12 Best Lubes for Sensitive Skin That Won't Cause Irritation
No itchy, burny sensations here.
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I'm sure I don't need to tell you this, but using lube can really kick things up a notch in the bedroom. If you're having anal sex or using anal toys, lubricant is a *must*...but lubes can (and should!) be used for vaginal sex, playing with toys, or even on other parts of the body as well. Ofc, you want to be careful before buying just any ol' lube—especially if you have sensitive skin. Just as you buy products specifically made for the delicate skin on your face, you'll wanna invest in a lube for sensitive skin 'cause NOBODY wants to deal with irritation down there.
First things first: Why should you be using lube? "The right lube can make sex more enjoyable, more accessible, and safer," explains Dr. Kate Balestrieri, certified sex therapist and founder of Modern Intimacy. "Lubrication can reduce friction, lowering the risk of fissures or irritation during vaginal or anal penetration." However! Irritation can be caused by the lube itself if you aren't careful about checking the ingredients...which is why we rounded up all the best sensitive-skin lubes to save you the trouble.
Our top picks for the best sensitive-skin lubes in 2024:
best aloe-free lube for sensitive skin
Good Clean Love BioNude Ultra Sensitive Personal Lubricant
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Keep scrolling for all the best lubes for sensitive skin (including water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based options), plus expert tips on which ingredients to avoid when investing in a new lubricant.
Pros
- Formula is long-lasting and non-sticky
Cons
- May require reapplication for longer sessions
FYI, lubes with aloe vera are a great choice for sensitive skin folks since aloe is oh-so-gentle—not to mention, aloe-based lubes tend to be thicker and longer-lasting than traditional water-based lubes. That's probs why this best-selling formula from Aloe Cadabra (which uses aloe and vitamin E to replenish vaginal moisture) currently has over 30,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. It's also certified organic and incredibly discreet—I mean, the bottle doesn't even mention the word lube!
- Type: Aloe-based
- Size: 2.5 fl oz
- Condom-safe? Compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms, but not with polyurethane condoms
- Ingredients: Organic aloe vera, vitamin E oil, xanthan gum, citric acid, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, organic vanilla essential oil
THE REVIEW: "This is definitely my favorite lube!" one tester writes."I have sensitive skin & am prone to yeast infections and BV, and this stuff hasn’t caused me any issues like other brands have in the past. It works super well and feels natural. A lot of lubes—even water-based ones—tend to feel sticky to me, but this one doesn’t."
Pros
- Great for those with aloe sensitivities
Cons
- Some reviewers found the formula a bit runny
Unflavored, unscented, and packed with hydrating lactic acid, BioNude is here to ensure you get all the moisture you want without any of the irritants you don't need—and it's ideal for anyone who may be sensitive to aloe vera. Rather than aloe, this water-based lube is made with hydroxyethylcellulose (which is a plant-based thickening agent), so if you find that you're sensitive to certain organic and natural ingredients, then this is the stuff for you.
- Type: Water-based
- Size: 3 fl oz
- Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Ingredients: Purified water, hydroxyethylcellulose, xanthan gum, carrageenan, sodium chloride, lactic acid, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, ceratonia siliqua gum, potassium chloride, calcium chloride
THE REVIEW: As one review reads, "I really like that it's unflavored, unscented, vegan, and doesn't have glycerin. I have really sensitive skin, and most lubes give me a burning sensation down there. BioNude is slippery, not sticky, it didn't leave a weird residue on my skin, AND it didn't make a mess on the sheets."
Pros
- Leak-proof bottle is great for travel
Cons
- Can get sticky, per some testers
Another great aloe-free option: this simple water-based lube from LOLA. Like BioNude, this formula uses hydroxyethylcellulose to give it a thicker, slicker feel, and with only six ingredients (one of which being water), you know exactly what you're getting with this one. Plus, the one-handed pump system and minimalist bottle is v cute, no?
- Type: Water-based
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
- Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Ingredients: Water, propanediol, gluconolactone, hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium benzoate, citric acid
THE REVIEW: "I've tried a bunch of lubricants, but this one has become my go-to and I've purchased it many times," reads one review. "It's got just the right slickness, is long-lasting, and the pump is super easy to manage. Just a little comes out at a time, which is perfect. It's totally non-irritating. Sometimes 'unscented' lubricants will still have an indistinct smell, but this one doesn't. Five stars all around."
Pros
- Comes with a locking pump top, which is so handy
Cons
- Can potentially stain your sheets
So you've probably heard the hype surrounding maude's aloe-based lube...but did you know it came in a silicone-based formula as well? Made to last longer than water-based lubes, this incredibly smooth 'n' slick formula will keep things slippery for as long as you need (even if you take things into the shower!!). Because it's silicone-based, just be sure to do a patch test to confirm the product is compatible with your skin before using it—and pls keep it away from your silicone toys.
- Type: Silicone-based
- Size: 2, 4, or 8 fl oz
- Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Ingredients: Dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, dimethiconol, phenyl trimethicone
THE REVIEW: According to one tester, "I have EXTREMELY SENSITIVE skin in my nether regions, and this stuff is one of the only lubricants I can use. ALSO, the pump is an added bonus!! It’s super slick and it stays that way for a while. 5+ stars."
