A long-lasting anal lubricant that is condom-safe and won’t dry up or get sticky. Also great for sex toys.
Numbing lubes like lidocaine or benzocaine make anal play less painful, but they can mask pain signals and mask signs of damage, so they’re not always ideal. You should also avoid lubes with added fragrances and oils.
Water-Based
Since the anus doesn’t self-lubricate like the vagina, store-bought lube can help make backdoor penetration more comfortable. Lube can also help prevent skin tears in the anal canal, which can be both painful and dangerous. Tears in the anal canal can increase the risk for STIs, including gonorrhea and HIV.
Water-based lubes are safe to use for anal sex and other uses. They’re easy to clean and don’t leave stains. Some even come with a pump top to make it easy to dispense. If you’re prone to allergies, you may want to opt for a glycerin-free version of this lube, though.
Silicone-based lubes are loved for their longer-lasting consistency and velvety feel. However, they’re not ideal for anal sex because they can leave an sticky residue. Plus, they can dry out quickly and may require reapplication during anal play.
Numbing lubes aren’t recommended for anal sex because they can mask pain and cause you to be more prone to injury. If you want to try numbing anal lube, it’s best to discuss it with your partner before you start experimenting.
Silicone-Based
If you’re looking for a water-based lubricant that isn’t scented, sugary or sticky, this anal lube from Smile Makers is a good bet. It’s free from glycerin, parabens and petrochemicals and has a simple pump top to make it easy to dispense. Plus, it’s safe to use with latex and polyurethane condoms as well as with toys.
Unlike the vagina, the anal canal can’t self-lubricate, and store-bought personal lube is a necessity to prevent friction between the anal wall and the condom (or anything else going in there), says anal sex educator Alex Hall of The Bottom’s Digest. Lube can also help reduce skin tears and abrasions, as well as make backdoor penetration more comfortable—and pleasurable—for everyone involved.
Silicone-based lubricants have more staying power than water-based ones, so they’re great for longer lovemaking sessions or marathon masturbation. But they can be more likely to stain bed sheets than other lubes, so you’ll want to be careful when choosing the right one for your anal play.
Avoid lubricants that contain menthol or any other ingredients that can cause irritation—as well as lube that is labeled for vaginal use, which can disrupt the body’s natural pH and increase the risk of yeast infections (yuck). You also shouldn’t use saliva or oil-based lubes on anal sex, because they will dry out quickly and create friction that could lead to pain or tears.
Natural
Unlike the vagina or mouth, the anus doesn’t self-lubricate. That’s why it’s important to find a good anal lubricant. And while some home remedies, like Vaseline, may seem tempting for lubrication, it’s best to avoid glycerin based anal lubricants, as they can promote bacteria growth and increase your risk of infection.
Water-based lubes are compatible with latex and polyurethane condoms, and they’re also easy to clean up after use. However, they tend to dry out quickly and require reapplying often. Some people prefer to combine water-based lubes with a natural anal lubricant like aloe vera or coconut oil to make a hybrid anal lube that lasts longer and feels silky smooth.
Shea butter is another ingredient that provides a luxuriously smooth texture to the anal region. It can be found in both oil-based lubes and some water-based lubes, and it’s safe to use as an anal lube. Shea butter can also be combined with xanthan gum and agar agar, natural thickeners made from plants and seaweed respectively, to create an anal lube recipe that is even more long-lasting.
Sweet almond oil is another popular anal lubricant that has staying power. It can be mixed with essential oils to make a scented anal lube that smells delicious and stays on longer, but this type of lube should only be used during monogamous sex. Like all oil-based lubes, it cannot be used with latex condoms and can cause them to break.
High-End
Whether you’re using your finger, penis, or anal sex toy, it’s important to use lube for anal play. That’s because the anus is not self-lubricating in the same way that the vagina is, and anal canal tissue is delicate. Without lube, backdoor penetration can be painful and/or result in skin tears. Store-bought lube helps to temper that friction and make anal sex feel smoother and more orgasmic.
Silicone-based lube lasts longer and is extremely slippery, making it an excellent choice for non-vaginal intercourse. However, sex educators warn that silicone lube should not be used with silicone toys as it can degrade the material. Water-based lube is a good alternative since it rinses off easily and doesn’t leave an sticky residue behind.
Another option is a lube that contains numbing agents such as lidocaine or benzocaine, which makes anal penetration less painful. Numbing lubes aren’t recommended for everyone, though, because they can mask pain signals and make it harder to know when you’re going too hard or too fast.
Lastly, anal lube with added anal-specific ingredients such as shea butter and aloe vera can help calm your sensitive bits during stimulation. And anal lube that’s made with no alcohol, petroleum oils (like vaseline), parabens, glycerin, gluten, phylates, fragrances, or dyes is best for those with sensitive genitals. A perfect example of this is Coconu, a personal lubricant that’s vegan, hypoallergenic, and body-safe.
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