For penetrative sex without a condom, we recommend WOO’s More Play Coconut Oil Lube because it has a subtle vanilla flavor and is safe to swallow. For penetrative sex with a condom, we recommend Lube Life’s Water-Based Personal Lubricant.

The best lubes to use with toys are those which keep your toys - and, indeed you - in tip-top shape afterwards. And that's going to depend a lot on your toy.

The Bottom Line

Personal lubricants (commonly referred to as "lube") are used to protect against dryness and friction during sex or during medical procedures like when performing an ultrasound or when administering medications in the form of rectal or vaginal suppositories. Isabel Vasquez RD, LDN is a registered dietitian and freelance health and nutrition writer. Her work is especially focused on helping individuals divest from a one-size-fits-all approach to health and connect with their unique needs.

Flavored lube: To make oral sex taste better, you might enjoy something with flavor. These typically water-based lubricants are A-OK for penetrative sex, but the additives may make you more susceptible to vaginal infections. What to look for in a good lube Since no one is trying to break out or be in pain during or after sex, we came up with a list of 16 lubricants to try if you are your partner has sensitive skin. The lubes on this list are either expert-recommended, or we've tried them out (and loved them) ourselves. Oil-based lubricants can have various kinds of oils and might also be marketed as massage oils. They are less popular because they are not as easy to wash off and are not compatible with certain types of condoms, increasing the risk of condom breakage.Unlike vaginas, [which provide natural lubrication], anuses do not self-lubricate,” board-certified ob-gyn Jacques Moritz, MD, previously told SELF. Anal penetration without adequate lubrication can cause the tissue in your anus to tear, SELF previously reported, which is both painful and dangerous. These tears in the anus area can make you more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections (or STIs), like gonorrhea and HIV, according to Dr. Moritz. What kinds of lube are safe for anal sex? Unfortunately, since it is silicone-based, it isn’t compatible with silicone sex toys; it can cause them to deteriorate over time. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, we recommend our best water-based lube, LOLA’s Personal Lubricant.

is a personal lubricant, for penile and/or vaginal application, intended to moisturize and lubricate, to enhance the ease and comfort of intimate sexual activity and supplement the body’s natural lubrication. Überlube is compatible with natural rubber latex and polyisoprene condoms. Überlube is not compatible with polyurethane condoms. Things to Know About Überlube Unsurprisingly, there are a large number of flavoured lubes out there which can make giving head a little more delicious. These vary in flavour, going everywhere from fruity to sweet to minty, and tend to be mainly water-based given that consuming silicone isn't exactly super-healthy.

The Ingredient List: Certain lube ingredients are known to cause vaginal irritation and/or infections—including glycerin, nonoxynol-9, and propylene glycol—so these are best avoided. You’ll also want to stay away from parabens (i.e. any ingredient with a name ending in -paraben), which have been shown to disrupt the endocrine system. Finally, steer clear of any lube containing sugar or sucralose, unless you want a hell of a yeast infection. Adverse effects from personal lubricants depend on the specific ingredients, the concentration of these ingredients, and the amount and route of exposure. Several research studies have brought up two concerns. The first is regarding the glycerin and propylene glycol in personal lubricants. Glycerin and propylene glycol contribute to the osmolality (the given concentration relative to water) of the product. If the osmolality is high, the lubricant might pull water from the cells (e.g., the cells that make up the lining of the vaginal wall), causing the cells to shrivel, and this can lead to irritation. Irritation of vaginal or anal tissue could increase vulnerability to sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). Further studies are needed to fully understand the gravity of this effect (because the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate personal lubricants like medications, rigorous human studies are not available) and the risk should be weighed against the risk for tissue injury from not having adequate lubrication, which could also lead increased risk for STIs.

Here's how to use a lube, says Dr. Streicher: “The time to apply lubricant is before you attempt intercourse. You squeeze it on your fingers, and if there’s a penis involved, you apply it liberally to the penis, and to the opening of the vagina [or anus].” It’s important to warm the lube first, she adds: “If you put cold lube on an erection, he might lose it.” I don’t remember when I first heard about Überlube, but I know that I never forgot it. I mean, who forgets a name like Überlube? The implied power and Machtbereich of it all! I never would have guessed that it was produced, tested, and bottled in small batches in Chicago, Illinois, and that also makes me love it all the more. For oral sex, flavored lubes can mask the latex flavor of a condom and add novelty. We recommend Sliquid Naturals’ Swirl because it is free from potentially harmful ingredients like glycerin, parabens, and propylene glycol. It is vegan and hypoallergenic as well.Having the best lube for anal sex is not just a case of wanting something nice. Good anal lube makes all the difference. You don't have to stretch your imagination too much here: the anus produces no natural lubrication of its own. Without something to make things slippery, friction is inevitable. Nobody is looking to get anything torn up down there. According to the experts we spoke to, silicone-based lube is an excellent choice for anal sex and hand jobs because it’s longer-lasting than water-based and less absorbent (requiring fewer reapplications). Crucially, however, this kind of lube should never be used with silicone sex toys or condoms because it can degrade their material. To prevent adverse effects or poisoning from personal lubricants, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper use – including route of use – and storage. Discontinue use and consult your primary care physician if you experience irritation after use. Keep lubricants out of reach of children or pets and keep them in their original containers.