Pros
- Packed with skin-loving ingredients
Cons
- Shouldn't be used with latex or polyisoprene
If long-lasting lubrication is your top priority, you may want to try an oil-based lube, like this clean formula from Bloomi. Made with coconut oil to relieve dryness (as well as cocoa seed butter and vitamin E for extra moisture), Delight provides a nice, smooth glide without any artificial flavor or scent—plus, vulva owners will appreciate the vaginal benefits provided by the sea buckthorn oil.
- Type: Oil-based
- Size: 3 fl oz
- Condom-safe? Compatible with polyurethane condoms, but not latex or polyisoprene condoms
- Ingredients: Organic coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, cocoa seed butter, sunflower seed wax, sea buckthorn oil, tocopherol
THE REVIEW: As one reviewer notes, "My skin is very sensitive, including my intimate areas, so I have to be careful about which lubes I use. This oil-based formula is gentle and feels really good! A win."
Pros
- Subtle taste and smell are v refreshing
Cons
- Some reviewers found it a bit sticky
FTR, any lube you use should be edible, whether it's flavored or not—'cause if a lube isn’t safe to ingest orally, then why should it be put in your body? But if you're looking for a lube that *actually* tastes good, then give this one from Unbound a try. With a sliiiiight hint of vanilla and lemon, Jelly is a great choice if you want something that smells fresh, tastes yummy, and won't irritate your sensitive skin—and yep, its aloe vera base will keep things feelin' slippy.
- Type: Aloe-based
- Size: 3 fl oz
- Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Ingredients: Organic aloe vera, xanthan gum, agar, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, sodium lactate, lactic acid, natural food-grade flavors (lemon and vanilla)
THE REVIEW: "I really like this lube," writes one reviewer. "I love how smooth it is, and it really does a great job of getting things all ready to go. It’s not at all irritating despite it having a slight vanilla type of scent to it, and it’s safe on and for all the necessities. I’ve never had to use too much of this either, and it feels very close to the real thing. Not watery and not too thick. I’m a fan."
Pros
- Works to simultaneously hydrate and lubricate
Cons
- A bit pricey for the size
Want a lube that doubles as a vaginal moisturizer? Look no further than The Sex Gel. This water-based formula contains natural, gentle ingredients that provide soothing relief and hydration without stickiness (including hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and allantoin)—and as a bonus, it'll help replenish vaginal moisture and keep mucus membranes protected with the help of lactic acid. Oh, and the easy-dispense pump bottle is clutch, too.
- Type: Water-based
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
- Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Ingredients: Water, organic aloe vera, sorbitol, hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium benzoate, allantoin, lactic acid, potassium sorbate, sodium hyaluronate, tocopherol
THE REVIEW: As one review reads, "I've recently developed a sensitivity to glycerin, so I've been searching for an alternative to my normal lubricant. When I read the ingredient list for this product, I was intrigued. The ingredients are similar to those in the serums I use on my face. Best of all, this works! It helps keep things smooth and reduces friction."
Pros
- Made with very few ingredients
Cons
- Def isn't the longest-lasting option
This may seem obvious, but the best way to avoid irritants is to go with a lube with as few ingredients (and potential allergens) as possible. Enter: this hypoallergenic water-based formula from Sliquid, which keeps it suuuuper simple with just five ingredients. And though it's water-based and not as long-lasting as other options, it does include plant cellulose that works as a thickening agent.
- Type: Water-based
- Size: 2, 4.2, or 8.5 fl oz
- Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Ingredients: Purified water, plant cellulose, guar gum, potassium sorbate, citric acid
THE REVIEW: "As someone with very sensitive skin, I was looking for the cleanest ingredient list I could find while still offering high-quality performance, and this is absolutely the winner," one tester notes. "It has a great feel, smooth but not *too* slippery, and as a bonus, this stuff cleans up easily as well. I'm a repeat customer and will continue purchasing this product as long as it is available."
Pros
- Made with body-safe thickening agents
Cons
- Some reviewers wish it came in a bigger bottle
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. Is it expensive for the size? Sure. But a little goes a long way with this one—and it's so discreet, too!
- Type: Water-based
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Ingredients: Water, carbomer, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, sodium benzoate, refined glycerine, methyl propanediol
THE REVIEW: As one reviewer writes, "I'm highly sensitive to solutions & creams. This one didn't irritate and was successfully slippery."
Pros
- Formulated with vitamin E for extra moisture
Cons
- Not everyone loves the glass bottle
This silicone lubricant is not only highly-rated, having racked up nearly 17,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, but it also looks chic AF. Überlube's internet-famous formula contains vitamin E to leave you with a soft, moisturized feel, and since it's silicone-based, this bb's ideal for anal play (as well as shower sex!). And yep, you better believe it's unscented, unflavored, and N-E-V-E-R sticky.
