Even if you’re new to the wild and wonderful world of butt stuff, you’ve probably already heard that anal sex requires lube, lube, and more lube—and for good reason, too. While vaginas self-lubricate naturally, your anus doesn’t, which means you need to have a good lubricant on hand before diving into any anal play. Without anal lube, backdoor penetration of any kind—whether it be with a toy, a finger, or a penis—can be painful and even cause some mild bleeding afterward due to any tears in the sensitive anal canal tissue. Pretty sure that’s not anyone’s idea of a good time.
So! To make ~butt play~ as pleasurable and painless as possible, we’ve rounded up the best anal lube options on the market rn, including water-based lubes, silicone-based lubes, oil-based lubes, and everything in between. And though silicone-based lubes tend to be the best choice for anal sex or any other type of anal play, these top-rated choices are all slick, long-lasting, and—most importantly—body-safe.
Our top picks for anal lube in 2023:
Without further ado, here are all our fave anal lubricants, as well as everything you should know before ya use it.
1. Cake Tush Cush
Pros
- free from alcohol, glycerin, dyes, parabens, gluten, and fragrances
- semi-thick and long-lasting
- compatible with natural rubber, latex, and polyisoprene condoms
Cons
- some reviewers found it sticky
This unique hybrid lubricant is a combination of water-based and silicone-based lube, so it’s designed for both comfort and long-lasting use. You’ll love that it’s free from alcohol, glycerin, dyes, parabens, gluten, and fragrances, and it’s also safe to use with natural rubber, latex, and polyisoprene condoms. Plus, look how cute!!
THE REVIEWS: According to one tester, “We’ve been searching for a lube to help ease things along for anal sex for a while to no avail. This lube was the answer we needed! No stickiness, no mess, and really helps glide into place. It’s not OVERLY slick either to where things go too fast; this is the perfect anal lube. Toys (and well endowed partners) fit comfortably with less prep and no tearing.”
2. #LubeLife Water-Based Anal Lubricant
Want a water-based anal lube that washes off like magic? Look no further than this best seller from #LubeLife. With thousands of five-star reviews, it’s pretty clear people can’t get enough of this company’s natural and amazingly long-lasting formula, which you’ll be happy to know is free from parabens, glycerin, silicone, and oil.
THE REVIEWS: “This is probably the best water-based lube I’ve ever used,” one customer raves. “It’s VERY slick, doesn’t dry up as quickly as most other ones I’ve tried, and when it does dry, it doesn’t leave that gross sticky residue behind. The best part is it’s toy safe!!! Most lubes designed for anal play are all silicone, which can damage toys, but not this one!”
3. pjur Back Door
Pros
- formulated with skin-nourishing jojoba
- compatible with latex condoms and non-silicone toys
- provides a mild desensitizing effect
Cons
- can’t be used with silicone toys
If silicone-based lube is your jam, then you need to check out this option from pjur. Though pricey and not compatible with silicone toys, this formula is made with jojoba extract, which naturally relaxes the sphincter to make anal play less painful without any numbing agents (while also providing soothing moisture!).
THE REVIEWS: “pjur Back Door offers exactly what it says,” reads one review. “It does offer some slight relaxation, but not so much that it inhibits all sensation. It relaxes…it doesn’t numb. Like all pjur products, it’s very high quality, long lasting, and great for beginners. Ladies and gents, in my personal opinion, if you’re exploring anal play for the first time, I highly suggest this lubricant.”
4. Boy Butter Original Formula
This oil-based lube is made with coconut oil and organic silicone, so it will last a ridiculously long time without reapplication. Because it’s oil-based, it’s not suitable for use with condoms, but you can use it with your silicone-based toys, which is a major win. Also important: There’s also a water-based spin-off formula if you dig the idea but want something usable with condoms.
THE REVIEWS: As one person writes, “My boyfriend and I use this for anal sex. It’s basically magical. I’ve tried a few other lubes over the years, and nothing else comes close to the silky lubrication provided by Boy Butter. We went from having sex about once a week to daily, in large part because the lube reduces the ‘barrier to entry’ so much. Fantastic fantastic fantastic, worth every penny, I will buy again.”
