Hello, friends. Welcome to today’s class about enhancing your sex life. First thing to know: Lube is your vagina’s best friend. Second thing to know: Flavored lube is your mouth’s best friend. Why is flavored lubricant so great, you ask? For one, you may find that different tastes enhance your arousal, pleasure, and presence during oral sex and sex play. “Just as we can be turned on by the smell and taste of foods, we’re also affected by the scent and taste of our partner,” says Astroglide’s resident sexologist Jess O’Reilly, PhD.
And flavored lubricant—which is just plain old lube with added flavorings to enhance the oral experience—could help with that. “Unflavored lube is perfectly adequate—especially if someone is sensitive to flavors and prefers a more natural taste of their partner,” says certified sex therapist and sexologist Jenni Skyler, PhD. But for those who aren’t as eager to go au naturale, using flavored lube can make things a lil bit more enjoyable—especially if you go with one of our faves.
Our top picks for the best flavored lubes of 2023:
And btw, you don’t just have to use it for oral sex. O’Reilly recommends using flavored lube by dripping it on your partner’s chest and licking it off, or putting a few drops on your lips before kissing your way all over their body. Yum. Ready to taste the rainbow during your next hookup? Try one of these flavored lube products for all the fun.
1. Cake Flavored Lube
FYI, Cake totally changed the flavored lube game with its new line of lubricants. Not too sugary-sweet and formulated to have no icky aftertaste, the flavors of these lubes are designed to dissipate quickly during oral play, so nothing lingers but a nice, slick sensation. They’re water-based, so they’re safe to use with most condoms and pH-balanced, so anal and vaginal play is also totally safe. Plus, you can choose from three exclusive flavors (though our personal fave is Peach Ginger).
- Type: Water-based
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
- Flavors: Peach ginger, vanilla chai, or coconut lime
- Safe to use with condoms? Compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms, but not with polyurethane condoms
- Safe for penetration? Yes
THE REVIEW: According to one reviewer, “I was genuinely impressed by the aroma of fresh cut peaches, and the taste was on point. Generally anything I’ve ever tasted that was supposed to be ‘fill in the blank-flavored’ was anything but in my experience. The lubricating properties were very good and allowed vigorous movements with ease. I love every quality of it and would highly recommend it.”
2. Lá Nua Flavored Lube
From the tinted glass bottle to the bamboo trim, you can just tell this bb is high quality…and it actually really delivers, too. Available in four subtle varieties, this pH-balanced, naturally-flavored lubricant is both clean and effective, with a consistency that never gets sticky or tacky. Plus, ya gotta love the sustainable and recyclable packaging.
- Type: Water-based
- Sizes: 3.4 or 6.8 fl oz
- Flavors: Honey vanilla, cucumber aloe, strawberry coconut, or watermelon mint
- Safe to use with condoms? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Safe for penetration? Yes
THE REVIEW: “I’ve tried so many lubes before and this is BY FAR the best one yet!” one tester raves. “The consistency is amazing and it lasts long. To top it all off, the flavor is super tasty, subtle, and unique—and it doesn’t leave an aftertaste! I already gave one to my friend and will definitely try the other flavors soon!”
3. Woo More Play Coconut Love Oil
If you’re looking for a lube that tastes and smells like vanilla cupcakes, then you’ve come to the right place. The Coconut Love Oil is formulated with vanilla essence and a *touch* of stevia, so you don’t have to worry about throwing off your vaginal biome if you use this internally. And since it’s oil-based, it’s super moisturizing and impressively long-lasting—though you’ll wanna warm it up a bit before use.
- Type: Oil-based
- Size: 3.3 fl oz
- Flavor: Vanilla
- Safe to use with condoms? Compatible with polyurethane condoms, but not latex or polyisoprene condoms
- Safe for penetration? Yes
THE REVIEW: “This stuff is amazing!” reads one review. “The texture is just right—it combines lubrication while giving just the right amount of resistance to increase sensation and pleasure. The smell and flavor are fantastic. Warm it up, and it comes out smooth and clear for great massages.”
4. Lubelife Water-Based Flavored Lubricant
Don’t wanna spend more than $10 on a flavored lube? Then you’ve gotta check out this uniquely-flavored lubricant from LubeLife (which currently boasts over 31,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, nbd). Unlike many other budget lube brands, this formula is free from parabens and added sugars, instead relying on sucralose, an artificial sweetener that’s considered vagina-safe. And can we just talk about those flavor options??