- Type: Silicone-based
- Size: 1.86 or 3.8 fl oz
- Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Ingredients: Dimethicone, dimethiconol, cyclomethicone, tocopheryl
THE REVIEW: According to one tester, "I have very, very sensitive skin. My GYN told me about Überlube, and let me tell you, this is some amazing stuff! Works great and does not cause me to itch or break out into hives. It's very silky-feeling and leaves skin feeling very soft. I will never use anything else."
Pros
- Provides a natural feel with minimal ingredients
Cons
- Will likely require reapplication
Okay, now THIS one is unique! Made with coconut water, this natural option rehydrates sensitive tissues and protects against irritation, all while providing you with a lubricating boost. It's free from artificial dyes, fragrances, or vulvar allergens, and it's 100 percent edible—oh, and according to reviewers, the subtle coconut flavor is *chef's kiss.*
- Type: Water-based
- Size: 3 fl oz
- Condom-safe? Compatible with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms
- Ingredients: Organic coconut water, xanthan gum, guar gum, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate
THE REVIEW: "My spouse and I have been using Coconu’s water-based lubricant for about 2 years, and I can't say enough about it," one review reads. "This lubricant feels very natural, soothing, non-irritating, non-staining, and long-lasting. It is a little pricey but worth it!"
Pros
- Made from simple, natural ingredients
Cons
- Not as readily available as other options
If you like a product that's 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. Yes, pls!
- Type: Oil-based
- Size: 2 fl oz
- Condom-safe? Compatible with polyurethane condoms, but not latex or polyisoprene condoms
- Ingredients: Purified water, organic extra virgin olive oil, organic beeswax, tocopherol
THE REVIEW: "This stuff is lovely!" raves one reviewer. "Smooth, easy to apply, and we never had to reapply once! I had no adverse reactions to it internally. Feels great. Safe and nourishing. I love all HGO products, and this is no exception."
What's the best type of lube for sensitive skin?
Like we mentioned, there are three main types of lube: water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based. Generally speaking, the best type of lube to use if you have sensitive skin is a water-based lubricant. The reason: Water is the primary ingredient, which means it's less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. Makes sense!! You'll find that many water-based lubes contain skin-loving aloe vera as well—but be sure to steer clear of those if you're someone with an aloe sensitivity.
Certain silicone- and oil-based lubes are also considered safe for sensitive skin—particularly if they're made with minimal ingredients. Just make sure you aren't irritated by silicone or coconut oil with a patch test before applying to any sensitive spots. As certified sex therapist Dr. Kate Balestrieri suggests, "It may be helpful to have some wipes or a towel nearby for immediate removal should you experience any discomfort or reaction."
What kind of lube do gynecologists recommend for sensitive skin?
Gynecologists agree: the simpler the ingredients, the better the lube for sensitive skinfolks. According to Dr. Kecia Gaither, a double board-certified physician in OB/GYN and maternal fetal medicine, it's a good idea to avoid lubes containing alcohols, parabens, flavors, glycerin, or perfumes, as well as "lubricants that claim to cause 'sensations'" such as warming, cooling, or tingling, as these can result in irritation to sensitive tissues. Other potentially irritating ingredients to avoid include certain spermicides—namely chlorhexidine gluconate and nonoxynol-9.
As Balestrieri tells us, "People with sensitive skin respond best to water-, silicone-, and hyaluronic acid-based products," as well as to natural and organic lube. However! Pls note that natural and organic formulas may still contain irritants or allergens, depending on your personal triggers, so don't assume that any natural or organic lube is 100 percent vagina-safe.
How to choose the best lube for sensitive skin
A few tips to keep in mind as you shop for the sensitive-skin lube of your dreams:
Look for skin-loving ingredients
Dealing with vaginal dryness and sensitive skin isn't easy, which is why you'll wanna stick with ingredients that give ya long-lasting moisture without irritation. Keep an eye out for gentle hydrating ingredients, like tocopherol (vitamin E) and hyaluronic acid, as well as anti-inflammatory ingredients, like lactic acid and aloe vera—though remember some folks may be sensitive to aloe.
Skip potential irritants
Again, less is more when it comes to vaginal lube (especially if you have sensitive skin). Gaither suggests skipping the lubricants with alcohol, flavorings, or perfumes, "as these can alter the vaginal microbiome, increase the risk of vaginal infections, and increase the risk of irritating delicate vaginal tissues." Other ingredients to avoid include parabens and glycerin, which can potentially cause infections (though, for the record, this is only the case for glycerin derived from petrochemicals, not natural glycerin).
Buy a small quantity and do a patch test
No matter how "clean" of a formula you buy, there's still a chance that any lube may trigger a reaction, so stick with a smaller bottle if you can. And if you have especially sensitive skin, then make sure you patch test the lubricant somewhere on your body (like your arm or leg) to see if it causes a reaction before incorporating it into your sex life. Even ingredients deemed safe in small doses—such as preservatives like potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and citric acid—may cause itching and irritation, so handle any new lube with caution.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Kate Balestrieri is a certified sex therapist and licensed psychologist, as well as the founder of Modern Intimacy.
- 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.
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