19 best lubes for sex and masturbation 2024
“Lube is the unsung hero of sex and masturbation," Annabelle Knight, sex and relationship expert at Lovehoney tells us. "It can take sex to another level, but is also really important for making sex and solo-play more accessible and comfortable for those experiencing vaginal dryness. And is a must for anyone having anal sex."
“There is a misconception, however, that it is only suitable for those with specific needs, or older women, when really it should be used by EVERYONE," she continued. “Whenever engaging in any sort of sexual act. Not just for function, but for pleasure too, lube should be every sexually-active person's best friend.”
Whether you’re looking for condom-safe lube, the best lube for sensitive skin, the best water-based lube or organic lube, there’s no better time than right now to experiment. Women are taking their pleasure into their own hands, after all. But not all lubes are created equal. If your bedside table lube collection is currently population zero, our guide to the best lube should help to settle on the best sex lube for you. Here’s everything you need to know, plus GLAMOUR’s edit of the best lubricants that money can buy. Tried and tested, of course…
SKIP TO: Why is it good to use lube during sex? | What are the different types of lube? | What type of lube lasts the longest? | Can you use lube with condoms? | Can you use lube with sex toys? | Does lube give you thrush? | Our full reviews | How we tested the best lubes.
Meet the expert:
- Annabelle Knight, sex and relationship expert at Lovehoney.
In a rush? Best lube 2024 at a glance:
- Best Lubricant Overall: Roam Front Lubricant, £12.49
- Best Cream Lube: Olive and Bee Intimate Cream Lubricant, £19.99
- Best Water-Based Lube: LELO Personal Moisturising Lubricant, £11
- Best Natural Lube: Maude Shine Lube, £18
- Best Libido-Boosting Lube: Intimate Serum, £48
- Best Anal Lube: Coco De Mer Radiant Bloom Anal Lubricant, £30
How we test:
We don’t take the decision to crown a product “the best” in a category lightly, so when we create round-ups of the best period pants for a sustainable period, the best duvets for your best ever sleep or the best cream blushers for an elevated complexion, we aim to test as many products featured as possible. Here, we've road-tested as many lubes as possible for at least a week, scoring them on their ingredients, how long-lasting they were and whether they irritated our skin. For those we've not tested, we've referred to customer reviews and expert recommendations.
What are the benefits of using lube?
ICYMI, the best lubes can help to avoid injury and discomfort, as well as tearing (ouch). There's a plethora of reasons why you might not get as wet as you'd like on occasion – including reduced oestrogen levels and stress – but the best lubes are here to banish the issue and heighten intimacy levels with your partner – or yourself – immeasurably. Consider orgasms from anal sex, penetrative sex your best vibrator a whole lot more enjoyable. (Though avoid silicone-based lubricants for encounters of the latter kind, as they can sometimes react with silicone sex toys).
Lubricants can also reduce the incidence of cystitis and UTIs. Having vigorous sex can cause the bladder to become inflamed, promoting infection.
What types of lube are there?
Lube comes in a sweetshop of flavours (or none), but follow your eye before your mouth. First, look for a 'pH balanced' label on the bottle. Without this, you risk disrupting the natural bacteria in your vagina, which is like WhatsApping thrush and asking it to join. Then, pick your blend.
“Water based lube is best as an all-rounder and is perfect for sex and sex toy use. It is also largely safe with using condoms (though make sure to always check the label just in case)," Annabel said. The only downside is that it can be prone to drying out mid-use due to air exposure or the water in it being absorbed (safely) by your body. Reapply or reactivate with water.
"Silicone lube is the longest lasting type of lube available and is also waterproof – yes that’s right, contrary to popular belief, water is not a lubricant - so if you’re having fun in the shower then this is the one for you. It should be noted however, that silicone lube is NOT compatible with most sex toys - so double check if you're planning to use for that purpose.
“There are also so many other options out there, such as oil-based lube, which is amazing, but for external play only; flavoured lube, which is great for oral sex and anal lube which is specially formulated to be longer-lasting. There is also warming or tingling lube as well as organic options – so with so much choice it’s worth trying out a few options to see what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to mix it up!”
Can you use lube with condoms?
One simple rule here: latex condoms can't handle oil-based lubricants. Non-latex condoms (i.e. Durex Latex Free) are suitable with all types of lubricant, so if your chosen method of contraception is condoms, we'd recommend going latex-free.
Can lube be used with sex toys?
Water-based lube can be used with sex toys, yes, but silicone lube is not compatible silicone sex toys – of which most are. Silicone lube degrades silicone toys, eventually ruining them.
Can lube give you thrush?
On one hand, lube is great for giving the dreaded thrush the boot. The friction during quickies or rough sex encourages heat and small grazes to the walls of the vagina. These encourage bacterial growth, leading to thrush. Cut friction and you stop micro-tears, leaving a happier V-zone.
However, artificial ingredients in some lubes were not built with crotch sanity in mind. Your vagina and clitoris are highly absorbent, so parabens, petroleum-based ingredients (found in petroleum jelly), glycerin and glucose can promote yeast infections and leave your vagina feeling itchy, sore and uncomfortable. If you're prone to sensitivity, give dyes a wide berth too, and look for natural flavourings, not artificial ones (often full of thrush-spawning sugars like glycerine or glycol).