- Type: Water-based
- Size: 8 fl oz
- Flavors: Mint chocolate chip, strawberry, watermelon, cotton candy, birthday cake, chocolate-covered strawberry, piña colada, prosecco, sex on the beach, mai tai, or mojito
- Safe to use with condoms? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Safe for penetration? Yes
THE REVIEW: “OMG! This stuff is AMAZING,” writes one tester. “It lasts a good while, feels great, is good for my sensitive skin, and it tastes…um…it does not need to taste this good! The strawberry one was a bit chemical-tasting, but the birthday cake straight-up tastes like melted vanilla ice cream. Did I mention it FEELS GREAT?”
5. The Honey Pot Organic Moisturizing Lubricant
A flavored lube that’s gentle, hypoallergenic, and certified organic? Yep, it exists. This all-natural, water-based, strawberry-flavored lubricant from The Honey Pot is free from irritating additives or fragrances, so all ya get is an unprocessed strawberry flavor that’s neither sweet nor sticky. It’s also pH-balanced, so penetration is fair game with this good-for-you formula.
- Type: Water-based
- Size: 2 fl oz
- Flavor: Strawberry
- Safe to use with condoms? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Safe for penetration? Yes
THE REVIEW: “I use (and love) the Honey Pot Sensitive Wash, so I have confidence in the brand. And this product did not disappoint,” writes one reviewer. “The smell is okay but the lubrication is great. It feels completely natural! Definitely recommend! And if you are a little shy about your natural *scent* down below, this definitely works great as a neutralizer.”
6. Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant & Moisturizer
If you want a lube that doubles as an intimate moisturizer, then you gotta reach for this formula. Made with soothing aloe vera and vitamin E oil, Aloe Cadabra is fabulous for replenishing vaginal moisture—plus, the aloe base means it’s thicker and longer-lasting than most water-based lubes. (I mean, why else would it have over 30,000 five-star reviews on Amazon??) It comes in TONS of fun flavor options, and with that $10 price tag, you might as well try ’em all.
- Type: Water-based
- Size: 2.5 fl oz
- Flavors: Piña colada, pumpkin spice, banana cream, cherry lemonade, key lime, mango, ocean cream, wild rose, chocolate, vanilla, watermelon, lemongrass, peppermint, or butter rum
- Safe to use with condoms? Compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms, but not with polyurethane condoms
- Safe for penetration? Yes
THE REVIEW: As one reviewer notes, “I was hesitant to try because this kind of stuff often tastes and smells so artificial. This tasted and smelled better than I ever imagined possible for a lubricant. Since I had such an unexpectedly pleasant result adding it to oral activities…I used it during sex and it was awesome! It was a great texture and felt natural. I can’t wait to try the other flavors.”
7. Good Clean Love Almost Naked Personal Lubricant
Oh-so-subtly flavored and scented, Almost Naked from Good Clean Love is here to ensure you get all the slickness you want without any of the irritants you don’t. This iso-osmolar formula is made with an aloe vera base and free from petrochemicals, parabens, and artificial fragrance—and it even comes complete with a bioplastic tube.
- Type: Water-based
- Sizes: 1.5 or 4 fl oz
- Flavor: Vanilla and lemon
- Safe to use with condoms? Compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms, but not with polyurethane condoms
- Safe for penetration? Yes
THE REVIEW: “My partner and I are both sensitive to many lubes, but this one works perfectly for us,” one reviewer notes. “It’s not sticky when wet or after it dries, and [it] washes off pretty easily after. The scent/taste is a pleasant, mild vanilla—not overpowering at all. I enjoy it. It’s definitely the one we repurchase over and over.”
8. Unbound Jelly
With a sliiiiight hint of vanilla and lemon, this water-based lube from Unbound (which is made from 95 percent organic ingredients) is a great choice if you want something that smells fresh, tastes yummy, and won’t upset your pH balance. It’s also glycol and paraben-free, not to mention suuuper gentle—and yep, its aloe vera base will keep things nice ‘n’ slick.
- Type: Water-based
- Size: 3 fl oz
- Flavor: Vanilla and lemon
- Safe to use with condoms? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Safe for penetration? Yes
THE REVIEW: “Almost like the real thing!” reads one review. “Very slippery and non-sticky. Water-based means an easy clean-up. I like the smell—almost like cookies—and it has a slight sweet taste. Toxin-free is all right by me, and made in the USA is always great! Highly recommend!”
