How do you apply lube?

Planned Parenthood health educator Jen Cowe believes there’s no right or wrong way to apply lube. “The great thing about lube is you apply it anywhere! Directly to your body, to your partner’s body, a toy, or even a condom itself. But I would say before you apply it, rub it together in your hands to warm it up.”

Does lubricant use affect STD risk?

If you're using water or silicone based lubricant with a latex condom, the lubricant can help reduce friction that will, in turn, reduce the risk of condom breakage, thus keeping you safer. Oil-based lubricants, however, will degrade a latex condom quickly and lead to breakage so they are not recommended for use with latex condoms. Studies indicate that lubricants that contain the ingredient nonoxynol-9, a spermicide, can damage delicate tissues of the vagina and rectum and leave you open to disease transmission. Lubricants that are considered hyperosmolar can also cause epithelial tissue damage. Lubes that contain glycerin and propylene glycol fall into this category.

Does lube decrease the chance of pregnancy?

Many vaginal lubricants contain ingredients (including glycerin and parabens) that can decrease sperm's ability to “swim” toward the egg. Some lubes are even shown to damage sperm DNA. Both of these factors can significantly decrease your chances of getting pregnant.

Can you use lubricant with a lubricated condom?

Yes. In fact, more lubricant can help the condom do its job even better. Additional lubricant can reduce friction even further to minimize the chance of the condom breaking. It can also reduce the chance of irritation of delicate tissues which can lead to infection. If you choose to use an additional lubricant, make sure to choose one that is compatible with the type of condom you're using. Oil-based lubes do not pair well with latex condoms.

The 8 Best Lubes of 2023

Using a personal lubricant is a simple way to reduce injury and make a sexual experience more enjoyable, especially for people experiencing dryness due to shifting hormones or menopause. You have lots of options when shopping for lube. There are natural, organic, flavored, and warming lubes to name a few. There are also three different types of lube: water, silicone, and oil-based lubricants.

We researched dozens of lubricants and evaluated them based on their type, ingredients, their specific purpose, and how well they work with the vagina's sensitive pH levels. Each of the products chosen in this article was determined to be the best of their individual category.

Based on our research, here are the best lubes on the market today.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Aloe Cadabra Natural Personal Lube at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Organic:

Good Clean Love Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Water Based:

LOLA Personal Lubricant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best For Sensitive Skin:

Uberlube Luxury Lubricant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Silicone:

Sliquid Organics Silk Lubricant at Sliquid.com

Jump to Review

Best Flavored:

WET Flavored Popp’n Cherry Edible Lube at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Heating:

K-Y Warming Jelly Personal Lube Tube at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Anal:

Cake tush cush at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
Ingredients to Avoid
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Health

4.9

Amazon

Edible
Multiple flavors
Organic

Vitamin E oil doesn't pair well with latex condoms

We chose the Aloe Cadabra Natural Personal Lube as our top pick because it's free of parabens, petroleum, phenoxyethanol, glycerin, and other chemicals. This lube is vegan, edible, and comes in multiple fun flavors. It's made with 95% organic aloe vera so in addition to it being safe for your body, it helps to reduce painful intercourse and relieves menopause dryness. All in all, it’s a two-in-one deal as it acts as a personal lubricant and a vaginal moisturizer.

We like that this lube won't stain clothing or bedding, is pH balanced, and is rubber and plastic toy friendly.

Price at time of publication: $10

Because it contains some vitamin E oil, you may want to exercise caution in pairing it with latex condoms.

Type: Hybrid | Key Ingredients: Organic aloe vera, vitamin E | Scent: Various | Size: 2.5 ounces

Amazon

Only seven ingredients
Gynecologist recommended
Easy to clean up

Only one scent

The water base behind the Good Clean Love Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant will leave you feeling almost naked. It’s highly recommended by gynecologists and is free from petrochemicals, parabens, and glycerin and is made with organic aloe leaf juice.

The formula is long-lasting, moisturizing, and easy to clean up. You won’t have to worry about it leaving behind any bothersome stains. It’s infused with light lemon and vanilla scents without irritating chemical additives making it ideal for anyone with sensitive skin. Almost Naked lube is safe for silicone toys and latex condoms, and is also safe to ingest.

Price at time of publication: $13

Type: Water | Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice | Scent: Lemon and vanilla | Size: 4 ounces

Amazon

Easy one-click pump
Hypoallergenic
Flavor and fragrance free

Expensive for size

Remember, you can never go wrong with a water-based lube. The LOLA Personal Lubricant features a simple, one-click pump that you can use one-handed so application is a breeze and saves you from unnecessary messes.

It’s completely hypoallergenic and is made up of only six ingredients. The aloe leaf juice, vanilla, and lemon are all organic. There are no fragrances or synthetic flavors to complicate the moment, you’ll just be left with safe, sexual fun. Additionally, it has a pH-balanced formula to support better vaginal health and we like that it's gynecologist-approved.

Price at time of publication: $14

Type: Water | Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice | Scent: Unscented | Size: 1.7 ounces

Amazon

Fragrance and dye free
Measured pump for one-handed use
Multi-purpose

Expensive

If you’ve ever had issues with lube before, you won't need to worry once you try the Uberlube Luxury Lubricant. It’s colorless, odorless, tasteless to minimize reactions, and won’t leave behind any sticky, stain-prone residue. It performs well under water and according to the brand, can even be used for hair styling and chafe protection during sports.

On top of that, it’s free of animal products, parabens, alcohol, gluten, and glycerin, proving its made for sensitive skin and won’t harm healthy bacteria or affect pH levels. Furthermore, a little goes a long way with Uberlube, which certainly justifies its higher price tag. It has a single hand pump that will give you the perfect amount every time.

