If you're searching for the best lube, chances are, you're keen to make penetration that bit smoother in the bedroom.
Asking yourself, what is lube? In short, it's a gel used to minimise friction during sex which pros have long maintained can make intercourse more enjoyable. According to relationship expert Annabelle Knight, not only is lube great for slick entry, it's pretty much guaranteed to make sex better overall.
Knight explains: “It's a fact that people who use lubricant have better sex - not only does the slippery stuff ease penetration, it also makes external play much more enjoyable."
Worried it might not be for you? Don't, she advises. "Contrary to popular misconception, lube is for everyone, not just people whose bodies are struggling to produce natural lubrication. Even if you feel that your body is doing a great job without any assistance, you might be missing out on a whole lot of extra pleasure without knowing it."
You'll find that most condoms are lubricated, assisting smoother sex. But if you're not using condoms, lube might be the way to go. There's a whole range on offer, from water-based lubes to CBD-infused lubes. Scroll our edit of the best below, and don't miss our guides to the best lubes for anal, best lubes for sensitive skin, and how to use lube, while you're here.
How did MC UK test the best lube?
So, which brands of lube are worth your money and which, well, aren’t?
I'm Ally Head, the Health and Relationships Editor here at Marie Claire UK, and I'm lucky to get to speak to some of the best experts in the business every day.
We're big on sexual wellness here at MC, and so have enlisted an independent board of sex experts, intimacy coaches, and relationship therapists to share the brands they actually use at home (yes, all of the below products have been tested first-hand). This includes:
- Barbara Santini, psychologist, sex therapist and relationship adviser at Dime Piecela
- Julia Kotziamani, love, sex, and relationship coach
- Annabelle Knight, Lovehoney sex expert
- Cecile Gasnault, brand director of Smile Makers
- Georgia Di Mattos, co-founder of sexual wellness brand iPlaySafe App
- Ruby Payne, sex and relationships expert for UberKinky
- Alex Griffiths, co-founder of Roam
- Rachel Worthington, sex and relationship expert and sex toy tester at Bedbible.
What was considered when testing for the best lube
Not all lubes are created equal, and the following was considered:
- Is it water, silicone, or oil-based?
- Is it skin safe and genital friendly - aka, is it suitable for all skin and genital types?
- Is it scented or non-scented, and is it sticky or smooth?
- Does it tingle or anaesthetise?
- Is it made from natural or synthetic ingredients?
Marin's advice? "Test new lubes on your forearm - you’re looking for slick and silky, not sticky or greasy, and you should be able to glide your fingers across your skin without noticing any tugging," she shares. "A quality lube won’t dry up right away, and will leave your skin feeling moisturised, too - a few drops should go a long way."
It might also be important to you to consider if the items are delivered in discreet packaging - which FYI, all of the below are. Curious about CBD lube and whether to use coconut oil as lube, too? Read our guides.
A product shot of the Smile Makers lube, taken by sex expert Ness Cooper when testing
Best lube: 13 to buy now
Best silicone lube:
Best for: A silicone-based lube that promises extra-long lasting power.
What the experts thought when testing: Ruby Payne, sex and relationships expert at UberKinky, says: "The Pjur Analyse me! lube is my favourite because it's made from natural ingredients and helped me relax muscles without compromising on sensation and anaesthetic effects. When I want to enhance my play - especially anal play - this is my go-to lube as it makes it as comfortable and pleasurable as possible in a natural way. Plus, I enjoy that it offers slicker and less stick as the silicone formulation makes it a non-sticky and smooth substance."
Vanessa Marin, sex therapist and author, agrees, adding: "My number one favourite is definitely Pjur - we are huge fans of using it in the bedroom as it's made without perfume, is dermatologically tested, and is great for anal sex."
Best natural lube:
Best for: An 100% plant-based, nasties-free lube.
What the experts thought when testing: Georgia Di Mattos, co-founder of iPlaySafe App, says: "Into the Wylde is one of my favourite lubricants. It's vulva-friendly, certified vegan and has an intimately balanced pH, which is important."
Best water based lube:
Best for: A water-based lube blended using certified organic botanic extracts.
What the experts thought when testing: Barbara Santini, psychologist, sex therapist and relationship adviser at Dime Piecela, says: "I like the Sliquid Organics Water-based lube as it's water-based lubes and has organic ingredients. I found that it works effectively on all skin types and toy surfaces, and can be used on the vagina or anus, too. Plus, the lube is fragrance-free, contains hydrating properties, and is ideal for all skin types. It has a well-balanced pH, is less sticky, and doesn't dirty the sheets, either. My favourite lube."
Best non scented lube:
Best for: A water-based lubricant that's made with uber skin-safe ingredients.
What the experts thought when testing: Georgia Di Mattos, co-founder of iPlaySafe App, says: "I prefer using a water-based lube and one of my favourites is Smile Makers’ Generous Gel. It feels lightweight and silky and comes in a beautiful - and incredibly chic - bottle."
Cecile Gasnault, brand director of Smile Makers, says: "I love that the Generous Gel is a water-based lubricant (softer for skin), and that it's formulated with pharma-grade ingredients so safe for all vulva-owners, including during pregnancy. I find it absolutely essential for great sex."