5. Lovehoney Discover Water-Based Anal Lubricant
best gel-based anal lube
Lovehoney Discover Water-Based Anal Lubricant
best gel-based anal lube
Lovehoney Discover Water-Based Anal Lubricant
Pros
- comes in a handy pump-bottle dispenser
- safe to use with latex and polyurethane condoms, as well as toys
- non-staining and long-lasting
Cons
- consistency makes it a bit messy
This best-selling anal lube formula is a water-based gel, so it’s thicker in consistency for an extra “cushiony” feel. It also comes in a handy pump bottle with one-handed application, and since it’s water-based, it’s safe for both condoms and toys (though pls note that it does contain glycerin, so keep it away from your vagina, mmkay?).
THE REVIEWS: “The lube is fantastic. Seriously one of the best anal water-based lubes we have ever used,” says one tester. “It has a very slick consistency and was long-lasting while remaining in place with its gel consistency. I am used to having to reapply a lot of water-based lubes during anal play, but this one seemed to blend with the action and remain moist while providing extra comfort.”
6. Überlube
Pros
- safe to use with latex
- pH-balanced to protect your microbiome
- formulated with vitamin E for extra moisture
Cons
- can’t be used with silicone-based toys
This ~luxury~ lubricant is not only highly-rated, having racked up over 27,000 five-star reviews—it looks chic AF. It contains vitamin E to leave you with a soft, moisturized feel, and since it’s silicone-based, this bb’s ideal for shower sex. Though you shouldn’t use it with your silicone toys, it IS latex-safe, and it’s also pH-balanced to protect your microbiome. Plus, it’s so versatile that people use it for everything from chafe protection to hair styling!
THE REVIEWS: “OMG get this lube already,” one review reads. “Have tried many others, and Überlube is the best overall sex lube by far. Works great, super silky feeling, and is not sticky. A little goes a long way, and [it] is the best for backdoor play, too. Makes everything feel so good. You’re welcome.”
7. Lubilicious Water-Based Anal Lubricant
best lightweight anal lube
Lubilicious Water-Based Anal Lubricant
best lightweight anal lube
Lubilicious Water-Based Anal Lubricant
Pros
- simple pump top for easy application
- safe for use with all toys and condoms
- paraben-free
This water-based lube is made without parabens for a more ~natural~ experience, and the simple pump top makes it *so* easy to dispense. Plus, you don’t have to worry about clean up, because this formula won’t stain your stuff. And though this clean formula is a great pick for sensitive folks, it does contain glycerin, so it’s not vagina-safe.
THE REVIEWS: “This is a great product!” notes one customer. “I normally opt for silicone-based lube, but since I’ve began using toys I needed water-based lube. I was nervous but am glad I went with this lube, as it was surprisingly long-lasting during anal sessions, and even more importantly, it didn’t cause a burning sensation like some of the other lubricants I have purchased in the past. I definitely will purchase again in the future!”
8. Sliquid Sassy Natural Lubricating Gel
best natural anal lube
Sliquid Sassy Natural Lubricating Gel
best natural anal lube
Sliquid Sassy Natural Lubricating Gel
Pros
- water-based with a dense, gel-like consistency
- contains plant cellulose for a thicker viscosity
- free from gluten, glycerin, parabens, and sulfates
Cons
- dries up a lil too quickly
Non-staining, unscented, and unflavored, this water-based lubricant (which was specifically designed for backdoor play) is an amazingly clean, safe bet. You’ll love that it’s free from glycerin and parabens, pH balanced, and—best of all—formulated as a thicker gel to provide more padding.
THE REVIEWS: According to one reviewer, “This is the first time I’ve tried this brand. I purchased it primarily for anal intercourse, but I also use it with my silicone toys. It also meets my criteria of glycerin free, paraben free, hypoallergenic, non-toxic, non-staining unflavored and unscented. Another plus is that it’s water based and water soluble and not oily, like some of the ones I’ve purchased before which I don’t like. It feels more like a natural lubricant.”
9. Lynk Pleasure Products Anal Lubricant
best budget anal lube
Lynk Pleasure Products Anal Lubricant
best budget anal lube
Lynk Pleasure Products Anal Lubricant
Pros
- free from toxins, oils, and perfumes
- sex toy-friendly and condom-safe
- never sticky or tacky
Cons
- pump can be a lil finicky
Why does this water-based lube from Lynk have nearly 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, you ask? Probs because it’s super slick, body-safe, and perfect for folks with sensitive skin, since it doesn’t contain any perfume, oil, toxins, or other potential irritants. Oh, and an eight-ounce bottle will only cost ya $10, which is quite a deal if you ask us.
