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The best lubricants for sex and masturbation
A bedroom essential, TBH

Lubricant, AKA sex lube, is a bedroom essential. Let's get one thing straight: you can never be ‘too wet’ down there during sex, so whether you're playing solo or with a partner, adding a dollop of lube is always a good idea to help slide things along.
And it's not just a nice to have; lube can really level up your sex life — in more ways than one. Yes, it's sexy and slippery — so it keeps things comfy for people with vulvas during any penetrative activity — but it's also a part of safer sex. Using lube can help prevent vaginal tearing (crucial for preventing the spread of STIs and other infections), and stop condoms from ripping.
Then there’s the fact it can help with vaginal dryness, and really is a must for when experimenting with anal sex, as well as with most sex toys. But no matter the kind of sex you're having, we'd recommend always having some on hand — you never know when you need a moisture boost!
“Whether through penetration or external stimulation, the use of lube and reduction of friction means less chafing and more pleasure,” says Annabelle Knight, sex and relationships expert at Lovehoney. “It can also be used to add flavour to oral, provide extra sensations, and even delay ejaculation. While using lube is highly recommended during vaginal intercourse, it is absolutely essential for anal, as the anus doesn’t self-lubricate.”
Whether you're totally new to lube, or looking for a fresh formula to spice up your fornicating, keep reading for our sex writers' round up of the best lubes to shop now.
The best lubes at a glance
Choosing the best type of lube for you
There are so many lubes out there, from luxurious lubes by the likes of Coco de Mer and LELO, to tingling lubes, CBD lubes, and lubricants made especially for the back door.
But — a quick bit of sex ed for you — not all of it is created equal (AKA you can't use the same type for everything). So let’s settle this once and for all... what actually is the best lube?
Water-based lube
It can be a good idea to stick to water-based lubes, which tend to be kinder to the body as they don’t have as many chemicals in them, for most kinds of sex. Water-based lube is compatible with sex toys and condoms, making it the ultimate addition to any kind of sex (oral, vaginal, anal; solo or partnered; sex toys or manual).
We'll leave it to you to figure out what consistency you prefer, as some come in a more watery formula, while others are gel-like. There are tons of fun variations of water-based lube out there too, including flavoured formulas, CBD and aloe-infused varieties, and even hybrids mixed with silicone for extra grip.
Silicone lube
But, water-based formulas can dry out faster than other types, so if you're aiming for the anal region, you might want to use a silicone lube, which lasts for longer and has more slide.
Keep in mind, though, that silicone formulas aren't compatible with silicone sex toys — as the two degrade each other and make your buzzers less hygienic to use over time.
It is safe to use with condoms, which you should absolutely be wearing during penetrative anal sex, FYI!
Oil-based lube
While oil-based lube can be fun for manual sexploration (that is, fingers and no toys), you'll want to give it a miss when you're using a condom (or other safe-sex barriers like a dental dam) or sex toy.
If you’re unsure about the rules, and what to use where, check out our expert guide to the different types of lube and how to use them.
Now that’s all clear, get stuck into our pick of the best.
How we tested the best lube
Megan Wallace (they/them) is Cosmopolitan UK’s Former Sex and Relationships Editor covering sexual pleasure, sex toys, LGBTQIA+ identity, dating and romance. They have covered sexuality and relationships for over five years and are the founder of the PULP zine, which publishes essays on culture and sex. In their spare time, they can be found exploring the London kink scene and planning dates on Feeld.
Honey is the Senior Sex and Relationships E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health and Men’s Health. She covers shopping guides and reviews of the best sex toys; deals events — including Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday; and sex, dating, and LGBTQ+ trends.
Her journalism career started in 2020 when she started Sextras, a podcast and digital magazine about sex and relationships. Find Sextras on Spotify or Substack, where she writes and chats about everything from positive masculinity and how to practise sex magic, to why the latest kink or porn category is blowing up.
She has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London, and previously reported for HR magazine. Her features also appear in Glamour, Refinery29, The Independent, and more.
When she's not asking everyone she meets invasive questions about their sex and dating lives, you'll find Honey singing around her flat, teaching herself a new craft, or working her way through a new '90s/'00s box set with her flatmate.

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