Lube makes sex better.

Whether you're indulging in simple missionary, giving or receiving oral sex, or taking things into your own hands, you want as little friction as possible. Picking up some lube will increase the slip and minimize discomfort to maximize pleasure.  

Before you go shopping, know that not all lube works for all kinds of sex. But the best water-based lubes prime you for pleasure and are safe to use on yourself, with your sex toys, and with condoms without irritation or material breakdown. 

What's the deal with lube?

Lube is great for reducing friction and vaginal dryness during sex, whether you’re trying to get to the task quickly or your body’s natural lubrication just isn’t meeting your needs. To take it a step further, some contain moisturizing ingredients that are beneficial for the skin, and others can even double as massage oils.   

Selecting the right lube for solo and partnered sexy time is important. You want to make an informed decision that aligns with your and your partners' needs — like choosing a lube for sensitive skin — and your preferences for getting it on. It’s also important that the lube you choose won’t degrade your sex toys or condoms, if you’re using them, so do some research before making a purchase. 

If you go to a drug store or adult shop, don’t be overwhelmed by how many lubes there are. The main thing to know is that ingredients make the biggest difference. While oil, hybrid, natural, flavored, and silicone lubes are available, water-based lubes are our favorite because they give a more natural feel. Humans are primarily made of water, so using lubes that mimic your own bodily fluids helps.

Why choose a water-based lubricant?  

Many people prefer water-based lubricants, and for good reason. Here's a detailed look at why you should try water-based lube: 

Good for sensitive skin  

Water-based lubes are a blessing for people with sensitive skin. They're formulated to be gentle and are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions than other formulas, like silicone-based or oil-based. This is particularly important for intimate areas like the vulva and penis, where skin is often more sensitive. 

Mimics natural lubrication

Intercourse shouldn't be painful. Much like you wouldn’t want to go down a water slide without water (ouch), you don’t want anything rubbing against your genital areas without some lubrication (double ouch). Thanks to the main ingredient (H2O), water-based lubes closely resemble the body's natural lubrication, providing a slick, realistic experience while reducing friction during sex. 

Water-based is the best lube for vaginal penetration, and some formulas are appropriate for anal sex, too. (Silicone lubes might be best for anal because it doesn’t dry out as quickly, lasting longer and saving you re-application — but they will probably stain your sheets. Water-based lubes can work for anal if you’re okay with frequent re-application and want to avoid stains.) 

Compatible with condoms and sex toys 

If you’re using condoms or sex toys, you need to make sure they jive with your chosen lube. Oil-based lubes can degrade latex and polyisoprene condoms, but water-based lubes are compatible with these materials. When it comes to sex toys, remember: like can damage like. You don’t want to use lubes containing silicone along with any silicone sex toys (especially luxury sex toys), but water-based lubes work for all.  

Easy to clean

Ease of cleanup is one of the most practical benefits of a water-based lube. This type of lubricant washes off quickly and easily with water, leaving no sticky residue. Just a quick shower or rinse after sex, and you're all set to enjoy some aftercare. It also doesn't stain fabrics.  

The 9 best water-based lubricants  

How do you know which water-based lube deserves a spot in your nightstand? 

Finding the perfect product means considering things like ingredients, staying power, and compatibility with contraceptives and sex toys. But how you’ll use it matters most. For example, if it’s for vaginal use, steer clear of formulas with glycerin, glucose, or added fragrances, as these can trigger yeast infections. If it’s to use with toys, you won’t need to look hard for a toy-friendly option.

Here's a curated list of some of the best water-based lubes available now:  

1. Lube Life Water-Based Lubricant

Have a splash with Lube Life's Water-Based Lubricant from California. This product is designed for penetrative vaginal and anal sex, as well as oral sex. It’s hypoallergenic, non-staining, and silky smooth, complementing the body's natural lubrication. 

Lube Life's Water-Based Lubricant is paraben-free and contains no glycerin, oil, wax, or silicone, and it's never sticky or tacky. It's excellent for sensitive skin, and its compatibility with condoms and toys adds to its appeal.  