Best tingling lube:
Best for: An indulgent, water-based lubricant in a glass bottle.
What the experts thought when testing: Julia Kotziamani, a love, sex, and relationship coach, says: "In terms of all-time favourites, I love the Coco De Mer divine glow aqua lubricant. It's a water-based lube that I find great for use with toys."
Best long-lasting lube:
Best for: A lube to counter vaginal dryness and maximise glide which only requires a few drops.
What the experts thought when testing: Julia Kotziamani, a love, sex, and relationship coach, says: "I love the above Coco De Mer option, but use Deo Doc Intimate Drops for a more durable (but not toy or latex condom-friendly) oil-based option."
Best cheap lube:
Best for: Coconut oil for use in the kitchen or the bedroom.
What the experts said thought when testing: Julia Kotziamani, a love, sex, and relationship coach, says: "In an emergency, you can't go wrong with good old coconut oil."
Best natural lube:
Best for: "Natural wetness in a bottle," according to the brand, made from skin-loving ingredients.
What the experts thought when testing: Alex Griffiths, co-founder of Roam, says: "I love this lube as it's 100% natural, vegan and water-based. It feels light, refreshing and hydrating and works well with both condoms and toys."
Best vegan lube:
Best for: Water-based, vegan-friendly lubricant for long-lasting enjoyment.
What the experts thought when testing: Rachel Worthington, sex and relationship expert and sex toy tester at Bedbible, says: "Lovehoney’s Enjoy lube is one of my go-to recommendations. It’s good-quality, water-based lube that is suitable for all sex toys and condoms, and is very affordable."
Best non-scented lube:
Best for: A silicone-based lube that promises to be both slick and odourless.
What the experts thought when testing: Rachel Worthington, sex and relationship expert and sex toy tester at Bedbible, says: "I found that Lovehoney’s Indulge lube - a silicone lube - is great when used correctly. It lasts longer than water-based lubes, but shouldn’t be used with silicone sex toys, as it can damage the surface and make it unsafe to use."
Best organic lube:
Best for: A lube designed for those with sensitive skin.
What the experts thought when testing: Rachel Worthington, sex and relationship expert and sex toy tester at Bedbible, says: "My personal favourite lube is the YES Organic Water-based lube, with an aloe vera base. It’s great for those with sensitive skin or those who are prone to yeast or bacterial infections. It might dry out a little quicker, but is easier reactivated with a bit of water (or saliva)."
Best lube for avoiding UTI:
Best for: A pH-balanced, gynaecologist-approved lube that's free from parabens and glycerin.
What the experts thought when testing: Cecile Gasnault, brand director of Smile Makers, says: "I like this lube. I appreciate the brand's attention to the safety of ingredients and their light-hearted approach to sexual wellness that reminds us of ours."
Best lube on Amazon:
Best for: A friction-reducing lube that's both unscented and water-friendly, so safe for use in the bath, shower and so on.
What the experts thought when testing: Vanessa Marin, sex therapist and author, recommends.
Frequently asked questions about the best lube
What are the three types of lube?
Not sure how to shop for or choose a lube? Marin explains that there are three different types to choose from:
1. Silicone-based lubes
Silicone-based products last longer and tend to feel silkier on the skin, shares Marin. "They can sometimes stain sheets, so you do have to exercise a bit of caution before getting too lube-y, and do avoid using silicone-based lubes with silicone toys, as it can cause your toy to break down over time."
Best for: Sex, masturbation, and anal sex.
2. Water-based lubes
On the other hand, water-based lubes don’t stain but aren't particularly long-lasting, either, she goes on. "They often require reapplication but are great for use with everything - that is, sex, masturbation, silicone toys and more."
Best for: Use with silicone toys.
3. Oil-based lubes
Finally, oil-based lubes can be good for those with allergies, shares the sex therapist. "That said, they can be extremely messy, can stain and can be difficult to remove. Do note, too: they should never be used with latex condoms."
Best for: A more natural option.
Is lube a good investment?
Wondering what ways, exactly, lube will be a good investment for your sex life? According to Knight, "there's no end to the ways that lube improves your sex life." We're listening...
1. It reduces friction
An obvious one, but by applying gel and lubrication to your genitals, you'll reduce the potential friction of your bodies rubbing together, she explains. "This means less chafing and more pleasuring. No matter what sex position you're doing (bondage for beginners? Kamasutra? There's no judgment here) or what sex toy you're playing with, reduced friction is a blessing your orgasms will thank you for," she adds.
2. It makes experimenting safer
Think about it: it's far more bodily friendly than, say, chocolate or whipped cream. "It's a safe way to amp things up in the bedroom, whether that's adding a hint of sweetness to oral sex or bringing a little extra tingle to your touches," shares Knight.
Essentially, it can join you in places where other edibles can't (we're looking at you, whipped cream).
3. It's usable at a seconds notice
This one is for the people who just really can't get on with condoms. You know, the faff of unwrapping them, putting them on, making sure they're on correctly... can all be a bit of a turn-off, can't it? "Lube is ready as soon as you are, so you can heat things up at a moment's notice," Knight shares. Just make sure you're using other protection if you're skipping the condom altogether.
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