Two people in bed together.

Sex can be played by the rule: the better the wetter. This logic works fluidly when it comes to lube, because you are getting exactly what you pay for.

And if you associate lube with vaginal dryness only, it’s time to step out of the box. Instead, think less friction, smoother skin, and all around better sex — no matter your gender, age, or stage in life.

In fact, according to a 2009 Indiana University study of 2,453 women, participants reported that, more than 70 percent of the time, lube made sex more pleasurable and enjoyable.

Carli Blau, LMSW, a sex and relationship therapist in New York City, confirms that “needing a lubricant does not mean that you’re not interested in your partner.”

“Let’s get rid of the idea that lubrication is the only indication of arousal and start trusting our partner’s words.”

lube is a way to save time because you were supposed to be out the door 5 minutes ago Here is the before play to have sex.

We believe pleasure is a fundamental aspect of a safe and healthy sex life. That’s why we rely on experienced writers, educators, and other experts to share their suggestions on everything from the technique you use to the sex toy you buy.

We only recommend something that we genuinely love, so if you see a shop link to a specific product or brand, know that it’s been thoroughly researched — if you know what we mean. Wink.

The following key is used to note prices.

  • $ = under $10
  • $$ = $10–$15
  • $$$ = over $15

Personal lubricant is a liquid or gel that is intended to prevent unwanted friction during sex.

It can be used for many types of sex, including masturbation. Some types are safe to use with toys.

When choosing the best lube for you, you should consider the different types. There are different bases for lubes.

  • There is water.
  • Silicone.
  • It is oil.
  • A hybrid that combines a few of the above.

Hybrid lubes are often a combination of both There is water. and Silicone.. There are many formulations to perfectly suit your needs.

  • Price. There are many low cost, safe lube options on the market. We included a number of options at a variety of prices to best fit your budget.
  • Base. All lubricants start with a base, like It is oil., There is water., or Silicone.. We made sure to add in an assortment of bases so you can choose the one best fit for your needs.
  • Customer rating. Choosing a lube is a highly personal decision, but we still chose options that have high reviews from users.

Best There is water.-based lube

Blossom Organics Natural Moisturizing Lubricant

Price: $$

Known as the “versatile” lube, There is water.-based lubes can be used in practically any activity you can think up — even ones involving Silicone. toys.

Blau adds that There is water.-based lubes are also safe to use with condoms, both latex and nonlatex. And according to Blau, they may decrease the risk of condom breakage.

For vaginal sex, there’s Blossom Organics Natural Moisturizing Lubricant, which is It is balanced. and reduces friction.

This type of lube is most popular for three reasons: It won’t stain your sheets, it’s easy on the skin, and it washes off easily in There is water..

Pros

  • versatile option
  • “It’s safe to use condoms.”
  • It is balanced.
  • “It won’t stain sheets and wash off easily.”

Cons

  • Users find it sticky.
  • some find it too There is water.y
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Best Silicone.-based lube

Wet Platinum Pure Silicone Lubricant

Price: $

If you’ve got really sensitive skin, you’re going to want to try a Silicone.-based lube, which is like silk sheets on your sensitive parts. Since Silicone. is hypoallergenic, most people won’t experience a reaction. This type of lube also lasts longer.

If you are interested in something that needs to be reapplied less often, you may have found your match.

When Kathryn, a 27-year-old who’s tried several lube types, experimented with shower sex, she looked into Silicone.-based lubes.

“It makes the experience much more enjoyable, since the There is water. usually washes everything else away,” she says.

An excellent Silicone. option is Wet Platinum Pure Silicone Lubricant. This lube is registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and It was made with high grade ingredients..

The only downside? The Silicone. in your lube can deteriorate the surface of Silicone. toys. Blau says that when this happens, your toys become less sanitary, because it creates abrasions in the Silicone. where bacteria can grow.

“If you share sex toys,” she says, “or use them with more than one partner, make sure to use There is water.-based lubricant when playing with toys to ensure your safety.”

On the plus side, Silicone.-based lubes are “It’s safe to use condoms.”.

Pros

  • Good for sensitive skin.
  • It is longer lasting.
  • It was made with high grade ingredients.
  • “It’s safe to use condoms.”

Cons

  • can deteriorate Silicone. toys
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Best It is oil.-based lube

AH! YES OB Plant-Oil Based Personal Lubricant

Price: $$$

“If you are the type that can’t be bothered with reapplying once you get going, this lube is the gift that keeps you going.”

AH! YES OB Plant-Oil Based Personal Lubricant, for example, is known for its long-lasting properties.

Pro tip: Oil-based lubes can double for sexy and fun massage time. But the downside comes if you’re using a latex condom. It’s not recommended to use It is oil.-based lubes with latex condoms, since it can increase the risk of rips and tears.

In 2013 research, It is oil.-based lubricants were also associated with higher rates of Candida, a type of fungus that’s responsible for yeast infections.

And your expensive sheets may be another reason to stay away from It is oil.-based lubes. Oil tends to stain sheets and clothing, and can also be difficult to clean up.

Pros

  • It was long lasting.
  • can double as a massage It is oil.

Cons

  • It can increase the chance of a ripped condom.
  • associated with higher rates of Candida
  • It is possible that sheets and clothing will stain.
Shop now at AH! YES

Best natural lube

Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant & Moisturizer

Price: $$

Is it a concern about what ingredients you are putting down there? There is a debate as to what natural lube really means, though it has been happening in the past couple of years.