THE REVIEWS: “This is the best anal lubricant I have found,” one buyer claims. “Tried a few, but some were too sticky and ended up as good all over you and your surroundings. Others were too wet and wouldn’t stay in place long enough to do any good. This one is just right, and priced better, too!”
10. Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Anal Play Gel
best luxury anal lube
Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Anal Play Gel
best luxury anal lube
Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Anal Play Gel
Pros
- made with soothing aloe vera, arnica, and chamomile
- a little goes a long way
- safe to use with condoms and toys
Cons
- not a lot of bang for your buck
Yet another water-based anal lube that’s actually more like a gel than a liquid: this gorge formula from Bijoux Indiscrets. Ya, it’s a lil $$$, but this anal play gel combines aloe vera, chamomile, and arnica to reduce friction and prepare your anal area for play, and it smells divine.
THE REVIEWS: “If you are thinking about having some anal fun, this is the lube you need,” one person writes. “It is simply the best formula I’ve ever tried. Non-sticky, no residue, hydrates, and lubricates just right.”
11. Smile Makers Generous Gel
best pH-balanced anal lube
Smile Makers Generous Gel
best pH-balanced anal lube
Smile Makers Generous Gel
Pros
- formulated with thickening ingredients
- paraben and fragrance-free
- also great for vaginal sex
Cons
- does have slight fragrance
It may be water-based, but Smile Makers’ Generous Gel is formulated with pH-optimal thickening ingredients to make it last as long as you need it. It’s paraben and fragrance-free, thick without feeling sticky, and works great as both an anal lube and a vaginal lube.
THE REVIEWS: “Makes your pleasure feel like satin,” one reviewer notes. “I sometimes deal with friction, especially with internal toys, and this really helps. It adds more sauciness to the pleasure you already feel!”
12. System JO H2O Anal
Pros
- compatible with most toy materials
- made with plant-based ingredients
- never sticky or tacky
Cons
- doesn’t last as long as other lubes
Specifically designed for anal, this water-based lube is safe to use for all condoms and toys, including silicone. And while it may not last as long as silicone- or oil-based lubes, it does make clean up a breeze—plus, it’s made with palm oil-based glycerin for a totally natural (and non-irritating) feel.
THE REVIEWS: “This lubricant is perfect for personal use, vaginal use, and anal use,” reads one review. “Anyone who’s looking for a nice lubricant can benefit from this lube. It lasts long without drying out and getting sticky, and is just the right amount of thickness without getting messy. It stays slippery throughout play, but can also be cleaned up easily with soap and water. It doesn’t damage sheets, and has no unpleasant taste or smell. The perfect lubricant for any occasion!”
13. The Butters Hygienics Co Lube
best moisturizing anal lube
The Butters Hygienics Co Lube
best moisturizing anal lube
The Butters Hygienics Co Lube
Pros
- contains moisturizing ingredients like aloe and shea butter
- slick but never sticky
- non-toxic and pH-balanced
Cons
- can’t be used with latex condoms
Another great oil-based lube: this vegan one from The Butters, which is slick but never sticky, non-toxic, pH-balanced, and extremely long-lasting. It also has moisturizing ingredients like aloe and shea butter that amplify your natural lubrication—but pls note that this one isn’t usable with latex condoms.
THE REVIEWS: “Fantastic lube and massage oil in one!” one tester raves. “Luscious texture, long-lasting, very faint but pleasant smell, and virtually no taste. Works great for butt play and silicone toys and is long-lasting enough to use in the shower… I’m in love!”
14. Swiss Navy Silicone Lubricant
best long-lasting anal lube
Swiss Navy Silicone Lubricant
best long-lasting anal lube
Swiss Navy Silicone Lubricant
Pros
- contains vitamin E for extra hydration
- compatible with most toys and condoms
- unscented and pH-balanced
Cons
- can be difficult to wash off
It might not look like much, but this long-lasting lubricant actually has some of the highest-rated reviews around—we’re talkin’ nearly 7,000 five-star reviews—which is really saying something. Users love that it’s a little thicker than olive oil, so it won’t get too runny on you, and it provides a velvety-smooth feel.
