Whether you’re a butt-slapper veteran or new to anal play, having the right lube is essential. Anuses don’t self-lubricate, so a good anal lube can make backdoor penetration more comfortable and prevent skin tears in the rectum that could lead to STIs.
The best anal lubes are long-lasting, latex-friendly, and clean-rinsing. Here are a few of our favorite options.
Water-Based
The anus lacks natural lubrication like the vagina, so having a good quality lube is essential to pain-free anal play. While spit and other DIY DIY supplies might increase friction, they do not lubricate the area and can cause discomfort and anal tearing. Also, these DIY supplies often have a bad smell and may irritate skin.
This water-based lube is safe for anal sex, sex toys, and masturbation. It contains no glycerin or parabens, and was created for men and women with sensitive skin. This lube also washes off easily and doesn’t stain. The best part is that it doesn’t clog or dry up during anal sex, which makes it a perfect choice for anyone who wants to explore backdoor play.
This anal lube from Sliquid is the perfect blend of silicone and water-based. It has a silky smooth texture that feels like real skin, but has the added endurance of a silicone lube. It also does not have any numbing agents, which are not good for anal play. Instead, it uses ingredients such as jojoba extract to relax the anal sphincter, which reduces pain during penetration and increases pleasure. However, this lube cannot be used with latex or polyurethane condoms because it breaks them down. It is not recommended for use with silicone toys, either. This anal lube can be purchased online or at many brick and mortar stores.
Silicone-Based
The anus isn’t self-lubricating, so lube is a must for anal penetration. But it’s not always easy to find a good formula that works well for this intimate area. Many lubes absorb into the skin or turn sticky and messy during anal play, which can be uncomfortable.
Unlike most other water-based lubes, this silicone-based version stays slippery and smooth with very little reapplication necessary. It also has added Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to moisturize the skin. Plus, it’s odorless, colorless and hypoallergenic.
Another bonus is that it’s made from only two ingredients, making it an ideal choice for anyone who has sensitivities. Plus, it’s vegan and not tested on animals.
While lube can help reduce friction, it’s important to remember that anal sex requires communication and starting small, especially if you’re new to this type of intimacy. It’s also important to use a condom with anal penetration, even with lube on hand, because sex with the anus can lead to injury and infections if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Oil-Based
For anal play, you want a slippery anal lube that is long-lasting to keep things feeling anal-slick through your entire session. Some lubes come in handy pump top bottles that make it easy to re-apply, too. They also usually don’t dry out or get absorbed by the skin (which can lead to itching, burning, and/or hives) during sex. They’re often compatible with silicone toys and condoms, too.
If you’re looking for something even smoother than water-based lubes, try oil-based anal lube. These lubes are thicker, which means they can provide an extra layer of cushioning to your anal for an enhanced sensation. They can also last a little longer than water-based lubes, too.
Some lubes come with numbing agents like lidocaine, which can be helpful if you have an anal sensitivity issue. Just remember, though, that numbing anal lubes can prevent you from feeling pain or discomfort during penetration, which is bad news for your safety and pleasure. Plus, numbing anal lubes could mask the early warning signs of anal injury so that you don’t notice damage until it’s too late.
For a gentler anal lube that is long-lasting, try something with a base of coconut oil. This lube has a soft scent and is gentle on the skin. It also doesn’t cause irritation, and it adjusts to your body temperature for a smooth anal experience.
Natural
The anal area can be sensitive and lube can make the penetration easier, reduce friction that can lead to skin tears, and overall feel more pleasurable. But it’s important to avoid lubes with added ingredients, especially numbing anal lubricants that contain lidocaine or benzocaine, which can make you feel less pain but also block your sense of touch and sensation—which means you could end up overdoing things or even getting hurt before you realize it.
Luckily, there are plenty of anal-safe lube options that don’t include any anal-numbing chemicals. For instance, Coconu’s personal lubricants (which are also great for anal play) are non-staining, non-sticky, and formulated without glycerin, alcohol, petroleum oils, parabens, gluten, phylates, or fragrances so they’re body-safe and completely safe to use with condoms and toys.
Another great option is a hybrid silicone- and water-based lube like Smile Makers Generous Gel. It’s an anal-safe formula with pH-optimal thickening agents to keep it slippery and long-lasting, but it’s still made without numbing ingredients. Plus, it’s vegan and comes in a convenient pump-top bottle so you can dispense just the right amount.
If you’re trying out anal sex for the first time, Luna Matatas, a sex educator and host of the B-Vibe anal sex podcast, suggests investing in a set of anal lube applicators that are basically empty (non-sharp) syringes. “They’ll help you apply the lube with more precision to get it where it needs to go, while minimizing any mess.”
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