12 Best Anal Lubes, According to Experts and Reviews

The star ingredient in this silicone-based formula is bisabol, an extract from chamomile with muscle-relaxing properties. Testers say it really does help relax the sphincter to make penetration more comfortable. It’s also made with soothing ingredients (like sunflower oil, aloe, and goji fruit) to give it extra slip.

• Type: Silicone-based
• Size: 2 or 4 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Bisabolol, sunflower oil, aloe vera, goji
• Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms

THE REVIEW: “This is the key to the best anal ever!” one tester writes. “Stays wet. Doesn’t end up all sticky. Slides like a dream. ZERO actual numbing but all the relaxation!!! Favorite lube for anal ever!!! You’ll never go back!”

Tbh, water-based lubes aren’t always the best choice for anal sex—but this formula from SUTIL is an exception. Suuuuper thick and non-sticky, this one contains soothing hyaluronic acid for lasting hydration, as well as horny goat weed and ginseng for easing friction and enhancing arousal.

• Type: Water-based
• Size: 2, 4, or 8 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, horny goat weed, ginseng
• Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms

THE REVIEW: According to one reviewer, “This is the thickest, most cushiony lube I’ve ever tried, making it ideal for anal and silicone toys with a lot of grip to them. It’s pricey, but a little goes such a long way that it’s more than worth it.”

If silicone-based lube is your jam, you need to check out this option from pjur. Though pricey and not compatible with silicone toys, this formula is made with jojoba extract, which naturally relaxes the sphincter to make anal play less painful without any numbing agents (while also providing soothing moisture!).

• Type: Silicone-based
• Size: 3.4 fl oz
• Key ingredient: Jojoba
• Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms

THE REVIEW: “The reason I accept paying this much for lube is because I’ve never found a better one,” reads one review. “Pjur is the highest quality, and the Back Door version has a thicker consistency that stays where you put it and doesn’t make a mess or require frequent touch-ups.”

Want a lubricant that lasts as long as a silicone-based lube but cleans up as easily as a water-based lube? Ya gotta try this hybrid formula from Cake, which has the consistency of a thicker facial serum. You’ll love how this one uses plant-based thickening agents for added viscosity, meaning eased discomfort and increased pleasure for you.

• Type: Water- and silicone-based
• Size: 3.3 fl oz
• Key ingredient: Cellulose gum
• Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms

THE REVIEW: “This stuff has to be black magic,” one tester writes. “GF forgot the anal lube she swore by and eventually decided to try this out. We are both incredibly happy with how amazingly this lube outperforms every other lube. If you are looking for anal lube, this is without a doubt the only option. Completely transformed anal for both of us.”

If long-lasting lubrication is your top priority, you may want to try an oil-based lube, like this clean formula from Coconu. Made with a sunflower oil and coconut oil base, this option (which doubles as a massage oil, FYI!) is packed with skin-loving ingredients, like shea butter and cocoa butter, as well as tension-relieving hemp extract.

• Type: Oil-based
• Size: 3 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Shea butter, cocoa butter, hemp
• Condom-safe? Compatible with polyurethane condoms, but not latex or polyisoprene condoms

THE REVIEW: “Was skeptical at first, but I can definitely tell a difference,” reads one review. “Smooth, stays lubricated the entire time, and can feel more sensation during intercourse, in my opinion. Used my other lube to compare and definitely feel something different with this one.”

Non-staining, unscented, and unflavored, this water-based lubricant (which was specifically designed for backdoor play) is an amazingly clean, safe bet. Like most water-based anal lubes, it’s formulated as a thicker gel to provide more padding, and testers say it’s pillowy and long-lasting without any sticky residue.

• Type: Water-based
• Size: 2 or 8.5 fl oz
• Key ingredient: Plant cellulose
• Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms

THE REVIEW: “I would highly recommend this product,” one tester writes. “There is no smell and [it’s] not sticky. Awesome slipperiness for anal play. It also washes off very easily from being water-based. 10/10!”