THE REVIEWS: “My favorite lube for many years now,” claims one buyer. “Odorless, tasteless, very thin and slick, but most importantly it retains its low viscosity and does not get tacky or sticky when it begins to dry out. Stays smooth and silky, even after completely drying, with no buildup when applying additional amounts.”
15. Quim Smooth Operator Intimate Serum
best CBD-infused anal lube
Quim Smooth Operator Intimate Serum
best CBD-infused anal lube
Quim Smooth Operator Intimate Serum
Pros
- infused with CBD to decrease inflammation and pain
- free from phthalates, glycerin, sulfates, parabens, alcohol and artificial dyes or fragrances
- latex-compatible
Wanna dip your toe into the world of CBD lubes? Then Quim’s Smooth Operator may be the right pick for you. Made with aloe vera, this soothing formula is latex-compatible and anti-fungal, and it’s designed to increase blood flow and decrease inflammation and pain. Both anal play and vaginal play are A-OK with this stuff, which is a bonus.
THE REVIEWS: According to one review, “Painful sex has been an issue as I’ve gotten older. I’ve tried multiple other products and this one is, by far, the best! Not sticky, long lasting, no weird smell. I will be buying this again!”
How to choose the best anal lube
When looking to lube up the booty, quality is everything since anal fissures are probs not anyone’s idea of a good time. “Spit might be cute, but it’s not lube!” says sex and pleasure educator Luna Matatas. “Think about licking your lips when they are dry instead of using chapstick. The anus isn’t self-lubricating in the way that a vagina is, and the tissue can be delicate and easily injured if there’s too much friction.”
Whether you’re putting toys, fingers, or penises inside the anus, you’ll always benefit from the texture that lube creates. But since not every lube is created equal, you’re going to wanna make sure you keep a few things in mind.
Consider the formula
According to Matatas, there are three types of lubes: water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. Water-based lube is generally the easiest to find, and it’s safe to use with all condoms and sex toys, including silicone sex toys. Water-based is also the easiest to clean up, but isn’t quite as slippery as silicone-based or oil-based formulas. “Some people prefer water-based lubes for sex because they clean up easier,” Matatas explains. “For butt stuff, we want the lube to linger, so choosing a thicker water-based lube is my go-to.”
Silicone-based formulas can sometimes work with condoms (the packaging should specify whether it’s condom-safe) but should not be used with silicone toys as it can cause the material to break down. “I love silicone lubes because they give a velvety texture to the body, making them great for external anal play and genital massage, too,” Matatas says. “Silicone lubes are a popular choice for anal enthusiasts because a little goes a long way, so they last longer.”
Finally, there’s oil-based lube, which is the slickest, lasts the longest, but is a flat “no” for use with latex condoms or toys. “Any old oil will not do—we want to use oil-based lubes specifically formulated for sexual activity,” Matatas adds.
Skip the unnecessary chemicals
Just like when finding a good lube for your vagina, it’s best to avoid products with perfumes or scents, as these oft times will serve as irritants. As Babeland brand manager and sex educator Lisa Finn points out, the lining of your rectum is *very* good at absorbing stuff, so you don’t want any unnecessary chemicals, like alcohol, flavorings, and artificial dyes.
Avoid anything “numbing”
FYI, if a lube advertises itself as “numbing,” then you want to stay far away. Lube that makes butt stuff less painful sounds too good to be true…because it is. You see, pain is your body’s way of letting you know to slow down. Numbing lubes with analgesics or desensitizing agents in them won’t let you know you’re overdoing it until after the fact, when the lube wears off, which is not ideal.
How we chose our best anal lubes
Though Matatas says silicone-based lubes tend to be best for butt stuff, we’ve included a range of lube types so you can decide what works best for you. We also avoided any desensitizing or flavored formulas, so you can be rest assured all these highly-rated picks are body-safe.
And along with one of these top-rated anal lubes, Matatas also suggests investing in a good lube applicator or lube shooter. “They help you get lube deeper into the rectum, which is great for making sure you’re not just applying lube to the first couple of inches of the rectum if you’re penetrating past that,” she says. Finn agrees, pointing out that with lube shooters, “you don’t have to worry about more lube getting on your hands or sheets than where you actually want it to go.”
Meet the experts
Contributing Writer
Corinne Sullivan is a digital writer and editor who covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, holidays and more. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent.
