These 17 Water-Based Lubes Will Have You Oo-ing In Pleasure (Rather Than Saying Ouch)

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The fastest way to level-up any kind of love-making, whether it's a solo or partnered endeavor, is lubricant. By adding a little extra slip to your bits, store-bought lubricant eliminates the uncomfy friction of skin-on-skin and toy-on-skin that makes sex more oof than ooo, which is why we put together a shopping guide for the best water-based lubes.

There are a few different types of lubricant, including water, silicone, hybrid, and oil. But only one of these options is generally safe to pair with just about anything (and anyone): water-based lubes. Oil-based lubes, on the other hand, can compromise the integrity of latex condoms, while silicone-based lubricants can contort your silicone sex toys. The more you know!


Experts In This Article

The hinge is, once you narrow down your next lube purchase to water-based options only, you still have millions of options to choose from. Yep, the lube market is bumping! To make it easy for you, we put together a guide for buying the best water-based lube, which features only the most reliable and effective water-based formulas out there.

Looking for lubes for sensitive skin? Organic lube? Warming lubes? CBD lube? We have expert-vetted roundups for those, too (just click the links!). Read on for our top picks, each sorted by the complementary sex act(s) it’s suited for the most.

Best types of lube at a glance:

  1. Best Overall Water-Based Lube: Coconu Water-Based Lube, $25
  2. Best Runner-Up Water-Based Lube: Good Clean Love, Almost Naked Personal Lubricant, $13-$16
  3. Best Budget Water-Based Lube: Lovehoney, Enjoy Water-Based Lubricant, $17
  4. Best Value Water-Based Lube: #LubeLife, Water-Based Lubricant, $7-$13
  5. Best Water-Based Lube For Quickies: Jo Organic, NaturaLove Lubricant, $17-$27
  6. Best Travel Water-Based Lube: Sliquid Sassy, $10-$22
  7. Best Water-Based Lube With Toys: Cake, Natural Sex Lube, $12-$29
  8. Best Water-Based Lube For Partnered Play: Maude, Shine Organic, $10-$25
  9. Best Water-Based Lube For Solo Sex: Lovers, Water-Based Lube, $20-$27
  10. Best Water-Based Lube for Vaginal Intercourse: Smilemakers, Generous Gel, $20
  11. Best Water-Based Lube for Oral Sex: Lanua Honey Vanilla Flavor Lube, $20-$30
  12. Best Water-Based Lube for Anal: Pjur Backdoor Water-Based Lubricant, $23
  13. Best Water-Based Lube for Outercourse: Lelo, Personal Moisturizer, $20-$30
  14. Best Water-Based Gel Lube: XESSO, Water-Based Lube, $9-$42
  15. Best Water-Based Lube with CBD: Go Love CBD Lube, $68
  16. Best Plant-Based Water-Based Lube: Bloomi, Smooth Personal Lubricant, $15
  17. Most Aesthetically Pleasing Water-Based Lube: Zalo, Personal Moisturizer, $20

What is lube?

Store-bought lube is designed to, well, lubricate the area where it’s applied. This allows body parts and pleasure products to slide over or slide into one another without snagging, chafing, or otherwise irritating your delicate genital and anal tissues, explains Heather Jeffcoat, doctor of physical therapy who specializes in sexual dysfunction and incontinence, and author of Sex Without Pain: A Self-Treatment Guide to the Sex Life You Deserve. It’s basically a secret weapon for those wondering how to orgasm fast.

When you’re engaging in touch that involves a hole that can produce natural lubricant (like the vagina or mouth) adding lubricant can help keep things moving pleasurably, she says. Meanwhile, incorporating store-bought lube is the only way to add slide-and-glide during anal sex and anal fingering, as the bum is never self-lubricating. Plus, lube helps reduce the risk of barrier breakage, as condoms are more fragile than you might think and can rip if the area is too dry.