2. Lube Life Water-Based Cotton Candy Flavored Lubricant 

This slippery water-based lube, also from Lube Life, contains glycerin and has a delightful cotton candy flavor, making it ideal for oral sex (but likely not vaginal penetration). It's long-lasting, both in terms of slickness and taste, and non-staining. Splash some on and lick it up.  

3. Aloe Cadabra  

The star of this personal lubricant is aloe vera, an ingredient known for its soothing properties. Aloe Cadabra is a premium two-in-one personal lubricant and vaginal moisturizer with natural ingredients that add smoothness to sex and daily activities. The basic formula is unscented, but Aloe Cadabra also offers flavored and scented lubricant options.  

4. JO Organic Naturalove Lubricant 

Naturalove is a gentle, easy-to-clean water-based lube that’s formulated with chamomile. It also boasts a USDA organic certification, making it a more eco-conscious choice. You can rest easy knowing it’s compatible with condoms and sex toys, and you can choose between the original and vanilla-scented versions.

5. Bloomi Smooth Water-Based Personal Lubricant 

Bloomi Smooth is perfect for people who prefer a clean, simple ingredient list. This water-based lube is formulated for penises and vaginas, is safe for use with both condoms and sex toys, and moisturizes and lubricates without any harsh components. It contains organic sunflower seed, green tea, and hyaluronic acid, and it’s paraben-free. 

6. Good Clean Love Almost Naked 

Made for all the ways you love, this 95% organic lube from Good Clean Love is iso-osmolar and water-based. It’s also made with aloe and won't strip the body of its moisture. Almost Naked contains no petrochemicals, parabens, or glycerin, is vegan and gluten-free, and is safe to use with sex toys, latex, and polyisoprene. 

7. Unbound Babes Jelly

Unbound Babes Jelly is a pH-balanced, water-based lube made from 95% organic ingredients. Choose between the subtle and surprising lemon and vanilla flavors, or try both. Either option is vegan and free of glycol, parabens, or glycerin. This formula is safe for the vagina and anus, and if you’re pregnant, you’ll be happy to know it’s pregnancy-friendly, too. It’s also compatible with latex condoms and sex toys, like vibrators, and excellent for beginners.

8. Astroglide Liquid

Astroglide Liquid is a best-selling water-based lube for a reason. It's a classic lube containing glycerin and glycol and is recommended by doctors. It eliminates skin irritation, dryness, and discomfort during sex, letting you slip and slide as long as you want to. Astroglide Liquid is non-staining, moisturizing, rinses off easily, and is compatible with latex condoms. 

9. ZALO Personal Moisturizer

This water-based lube from ZALO is great for people with sensitivities. It's hypoallergenic, unscented, safe for sex toys, latex-friendly, and contains glycol and glycerin. Apply and reapply ZALO Personal Moisturizer on any area of the body.  

Tips for choosing the best water-based lube 

Choosing a water-based lube is a bit like choosing an outfit for a night on the town. It needs to feel good, last as long as you need it to, and match what you're bringing to the party. For a smooth and comfortable experience, keep these tips in mind: 

Consider the ingredients 

Check the label and choose a water-based lube with ingredients that work for your body. There are many formulas available that skip the parabens or glycerin if they're not your thing or you’re prone to yeast infections. A lube with natural ingredients can also be kinder to your body, especially if you struggle with sensitive skin. 

Consider the staying power

Because water-based lubes tend to dry out faster than silicone or oil-based formulas, you may need to reapply during the action to stay comfortable. Knowing this, opt for a lube with a reputation for lasting longer, or be prepared to pause more often for quick reapplication to keep things slick. 

Find what feels good with Quinn

When it comes to lubes, sex toys, and sex positions, everyone feels pleasure differently. 

Quinn is an exciting, ethical way to add something new to solo or partnered foreplay and sex. This audio erotica app was created by women for everyone, offering a varied mix of sexy, ethical porn that pairs perfectly with water-based lube. 

From kink and fetish-related content to narrated sex stories across categories like LGBTQ+, praise, couples, and more, Quinn has it all. 

To access thousands of audio stories and guided sessions for masturbation, download the Quinn app for iOS or Android.