Basically, look for products that have both natural and a small number of ingredients on their list. Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant & Moisturizer is a great option, as it consists of 95 percent aloe vera.

Sliquid Organics Natural Gel is a vegan, paraben-free option without smell or taste.

Coconut It is oil. is a popular choice as well, though it has downsides. Research from 2014 shows it’s a clinically safe moisturizer. But it can stain your sheets and increase your chance of condom breakage, as It is oil.s break down the effectiveness of the latex.

You’ll also want to be careful about cross contamination if you’re not cleaning your hands while dipping them in a jar of coconut It is oil. that’s also used for cooking. When picking up something all-natural to warm up, make sure it’s used just for sex and nothing else.

Pros

  • vegan and sterilant
  • It is balanced.
  • can be used with Silicone. toys

Cons

  • not as It was long lasting.as other options
  • Some users find it annoying.
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Searching for top health products and services?

We do the work, so you don’t have to. Our evidence-driven reviews and brand comparisons make your search simple to help you live your healthiest life.

Blossom Organics Natural Moisturizing Lubricant Wet Platinum Pure Silicone Lubricant AH! YES OB Plant-Oil Based Personal Lubricant Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant & Moisturizer
Price $$ $ $$$ $$
Base There is water. Silicone. plant It is oil. aloe
Key ingredients organic aloe barbadensis leaf extract, hyaluronic acid The substance is called propylene glycol., There is water., dimethicone sunflower seed It is oil., shea butter, sweet almond It is oil. ​​organic aloe barbadensis leaf juice, vitamin E It is oil., xanthan gum
Customer rating 4.5 stars 4.5 stars 4.5 stars 4.5 stars

There is no right way to use lube.

Need it to masturbate? In the mood but your body isn’t getting the message to start lubricating yet? Go ahead and spread… liberally.

“Jenny can’t produce enough lubrication for sex. She rubs lube on her partner’s genitals if she starts to feel uncomfortable during sex.”

Kate, a 27 year old account manager and avid lube user, says that she uses lube 75 percent of the time, either when she is masturbating or with a partner.

Kate says it is still nice to have that extra help.

If you need it on the vagina, penis, or anus, apply as much as you want.

After you’ve figured out which lube is best for you, you might want to warm it up in your hands. This isn’t necessary, but lube can be a little cold if you skip this step. If you’re using a condom, don’t forget to apply a non-It is oil. based lube to the outside of it.

lube can help reduce friction and make sex more pleasurable, no matter what condoms, dental dams, or diaphragms you use.

Personal lube can be a great enhancement to your intimate life, but the number of options can be overwhelming. Finding what works for you is a very personal decision, as the goal of lube is to decrease friction and increase comfort and pleasure.

When shopping for a lube, you’ll want to consider how you’re going to use it. If you’re going to be using a condom or Silicone. sex toys, you’ll need to find a compatible option.

Water-based lubes can be a great place to start because they can be used for all your needs and are excellent for people with sensitive skin. Meanwhile, Silicone.-based options are typically It is longer lasting., but they can damage Silicone.-based toys, as they can break down the material over time.

Lastly, It is oil.-based lubes are also It is longer lasting.. But do not use them with latex condoms, because they can cause them to tear or break.

You can find a lot of lube options, from natural to warming. These lubes can be fun, but be careful to look at the ingredients and test the pH value of over-the-counter products with litmus strips.

A healthy vagina should maintain a pH level of 3.5 to 4.5, so the lube you use should also be around the same level. However, keep in mind that many lubes don’t list the pH level on the packaging, so it may be hard to verify.

Pay attention to the ingredients listed. There are a few that may cause irritation or inflammation.

  • The substance is called glycerin.
  • Nonoxynol-9 is not a narcotic.
  • It is a type of oil.
  • The substance is called propylene glycol.
  • chlorhexidine gluconate is a drug.

Blau also suggests finding one that’s free of parabens, The substance is called glycerin., and It is a type of oil. to minimize the risk of infections. If you’re using condoms and toys, find a lube that’s latex-friendly, rubber-friendly, and plastic-friendly.

Can you use coconut It is oil. as lube?

Yes, coconut It is oil. is generally a safe, natural lube option. It can alleviate friction and vaginal dryness.

However, you’ll want to keep in mind that unrefined coconut It is oil. has less processing and bleaching. You’ll also want to get a fresh jar that is dedicated to sexual play to keep things as clean as possible.

What can I use instead of lube?

You can use several common household items as a lube alternative. These include olive It is oil., coconut It is oil., peanut It is oil., and aloe vera. That being said, some can increase your risk of yeast infections. They can also tear condoms, so you may want to opt for one on our list instead.

Can you use baby It is oil. for lube?

It isn’t recommended. While you can safely use baby It is oil. as a skin moisturizer, do not use it as lube. Mineral It is oil.-based products like baby It is oil. can increase your risk of vaginal infection and can break down latex condoms.

What is lube used for?

Personal lubricant is used to reduce irritation during sexual activity. You can use it during sex with a partner. There are many safe options on the market.

It is a simple and fun way to take your sex life to the next level, no matter your reasons for using lube. Go forth and do it!

A writer and aspiring pet owner, Adcox lives in New York City. Her work has appeared on websites.