One important note, lubricant and moisturizer are very different from each other, even if they’re sold side-by-side at your local pharmacy and both are applied to genitals. Typically, genital “moisturizers are meant to be used daily for all-day relief from the vaginal dryness and itchiness that can occur due to hormonal changes, delivering a baby, or using estrogen-suppressive therapies,” explains Dr. Jeffcoat. That’s all-day coverage to keep the most sensitive bits of your body feeling hydrated. Once applied, lubricant only lasts for the duration of sex—and even then, it often needs to be re-applied.

Are water-based lubes good for you?

Water-based lube is good for you in the sense that it’s versatile and safe to use on any area of your body, as well as with any sex add-in, explains sex educator Cindy Luquin, MA, CSE, founder of sexual-health education platform Pleasure to People. You can use it vaginally and anally, as well as internally and externally, with both condoms and toys, she says. Water-based lubes are also great for people with sensitive skin and people prone to infections, according to Katerina Shkodzik, MD, an OBGYN and medical advisor at Mira. Plus, it’s ideal if you "do not want to have stains on clothes and sheets,” she adds.

 

"All people can benefit from using water-based lube." —Cindy Luquin, MA, CSE, founder of sexual-health education platform Pleasure to People

Best of all, water won’t compromise the integrity of safer sex measures, like latex condoms, or your sex toys—which is not the case with oil-based or silicone-based lubricants, Luquin adds. “All people can benefit from using water-based lube,” says Luquin. That includes people of all genders, genitals, and ages. As well as those getting it on with just themselves, or with a partner (or two or three!).

The oil in oil-based lubes, however, breaks down latex condoms, making them less effective at protecting against unwanted pregnancy or STI transmission. Meanwhile, silicone sticks to itself which means that there is a risk of distortion when you use a silicone-based lube with a sex toy made from silicone. Not ideal for anyone who dropped a pretty penny on a pleasure product.

Of course, which lube you select is dependent on your individual needs. In terms of consistency, silicone-based lubricants contain silicone, which makes them extra slippery and long-lasting. Water-based lubes, on the other hand, are generally more sticky and require frequent application. If you’re looking for something slick, opt for a silicone lube. If you’re looking for a lube to complement your favorite sex toy, however, water-based lube is best. “Water-based lube is also the easiest to clean up and won't leave oily stains on your sheets or clothes,” adds Luquin. Nice.

Regardless of which lube you land on, be sure to keep track of when you bought it. There aren't standardized expiration dates on lubricants, but a good general rule when trying to figure out if your lube is expired is to stick within one to three years, Lindsay Wynn, co-founder and CEO of vaginal-wellness brand Momotaro Apotheca, previously told W+G.

Who uses lubricants?

Sadly, today’s society continues to perpetuate harmful myths about using lube for sex, including the idea that needing lube makes them old or broken. But you’re never “too young” to use lube, says Luquin. After all, people of all ages want their sex to be as pleasurable as possible, which is exactly the benefit a squirt of the slippery stuff offers.

Using extra lubricant also doesn’t mean that you’re broken. “Contrary to popular belief, the amount the vagina naturally lubricates does not correlate with how aroused they are,” says Dr. Jeffcoat. The amount of vaginal lubrication someone produces varies person-to-person, as well as day-to-day, based on factors like stress levels, hydration, time of month, medication, mood, underwear and clothing material, and more. So, “someone can produce a small amount of lubricant naturally, and still be incredibly turned on,” she says.

All in all, Luquin encourages folks to think of lube as a friend rather than a foe, in both partnered play and solo sessions. Just note that lube does not prevent STI transition or unwanted pregnancy, so make sure to still protect yourself and practice safe sex, she says.

What water-based lubricant is best?

Ultimately, which water-based lubricant is best varies from person to person, says Dr. Shkodzik. As the name suggests, the thing that all water-based lubes have in common is that they have a water-soluble base. However, the additional ingredients they contain vary from product to product. These additives impact consistency, absorbability, taste, and smell, which all influence the type of sex they are best for.

