10 Best Lubes for Masturbation, According to Sex Experts and Reviews
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No matter what you call it—solo sex, private time, good vibes—masturbation is often a key part of sexual health. And no matter how you like to get off, lube for masturbation is a must...even if you don’t know it yet. If you're someone with vulva, then you might not have even considered using lube for masturbation (especially when a sex toy isn't involved). But lube can be critical for enhancing sensation and avoiding irritation caused by dry friction—just like it is for the use of vibrators—which is why we're here to present the very best lubes for masturbation.
Lube doesn't just keep things nice 'n' slick during intimate moments. It’s also crucial for maintaining a healthy sex life in general. “Using a dry hand or fingers for internal or external stroking can train our genitals to expect a certain intensity of stimulation in order to orgasm,” sex and pleasure educator Luna Matatas tells Cosmo. “For some people, regular dry masturbation practices can make it harder to orgasm with a partner.” That’s why you want to have a lube like these on hand at all times—literally.
Our top picks for the best lubes for masturbation of 2024:
You might think lube is a little redundant for masturbation (especially if you get wet easily), but the truth is that a little extra glide never hurt anybody, and these lubes for masturbation are tried and true.
Pros
- Includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to soothe and hydrate
Cons
- Water-based lube tends to require frequent reapplication
If you're not used to using lube for masturbation, you might want to start with a water-based lube because of its smooth, liquidy texture. Unlike silicone-based formulas, water-based lubes won't stain your sheets and shouldn't leave any stickiness behind when you're done. This one from Playground was named the best water-based lube in Cosmo's 2023 Lube Awards because it's safe to use on skin, toys, and condoms!
- Type: Water-based
- Size: 3.7 fl oz
- Condom safe? Compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms, but not polyurethane condoms
- Sex toy safe? Compatible with all toys
Glowing Customer Review: "Goes on silky, slippery, and keeps you wet. Very gentle on the skin with zero irritation."
Pros
- Glass pump bottle looks sophisticated on your night stand
Cons
- Not compatible with silicone sex toys
Silicone lubes tend to be thicker than water-based lubes, but they also last longer, so you don't need as much. If you hate reapplying, or you just prefer a thicker, velvety texture, Matatas recommends Pjur silicone-based lubes because "they feel luxurious on the skin, never dry out, and never get sticky."
- Type: Silicone-based
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
- Condom safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Sex toy safe? Not compatible with silicone toys
Glowing Customer Review: "I was not a fan of silicone-based lubricants, but I really liked this one. It didn't irritate and felt very natural. I'd recommend."
Pros
- Reviewers love the thin texture
Cons
- Might be too sticky for some
Another 2023 Cosmo Lube Award winner, the Maude Shine Organic is my tried and true. Because it's a water- and aloe-based lube, reapplication is necessary, so I love the pump bottle design, and it's full of hydrating ingredients, like quinoa seed extract, mushroom extract, and hemp seed extract. Side note: Maude also offers a silicone-based formula if you want something you can use in the shower.
- Type: Water- and aloe-based
- Size: 8 fl oz
- Condom safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Sex toy safe? Compatible with all toys
Glowing Customer Review: "I was experiencing some dryness after my hormones started changing and it made intimacy with my husband super uncomfortable and sometimes painful. We tried a few different 'clean' brands of lubricant and they either burned or dried out too quickly. Then we tried this and HALLELUJAH WE'RE BACK! A little goes a long way compared to the other brands we tried, and it lasts without irritating me one tiny bit."
Pros
- Really does help enhance arousal, according to reviewers
Cons
- Can't be used with most condoms and sex toys
If you experience discomfort during intercourse or have trouble relaxing during masturbation, licensed sex therapist Moushumi Ghose recommends Foria's Intimacy Sex Oil with CBD. CBD lubes won't get you high, but they can help your vagina relax and increase sensitivity for added pleasure.
