Every guy should own sex lubes. A proper lubricant isn’t just for a nice handy (which, by the way, are totally underrated). If you’re heading for the backdoor, it’s the only way you’ll get in — anal sex and lube go hand in hand. But you’ll want a bottle of lube in your nightstand even if you never leave missionary island: Lube makes vanilla P-in-V sex even more fantastic — not least because your partner will appreciate your thoughtfulness and consideration.
Giving oral sex through a safer-sex barrier. If you’re using a condom or a dental dam while going down on someone, you could just deal with the taste of latex (or polyisoprene or polyurethane, as the case may be). Let’s be real: It’s probably not your favorite flavor. Might as well jazz it up with lube that tastes like strawberries, coconuts, or birthday cake.
Say it with me: Vaginas are sensitive. And just like you might regularly pore over the ingredients in new serums before adding them to your skincare routine, you should pay extra-close attention to what’s in your lube — especially if you’re prone to vaginal dryness, pain, or irritation during or after sex.
If you’re someone who’s on the hunt for lube for sensitive skin, don’t feel overwhelmed. Sure, there are 100’s of types available, but our board of sex experts knows the bestlubes out there.
From water-based lube, to flavoured lube, CBD lube… the list goes on. But know this: not all lubes are made equal. While a study(opens in new tab) of more than 2,000 women found that sex was more pleasurable and satisfying for those who used lube, another paper found one of the biggest problems with lube is that it can be “burning [or] itchy”.
A quick breakdown of the best lubes available: there are water-based, oil-based and silicone-based, and sometimes hybrids of two or more. Water-based lubricants can be used for vaginal and anal play (read our roundup of the best lube for anal here), but they aren’t just great for sex, either.
Throw on your bathing suits, folks, because we’re going down the slip-n-slide to find the best anal lube for you. Going into anal sex without a lubricant is like going through your day without coffee: painful and almost always unsuccessful. On a more serious note, “using lube for anal play is crucial,” Jenn Mason, founder, and owner of WinkWink, a Washington-based, women-owned sex shop, tells SELF. We spoke with experts to understand what to look for when shopping for anal lubes and why it’s beneficial for anal sex.
The anus has thin walls, doesn’t self-lubricate, and is surrounded by sphincter muscles that naturally tighten closed when touched. So for anal sex, experts suggest that you apply lots (and lots) of lube, get relaxed before penetration, start gradually with gentle stimulation (and work your way up), and communicate with your partner.
Random.org picked number 11 and that’s siggi: “I love that Sliquid products are all-natural and free of parabens (ICK!), sorbitol, glycerin, propylene glycol, sulphates, DEA, PEG, and that they are gluten-free and vegan. Even more than that, though, I LOVE how they smell. I have NEVER found lube that allows sex to smell so… well… naturally sexy! My old favorite lube had a plastic smell to it that made us smell like a factory in our cuddly afterglow. I will never go back to stinky, sticky, greasy, toxic lubes! I would be really excited to try Sliquid Oceanics – carrageenan, nori, and wakame, WOW!”
Congrats siggi and thank you all for your love and comments. Enjoy!
Without a doubt, I love Sliquid H2O. It’s slippery and mixes perfectly with my natural lubrication, and it doesn’t leave me feeling sticky. Unlike many other lubricants, Sliquid’s short list of natural vegan ingredients (Purified Water, Plant Cellulose (from cotton), Cyamopsis (Guar conditioners), Potassium sorbate, Citric Acid) doesn’t make me cringe with worry.
