17 best lubes 2025, reviewed for partnered foreplay and masturbation
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Like toothpaste, tampons and bin bags, lube is one of those everyday essentials we regularly forget to retock. So, here it is: Your reminder to pick a new bottle to take prime position in your bedside table, bathroom, and washbag come holiday season, because there is no better mood killer than unwanted friction.
But don't take our word for it. “Lube is the unsung hero of sex and masturbation," says Annabelle Knight, Sex & Relationships Expert at Lovehoney. "It can take your intimacy to another level but is also really important for making sex and solo play more accessible and comfortable for those experiencing vaginal dryness — and is a must for anyone having anal sex."
“There is a misconception, however, that it is only suitable for those with specific needs or older women when it should be used by everyone — Not just for function, but for pleasure too," she continues. "Lube should be every sexually active person's best friend.” Preach.
From water-based to hybrid varieties and long-lasting silicone lube, there are a few different types, all made to serve different purposes. For instance, not all are condom-safe or suitable for sensitive skin. But with more women and vulva owners taking their pleasure into their own hands — hurrah! Now's the time to not let this info wash over you. Luckily, our guide covers all the basics, plus a (carefully curated) edit of the very best.
SKIP TO: What is lube? | How we test the best lubes | What are the benefits of using lube? | Can you use lube with condoms? | Can you use lube with sex toys?
Shop to it.
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- Annabelle Knight, Sex & Relationships Expert at Lovehoney.
What is lube?
Simply put, an intimate lubricant is a liquid or gel that's used during sexual activity to reduce friction and enhance your comfort. While nowadays you've got plenty of options, that wasn't always the case. Yep, rumour has it that our ancestors tried everything from olive oil (please don't) to smashed-up yams (the same advice applies).
Today, lube comes in a sweet shop of flavours. Although, first, we would prioritise picking a ‘pH-balanced’ potion over a tasty-sounding flavour. Otherwise, the addition of unnecessary nasties may risk disrupting the natural bacteria of your vagina. That would be like WhatsApping Thrush and asking it to join.
The next thing to consider: type.
| Type | Explainer |
|---|---|
| Water-based lube | Arguably the most popular variety and safe to use with silicone sex toys, so a great option when flying solo. A major perk is also how easily it washes off with warm water. "Water-based is best all-rounder and is perfect for sex and sex toy use. It is also largely safe with using condoms, though make sure to always check the label," Annabel said. |
| Silicone lube | Often a little thicker and longer-lasting than it's water-based sister, silicone lube is a good option for those who enjoy anal sex or lengthy liasons. Some varieties are also considered ‘waterproof,’ and so can be used for added slide during your next shower sesh. |
| Oil-based lube | This option is best for those who enjoy a quick massage as part of their foreplay. We should mention this style is not to be used with latex condoms. |
| Hybrid lube | Brands have caught on to the fact that we don't like to choose between the above and so have combined various types that tick all the boxes. So, if you're looking for something that's thick and slow to go tacky, but also odourless, colourless and won't stain your sheets, you've likely got options. |
Water-based lubricants to pop in your bedside table.
How we choose the best lube:
We don't decide to crown a product ‘the best’ in any category lightly. When curating an edit of the best condoms for women to keep you safe during partnered play or the best period pants to help you skip single-use tampons and pads, we aim to test as many products as possible.
To track down the best lubes, a team of GLAMOUR writers and editors — aged between 24 and 45, identifying as female, male or non-binary — personally trialled a wide range of the wet stuff for at least a week. This was during solo sex and partnered play, some with silicone-coated sex toys thrown in the mix, too.
Every team member scored the lubricants on smell, taste, how long-lasting they were, as well as whether they irritated their skin and stained their sheets. Plus, because we've all got different tastes and needs, we've also referred to customer reviews and expert recommendations.
Ahead, the best lubes for women and people with vulvas for 2025, approved by GLAMOUR editors:
Lube type: Water-based.
Bottle size: 50 ml.Why GLAMOUR loves it: “Roam's Front Lube has been a staple in my bedside table for months. Firstly, the (discreet) recycled packaging. Also, note the braille, which runs down the side of the bottle, making the product so much more inclusive.
“As for the contents, this formula is for the 'front' – although there's also an option for the ‘back’ – and is light, vegan and naturally gluten-free. Formulated with ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba and agave, it does a great job of mimicking your natural lubrication and isn't so thin that it glides right off. Plus, those with sensitive noses will be pleased to know it's unscented."
Pros:
- Enriched with a microbiome prebiotic to protect your intimate balance, even after sex.