- Type: Oil-based
- Size: 3.8 fl oz
- Condom safe? Compatible with polyurethane condoms, but not latex or polyisoprene condoms
- Sex toy safe? Not compatible with silicone and ABS plastic toys
Glowing Customer Review: "Fantastic lube and massage oil. I love the way it feels on my breasts. Makes skin feel silky soft. Great for extra slippery sexy good time!"
Pros
- Formulated with only four ingredients, so there's little risk of irritation
Cons
- Glass bottle fragile, so can be tricky to use in the moment
Do you like to masturbate in the bath or shower? Grab yourself a bottle of Überlube. This silicone-based formula is water-insoluble, meaning it'll add a silky glide even in H2O. Plus, you can use it in your hair to reduce frizz and prevent heat damage, making it the perfect bathroom accessory. Just be careful not to drop the glass bottle!
- Type: Silicone-based
- Size: 3.38 fl oz
- Condom safe? Compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms, but not polyurethane condoms
- Sex toy safe? Not compatible with silicone toys
Glowing Customer Review: "Love it for the tub, a good tug, and plugs. You can definitely use too much, but it doesn't mess with my overly-sensitive pH and it rinses pretty well out of cotton sheets."
Pros
- Sensitive-skin friendly, per reviewers
Cons
- A few reviewers note that it becomes sticky and dries quickly
Aloe is an ingredient I look for in skincare because of its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, so why not look for it in a lube? Cake's Natural Sex Lube is aloe-based to help limit any potential irritation. It's also formulated with mushroom extract, a moisturizer safe for sensitive skin.
- Type: Aloe-based
- Size: 3.3 fl oz
- Condom safe? Compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms, but not polyurethane condoms
- Sex toy safe? Compatible with all toys
Glowing Customer Review: "I'm allergic to so many things, and I'm on so many meds that it's hard to orgasm or to get wet. So finding this and it being able to help me out and NOT make me have an allergic reaction was amazing!"
Pros
- Contains aloe for added moisture
Cons
- On the pricier side
LELO vibrators are some of the best sex toys out there, which is why when it comes to masturbating with toys, I trust the LELO Personal Moisturizer. The water-based lube is safe to use with all silicone toys (and most LELO products, obvs), and I love that the bottle is discreet and easy to use.
- Type: Water- and aloe-based
- Size: 5 fl oz
- Condom safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Sex toy safe? Compatible with all toys
Glowing Customer Review: "SO WORTH IT. I plan to stock up and use this as my primary lube with toys and intercourse moving forward. It goes on smooth, doesn't feel artificial, and honestly leaves my vagina feeling moisturized even after clean up."
Pros
- Comfort of a water-base with the staying power of silicone
Cons
- Could harm silicone toys
If you're unsure whether or not you want a water- or silicone-based lube, try a hybrid, like this one from Sliquid, a water-based lube that contains 12 percent silicone for added slip. It combines the thin, more natural texture of a water-based lube with the longevity of a silicone base, so it's basically the best of both worlds!
- Type: Water- and silicone-based
- Size: 8.5 fl oz
- Condom safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Sex toy safe? Compatible with some platinum-cured silicone toys
Glowing Customer Review: "I have used this a few times already and it is really silky! I use it for solo play and it's quite nice. I like the texture and there is no strong scent. I have had no irritation and it hasn't impacted my top in any way."
Pros
- Thicker oil consistency makes for long-lasting slip
Cons
- You have to warm it up between your fingers first, so it can get messy
If you're in need of a lubricant for vaginal dryness, it's important to search for a product with soothing and hydrating ingredients. This one from Bloomi is a coconut-oil based lube formulated with shea butter and cacao seed butter to moisturize any intimate areas. Just remember: Coconut oil might be a moisturizing, but it's not compatible with most condoms and is anti-bacterial, which could be irritating for some.