Lanua Honey Flavor Lube, for example, contains natural flavors that make it taste like Honey-Comb cereal. For people who want to receive cunnilingus or analingus but are self-conscious about their flavor, this option is best. Meanwhile, Pjur Backdoor Water-Based Lubricant contains sodium hyaluronate, which is an ingredient capable of binding large amounts of water, which creates small cushions of water that add additional comfort during anal play. Generally speaking, however, Dr. Shkodzik, says the best water-based lubes are free from glycerin, parabens, artificial fragrances, flavors, and dyes—which can all be irritating and mess up the vaginal or anal microbiome.

What are the cons of water-based lube?

“Water-based lubes do have their downside,” says Dr. Jeffcoat. Mainly, they don't typically last as long as oil-based or silicone-based lubricants as the vaginal and anal tissues absorb them more readily than alternative options, she explains. In practice (er, pleasure) this means you’ll need to stop and re-apply more frequently to continuously keep friction at bay. Though, even marathon sex sessions include a water break, so this is NBD.

Ahead, see which water-based lubes made the list and why.

The best water-based lubes on the market

Best Overall Water-Based Lube: Coconu Water-Based Lube — $25.00

LINK: https://coconu.com/products/coconu-water-based

Why we love it: It supports solo or partnered sexual intimacy, without the risk of irritation.

What it’s good for: Any play that incorporates the vulva or vagina.

Behold the best water-based lube overall: Coconu Water-Based Lube. Free from glycerin, parabens, alcohol, and fragrances, this vagina-safe lubricant won’t irritate your most sensitive bits. Instead, this lubricant will offer all the slick and slippery perks of using coconut oil as lube, but without the whole “oil degrades latex” part. How? Well, instead of using coconut oil in its base, this product uses coconut water. Who knew!

There are endless ways to add this produce to your afternoon delights. Safe to consume in small amounts you can even use it when oral sex is the main course.

Sizes: 3 oz

Price: $25

Key ingredients: Organic Coconut Water, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Potassium Sorbate

Pro: 

  • Incredibly silky sensation
  • As slippery as coconut oil lube
  • Safe with all barriers and toys

Con: 

  • Probably not safe for people with coconut allergies

Best Runner-Up Water-Based Lube: Good Clean Love, Almost Naked Personal Lubricant — $13.00-$16.00

LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Clean-Love-Lubricant-Aloe-Based/dp/B009IUEVT4?th=1&tag=wgtrx4325-20&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fbest-water-based-lubes%2F&asc_source=direct

Why we love it: This versatile aloe-containing option won’t disrupt your vaginal bacterial make-up—it’s pH balanced.

What it’s good for: People who are prone to vaginal infections.

“My favorite lube is from Good Clean Love,” says Luquin. Why? “It’s specifically formulated for sensitive skin, has a thinner consistency, and is hypoallergenic, and unscented,” she says, all factors that make the product friendly for people with finicky microbiomes and who are prone to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. Plus, with this lube you can leave any worries you might have about stickiness behind. This lubricant is made to mimic the consistency of come and natural lubrication.

Sizes: 1.5 fl oz and 4 fl oz

Price: $13-$16

Key ingredients: Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Xanthan Gum, Agar, Lactic Acid

Pro: 

  • Designed for sensitive skin
  • Organic formula
  • Infused with moisturizing aloe
  • Safe with all toys and condoms

Con: 

  • Dries out fast during, especially during hand sex

Best Water-Based Lubes on a Budget: Lovehoney, Enjoy Water-Based Lubricant — $17.00

LINK: https://www.lovehoney.com/lubes-essentials/lubricants/water-based-lubes/p/lovehoney-enjoy-water-based-lubricant-8.5-fl-oz/66468.html?irclickid=2woT9vRMbxyPUuo1Vp2ifx%3AaUkHVmZ0NIQHUUo0&utm_source=Impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=10078&utm_content=wellandgood.com&irgwc=1

Why we love it: Lovehoney Enjoy Water-Based lube is a great option for adding moisture to your self-pleasure routine, without your bank taking a hit.

