The Best Lubes for Smooth Sailing Alone or With a Partner (2025)

Target

Pros

• Discreet packaging
• Latex-safe
• Hydrating and long-lasting

Cons

• Smaller tube than most of our other top picks

Bloomi’s water-based lube is our top overall pick because it’s budget-friendly and doesn’t contain any flavor, fragrance, glycerin, gluten, or parabens—all of which are common allergens that can irritate sensitive areas. Shoppers rave that it provides the perfect amount of slip whether you use it on a toy or with a partner. Plus it doesn’t feel sticky or greasy, and it won’t leave a residue behind. “I don’t know how I ever used anything else!” one reviewer wrote.

• Other notable ingredients: Slippery sunflower seed extract
• Size: 3 oz.

Amazon

Pros

• Discreet packaging
• Can be pumped with one hand

Cons

• Smaller than most of our other top picks

New to lube? Try this water-based pick, which comes in a small pump bottle that locks to prevent accidental spills. The sleek bottle looks more like a pricey skin care product, right down to its frosted exterior. Reviewers with sensitive skin also appreciate that Lola’s lubricant doesn’t burn or sting. “This really does mimic your body’s natural moisture,” one shopper wrote. “No scent. Not sticky.”

• Other notable ingredients: Hydrating propanediol, pH-balancing citric acid
• Size: 1.7 oz.

Amazon

Pros

• Latex-safe
• Long-lasting
• Flavor-, fragrance-, and glycerin-free

Cons

• Incompatible with silicone sex toys
• Pricey

As the name implies, Pjur’s Back Door Silicone Anal Lubricant is designed for anal sex, with silicone and jojoba oil that creates a silky formula. Its thinner consistency feels fluid and lasts longer than many other silicone-based lubes do, according to shoppers. “We were surprised that we only needed a few drops and that it maintains its slick lubrication without the need to reapply during our anal play,” one Lovehoney reviewer wrote.

Pjur’s Anal Lubricant works well with latex condoms, but it can’t be used with silicone sex toys or condoms, since it contains silicones that could damage them.

• Other notable ingredients: Softening, non-greasy jojoba; moisturizing dimethicone
• Size: 3.4 oz.

Maude

Pros

• Silicone- and latex-safe
• Long-lasting

Cons

• May feel sticky after it dries, according to reviewers

Maude makes one former SELF editor’s go-to vibrator and her favorite lube. While the brand also carries a silicone-based lube, she prefers its water-based formula because it isn’t distractingly scented and doesn’t irritate her vulva. “I use it with a vibe when I don’t want to deal with the friction of rubbing a toy against my dry vag,” she says. You can buy it in a 4 oz. easy-pump bottle, a travel-friendly 2 oz. size, or an 8 oz. value size.

• Other notable ingredients: Hydrating propanediol
• Size: 4 oz.

Target

Pros

• Silicone- and latex-safe
• Hypoallergenic

Cons

• Small tube

If you have sensitive skin, Dr. Torrisi recommends Good Clean Love’s water-based, hypoallergenic lubes (as do many Amazon shoppers). “It lives up to its ‘ultrasensitive’ name—and it lasts longer than other water-based ones my wife and I have used,” one reviewer wrote.

• Other notable ingredients: pH-balancing lactic acid
• Size: 3 oz.

Ulta

Pros

• Silicone-safe
• Dropper to control application

Cons

• Not safe with latex
• May irritate those sensitive to tree nuts
• Pricey

Foria’s coconut-oil-based lubricant comes recommended by Megan Fleming, PhD, a psychologist and AASECT-certified sex therapist. She appreciates that it only has two ingredients: organic coconut oil and CBD. Shoppers say that the lube is long-lasting, moisturizing, and makes for an excellent massage oil. Just make sure that you don’t pair it with anything made of latex, and steer clear if you have a tree nut sensitivity or allergy.

• Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing coconut oil
• Size: 3.8 oz.