- Type: Oil-based
- Size: 3 fl oz
- Condom safe? Compatible with polyurethane condoms, but not latex or polyisoprene condoms
- Sex toy safe? Not compatible with silicone and ABS plastic toys
Glowing Customer Review: "What a sensual experience. I immediately fell in love with my body (again). I was pleased the oils dried on my hands easily after my solo session, and the light, lingering smell of coconut was a tickle of a reminder of the fun I gave myself."
Pros
- Discreet, slim bottle design is great for travel
Cons
- Might not work for those with sensitive skin
The Whet sex serum from Personal Fav is a water-based lube packed with plant ingredients to heighten sensation and stimulate. It's also formulated with hemp and chamomile to soothe the skin, as well as aloe vera to moisturize.
- Type: Water- and aloe-based
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Condom safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Sex toy safe? Compatible with all toys
Glowing Customer Review: "A fantastic, silky formula that feels smooth and pleasant! It added a very nice, pleasurable sensation with the bonus of a lovely taste and botanical scent. I absolutely love the pump bottle! Mess free, it distributes the perfect amount of serum."
Do you need lube to masturbate?
Many people with vulvas produce their own lubricant naturally as part of sexual arousal, so they don't necessarily need lube to masturbate. That said, certain health conditions, like menopause or hormonal fluctuations before and after pregnancy can cause vaginal dryness, says ob/gyn Dr. Kecia Gaither. And even if these conditions don't apply to you, it's always a good idea to have lube nearby to avoid causing any irritation.
Adding lube can enhance sensation and glide, and it can also protect your vulva or genitals from dry friction, which, per Matatas, "can cause irritation or feelings of numbness—both of which can interfere with your pleasure."
Can you use household products as lube?
While you can use coconut oil as lube—or even rely on homemade lube—it's not a great idea to use a household product for something other than its intended use. And Matatas and Ghose agree that coconut oil should only be used if absolutely necessary, as it can throw off your vagina's microbiome and cause problems down the line.
Other household items like lotions should also be avoided, as they might contain irritating ingredients and fragrances.
How to choose the best lube for masturabation
Finding the best lube for you is a process, and you might have to try a few before you find the right one. But, there are some shortcuts you can use to get you closer to finding a lube for masturbation.
What kinds of lube are there?
Before you can settle on a lube to purchase, you have to know your options. There are three main types of lube on this list:
- Water-based lube: Water-based lubes are generally known as most natural-feeling. They tend to be thinner and easier to clean—no staining the sheets! They are also compatible with most sex toys and condoms. The only downside is that they evaporate quickly and require more reapplication, which can be impractical.
- Silicone-based lube: Silicone-based lubes are typically made with dimethicone, an ingredient that gives it that slick, smooth feel. Silicone-based lubes tend to last longer than water-based lubes, but they can be harder to clean and aren't compatible with any silicone toys. Silicone-based lubes are also a good bet if you're worried about yeast infections or other vaginal infections because, according to Dr. Gaither, they typically don't affect the vaginal microbiome.
- Oil-based lube: Oil-based lubes are slippery and long-lasting but are often the messiest. Oil-based lubes aren't compatible with latex condoms, and it's important to check the ingredients to make sure the formula doesn't contain any oils that might be potential irritants.
How do you like to masturbate?
A personal question, I know, but knowing how you want to use the lube will help you determine the best one for you. For example, if you like to use a silicone wand vibrator, you'll need a water-based lube. But if you prefer to use your hands and need a little more slip, then a silicone-based lube might be a better option.
Meet the experts:
- Luna Matatas is a sex and pleasure educator who offers online coaching for couples and individuals, as well as in-person and online workshops.
- Moushumi Ghose, MFT, is a sex and relationship expert, licensed sex therapist, filmmaker, speaker, and author. She's the author of Classic Sex Positions Reinvented and director of the film Temples and Brothels.
- Dr. Kecia Gaither is a double board-certified physician in OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine for NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in New York, NY.
Why trust 'Cosmo'?
Here at Cosmo, we have v high standards when it comes to sexual health product recs. Every one of our round-ups adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes options for all budgets and bodies. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to do it yourself. You're welcome!!
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