What it’s good for: Cost-conscious pleasure-seekers.

Since the Lovehoney Enjoy option comes with a pump applicator, it might be best for beginners who are unsure of how much product to use. Additionally, it’s safe to use with any sex toys and most condoms, even flavored condoms. You also get 8.4 fluid ounces, so this might be the best bang for your buck. The manufacturer’s recommendation is to apply it liberally, which will be different from person to person. Try starting off with a small amount and adding more if necessary.

This is also a great option for solo play—crack open your favorite erotica book and let the good times roll. One Well+Good writer also tried this with the Womanizer Clitoral Suction Stimulator (her all-time favorite sex toy) and said it made the toy feel even more like receiving cunnilingus. She also tried it with a partner and said it makes a big difference—for the better.

Sizes: 8.5 fl oz

Price: $17

Key ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Cellulose Gum

Pro: 

  • Cost-effective
  • Compatible with latex and polyurethane condoms
  • Long-lasting formula
  • Super slick

Con: 

  • Some may not like the smell
  • Contains glycerin

Best Value Water-Based Lube: #LubeLife, Water-Based Lubricant — $7.00-$13.00

LINK: https://www.amazon.com/LubeLife-Personal-Lubricant-Lube-Couples/dp/B075SN1MY9/?tag=wgtrx4325-20&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fbest-water-based-lubes%2F&asc_source=direct

Why we love it: This five-ingredient option is simple and effective.

What it’s good for: Anyone who has a lot of sex. (The bottle is big!).

Though this bottle is not the most aesthetically pleasing, #LubeLife is among the best sellers on Amazon, raking in nearly 150,000 ratings for an average of 4.5 stars. I was sent a six-pack, and can fully attest that the hype is well worth it.

#LubeLife leaves out parabens, glycerin, silicone, and oil, so it’s also a good option for sensitive skin. The list of what’s in it is actually quite short at just five ingredients, including water; propanediol, an emulsification agent; gluconolactone, which helps prevent clumping; hydroxyethylcellulose, which is a thickening agent; and citric acid, which prevents the lube from feeling sticky. Oh, and despite the bottle being huge, you won’t need a lot. Take it from me, a little (like a nickel-sized amount) goes a long, long way.

Sizes: 2 fl oz to 32 fl oz

Price: $7-$13

Key ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Gluconolactone, Hydroxyethylcellulose

Pro: 

  • Very high value
  • Doesn’t stain
  • Simple formula
  • Affordable
  • Available in flavored and unflavored options

Con: 

  • Can start to feel a bit sticky
  • Bottle is not discreet

Best Water-Based Lubes For Quickies: Jo Organic, NaturaLove Lubricant — $17.00-$27.00

LINK: https://www.amazon.com/System-JO-Naturalove-Original-Lubricant/dp/B01CR1GO54?tag=wgtrx4325-20&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fbest-water-based-lubes%2F&asc_source=direct&th=1

Why we love it: The formula is hella friendly on the vaginal and anal canal.

What it’s good for: Quickies!

This pick is a favorite of Sexologist Marla Renee Stewart, MA, and it’s not hard to see why. The ingredients list on NaturaLove is short and free of parabens as well as glycerin. Plus, it smells vaguely like vanilla, which is wayyy better and more appetizing than the Elmer’s glue scent many store-bought lubes carry.

Most water-based lubricants absorb quickly, and TBH that’s the case with this pick. So while people looking for an option that will last could do better, not everyone enjoys marathon sex—which also means that not everyone needs long-lasting lube. (I, for one, like to keep it under 10 minutes, and this lube gets you to at least that mark).

