The 8 Best Lubes of 2022

How We Selected the Best Lubes

In order to choose the best lubes for our list, we first looked for well-known brands with top-selling products. We narrowed down our selections by choosing products based on categories like what type of lube: silicone, water, or hybrid, and what the lube is best for, such as sensitive skin or anal play. We researched product details and data and read customer reviews for dozens of products.

While researching, we looked at the type of lube and key ingredients, what it's good for, and how best to use it. We also considered features such as, if the lube is organic, hypoallergenic, easy to clean up, warming, edible, scented, or doctor recommended.

What to Look for in a Lube

Type

There are three main types of lube and each one has different ingredients and uses. Water-based lubricants are made using water soluble ingredients, are a safe choice for latex condoms and silicone toys, and are easy to clean up. Since they dissolve in water, they're not the best choice for shower sex.

Silicone-based lubricants are designed to last longer than water-based and don't wash or wipe away easily so they're good for longer sessions. Silicone lube is also safe for latex condoms but not a good idea to pair with silicone toys.

Lastly, oil-based lubricants are usually made using natural oils such as Vitamin E, and are long-lasting and waterproof like silicone. Oil-based lubes, however, are not at all compatible with latex condoms, and they could stain bedding and clothing.

Key Ingredients

The first key ingredients to look for are based on the type of lube. Water, silicones, and plant-based oils are all common ingredients. Aloe vera is another beneficial ingredient to look out for in many lubes. There are also certain ingredients to avoid and those are noted below.

Water

While it's not a good lubricant on its own, water is a simple and completely safe main ingredient in many lubricants. It's natural, doesn't cause reactions, and is easy to clean up.

Silicone

Silicones are a group of common ingredients used in many lubricants. They are used in small amounts and not absorbed by the body making them safe as well. Silicone makes a lube a little thicker than water-based lube and makes it capable of lasting longer so you don't have to reapply as often. Silicones are also very smooth and slick so they can help reduce irritation or injuries.

Plant-Based Oils

Lubricants that are oil-based often use plant oils such as coconut, almond, or grapeseed oil. Oil-based lubes are moisturizing and plant oils contain antioxidents that are good for your skin. Oil makes a lube very slick so it feels good during sex and reduces friction. Some people have reactions to certain oils, even if they're plant-based, so while oil-based lube is safe, do a patch test on your skin before using if you are concerned about sensitivity.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel or aloe leaf juice is another key ingredient in many lubes. It provides natural hydration and is water-based and usually organic.

Hydroxyethylcellulose

If you are trying to conceive, lubricants that include hydroxyethylcellulose have been found to be helpful because they don't decrease sperm motility and they most closely mimic natural vaginal fluids.

Purpose

The lube you choose has to fit all your needs. Personal lubricant is designed to make sexual experiences more enjoyable and more comfortable. Lubes can reduce friction and irritation which in turn, can reduce pain and injury during sex. Lubes relieve vaginal dryness due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy or menopause. Some lubes can create a warming or cooling sensation that can be enjoyable and help you last longer and there are lubes specifically designed to make anal sex more comfortable. There are even lubes made to support fertility if you're trying to conceive so finding the right lube for you is just a matter of deciding what your needs are.

Ingredients to Avoid in a Lube

Lubes can contain a range of ingredients—some of which you may want to avoid. Most lubricants are safe to use and won’t cause any serious side effects. If you are allergy-prone or have sensitive skin, pay attention to the ingredients. There are a few you may want to avoid because they may cause irritation or inflammation:

Glycerin

Glycerin is a clear, odorless compound that acts as a humectant, which means it seals in moisture. Because of this, it’s often used to make lubes last longer. Some research has suggested that glycerin can damage skin cells, potentially increasing the transmission of STIs.

Petroleum

Petroleum is a gooey, jelly-like compound found in some oil-based lubes to promote moisture. One small study found a link between petroleum jelly and an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis.

Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is a humectant added to lubes to make them last longer. One small study linked propylene glycol to the spread of STIs (specifically, herpes) in mice, but this effect does not seem to have been replicated in human-based research. Other research has linked propylene glycol to skin irritation—the American Contact Dermatitis Society went as far as naming the ingredient its "Allergen of the Year" for 2018.

Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Chlorhexidine gluconate is an antibacterial commonly used in mouthwashes and oral rinses. It’s also occasionally used in lube. Chlorhexidine gluconate may cause skin irritation. Poison Control also notes that chlorhexidine gluconate shouldn’t be orally consumed, so be sure to avoid it in any lubes you plan to use orally.

Parabens

Parabens are synthetic chemicals that act as preservatives in a number of products, lube included. Some experts have expressed concern that parabens could potentially disrupt the endocrine (or hormonal) system, but research has yet to clearly demonstrate this effect.

Some research has suggested that single-exposure parabens consumed at recommended doses do not significantly affect the endocrine system. But that same review notes that most of us aren’t exposed to just one paraben at a time, so further research is needed. Put simply, the jury is still out on this one.

Why Trust Verywell Health

As a seasoned health writer, Isis Briones knows the importance of finding products that work best for you and your conditions. You can count on her to always provide a variety of recommendations from licensed medical professionals because she has tested and reviewed tons of products over the years to know everyone is different.