9. EXSENS Flavored Personal Lubricant
For lube that legit tastes good rather than just, ya know, not bad, EXSENS has got you covered. This apple martini-flavored option (which won the XBIZ Sex Lubricant of the Year Award in 2023, ftr) is actually tasty, boasting a pH-balanced, paraben-free formula that includes hydroxyethylcellulose, a plant-based thickening agent that gives it a gel-like texture.
- Type: Water-based
- Sizes: 2.37 fl oz
- Flavor: Apple martini
- Safe to use with condoms? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Safe for penetration? Yes
THE REVIEW: “For a water-based lubricant they’ve nailed the consistency,” one tester writes. “It’s long-lasting and almost a midway feeling between water-based and silicone. Very nice and not overly-scented. It doesn’t get messy or pull all over the place like glue and feels nice to touch. I def recommend.”
10. Bloomi Delight Oil-Based Personal Lubricant
If long-lasting lubrication is your top priority, then you should give this clean formula from Bloomi a try. Great for both penile and vaginal application (as well as oral play, ofc), Delight is made with coconut oil to relieve dryness and cocoa seed butter for extra moisture. Plus, vagina owners will appreciate the vaginal benefits provided by the sea buckthorn oil.
- Type: Oil-based
- Size: 3 fl oz
- Flavor: Cocoa butter
- Safe to use with condoms? Compatible with polyurethane condoms, but not latex or polyisoprene condoms
- Safe for penetration? Yes
THE REVIEW: “OMG! Delight has been such an amazing addition to the bedroom, solo and with my partner,” one buyer notes. “It has this yummy, natural cocoa butter scent that really gets you in the mood and makes you want to taste each other. I sometimes use it as an intimate skin moisturizer or as an all-over body moisturizer right out the shower for that extra hydration.”
11. Coconu Water-Based Personal Lubricant
Another v subtle edible option: this long-lasting lube from Coconu. Made with coconut water, this option is free of artificial dyes, fragrances, and any vulvar allergens, so it’s totally safe to use for both vaginal and anal sex. It’s also 100 percent edible with a refreshing coconut taste.
- Type: Water-based
- Size: 3 fl oz
- Flavor: Coconut
- Safe to use with condoms? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Safe for penetration? Yes
THE REVIEW: According to one review, “This is a very natural-feeling personal lube. Long-lasting and not sticky and has no smell and has a good taste. My absolute favorite lube I’ve ever used, and I have tried lots.”
12. Glissant Sea Salt and Caramel Intimate Lubricant
This bb just screams luxury, no? Made with naturally-soothing aloe vera and arousal-enhancing L-arginine, this FDA-cleared formula is here to increase blood flow to the vagina and keep it feeling moist—all while smelling and tasting like a damn snack. Best of all, it comes in a refillable (and travel-friendly!) gold case that you can safely leave out on your nightstand.
- Type: Water-based
- Sizes: 1 fl oz
- Flavor: Sea salt and caramel
- Safe to use with condoms? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Safe for penetration? Yes
THE REVIEW: “I love this lube,” one review reads. “It tastes good, it smells good, and it’s not greasy like other lubes. The super classy packaging is discrete enough to keep on your bedside or in your purse. I love that it was created by a (woman) doctor, so you know the ingredients going inside your body are actually good for you. Fully recommend.”
13. Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Oral Sex Balm
Specially designed to enhance arousal during fellatio and cunnilingus, this sexy balm is all about sensation. Thanks to the inclusion of menthol, it provides a gentle cooling effect that’ll make mouths tingle, all while reducing friction with its slick oil base. Oh, and the coconut aroma (and taste!) is just the cherry on top.
- Type: Oil-based
- Sizes: 0.34 fl oz
- Flavor: Coconut
- Safe to use with condoms? Compatible with polyurethane condoms, but not latex or polyisoprene condoms
- Safe for penetration? No
THE REVIEW: As one tester writes, “Love this. No more giving head with a cotton mouth.”
14. Honey Girl Organics Personal Lubricant
If you like a product that does double-duty, then you need to try this wildly popular lube from Honey Girl Organics. Handmade in small batches in Hawaii, this bb is made with nothing but purified water, beeswax, virgin olive oil, and vitamin E oil, which means it’s completely free of chemicals, fragrances, hormones, and parabens—not to mention it’s totally edible.
