Best lubes for anal: 7 top picks, recommended by sex experts

What the experts say: "Sassy is a water-based lubricant formulated with plant cellulose to create a thicker gel, which provides more padding for more comfortable anal sex," says Rybchin. 

What the experts say: "As this is specifically designed for anal play, it’s a bit thicker than your average lube. It is really silky and smooth which is perfect for anal. All roam products have a really luxurious feel and none of them leave you feeling sticky after. All their products are vegan and this one is particularly nice as it contains Tonka, aloe and olive. The lube itself comes in really cool discreet red packaging — definitely not one to be hidden away in a drawer," says Flynn. 

What the experts say: While this is a water-based lubricant, it's designed with long-lasting ingredients so you don't have to stop. Di Mattos says: "I prefer using a water-based lube and one of my favourites is Smile Makers’ Generous Gel. It is thick while still feeling lightweight and silky and comes in a beautiful — and incredibly chic — bottle."

What the experts think: "The Slippery Stuff gel remains a favourite for anal. It’s a thick gel, so it stays in place wherever it’s applied and doesn’t drip down or evaporate quickly, meaning less re-application. It has minimal ingredients, is fairly hypoallergenic relative to other water-based lubes and even comes in a wide range of bottle sizes. While its thickness makes it great for anal, it’s also great for all types of sex," says Ligon. 

What the experts think: "This is a thick water-based lubricant and is blended with the natural anti-bacterial guava bark extract for extra safety and comfort during anal play," says Rybchin. 

What the experts say: "This Pjur lube is my favourite because it's made from natural ingredients that help relax your anal muscles without anaesthetic effects," says Payne. "I use this when I want to enhance my anal play in a natural way, and I like that is slick without being sticky thanks to the silicone formulation."

What the experts think: Another from Pjur, "this is a highly concentrated silicone lubricant which means a little goes a long way," says Rybchin. "It's designed specifically for anal sex, with the added benefits of natural high-grade jojoba extracts helping to relax the anal sphincter. Jojoba also leaves the skin feeling much soft and supple."

Marin adds: "Pjur is my number one anal brand, 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."