10 Best Anal Lubes [Buyer Guide]

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Once it comes to anal sex, we’ve got a very simple philosophy: the more anal lube, the better anal sex. Since the anus and rectum are not inherently self-lubricating, these regions need all the help they can receive during anal play. Fortunately, the best anal lubes supply that additional pleasure, providing the additional slickness and long-lasting wetness required to create anal stimulation feel exceptional.

Anal play can range drastically, from fisting, to pegging, to penetrative sex – the list really goes on. For so many versatile activities you may want a variety of lubricants, from water-based anal lube through to organic anal lube – there’s something for everybody. Make sure that if you’re engaging in anal play for the first time that you’ve spoken to your partner about their boundaries so you can both have as much fun as possible.

We’ve taken the time to review 10 of the best anal lubes, taking into account their benefits as well as how you can get the most out of them. We’ve also included a buyer guide and an FAQ to answer any of your burning questions, so if you want to learn more – keep on reading.

Looking to slip ‘n’ slide? The Xtreme water-based lubricant is thick and packed with moisture, perfect to use on bare skin, condoms and any type of toy. Quick to warm up and easy to use, this is ideal for those who are looking for an intense lubricant that can deliver for hours of fun. It comes with a flip cap for minimal mess, and overall is a long-lasting formula.

Key Features:

  • Flip cap
  • Water activated
  • Toy and condom compatible

Specification:

  • Brand: ID Extreme
  • Size: 250ml
  • Bottle Type: Squeeze

Pros:

  • Squeeze cap is easy to use and prevents mess as well as losing lubricant by accident

Cons:

  • Lubricant may be too thick for some

With botanical extracts, this is a calming but slippery lubricant made with completely organic ingredients, great for those who are looking for a natural lubricant that is hypoallergenic and without any nasties. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, but thick enough for anal play – this is the perfect lubricant that performs time and time again.

Key Features:

  • Hypoallergenic formula
  • Natural ingredients
  • Infused with botanical extracts

Specification:

  • Brand: Sliquid
  • Size: 255 ml
  • Bottle type: Squeeze

Pros:

  • Squeeze bottle is easy to use
  • Natural products great for vegans or those who have sensitive skin

Cons:

  • Botanical extract infusion may not be to everyone’s taste

If silky, liquidy lubes aren’t your thing – have no fear, as Golden Girl have a sensuous and durable anal lube that comes in a jelly substance. This is an oil-based lubricant, so would only be suitable for non-latex toys, and skin on skin usage. This would not be suitable for condoms however it’s a great lube for foreplay or for those who are comfortable with pure skin on skin contact with their partner. Simply rub in, and start playing.

Key Features:

  • Oil-based jelly lubricant
  • Long-lasting formula

Specification:

  • Brand: Doc Johnson
  • Size: 57 ml
  • Bottle type: Tub

Pros:

  • Unique texture is ideal for those who are looking for something different
  • Cruelty-free and PETA certified

Cons:

  • Oil-based so can’t be used on condoms

This anal lubricant by Pjur has been specifically designed for anal play due to its slippery texture and ability to moisten dry areas or toys. Made with Jojoba Oil, this is a silicone-based lubricant which is safe to use with condoms and non-silicone sex toys for maximum pleasure. If you’re looking for pain-free and pleasurable intercourse, this is for you.

Key Features:

  • Silicone-based lubricant
  • Squeeze bottle
  • Infused with Jojoba Oil

Specification:

  • Brand: Pjur
  • Size: 100 ml
  • Bottle type: Squeeze

Pros:

  • Infused with jojoba oil for extra smooth penetration
  • Suitable for condoms and non-silicone sex toys

Cons:

  • Not suitable for silicone sex toys

Love pick ‘n’ mix? This is the adult version. Sliquid have come out with a multipack of lubricants specifically designed for anal play. Each sachet is packed with silky lubricant, and has a variety of water-based, silicone and hybrid formulas so you can really experiment. This is perfect for those who are beginners due to the variety, but can also be used by those who are experienced, too.

Key Features:

  • Multipack sachets
  • Multiple types of lubricant
  • Single-use sachets

Specification:

  • Brand: Sliquid
  • Size: 12 x 5ml sachets
  • Bottle type: Sachet

Pros:

  • Sachets are handy for travel or experimenting with different types of lubricant

Cons:

  • Limited amount per sachet

This thick and slick anal lubricant comes as a jelly, and is a fragrance-free, water-based lubricant that can be used on bare skin, any sex toys as well as condoms. The water-based formula is easy to apply and easy to wash off, and overall is perfect for beginners or those who want an anal lubricant that can continuously deliver, no matter what. The lack of scent is great for those who are sensitive to it, and the hypo-allergenic formula means that this won’t disturb even the most sensitive of areas.

Key Features:

  • Water-based lubricant
  • Jelly consistency
  • No fragrance

Specification:

  • Brand: ID
  • Size: 120 ml
  • Bottle type: Squeeze

Pros:

  • Water

Cons:

  • Jelly consistency may not be to everyone’s taste

This is a concentrated silicone anal lubricant made by ID, and is great for those who are looking for a silky and extra wet lubricant. Great for beginners, this can be used on bare skin, condoms as well as non-silicone sex toys for ultimate pleasure. It’s extra thick, and once warmed up in your hands can coat all your dry spots for easy penetration. Enjoy!

Key Features:

  • Silicone lubricant
  • Thick texture
  • Pump bottle

Specification:

  • Brand: ID
  • Size: 65 ml
  • Bottle type: Pump

Pros:

  • Pump is great for easy application
  • Thick consistency is ideal for beginners

Cons:

  • Cannot be used with silicone sex toys

Need a tub of lube? We’ve got you covered. This is an amazing anal lubricant made from Doc Johnson that is oil-based and designed to allow you to slip and slide to your heart’s desire. Although this can’t be used on condoms or sex toys, it’s great for skin on skin play and ideal for those who are trying that out for the first time, but need a lubricant that will consistently deliver – this is the one for you.

Key Features:

  • Oil-based lubricant
  • Squeeze pump bottle
  • Thick formula

Specification:

  • Brand: Doc Johnson
  • Size: 127 ml
  • Bottle type: Squeeze pump

Pros:

  • Thick formula and oil base is great for skin on skin play

Cons:

  • Cannot be used on condoms or sex toys

The System JO H2O lubricant is a warming and thick formula that allows for comfortable anal play whilst adding a bit of warmth to the overall sensation. It can be uncomfortable working with lubricants that feel really cold, so this allows you to feel relaxed and experience a different feel overall. Great for beginners or experienced individuals, this lubricant allows you to take anal play to new heights.

Key Features:

  • Water-based lubricant
  • Warming formula
  • Thick and durable

Specification:

  • Brand: Lovehoney
  • Size: 60 ml
  • Bottle type: Squeeze

Pros:

  • Water-based so can be used with all sex toys, condoms as well as skin on skin contact
  • Warming sensation allows you to feel relaxed

Cons:

  • Warming sensation may not be to everyone’s taste

If anal play is going to involve fisting, then this lubricant is designed specifically for that. In a cream formula, this is a water-based lubricant that has the durability of a silicone lube without having to include it. It can be used on toys, skin on skin contact as well as for fisting.

Key Features:

  • Lubricant designed for fisting
  • Water-based formula
  • Cream consistency

Specification:

  • Brand: Doc Johnson
  • Size: 236 ml
  • Bottle type: Squeeze pump

Pros:

  • Thick and durable formula

Cons:

  • Cream consistency may not be to everyone’s taste

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.

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