After more sexual wellness content? Head this way for the best sex toy shops online, over here for the best massage candles for a romantic night in, massage oils, rabbit vibrators, wand vibrators, remote control vibrators and in this direction for sex toys for couples. We've also got vibrators, clitoral vibrators and sex toy sales to peruse.
Ahead, our full reviews of the best lubes to add to your checkout.
1. Best lube overall
Roam Front Lubricant, £12.49, Superdrug
Lube type: water-based.
Why we love it: “The best personal lubricant I tested when creating this round-up, Roam Front lubricant has been a staple in my bedside table for months. I've re-purchased, and I've re-purchased. Firstly: the recycled packaging. So discreet; I love the branding. Also note the braille which runs down the side of the bottle – an addition which makes the product so much more inclusive and unique. As for the product, this formula is for “the front” – but a product also exists for “the back" – and is light, vegan and naturally gluten-free. It does a great job of mimicking your natural lubrication. It stays wet for a pleasing amount of time, is comfortable on the vulva, isn't so thin that it trickles away, and is unscented. Also, it's formulated with ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba and agave to prevent irritation or burning."
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Superdrug discount codes.
2. Best cream lube
Olive and Bee Intimate Cream Lubricant, £19.99, Amazon
Lube type: cream.
Why we love it: “The best lube on Amazon – and the best cream lube, hands down – is this very unsuspecting bottle from Olive and Bee. The bottle is so discrete – it looks more like a hand cream or body moisturiser than sexual wellness product – and since it's made from natural ingredients like olive oil and beeswax, it's naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and high in anti-oxidants, too. Looking after your vaginal health, this lube doubles up as a massage oil and moisturiser. Just make sure to only use it during sex and masturbation – without condoms or sex toys."
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Amazon discount codes.
3. Best water-based lube
Lelo Personal Moisturiser, £17.99, Boots
Lube type: Water-based lubricant.
Why we love it: “Perhaps one of the most discrete lubricants on the market thanks to its sleek packaging, LELO's personal moisturiser is perfect for masturbation and sex alike. It's infused with aloe-vera for long-lasting moisture, and is condom-safe to boot.”
4. Best lubricant drops
DEODOC Intimate Lubricant Drops, £22, Cult Beauty
Lube type: Silicone-based lubricant.
Why we love it: “Founded by a team of female doctors, including Dr. Hedieh and sister Hasti Asadi, DeoDoc strive to destigmatise sexual pleasure and feminine hygiene. These lubricant drops are FDA-approved, silicone-based and hypoallergenic, helping with counteract vaginal dryness and maximise glide. Completely free from parabens and preservatives typically found in some water-based lubricants, this silky-feeling lube won’t disrupt your vagina’s delicate balance and will drastically improve your sex life or masturbation. You're welcome.”
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
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5. Best libido-boosting lube
Intimate Serum, £48, Jomo London
Lube type: natural, water-based.
Why we love it: "A totally game-changing new launch in the lube space is the Intimate Serum by Jomo London. It might be expensive, but boy is it worth it – delivering so many benefits that other lubes just, well, don't. The packaging is so chic – the bottle feels heavy, features gold hardware and just really elevates the whole lube-using experience – and the formula is water-based. ICYMI: the perfect lube type for using with sex toys, condoms and when you're masturbating. The hero ingredient in this blend is L’Arginine, which is a circulation booster, blood flow enhancer (it maintains stronger and harder erections) and an orgasm elevator. It also helps with maintaining healthy menstrual cycles. The best part? Jomo has used the highest strength of L’Argenine available in the UK.
“As for the brand? It was founded by television star Liv Bentley and celebrity makeup artist Bella Campbell, meaning “Joy Of Missing Out” and nodding to the importance of taking a break to enjoy personal self care. A sentiment we can totally back."
6. Best anal lube
Coco De Mer Radiant Bloom Anal Lubricant, £30, Cult Beauty
Lube type: water-based.
Why we love it: “Things don't get much more chic than Coco De Mer lube – just look at that beautifully-illustrated bottle. Don't be put off by the name: this lubricant is good for all types of sex (anal play included) foreplay and also solo fun – making it great for beginners. It's extra-thick – much thicker than lots of the other lubes in this edit – which makes for a different sensation. Good different. It's infused with aloe vera to soothe and reduce dryness, and the water-based formula means won't degrade your sex toys. Still, it's the bottle we love the most…”
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
7. Best oil-based lube
My Viv Oil-Based Lubricant, £10, Beauty Bay
Lube type: Oil-based lubricant.
Why we love it: “Luxurious in texture, this oil-based lubricant is rich and velvety to the touch. Sure, oil-based formulas are often a little stickier than its water-based counterparts, but this lube is long-lasting, making it perfect for clitoral play. It's also a great natural moisturiser that lingers on the skin. Plus, formulated with 100% natural ingredients to be pH balanced – including hemp seed, jojoba and acai oils – it won't leave you feeling itchy and unsettled.”