Sizes: 2 fl oz and 4 fl oz

Price: $17-$27

Key ingredients: Water, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Tequilana Azul Leaf Extract

Pro: 

  • Easy to clean with water
  • Organic formula
  • Added vanilla scent

Con: 

  • Slightly mask scent of partner
  • Not super long-lasting

Best Water-Based Lubes for Travel: Sliquid Sassy — $10.00-$22.00

LINK: https://www.babeland.com/sex-toys/p/BL1660/sliquid/sliquid-sassy-formula?lref=Srch%7Cnull%7Ca%7C4%7Cc%7C0%7Cnull%7Ctoy_category%7C0

Why we love it: A travel-sized version of one of the best lubes on the market, Sliquid Sassy allows you to get it on in whatever way you want, including with toys or condoms.

What it’s good for: Any type of hotel sex.

Seeking a main squeeze you can schlep with you across the country or to the other side of town? Consider it found with Sliquid Sassy water-based lubricant, travel size edition. Thicker than most water-based options, it has a consistency that is more similar to a silicone-based product. Cushiony, gel-like, and pillow-y are just some of the adjectives you might use, which is more ideal for anal play than water-based lubes that are just… watery.

This water-based formula is also free from potential irritations (like glycerin, paraben, and fragrances), which is why Lisa Finn, sex educator with sex-toy store Babeland tells Well+Good it’s great for people with sensitive skin.

Size: 2.5 oz and 8.5 oz

Price: $10-$22

Key ingredients: Purified Water, Plant Cellulose, Cyamopsis, Potassium Sorbate

Pro: 

  • TSA-approved
  • Glycerin and paraben free
  • Cushiony consistency
  • Great for anal sex

Con: 

  • Squeeze application is messier than a pump would be

Best Water-Based Lubes With Toys: Cake, Natural Sex Lube — $12.00-$29.00

LINK: https://hellocake.com/products/natural-sex-lube?irclickid=2woT9vRMbxyPUuo1Vp2ifx%3AaUkHVmdUxIQHUUo0&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Skimbit+Ltd.&utm_term=10078&utm_content=wellandgood.com&irgwc=1

Why we love it: Its nourishing capabilities leave your hot-spots even healthier and better-hydrated than before.

What it’s good for: Anal sex with toys.

Cake has become a favorite brand amongst lube-users, and for good reason: Their products are both quality and affordable. Their Natural Sex Lube uses a water and aloe vera base that is safe for latex and silicone toys, as well as being moisturizing for your delicate internal tissues.

For anal sex with silicone toys (like butt plugs), its nourishing capabilities are especially note-worthy, as the anal tissues are prone to micro-tears and abrasions. Basically, its formula leaves your sexy parts exactly how you want them to be.

Natural Sex Lube also comes with a pump dispenser, which takes the mess out of re-application.

Sizes: 3.3 fl oz

Price: $12-$29

Key ingredients: Organic aloe, Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Mushroom Extract,

Pro: 

  • Affordable
  • Contains hydrating aloe vera
  • Works with condoms and toys
  • Great for anal sex with toys

Con: 

  • Bottle is not discreet

Best Water-Based Lubes For Partnered Play: Maude Shine Organic — $10.00-$25.00

LINK: https://getmaude.com/products/shine-organic-lube?sscid=51k8_tl1q0&utm_source=ShareASale&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=2520112_999

Why we love it: Maude Shine Organic water and aloe-based lubrication doubles as a vaginal moisturizer.

What it’s good for: Anyone fighting off vaginal dryness.

Maude Shine Organic hits all the wellness buzzwords: organic, vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, pH-balanced, and paraben-free. Additionally, it’s formulated with aloe, which is highly moisturizing for the skin all over your body. Of course, their products aren’t just high-quality; they are high-fashion. Just look at this bottle!

The only downside is, to get this product off post-sex, you’ll need to rinse the areas to which you applied it with warm water. Yep, it’s staying power is that good. The good news is that even if you don’t wash it off, you won’t feel sticky.

Sizes: 2 fl oz, 4 fl oz, and 8 fl oz

Price: $10-$25

Key ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Mushroom Extract, Gluconolactone

Pro: 

  • Contains hydrating aloe
  • Doubles as a vaginal moisturizer
  • Glycerin- and paraben-free
  • Rinses away with warm water
  • Beautiful bottle

Con: 

  • Slightly more expensive
  • Will need to be washed off after sex

Best Water-Based Lubes For Solo Sex: Lovers, Water-Based Lube — $20.00-$27.00

LINK: https://loversstores.com/products/lovers-water-based-lube?sscid=51k8_qge9y&

Why we love it: Safe with sex toys, this high-value option is especially great for masturbating with toys.