- That square bottle was intentional and stops it from rolling out of reach.
Cons:
- Not the wettest option, so be generous.
Lube type: Water-based.
Bottle size: 100 ml.Why we love it: “Another new player in the sexual wellness world, but one that's quickly earned a spot in my bedside table. Launched by Emma Richardson-Gerrard, her goal was to create a brand that helps women reclaim what real pleasure looks like to them.
"Made from all-natural ingredients, plus free from parabens, fratrances, hormones and colourings, this lube is designed to aid your sexual pleasure without swaying your pH. Again, this one's been designed to mimic your natural wetness rather than a slimy, sticky addition. And can we talk about the ever-so-chic minimalist packaging? Obsessed.”
Pros:
- The pop-top is easy to use, even when you've only got one hand free.
- Enriched with Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, a probiotic derived from chicory root that can help the skin retain moisture.
Cons:
- One shopper shared this constructive pointer: 'I do wish the marketing were a little less feminine. I'm a gay man, and (after many years) have found this an optimal product for my sexual play."
Lube type: Water-based.
Bottle size: 150 ml.Why GLAMOUR love it: “Perhaps one of the most discrete lubricants on the market thanks to its sleek packaging, LELO's Personal Moisturizer is perfect for masturbation and sex alike. It's infused with aloe vera for long-lasting moisture and is also condom-safe. The gel-like consistency means it's super long-lasting and never (ever) pills. Best of all, it's pH-balanced — for reference, the vagina is moderately acidic — to prevent an unnecessary sway down there. Essentially, it's a worthwhile splurge."
Pros:
- Unscented and so suitable for those with sensitive noses.
- Glycerine and paraben-free, plus safe to use with condoms.
Cons:
- That bottle is a little slippery when wet.
Lube type: Oil-based.
Bottle size: 100 ml.Why GLAMOUR loves it: “Luxurious in texture, this oil-based lubricant is rich and velvety to the touch. Sure, oil-based formulas are often a little stickier than their water-based counterparts, but this lube is long-lasting, making it perfect for clitoral play. It's also a great natural moisturiser that doesn't feel greasy or tacky on the skin. Formulated with 100% natural ingredients – including hemp seed, jojoba and acai oils – plus pH-balanced it won't leave you feeling itchy and unsettled.”
Pros:
- Part of a collaboration between Breast Cancer Now and Ann Summers — and since 2019, the brand has raised more than £225,000 through sales of the My Viv range.
- A moisturising option, thanks to the addition of Jojoba and Vitamin E.
Cons:
- This one isn't condom compatible.
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Ann Summers discount codes.
Lube type: Water-based.
Bottle size: 236 ml.Why we love it: “Yes, Free People stocks sexual wellness accessories – and good ones, at that. Made with moisturising aloe, this lube contains only 100% natural ingredients, making it a gentle, pH-balanced option. It's free from glycerin, parabens and fragrance, plus it has an easy-to-lock pump-style top, too — although that hefty 236ml serving is probably best left at your bedside. FYI, actor (and star of the Fifty Shades series) Dakota Johnson is both an investor and co-creative director of the US-based brand. Yep, our fan-girl status has been well and truly reactivated."
Pros:
- Lockable pump means this one's suitable for travel.
- Delivered in fully-recyclable paper packaging.
- Cruelty-, gluten-, sugar-, hormone-, glycerin- and paraben-free, plus does not contain GMOs.
Cons:
- Our testers confirmed reapplication is necessary during lengthy liaisons.
Lube type: Water-based.
Bottle size: 60 ml.Why GLAMOUR loves it: “You might know Smile Makers for its selection of beginner, budget-friendly clit vibrators, but the brand has also designed a high-quality water-based lube to be used alongside The Firefighter, The Tennis Pro or The Poet. The water-based formula is especially silky but still washes off easily with warm water. The new squeezy tube is also the perfect size to chuck in your carry-on. Our only note — and that of a few satisfied shoppers too — is that a little goes a very (!) long way."
Pros:
- Infused with Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, an anti-stinging, anti-inflammatory natural plant extract used to counter irritation.
- FDA-approved.
Cons:
- Be gentle; that squeezy tube is sensitive, and a little goes a long way.
Lovehoney Enjoy Water-Based Lubricant
Lube type: Water-based.
Bottle size: 250 ml.Why GLAMOUR loves it: “Unsurprisingly, this water-based lube, which is compatible with both latex condoms and sex toys of all materials (silicone, glass or metal), is a Lovehoney bestseller. This large 250ml bottle has racked up more than 1,600 five-star reviews, with one couple saying it lasted them a whole six months! The lubricant itself is thick, slick and slow to go tacky, plus it doesn't stain sheets or lingerie. An all-rounder winner."