Yet another water-based anal lube that’s actually more like a gel than a liquid: this formula from Bijoux Indiscrets. Ya, it’s a lil $$$ for a smol tube, but this anal play gel combines aloe vera, chamomile, and arnica to reduce friction and prepare your anal area for play—plus, it smells *divine.*

• Type: Water-based
• Size: 1 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Aloe vera, chamomile, arnica
• Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms

THE REVIEW: “If you are thinking about having some anal fun, this is the lube you need,” writes one reviewer. “It is simply the best formula I’ve ever tried. Non-sticky, no residue, hydrates, and lubricates just right.”

The problem with a lot of anal lube: It can make a huge mess, both on your skin and on your bed. But that’s not a problem with this water-based option, which is formulated with aloe vera and olive leaf extract for a little extra slip and plant-based cellulose for viscosity. It’s meant to last long and keep you cushioned while never getting sticky or leaving residue—it’s a win-win!

• Type: Water-based
• Size: 4 or 8 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Cellulose gum, hydroxyethylcellulose, aloe vera, olive leaf
• Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms

THE REVIEW: As one tester writes, “By far the best anal lube we’ve used to date. Water-based yet still viscous enough to use for longer running anal play. A little goes a long way.”

In addition to making A+ flavored lubes, Lá Nua has this unscented silicone option, which is loaded plant extracts like aloe vera and cocoa butter to help soothe skin. Other good-for-you ingredients include the libido-boosting maca root and antioxidant-packed gingko leaf extract.

• Type: Silicone-based
• Size: 3.4 or 6.8 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Aloe vera, cocoa butter, maca, gingko
• Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms

THE REVIEW: “What impressed me the most was the viscosity,” one tester notes. “If Goldilocks was going to start endorsing lubes, this would be it. Not too thick. Not too thin. Juuuuust right! Stays where you want it, and lasts as long as you need it.”

Wanna dip your toe into the world of CBD lubes? Then Toca Qulo may be the right pick for you. Designed specifically with anal play in mind, this lube works to soften and relax the tissue with silky lubrication, reducing unwanted friction and preventing inflammation during anal sex. And since it comes in the form of a spray, a little will go a long way.

• Type: Oil-based
• Size: 1 fl oz
• Key ingredients: CBD, kava, ginger
• Condom-safe? Compatible with polyurethane condoms, but not latex or polyisoprene condoms

THE REVIEW: “I’ve tried many intimate oils before this one, but this is by far the most enjoyable to use,” reads one review. “This intimate oil tastes great, feels exceptionally good for both me and my partner, and can really go the distance. As someone who is sensitive to many different types of chemicals and additives, this intimate oil is perfect for me due to the natural ingredients.”

It may be water-based, but Smile Makers’ Generous Gel is formulated with refined glycerine (which gives it slip) and carbomer (which is an allergen-free thickener), so it’s viscous enough to last as long as you need it. Reviewers <3 how it's scent- and fragrance-free, thick without feeling sticky, and just as great of a vaginal lube as an anal lube.

• Type: Water-based
• Size: 1 fl oz
• Key ingredient: Carbomer, refined glycerine
• Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms

THE REVIEW: “The Generous Gel is a game-changer!” raves one reviewer. “It’s long-lasting and doesn’t leave any sticky feeling. The discreet packaging is a plus.”

For long-lasting fun, try this aloe-shea fusion lube, which is slick but never sticky, deeply moisturizing, and extremely long-lasting. Oh, and because it’s packed with soothing ingredients that nourish skin and enhance its natural barrier, you can def use this formula as a massage lotion, shaving lubricant, and even a conditioner for nails and hair!

• Type: Oil-based
• Size: 2, 4, or 8 oz
• Key ingredients: Aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil
• Condom-safe? Compatible with polyurethane condoms, but not latex or polyisoprene condoms

THE REVIEW: “This lube just perfect for anal sex,” reads one review. “So perfect. So long-lasting. So goooood. And all of the ingredients actually help with skin elasticity.”