What it’s good for: Solo sex with toys.

Another option with a short ingredient list is Lovers Lube, which contains only six ingredients. The list includes hydrating and anti-sticky agents like propanediol, gluconolactone, hydroxyethylcellulose, and citric acid. Free from oil and silicone, it’s compatible with silicone, rubber, latex, and polyisoprene. Plus, it can be used with virtually any sex toy!

Pro tip: Apply a drop of this lubricant to your body and the nozzle on your fave clit suction toy, like the Satisfyer Pro 2 Modern Blossom. The combo feels even better than cunnilingus from an eager-to-please partner.

Sizes: 4 oz and 8 oz

Price: $20-27

Key ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Gluconolactone, Hydroxyethylcellulose

Pro: 

  • Non-tacky
  • Compatible with sex toys
  • Safe to ingest
  • Good value

Con: 

  • Expensive

Best Water-Based Lubes for Vaginal Intercourse: Smilemakers Generous Gel — $20.00

LINK: https://smilemakerscollection.com/products/generous-gel?sscid=51k8_qghst&utm_campaign=2520112_999&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=ShareASale

Why we love it: This multi-tasker is non-tacky and feels like natural body fluid.

What it’s good for: Vaginal and anal penetration with hands, penis, or toys.

No need to beat around the bush: Smilemakers Generous Gel is one of the best water-based lube I’ve ever tried, and I have more than a handful in my, um, toy chest. It’s not tacky at all, lasts a while, and feels as natural as can be. The bottle also comes with a pump that makes dispensing the solution super simple, and the amount dispensed gets you where you need to go.

What’s more, the gel was specifically formulated to have a pH that’s safe for people with vaginas. Though, you can also use it anally. Because it’s safe to use with silicone toys and condoms, that stands whether your sex is with a toy or body part, raw or protected, anal or vaginal. Hello, multi-tasker!

Sizes: 1 fl oz

Price: $20

Key ingredients: Carbomer, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Sodium benzoate, Refined glycerine

Pro: 

  • Long-lasting formula
  • Great for play with toys
  • Can be used with condoms
  • Not sticky
  • pH level works well with vaginas

Con: 

  • Contains refined glycerin

Best Water-Based Lubes for Oral Sex: Lanua Honey Vanilla Flavor Lube — $20-$30

LINK: https://lanua.com/product/honey-vanilla-flavored-lube/?attribute_pa_size=100ml-3-4oz&/&utm_source=localiq&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=lanua_pmaxecomm&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0ruyBhDuARIsANSZ3wrBnPVBoim03aCBTIcrkoS6lz_uDUQ5Pm6XILXpnnXsKeHtAUXrQ4AaAmPCEALw_wcB

Why we love it: This flavored option helps make oral sex accessible to people nervous about their smell or taste.

What it’s good for: Oral sex of any variety.

Repeat after me: Genitals are NOT supported to taste or smell like flowers. Unfortunately, all the cultural messaging to the contrary has left a lot of people—in particular, vulva owners—feeling ashamed if their parts don’t smell like petunias or pansies. For folks still unlearning these messages, a flavored lubricant like this Honey Vanilla flavor from Lanua can make oral play feel more comfortable. What sets this flavored lube apart from others is that it is not sweetened with sugar (which can be irritating). Plus, it contains vitamin E, which is very moisturizing to the vaginal and anal canals.