Pros:
- Racked up more than 1,740 five-star reviews to date.
- Long-lasting formula, packaged in an easy-squeeze bottle.
- One fan confirmed the 250ml bottle lasted them a whole six months.
Cons:
- Due to availability issues during the pandemic, some bottles arrived with a pump and others with a pop-top cap.
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Lovehoney discount codes.
Durex Naturals Extra Sensitive Water-Based Lube
Lube type: Water-based.
Bottle size: 100 ml.Why GLAMOUR loves it: “This lubricant from Durex is compatible with sex toys — FYI, oil and silicone-based formulas can damage their silicone coating — or condoms and is free of any nasties that might irritate your skin. It's totally odourless and flavourless, meaning it won't get in the way of your play. Plus, some customers have reported that it has helped them with sex during the menopause.”
Pros:
- Crafted from 100% natural ingredients.
- Our testers confirmed that this one doesn't stain sheets or sofas.
- That squeezy bottle is leak-proof and so suitable for packing pre-vacay.
Cons:
- Not the most subtle in terms of design.
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Boots discount codes.
Olive and Bee Intimate Cream Lubricant
Lube type: Oil-based cream.
Bottle size: 55 ml.Why we love it: “We're labelling this unsuspecting bottle as the best lube on Amazon. The bottle is so discrete, looking more like a hand cream or body moisturiser than an essential sexual wellness product, and since it's made from natural ingredients like olive oil and beeswax, it's naturally antibacterial, antifungal and high in antioxidants. We also love that this lube doubles as a massage oil and vaginal moisturiser — perfect for using during those slightly uncomfortable days post-period. Just make sure to avoid when using condoms or silicone vibrators."
Pros:
- The cream consistency — some say it's similar to honey — offers more control during application.
- Satisfied shoppers have confirmed this one closely mimics your natural wetness.
Cons:
- A more expensive option.
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Amazon discount codes.
DeoDoc Intimate Lubricant Drops
Lube type: Silicone-based.
Bottle size: 30 ml.Why GLAMOUR loves it: “Founded by a team of female doctors, including Dr Hedieh and her sister Hasti Asadi, DeoDoc strives to destigmatise sexual pleasure and feminine hygiene. These lubricant drops are FDA-approved, silicone-based and hypoallergenic, helping to counteract vaginal dryness and maximise glide. Completely free from parabens and preservatives, this silky-feeling lube won’t disrupt your vagina’s delicate balance and will drastically improve your sex life or masturbation. You're welcome.”
Pros:
- Offers long-lasting glide, with our testers confirming they didn't experience any pilling or peeling.
- Gynecologically and dermatologically tested.
- Safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Cons:
- Steer clear of sex toys to avoid damaging and degrading their surface.
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
Lube type: Water-based serum.
Bottle size: 30 ml.Why GLAMOUR loves it: "This intimate serum by Jomo London is a game-changing new launch in the lube space. It might be expensive, but boy, is it worth it, delivering so many benefits that other lubes just, well, don't. The packaging is so chic and features gold accents, which really elevates the whole lube-using experience. With the formula being water-based, it's the perfect lube type for use with sex toys (say rabbit vibrators or vibrating cock rings), condoms or while masturbating.
"The hero ingredient in this blend is L-Arginine — a circulation and blood flow enhancer which could lead to heightened sensitivity and bigger, better orgasms.
“Founded by television star Liv Bentley and celebrity makeup artist Bella Campbell, the brand name stands for the ‘Joy Of Missing Out’ and nods to the importance of taking a break to enjoy personal self-care — a sentiment we totally back."
Pros:
- Formulated to mimic a woman’s osmolality and is pH-balanced.
- Subscribe to regular deliveries (every one, two or three months) and save 10% per bottle.
Cons:
- Keep that glass bottle clear of the action.
Coco de Mer Radiant Bloom Anal Lubricant
Lube type: Water-based.
Bottle size: 100 ml.Why GLAMOUR loves it: “Despite the chic design of its bottle, some might be put off by the name of Coco De Mer's Anal Lubricant. However, this water-based formula, with its slightly thicker gel-like consistency, is good for all types of sex, including anal and sex toy-assisted. It's infused with soothing aloe vera to counter any dryness. The only thing to note is that this does come packaged in a glass bottle that's not particularly travel-friendly.”
Pros:
- Super subtle in terms of its aesthetics, avoiding the words ‘sex,’ ‘masturbation,’ or ‘lubricant' on the front.
