Summary
Engaging in anal play is supposed to be fun, pleasurable and liberating for you and your partner. Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll see from the above reviewed products that there’s something for everyone. From water-based anal lube to organic anal lube, there’s a ton to choose from. We know that this can sometimes feel a bit daunting – especially if you’ve never used anal lube before. We’ve compiled a few things for you to consider, as well as an FAQ to answer some of your burning questions.
Please note that you should always consult with your partner before buying a lubricant – and definitely check for any allergies beforehand.
Formula
There are three main formulas on the market: oil-based, water-based and silicone-based. All have their pros and cons so it’s important to read up on them before you make a decision. Overall, the best formula for casual sex would be water-based as this can be used with condoms and toys with ease. Then, if you have a long-term partner and want to experiment – you can start to branch out with oil-based and silicone-based. It’s down to personal preference but remember that safe sex should always be your #1 priority.
Additional sensation
Some anal lubricants out there offer additional perks in the formula such as a tingling or warming sensation. have a think about whether that’s something you want out of a lubricant and if so, factor that into your purchasing. If you have never tried anal sex before we recommend refraining from buying one made with additional sensation, as it may be too overwhelming to begin with.
Bottle nozzle type
Lubricant is incredibly messy (depending on how you use it) so you want to be practical with the packaging, particularly if you want to travel with it. The best for travel are secure squeezy tops, whereas those that want a quick top-up of lubricant may prefer the lotion style bottles where you can pump-out lubricant without needing to undo the cap.
FAQ
What is anal lubricant good for?
Anal lubricant is designed specifically for anal play. This can be with your fingers, your penis or sex toys such as fox tail butt plugs, horse dildos and so much more. The formula is similar to normal lubricant used for vaginal sex or foreplay, however it’s usually thicker and focused more on comfort rather than a specific sensation. The anus is a sensitive area, so most of these lubricants are designed to cater to that overall.
Is anal lubricant safe to use?
Of course, like any lubricant designed for sexual intercourse whether that is penetrative or not, it’s 100% safe. Unless specified that it’s OK to do so, anal lubricant isn’t safe to ingest so please be mindful when purchasing that you’re not doing this. If you’re looking for flavored lubricants that can be licked/eaten then you’ll need to specify that.
Which lubricant is the best?
We’d be biased if we told you which one, however, overall water-based lubricants are considered the best as they’re the most versatile. They can be used with all sex toys and condoms without breaking or damaging them, and we recommend that if you’re sleeping with multiple partners, to use a condom and a water-based lubricant only. Again, lubricants are all down to personal preference and what works for you!
Why can’t I use oil-based lubricants with toys or condoms?
You cannot use this type of lubricant because it breaks down latex and silicone, breaking them or damaging them. This is one of the reasons that causes condoms to break. If you have a broken condom, read: “what to do when the condom breaks” to learn how to combat this.
Is anal sex safe?
Of course anal sex is safe! Make sure that before you engage in any sexual activity with your partner that you’ve discussed your boundaries so you can enjoy safe, pleasurable sex.