Sizes: 1 oz, 3 oz, and 6.8 oz

Price: $20-$30

Key ingredients: Water, Red Algae Extract, Natural Moisturizer, Moisture Retainer

Pro: 

  • Free from sweetener or sugar
  • Taste and smell are subtle
  • Contains hydrating ingredients
  • Not sticky

Con: 

  • Masks partner’s natural scent

Best Water-Based Lubes for Anal: pJur Backdoor Water-Based Lubricant — $23.00

LINK: https://www.babeland.com/sex-toys/p/BL37529/pjur/pjur-back-door-water-lubricant?lref=Srch|null|a|3|c|0|null|brand|0

Why we love it: It’s a water-based lube made specifically for anal sex.

What it’s good for: Anal sex of any kind, including with toys or a rubber-covered penis.

Fact: Most anal-sex havers prefer a silicone-based lubricant, due to its long-lasting capabilities and cushy consistency, according to anal sex experts ranking the best lubes for anal sex. But for people bum boinking with the best butt plugs or the best dildos, that just isn’t an option. (Once more for the people in the back: silicone lube can’t be used with silicone toys). Here to the rescue is pJur Backdoor Water-Based formula which is as thick as silicone-containing anal lubricants, but totally safe to use with silicone toys. Because it doesn’t contain silicone, it also won’t stain your sheets like silicone-based alternatives. Easy clean-up? Three cheers to that!

Sizes: 3.4 fl oz

Price: $23

Key ingredients: water, glycerin, xanthan gum, sodium hyaluronate

Pro: 

  • Compatible with silicone dildos and toys
  • Safe to use with condoms
  • Made specifically for anal play
  • As thick as silicone-based anal lubes

Con: 

  • Contains glycerin
  • May need to be reapplied

Best Water-Based Lubes for Outercourse: Lelo, Personal Moisturizer — $20.00-$30.00

LINK: https://www.lelo.com/personal-moisturizer?utm_source=TnL5HPStwNw&utm_medium=Linkshare_cps&utm_campaign=670435&utm_content=10&ranMID=41168&ranEAID=TnL5HPStwNw&ranSiteID=TnL5HPStwNw-EuZAji5xxD9OJRqiq8aRIg&CTID=2116208

Why we love it: It isn’t just lube!

What it’s good for: It works over-time as a personal moisturizer, massage oil, and lube.

Aside from looking like it’s worth $1 million, Lelo’s personal moisturizer is also free from parabens, glycerin, and fragrances, which make it another great option for people with sensitive skin. Its formula features aloe vera, which is highly hydrating and prevents irritation from friction, as well as ingredients to help balance pH.

Another thing that sets Lelo’s lube apart is that it’s designed to be more versatile, meaning you can use it as lube or as a massage oil. Truly, it’s whatever the mood calls for. Just keep in mind that this product is thinner than other options on the list. While that will allow you to feel closer to your partner than a gel-like product, it also won’t provide as much long-lasting protection. So, you’ll need to stop to reapply pretty often.

Sizes: 2.5 fl oz 5 fl oz

Price: $20-$30

Key ingredients: Water, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Aloe Barbadenis Leaf Juice

Pro: 

  • Glycerin- and paraben-free
  • Doesn’t leave stains
  • PH-balanced formula
  • Safe for toys and barriers
  • Pretty packaging

Con: 

  • Thin consistency
  • Will need to be reapplied

Best Water-Based Gel Lube: Xesso, Water-Based Lube — $9.00-$42.00

LINK: https://www.amazon.com/XESSO-Waterbased-Non-Sticky-Lubricant-Slippery/dp/B08N9PLX2V/?tag=wgtrx4325-20&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fbest-water-based-lubes%2F&asc_source=direct

Why we love it: Far from watery, this option feels like jelly.

What it’s good for: Extreme penetrative sex acts.

Slippery, silky, non-staining, and unscented—that’s everything that Xesso is and more. So, if a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic lube is what you seek, consider your search over. This water-based lubricant is formulated without potential irritants like oil, parabens, and fragrances, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin. Even more, it’s compatible with rubber latex and polyisoprene condoms. Plus, it has a pump bottle which makes it trouble-free to re-apply when needed.