- Type: Oil-based
- Sizes: 2 fl oz
- Flavor: Honey
- Safe to use with condoms? Compatible with polyurethane condoms, but not latex or polyisoprene condoms
- Safe for penetration? Yes
THE REVIEW: “My wife and I love this product,” one review reads. “It is rich and moisturizing and also does…um…the job it’s supposed to! Minimal fragrance, never irritating, nice consistency, and, yes, a pleasant taste.”
Is flavored lube edible?
Yes, flavored lube is edible. And tbh, whether flavored or not, any water- or oil-based lube that you use (including vaginal lubes or anal lubes) should be edible. After all, if a lube isn’t safe to ingest orally, then why should it be put anywhere your vagina or anus? The exception to this is with silicone lubes, which—though body-safe—should only be ingested in the *smallest* amounts.
Ofc, for a lube to be safe to ingest, you’ll wanna avoid any lubes that contain parabens, which can potentially cause allergic reactions, and alcohol, which can dry ya out. Phthalates are also a big no-no when it comes to lube, edible or not.
Is flavored lube safe for penetration?
You’ve probably heard that you should never use flavored lubes for vaginal or anal intercourse because they’re filled with sugars, and sugar = yeast infections. However, that’s not always the case…and glycerin doesn’t actually deserve the bad rap it’s gotten (especially since it’s a sugar alcohol, not a sugar). Sure, cheap grades of glycerin derived from petrochemicals or other sketchy sources can potentially cause infections. But natural glycerin—which is created from fats and oils—actually has great moisturizing and healing properties.
As Carrie Smith, the head of product development at Cake, tells Cosmo, “Glycerin is metabolized in the liver, not in the vagina. In most cases, if there is any type of reaction to using a lubricant, it is likely from not using enough lubricant, thus causing irritation from micro-tears in the vagina during intercourse or from a minor pH imbalance, not from a glycerin/yeast interaction.” That said, Smith points out that flavored lubes are typically formulated to be slightly thinner than standard lubricants so “you may want to add a thicker lubricant when switching from oral to penetrative play, especially anal play, where additional glide is required.”
What should you avoid with flavored lube?
While plant-based glycerin is FDA-approved and generally considered harmless (along with sugar-free sweeteners, like sucralose), there are definitely flavored lubricants out there that aren’t safe for penetration. Flavored lubes that contain petroleum jelly, for instance, can trap bacteria and cause yeast infections, while certain preservatives—like pentylene glycol, pethylhexylglycerin, and phenoxyethanol—can cause irritation for folks with sensitive skin. Smith also suggests avoiding flavored lubes with artificial flavors and colors if you plan to use it for vaginal or anal play.
“Some people experience sensitivity to certain ingredients, but this applies regardless of whether or not a lube is flavored,” O’Reilly adds. Do a skin test before using any sexual product, but especially flavored lube. Place some on your wrist or forearm, wait 10 minutes, and see if you have any sort of reaction. If you don’t, then chances are you’re good to use.
How to choose the best flavored lube
A few tips for selecting the best lubricant for your body and needs:
Stick with reputable brands
Novelty products may seem fun, but your mouth deserves only the best, so make sure you buy lubricant from reputable sexual health brands that you know and trust (and that have lots of positive reviews).
Check out the ingredients
Again, flavored lubes often contain artificial flavoring, but you can opt for all-natural or organic ingredients if you’re hoping to get the safest option. Look for natural lubes if you’d like to limit your exposure to chemicals, and if possible, avoid any formula that contains parabens or other potentially irritation preservatives.
Find the best flavor for you
Sorry to tell ya this, but a chocolate-flavored lubricant probs isn’t going to make your partner’s business taste like a straight-up Hershey bar. However! You can decide whether you’re more into savory or sweet tastes and whether a lightly flavored or flavor-packed option is more to your liking.
Meet the experts
- Jess O’Reilly, PhD, is a Toronto-based sexologist and relationship expert as well as the co-author of The Ultimate Guide to Seduction and Foreplay.
- Jenni Skyler, PhD, LMFT, CST, is an AASECT-certified sex therapist, board certified sexologist, and a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Colorado. She’s also the director of The Intimacy Institute and resident sexologist for Adam & Eve.
- Carrie Smith is the head of product development at Cake, a sexual wellness brand.
Editor
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
Morgan is a freelance sex and wellness writer who lives in New York and loves to travel. In addition to Cosmopolitan, she also writes for Betches, Tinder, Shape, Health, and Well+Good. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @morganmandriota.
