gets on the skin it doesn’t feel sticky.”

Silicone Lubricant

Skyler recommends this popular pick from Uberlube, which boasts over 31,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. Reviewers especially love that it’s long-lasting and non-sticky—and that it’s easily dispensed by a handy pump feature. “I’ve never used a lube that lasts so long, feels so natural, and doesn’t get sticky. It totally doesn’t smell or stain anything...It stays slippery for a very long time after use,” raved one reviewer. “I definitely won’t ever be buying any other lubricant again.” Plus, it’s also versatile and multi-purpose, with many also using it for chafe protection and even hair styling.

Ease Relaxing Anal Silicone Glide

Skyler recommends this pick from Intimate Earth as it’s silicone-based—which makes it longer-lasting than water-based lubes—and also contains a natural relaxant that’s extracted from the chamomile plant, called bisabolol. “This is the key to the best anal ever! Stays wet. Doesn’t end up all sticky. Slides like a dream,” an Amazon reviewer said. “ZERO actual numbing but all the relaxation!”

Almost Naked Personal Lubricant

This water-based lubricant is certified 95% organic and fragrance-free—not to mention, it also comes in eco-friendly packaging. The formula also contains minimal ingredients, including aloe vera for an extra soothing effect. “This is such great lube!!! Good, clean ingredients…so it doesn’t fight with the natural pH, but rather works with it,” one reviewer wrote.

Toy 'N Joy Water-Based Personal Lubricant

If you’re looking for a good lubricant to use with sex toys, O’Reilly recommends this pick from Astroglide, which is specifically tested with toys. The water-based formula also makes it able to be washed away easily without any stains or residue. “The lubricant is toy-safe and provides a smooth, natural feel that enhances the pleasure,” noted one reviewer on Amazon. “It is also long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about reapplying often.”

Lubricant

Skyler recommends this best-seller from Adam & Eve—a versatile water-based lube that’s slick, long-lasting, and easy to clean, according to the over 2,000 reviewers who gave it a perfect rating. It’s also affordable, providing 8 oz of product for only $10. “My wife and I hate having to reapply lube during foreplay, now that we have the Adam & Eve Lube we only need to apply it once,” one customer wrote. “We really like this water-based product because of the way it lasts and feels more natural!”

How to choose the best anal lubes

✔️ Consider which type of lubricant is best for your needs. Water-based lubes wash away easily and won’t leave stains or residue—meaning they’ll make for easier clean-up—while silicone-based lubes are typically thicker and longer-lasting, according to O’Reilly. However, silicone-based formulas aren’t ideal if you’re planning to use silicone sex toys, as they can degrade the toy’s material, says Skyler. Oil-based lubes are another long-lasting option—but you’ll want to avoid these when using condoms, as they can break down the latex.

✔️ Check the ingredients. Ideally, your lubricant will be free of parabens, dyes, alcohol, and fragrances, and will be formulated with clean, minimal ingredients so as to ensure that it doesn’t irritate your skin—particularly if your skin is sensitive. You’ll especially want to be mindful of the ingredient list if you opt for lubes that have any special sensation (like relaxing) features.

Can you use the same lube for anal and vaginal sex?

“You can use the same lube for anal as you do for vaginal penetration,” says O’Reilly. “However, you don’t want to reuse lube for anal and then transfer it to the vagina, as you risk transferring bacteria from the anus. For example, if you’ve lubed up a condom or toy for insertion into the anus, wash [the toy] and reapply fresh lube if you’re switching to vaginal play post-butt play.”

If you’re planning to use anal lubes for vaginal sex, you should also keep in mind that lubes specifically designed for anal sex also tend to be thicker, meaning they can also be tougher to slough out of the vagina, adds Skyler.

How we chose the best anal lubes

We consulted Jenni Skyler, Ph.D., L.M.F.T., C.S.T., a licensed marriage & family therapist, sex therapist, and director of the Intimacy Institute, as well as Jess O’Reilly, Ph.D., host of the Sex with Dr. Jess podcast. We also combed through countless ratings, reviews, and product specs to narrow down the best anal lubes for various needs and preferences.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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