What really sets it apart is its gel-like consistency. Unlike some options which are runny and watery, this option is thick and spongy, which is great for sex acts like anal, double-penetration, and stretching.

Sizes: 8.3 fl oz to 32 fl oz

Price: $9-$42

Key ingredients: Purified Water, Propanediol, Hydroxpropyl Methylcellulose, Xanthan Gum

Pro: 

  • Ideal for sensitive skin
  • Works well for penetration
  • Fragrance-free
  • Works with condoms

Con: 

  • Can feel sticky after a while

Best Water-Based Lubes with CBD: Go Love CBD Lube — $68

LINK: https://golovecbd.com/products/intimate-lubricant

Why we love it: Go Love CBD lube is one of the few water-based CBD lubricants on the market. (Most have an oil base).

What it’s good for: CBD-lube play with condoms.

Promising pleasure-benefits like stronger orgasms and increased arousal, Go Love CBD Lube makes sense as the next CBD lube on your list of intimacy procuts to test out Unfortunately, most CBD lubes have an oil base, which makes them non-compatible with condoms. Thankfully there’s Go Love CBD Lube, which is oil-free and, therefore, safe to use with dental dams, condoms, and finger cots made of latex. “It’s doctor-formulated and OBGYN-approved,” says Dr. Sadie Allison, author of The Mystery of the Undercover Clitoris and Founder of GoLove CBD Intimate Serum. Love to hear it!

Sizes: 1.3 fl oz

Price: $68

Key ingredients: Deionized Water, Propanediol, Glyceryl Laurate, Gluconolactone

Pro: 

  • Contains 200mg of CBD
  • Latex and toy safe
  • Supports arousal and blood flow
  • Consistency is like cum

Con: 

  • Expensive
  • CBD takes some time to absorb

Best Plant-Based Water-Based Lube: Bloomi, Smooth Personal Lubricant — $15.00

LINK: https://thebloomi.com/products/smooth-water-based-personal-lubricant?sscid=51k8_qfu4d&

Why we love it: This hydration option feels just like your natural vaginal juice.

What it’s good for: Marathon bouts of vaginal play.

Bloomi’s water-based lube was designed specifically to supplement the moisture that your body produces on its own, rather than take its place completely. For people having marathon intercourse, or those simply looking to add a little extra slip-and-slide from time to time, this option does just that. (Note: This option is not great for anal play, as the anus doesn’t produce any lubrication at all).

Additionally, this option gets Luquin’s eco-friendly seal of approval “For the clean-conscious consumer, Bloomi is a wonderful Latinx-owned brand that takes pride in providing high-quality, plant-based lube,” says Luquin. Bloomi’s formulations are science-backed, too. The main ingredients in this particular product are purified water, organic sunflower seed extract, and green tea extract, which are all hydrating ingredients.

Sizes: 3 fl oz

Price: $15

Key ingredients: Purified Water, Sunflower Seed Extract, Guar Gum, Organic, Green Tea Extract

Pro: 

  • Feels like body fluid
  • Affordable
  • Compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms
  • Great for clean-conscious consumer

Con: 

  • Not compatible with polyurethane condoms
  • Not for anal

Most Aesthetically Pleasing Water-Based Lube: Zalo Personal Moisturizer — $20.00

LINK: https://www.zalousa.com/products/zalo-water-based-warming-lubricant-100-ml-3-38-fl-oz?sscid=51k8_qh236&

Why we love it: Honestly? Because it is pretty AF.

What it’s good for: Hand stuff.

Zalo Personal Moisturizer wins gold for sexiest bottle. The bottle in question? All gold, baby. Additionally, the formula is fragrance-free, and non-staining, so you don’t have to worry about throwing your sheets in the washer immediately post-coitus. However, because it contains glycerin, it’s usually best for external-only play, like clitoral DJ-ing or hand jobs.

Sizes: 3.4 fl oz

Price: $20

Key ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Carbomer

Pro: 

  • Packaged in sleek gold bottle
  • Safe with all sex toy products and latex

Con: 

  • Contains glycerin
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