- Compatible for use with all sex toys and condoms.
Cons:
- Consider this one an investment — or a suitable sex gift.
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Sephora discount codes.
pjur Original Silicone Lubricant
Lube type: Water-based.
Bottle size: 100 ml.Why GLAMOUR loves it: “A quick reminder that saliva is nowhere near as effective as lube. Plus, STIs like herpes and syphilis can be transmitted via spit-sharing. Yeah, no thanks. However, we appreciate that a metallic-tasting lube is not always the best addition to oral sex. Luckily, pjur's formula is totally tasteless. It's also extremely long-lasting — not once did we struggle with pilling, peeling or drying — and super-concentrated for maximum pleasure.”
Pros:
- A super-concentrated, long-lasting formula, meaning fewer applications.
- Waterproof for enhanced sensations in the bath or shower.
Cons:
- Not suitable for use with silicone toys.
Save when you shop for the best lube with these Bondara discount codes.
Lube type: Water-based.
Bottle size: 50 ml.Why GLAMOUR loves it: “ICYMI, YES Organics offers an award-winning plant-based range of sexual wellness essentials like lube and vaginal moisturisers. This water-based lube is packed with organic aloe vera and pH-balanced to avoid any reactions or increased sensitivity. It's also Vegetarian Society-approved and Certified Organic by the Soil Association for body-friendly, planet-friendly fun."
Pros:
- Vegetarian Society-approved and Certified Organic by the Soil Association for being eco-conscious.
- Free from colour and fragrance.
Cons:
- Not the best value for money, but a great option if you're trialling the brand for the first time.
Lube type: Water-based.
Bottle size: 50 ml.Why GLAMOUR loves it: “If easy access is a priority when shopping for lube, you'll want a liquid packaged in a pump-style bottle. This water-based formula from Liquid Silk is a fan favourite due to its creamy texture. It's famously good for use with sex toys because it's non-tacky and doesn't dry out easily, plus it never leaves a suggestive (milky) stain on your sheets.”
Pros:
- Non-sticky, non-tacky and doesn't dry out easily.
- That pump-style lid dispenses the perfect amount.
Cons:
- Some labelled it a little watery and runny.
Lube type: Silicone-based.
Bottle size: 55 ml.Why GLAMOUR loves it: “Tracking down a lube we could use both in the bedroom and to time flyaways was not on our bingo card for 2024. Yep, this silicone formula genuinely doubles as a super-effective hair serum as well as a friction-busting lubricant. It has an easy-to-use, one-hand pump which dispenses the perfect pea-sized amount every time, plus contains Vitamin E which leaves your skin feeling soft and nourished.”
Pros:
- Uberlube is anhydrous, meaning without water, so it doesn't have pH or osmolality.
- Condom (latex and polyisoprene) compatible.
- Yet another offering a subscription option, this one saving you 5% per bottle.
Cons:
- That bottle isn't at all travel-friendly, but the Good-to-Go Traveler dispenser is.
Lube type: Water-based.
Bottle size: 55 ml.Why we love it: “Highly rated by all who use it, the Oomf CBD Lube is a multi-aphrodisiac blend enriched with prebiotics to support your intimate microflora. Plus, the addition of CBD is thought to help ease discomfort during sex, working to engage our bodies’ endocannabinoid system receptors, which manage anxiety and pain.
“It lasts for ages without going sticky, plus those snap-and-go sachets are perfect for travel — or keeping in your handbag for spontaneous nights at your partner's place.”
Pros:
- Suited to both solo ventures and partnered play.
- Not infused with any synthetic binders or fillers.
Cons:
- Yet another small serving, that bottle housing just 50ml of the wet stuff.
What are the benefits of using lube?
There's a plethora of reasons why you might not get as wet as you'd like on occasion – including reduced oestrogen levels and stress – but the best lubes can help to avoid injury, discomfort or tearing (ouch).
Can you use lube with sex toys?
Water-based lubricant can be used with all types of sex toys — silicone-coated, glass and metal. Brands like Durex and KY Jelly are widely recommended for their quality and availability. However, steer clear of silicone varieties, as these can weaken the integrity of your vibrator's colourful coating. Ultimately, the best lube is one that provides comfort and enhances your experience.
Can you use lube with condoms?
One simple rule here: latex condoms shouldn't be paired with silicone or oil-based lubricants, due to the fact these can weaken the rubbers, increasing your chances of rips, tears and splitting.
For more from Freelance Writer Ria Wolstenholme, follow her on Instagram @riawolstenholme.