Amazon

Pros

• Flavor-, fragrance-, and glycerin-free
• Long-lasting

Cons

• Not safe for silicone toys

If you plan to use latex condoms, it’s super important you make sure your lube is compatible—otherwise, it could cause the condom to break down and become less effective, Alyssa Dweck, MD, assistant clinical professor of obstetrics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and co-author of V is For Vagina, previously told SELF. K-Y’s True Feel Lube is silicone-based and has an extra slippery feel that’s great for both vaginal penetration and anal sex. Just so you know: While it’s safe to use with latex, it will degrade silicone sex toys, so you should try a water- or oil-based option there instead.

“Other lubes tend to get sticky fast and ruin the moment,” wrote one Amazon shopper. “Not True Feel! You don't have to use a lot of it, either.” The 4.5 oz. size is discreet, while the 8.45 oz. size saves you the hassle of having to constantly reorder.

• Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing dimethicone
• Size: 4.5 oz.

coconu.com

Pros

• Flavor-, fragrance-, and glycerin-free
• Lightweight

Cons

• May need to be reapplied more often
• Pricey

This water-based lube is a great option for anyone with sensitive skin—it’s free of alcohol, glycerin, petroleum, parabens, gluten, phthalates, fragrances, and dyes. Plus, it’s designed to feel like your natural lubrication. We also like that the bottle doesn’t scream lube, so if you leave this one on your bedside table, it certainly won’t raise any eyebrows.

“I’ve tested a lot of lubes, and I keep going back to this one because it’s one of only a few that doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin,” says one SELF writer. “Like any water-based lube, it can dry out quickly, but it’s worth reapplying for the benefit of an easy cleanup (no sheet stains), and the fact that it just never causes any issues.”

• Other notable ingredients: Antimicrobial, antioxidant-packed coconut water
• Size: 3 oz.

Amazon

Pros

• Comes in a wide range of sizes
• Waterproof

Cons

• Incompatible with silicone sex toys

Turn to Sliquid Silver for a velvety lube that’s perfect for exploring butt play or giving a massage. “This is totally my favorite silicone lube—it’s not too thin, so it feels more natural to the body, and it lasts forever,” wrote one shopper. The brand also makes multiple formulas (water-based, oil-based, hybrid) for different needs.

• Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing dimethicone
• Size: 4.2 oz.

dermstore.com

Pros

• Natural feel
• Fragrance- and glycerin-free

Cons

• May need to be reapplied more often
• Small tube

Another water-based option, this lube from Lelo is made with aloe leaf juice for a long-lasting, slick feel. It’s also free from glycerin, parabens, and fragrances, and will work with any toys or condoms you want to use. “It took me a while to find a moisturizer that didn’t make my sensitive skin uncomfortable, but this one has worked amazingly since the first try,” wrote one Lelo reviewer.

• Other notable ingredients: pH-balancing citric acid
• Size: 2.5 oz.

dame.com

Pros

• Natural feel
• Contains extra moisturizing ingredients

Cons

• May need to be reapplied more often

This water-based lube’s unique formula combines moisturizing ingredients like aloe leaf juice and propanediol with hemp seed and green tea extract to help calm inflammation. “This product seems very similar to one’s own natural lubrication. It’s extremely gentle,” wrote one Dame reviewer.

• Other notable ingredients: Hydrating linseed and oat kernel extract
• Size: 4 oz.

amazon.com

Pros

• Free of irritants
• Contains extra moisturizing ingredients

Cons

• May need to be reapplied more often
• Smaller bottle

Naked Love was developed with the sensitive vag in mind. If you get UTIs or yeast or BV infections easily, Playground’s water-based lube (which is free of petroleum, glycerin, and fragrance) is worth a try. Packed with hydrating skin care ingredients like vitamin E and propanediol, this lube will feel silky smooth during the action and may even leave your skin feeling softer than when you started.

• Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing hyaluronic acid
• Size: 3.7 oz.

amazon.com

Pros

• Doesn't feel sticky
• Slightly flavored

Cons

• May need to be reapplied more often
• Small size

This lube is 95% organic aloe leaf juice, which gives it the slippery, long-lasting feel that reviewers love. “The texture is smooth and feels great, enhancing the experience without being overly slick or greasy,” wrote one Amazon shopper. It’s also free of parabens, petroleum, and glycerin. One drawback to note if you have sensitive skin: It does contain vanilla flavor oil.

• Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing safflower oil
• Size: 2.5 oz.