Price at time of publication: $32

Type: Silicone | Key Ingredients: Silicone | Scent: Unscented | Size: 3.8 ounces

Sliquid

Organic
Vegan
Cruelty free

Has a thin consistency

When being intimate, the last thing you should be thinking about is harmful chemicals in your body. Sliquid Organics Silk Lubricant’s silicone and water-based formula is free of any unwanted additives and is safe to use with rubber, plastic, and latex.

This lube is botanically infused and vegan, and the 12% silicone blend makes it longer lasting and perfect for sensual massages. If you apply it to your skin, the Aloe Vera in the formula acts as a natural moisturizer along with vitamin E. Green tea and hibiscus in the lubricant offer invigorating sensations that support skin elasticity.

Price at time of publication: $24

Type: Hybrid | Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Vitamin E, Green Tea | Scent: Unscented | Size: 8.5 ounces

Amazon

Multiple flavors available
Sugar and gluten-free
Cruelty free

May be too sticky for some

If you have a sexy sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss the Wet Flavored Popp’n Cherry Edible Lube that’s perfectly safe to eat. This water based formula comes in five luscious flavors, is latex friendly, and easy to clean up. And it's dye-free so it won't stain sheets or clothing.

Surprisingly, the lube is sugar and gluten-free, but it will still taste like the real flavors without an artificial aftertaste. We like that it's paraben-free so its gentle for sensitive skin and won't cause irritation. This product is made for foreplay, so if you’re looking for a sweet way to spice up your sex life, this is it.

Price at time of publication: $20

Type: Water | Key Ingredients: Water, Glycerin | Scent: Cherry | Size: 3 ounces

Amazon

Jelly formula stays in place
Delivered in discreet packaging
Comes in a two-pack

Jelly may be too thick for some
Propylene glycol may be irritating

From the second you play around with the K-Y Warming Jelly Personal Lube Tube, you’ll feel a warm sensation. You can trust K-Y with your needs as it’s a popular brand recommended by doctors. The Warming Jelly is a non-greasy formula and is safe for latex condoms.

Adding heat to your intimate moments can heighten your senses and enhance intimacy with your partner. Just apply like any other lube and feel the warmth. You can opt for it in liquid or jelly form. If you prefer the product to stay in place, the jelly is your best choice. Note, however, that K-Y Warming Jelly contains propylene glycol and may be irritating.

Price at time of publication: $23

Type: Water | Key Ingredients: Propylene glycol | Scent: Not stated | Size: 2.5 ounces

Amazon

Unscented
Thick, cushiony formula
Moisturizing

May create uncomfortable tingling for some

If you're intrigued by butt play but also a little intimidated, this personal lube from Cake is the perfect choice. It's specifically formulated to make backside experiences comfortable and pleasurable. Tush cush is a hybrid formula so it's a combination of water and silicone giving you the benefits of both. The water makes it easy to clean up and the silicone keeps it from drying out so it lasts longer.

Tush cush lube is a little thicker than typical lubes to provide cushioning and comfort and is safe to use with latex condoms. It's also moisturizing for delicate skin and we like that its free of parabens, fragrances, glycerin, dyes, and alcohol. It does contain propylene glycol which can be irritating for some.

Price at time of publication: $18

Type: Hybrid | Key Ingredients: Water, Propylene glycol | Scent: Unscented | Size: 3.3 ounces

Final Verdict

Personal lubricants can be the key to an all-around better sex life. The Aloe Cadabra Natural Personal Lube is our top choice because it checks all the boxes for a safe and effective lube. It's organic, free of parabens, won't stain and is pH balanced. If you prefer a water-based lube, we recommend LOLA's Personal Lubricant as a hypoallergenic option that can make the moments safer and more pleasurable, for everyone involved.

How We Rated Lubes

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best lubes we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These lubes are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great lubes, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These lubes are just average.

3.4 and below: We don't recommend lubes with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you apply lube?

Planned Parenthood health educator Jen Cowe believes there’s no right or wrong way to apply lube. “The great thing about lube is you apply it anywhere! Directly to your body, to your partner’s body, a toy, or even a condom itself. But I would say before you apply it, rub it together in your hands to warm it up.”
Does lubricant use affect STD risk?

If you're using water or silicone based lubricant with a latex condom, the lubricant can help reduce friction that will, in turn, reduce the risk of condom breakage, thus keeping you safer. Oil-based lubricants, however, will degrade a latex condom quickly and lead to breakage so they are not recommended for use with latex condoms.

Studies indicate that lubricants that contain the ingredient nonoxynol-9, a spermicide, can damage delicate tissues of the vagina and rectum and leave you open to disease transmission. Lubricants that are considered hyperosmolar can also cause epithelial tissue damage. Lubes that contain glycerin and propylene glycol fall into this category.
Does lube decrease the chance of pregnancy?

Many vaginal lubricants contain ingredients (including glycerin and parabens) that can decrease sperm's ability to “swim” toward the egg. Some lubes are even shown to damage sperm DNA. Both of these factors can significantly decrease your chances of getting pregnant.
Can you use lubricant with a lubricated condom?

Yes. In fact, more lubricant can help the condom do its job even better. Additional lubricant can reduce friction even further to minimize the chance of the condom breaking. It can also reduce the chance of irritation of delicate tissues which can lead to infection.

If you choose to use an additional lubricant, make sure to choose one that is compatible with the type of condom you're using. Oil-based lubes do not pair well with latex condoms.

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.