The Best Lubes for Sex and Solo Play According to Sexperts

Ready to get slippery? If so, you're in the right place. No matter if you're looking to have hot anal play or you're wanting to add more slip and slide to your partnered (or solo) rendezvous, one thing is true—the best lube for sex depends on you.

"Regardless of what [lube] I love, it's okay for a lube user to like whatever their fave is—and I really want them to think about which type of lube works best for them," resident sexologist with Good Vibes Carol Queen, PhD, explains, "Not everyone enjoys the same style."

With that said, there are many different types of lubes: the best lube for sex toys, the best lube for anal sex and even the best natural lube for sex. If you don't know where to start, it might feel a little overwhelming. With the help of Queen, plus sex expert Taylor Moore, we're here to give you the best tips for all things lube.

In this article:

• The Best Lubes for Sex to Shop Now
• What is Lube Used For?
• Types of Lube You Can Buy
• What to Look Out for When Trying Lube

The Best Lubes for Sex to Shop Now

On the hunt for a new lube to add to your nightstand? Look no further. Whether you're into water-based lube, the best sex lube for dryness or perhaps the best lube for shower sex, we've picked our faves out below.

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Best for Those Experiencing Painful Sex: Good Clean Love Almost Naked

Photo: Target

If you're someone who is struggling with painful sex, you're not alone. Enter: a lube made to combat just that. "Good Clean Love is a wonderful brand," Queen says, "I like their Almost Naked, and if someone is having issues that make penetration irritating or painful, this lube can help in balancing vaginal conditions."

Most Compatible for Sensitive Skin: Sliquid Naturals H2O

Photo: Amazon

Maybe you're someone who has more sensitive skin. If so, it's understandable that you'd look for the best sex lube for sensitive skin. According to Moore, Sliquid's H20 Naturals lube is the way to go. "Lube is essential for reducing friction during sex, enhancing comfort and preventing discomfort. It's especially useful with toys or for anal play," Moore says. "Personally, I recommend Sliquid H2O for its natural feel and gentleness on sensitive skin."

The Most Back-Door Friendly: Uberlube

Photo: Amazon

If you're Googling "the best lube for anal sex," we've got your back. According to Queen, Uberlube is a fantastic silicone lubricant that's made for anal play (and other fun play, too.) Plus, it comes in a snazzy glass pump bottle. "They make a refillable travel unit too," Queen says. "Not for use with most silicone toys, but it's great for hand jobs and anal. It stays slick much longer than water-based lubes."

Best Sex Lube for Couples: Coconu Oil-Based Lubricant

Photo: Coconu

In a long-term relationship with your partner? Try Coconu's oil-based lubricant for your next session—especially if you're on the market for one of the best natural lubes for sex. Keep in mind that this isn't compatible with silicone or latex (so if you don't use condoms often, this could be your jam.) "For those who like natural lube, Coconu is made with mostly organic plant-based ingredients," Queen says. "With sunflower seed and coconut oil at the top of the list, it's not for use with latex, but otherwise a fab lubricant."

Most Amazing Smelling Lube: Playground Pillow Talk

Photo: Revolve

What about a lube that looks and smells just as amazing as it feels? Playground's Pillow Talk—a new sexual wellness brand co-founded by Christina Aguilera—does just that. This non-irritating lube smells like wild rose and cream essence while providing a plant-based, non-sticky feel to any sex position.

Best for Those Who Love Shower Play: Bloomi Delight

Photo: Bloomi

If you're in the camp of those who love steamy fun (solo or not) then the best lube for shower sex goes to Bloomi's Delight oil-based lubricant. Made with all-natural ingredients and with aphrodisiacs mixed in, this lube can go with you in the shower at home or even on vacation—so you can have a little wet fun anywhere you want.

Best Lube for Dryness: Good Lube Hybrid Silk

Photo: Good Vibes

Experiencing dryness? Try out a hybrid lube—a water-based lube with slight silicone mixed in—to really get moisturized and ready for some action. What's even better? They have an amazing (and truly satisfying) texture. "Hybrid lubes are water-based with a touch of silicone and they feel like lotion, almost," Queen says. "I really like Good Lube Hybrid Silk. It's really long-lasting and has a really nice texture."

Best Lube for Sex Toys: Personal Fav whet

Photo: Personal Fav

Last, but not least, is the best lube for sex toys. Whether you're into vibrators, strap-ons or even male-focused sex toys, Personal Fav's whet plant-based sex serum could add extra slip and slide to your solo or partnered sessions. Not sticky—and made with natural aphrodisiacs and essences—just add this to a sex toy or directly to your body and watch the magic happen.

What is Lube Used For?

Lube can enhance your sex life, regardless of your gender, and make it more pleasurable over time. According to Queen, lube not only makes penetrative sex easier and more pleasurable (less friction and more glide) but is a must for anal. Plus, many lube users love to add slickness to handjobs and other manual types of sex play—solo or partnered.

Types of Lube You Can Buy

Now that you know what lube is used for, it's important to know the difference between types—and there are just a few to keep in mind when shopping. "As the term indicates, the base materials of lube are different—water, oil and silicone. Water needs additives to be slick; the others may or may not have them," Queen says.

Water-Based Lube

Water-based lubes are an easy-to-use lube—with any material—and come in several thickness options. "Water-based lubes are often described as the most like natural sexual fluids," Queen says. "The water in these lubes can evaporate over time, though, so they can get less slick, even sticky in some cases. To deal with that, add a few drops of water and the lube should rehydrate and get slippery again."

Silicone-Based Lube

On the other hand, silicone lubes are very neutral and can be used safely with latex, plus they are super-slick and long-lasting as well. However, they don't play well with all silicone toys. Silicone lube can damage the surface of silicone toys, Queen says. If you're going to use silicone lube with a toy, place a condom on it.

Oil-Based Lube

Oil-based lubes are perhaps the most slick and long-lasting of the bunch. Great for anal play, shower sex and even play with your partner via hands, it's an amazing option for those who want something super slick feeling. Remember, oil-based lube will break down latex, so it isn't condom compatible. "If someone wants to use an oil-based lube, they should not use condoms or other latex safer sex gear," Queen says. "Plant-based oils should also be avoided if a user has allergies or sensitivities to the plant in question."

What to Look Out for When Trying Lube

If you're on the market for a new lube, and you're trying a few out, the thing to pay attention to more than anything is: Do you enjoy it? But, of course, you should also pay careful attention to what you want to use it for and how it interacts with those acts. Here are some examples of ways lubes can interact with toys, skin, water and latex:

• Toys: Silicone-on-silicone isn't always a good idea. Oil-on-latex is a no, also. (Most sex toys are not latex, but some, like inflatable dildos, are, so just be aware.)
• Skin: Listen to your body. Most lubes will work for many people, but if you are the exception, don't try to wish away a sensitivity. If you're having a reaction don't use it.
• Water: Use oil or silicone in or near water. The water in a tub or shower will wash off a water-based lube.
• Latex: Do not use oil-based lubes with latex. That means no oil with condoms.

Remember that while most lubes are safe, many people are sensitive to some types or some ingredients. "You may want to avoid lubes that have spermicides, alcohol, petrochemicals (this includes mineral oil), glycerin, parabens, DEA, glycol, PEG, propylene glycol, sorbitol, sulfates, fragrances or dyes," Queen suggests. "Also, there are many flavored lubes out there, which are fine for external use like flavoring oral, but don't use these for penetration." If you're just starting out with lube, make sure to do your homework. We recommend starting with a sampler-size bottle to see how you like it.