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
8. Best natural lube
Maude Shine Lube 4 oz., £16, Beauty Bay
Lube type: Water-based lubricant.
Why we love it: “Yes, Beauty Bay stock sexual wellness products – and good ones, at that. Made with moisturising aloe, this lube contains only 100% natural ingredients, making it a gentle, pH-balanced formula. It's free from glycerin and parabens, fragrance-free and has an easy-to-use locking pump top. Use this lube with toys and condoms, applying a small amount to the area of the body which you wish to lubricate.”
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
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9. Best lube for masturbation
SELF LOVE Natural Waterbased Lube, £10, Beauty Bay
Lube type: Water-based lubricant.
Why we love it: “With the vegan Self Love lubricant by Ann Summers – a water-based lube made from 100% natural ingredients – you can enjoy long-lasting pleasure and ease the comfort of intimate moments.”
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
10. Best lube for sex toys
Lovehoney Enjoy Water-Based Lubricant 250ml, £12.99, Lovehoney
Lube type: Water-based lubricant.
Why we love it: “This water-based lube, which is compatible and safe-for-use with both condoms and all sex toy materials, is Lovehoney's bestselling lubricant. The original 100ml bottle had over 600 glowing reviews - users just wanted more of it. So, the sexual wellness brand released it in the bigger, 250ml bottle you see here.”
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Lovehoney discount codes.
11. Best lube for condoms
Smile Makers Generous Gel, £12.95, Beauty Bay
Lube type: Water-based lubricant.
Why we love it: “This water-based lube is compatible with both condoms and silicone-based vibrators and other sex toys. It's silky and smooth, easy to wash off after use and comes in a sleek and discrete bottle. From Smile Makers, we wouldn't expect anything less.”
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
12. Best silicone-based lube
Pjur Original Silicone Lube, £19.99, Lovehoney
Lube type: Silicone-based lubricant.
Why we love it: “Pjur’s silicone-based Bodyglide is a sexual wellness routine staple. It's extremely long-lasting and super-concentrated for maximum pleasure, plus, it's certified condom and latex-safe. A bestseller for good reason.”
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Lovehoney discount codes.
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13. Best long-lasting lube
Slip N' Slide Silky Water-Based Lubricant, £9.99, Bondara
Lube type: Water-based lubricant.
Why we love it: “This long-lasting formula is perfect for massages, oral sex and intercourse. It's silky-smooth with just a few drops, and is vegan-friendly.”
14. Best organic lube
Yes Organic Water-Based Lube, £7.99, Lovehoney
Lube type: Water-based lubricant.
Why we love it: “YES Organics is an award-winning plant-based range, where products are available in water and oil formulas. This water-based lube is pH balanced to avoid reactions and sensitivity.”
15. Best pump bottle lube
Liquid Silk Lube, £12.99, Lovehoney
Lube type: Water-based lubricant.
Why we love it: “This water-based lube comes in a handy pump bottle, and a little goes a long way. It’s famously good for using with sex toys because it's non-tacky and doesn't dry out easily.”
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Lovehoney discount codes.
16. Best affordable lube
Durex Naturals Intimate Gel Lubricant, WAS £14.99 NOW £11.99, LoveHoney
Lube type: Water-based lubricant.
Why we love it: “This lubricant from Durex is more of a moisturiser than a lube, but it works just as well. It's odourless and flavourless which means it doesn't get in the way of play, and some customers have reported that it has helped them with sex during the menopause.”
Save money on your next order with these Lovehoney discount codes.
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
17. Best arousal-boosting lube
WooWoo Arousal Boosting Lubricant, £6.99, Sephora
Lube type: Water-based lubricant.
Why we love it: “This arousal-boosting lubricant will keep your senses stimulated. It features natural and soothing moisturisers such as macadamia oil, and Aloe Vera, and Japanese honeysuckle and geranium oil which will reduce inflammation and irritation.”
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Sephora discount codes.
18. Best lube on Amazon
Überlube Luxury Lubricant, £19.18, Amazon
Lube type: Water-based lubricant.
Why we love it: “One of the bestselling lubricants on Amazon is Überlube, a luxury lubricant designed to reduce friction and transfer sensation. It has an easy-to-use-with-one-hand pump, which dispenses the perfect amount every time, even in the dark – and it's water-friendly. So, yes: you can use it in hot tubs, pools and lakes. If you like. It also contains added Vitamin E to leave your skin feeling soft and moisturised.”
Save when you shop for the best with these Amazon promo codes.
19. Best CBD lube
Lube type: CBD-infused water-based.
Why we love it: “Highly-rated by all who use it, the Oomf CBD lube by ByQuanna is formulated in collaboration with a gynaechologist – which doesn't go unnoticed. The branding is epic (it's housed in a recyclable bottle, too) and the inclusion of CBD is thought to help with discomfort during sex (by engaging with our bodies’ endocannabinoid system receptors that manage anxiety and pain). It lasts for ages without going sticky, it's fragrance-free, and the prebiotic formula aims to help maintain vaginal health.”
