17 best lubes for sex and masturbation (because sexual wellness is a crucial part of your self-care routine)

“Where to buy lube” is probably searched for way more often than you’d think. Yep, lube! That tube that makes you blush when you come across it in Boots or as you add it to your Cult Beauty cart. 

Forget what you thought you knew: there are a multitude of reasons why you should introduce one of the best lubes into your bedroom. ICYMI, a good lube can help to avoid injury and discomfort, as well as tearing (ouch). The best lubes can also heighten intimacy levels with your partner – or by yourself – immeasurably. Consider those great-sex feels multiplied. Plus, lubricant can enhance your experience with your favourite bullet vibrator, wand vibrator or rabbit vibrator. Though avoid silicone-based lubricants, as they can sometimes react with silicone sex toys. 

In 2021, millennial women are taking their sexual pleasure into their own hands (whether they’re in a relationship or not), realising that sexual wellness is a huge and important part of their self-care routine. A good lubricant will heat things up, cool them down and make sex or masturbation (or both) a whole lot more enjoyable, so why the stigma? 

There’s no better time than the present to experiment, but if your bedside table lube collection is currently population zero, our guide to the best lube should help. Before we share more of the best lubricants that money can buy, here are a few things you need to know about lube…

1. There are three different types of lube…

Lube comes in a sweetshop of flavours (or none), but follow your eye before your mouth. First, look for a ‘pH balanced’ label on the bottle. Without this, you risk disrupting the natural bacteria in your vagina, which is like WhatsApping thrush and asking it to join.

Then, pick your blend. “Lubricant is typically categorised by the key ingredient in its formula,” explains sexual health expert Samantha Evans, a former nurse and co-owner of Jo Divine sex toy e-tailer. There are three choices from your lube barista:

Water-based lube is most like your natural wetness

Good for? “Being mild, and safe to use with all sex toys and contraceptives.”

Bad for? Drying out mid-use due to air exposure or the water in it being absorbed (safely) by your body. Reapply or reactivate with water.

Oil-based lube is the least messy

Good for? Stamina. “Thicker than water-based, it lasts longer, so you enjoy sex for longer.”

Bad for? Condoms. “Oil-based is NOT compatible with latex condoms.” Avoid oil-based substances like Vaseline and baby oil (not vadge-friendly).

Silicone-based lube – the slipperiest (and waterproof)

Good for? “Use in water and lasting ages.” A little goes a long way.

Bad for? Your shower floor during sex, which turns you into Bambi on ice. May also stain bed sheets, and can damage silicone sex toys, leaving them feeling tacky.

2. There’s a super-simple lube/condom code:

Latex condoms can’t handle oil-based lubricants.

Non-latex condoms (i.e. Durex Latex Free) are suitable with all types of lubricant.

3. Lube can free you from cystitis curse

Mainlining cranberry juice? “Lubricants can reduce the incidence of cystitis and UTIs,” confirms Evans. “Having frequent or vigorous sex can cause the bladder to become inflamed, promoting infection. Lack of vaginal lubrication can irritate the vagina, vulva and urethra, leading to ‘honeymoon cystitis’.” Minimise irritation by slipping onto something more comfortable.

4. Lube can help with thrush (but read the ingredients first)

On one hand, lube is great for giving the dreaded thrush the boot. “The friction during quickies or rough sex encourages heat and small grazes to the walls of the vagina. These encourage bacterial growth, leading to thrush,” explains Evans. Cut friction and you stop micro-tears, leaving a happier V-zone.

However, artificial ingredients in some lubes were not built with crotch sanity in mind. “Your vagina and clitoris are highly absorbent,” says Evans. “Parabens, petroleum-based ingredients (found in petroleum jelly), glycerin and glucose can promote yeast infections and leave your vagina feeling itchy, sore and uncomfortable.” If you’re prone to sensitivity, give dyes a wide berth too, and look for natural flavourings, not artificial ones (often full of thrush-spawning sugars like glycerine or glycol).

5. Tingling lubes aren’t worth the hype…

“Some people love them, others hate them, but we never recommend them,” says Evans. Why? Because they can include substances never designed for genitals, like – brace yourself – menthol and chilli. GAH. “Always try a small amount first. If you experience burning, stinging or itching, wash it off immediately.”

Black Friday lube deals

After more sexual wellness content? Head this way for the best sex toy shops online, over here for the best massage candles for a romantic night in, and in this direction for sex toys for couples. We’ve also got vibrators, clitoral vibrators and sex toy sales to peruse.

Ready to get shopping? Here are the best lubricants for sex and masturbation.