The Only Water-Based Lubes You Should Use, According to the Pros

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Whether you’re looking to enhance your *alone time* or want to spice things up with your partner, everyone can benefit from a high-quality, skin-safe lube. Trust us, finding one that’s right for you can be a total game-changer and will have you wondering how you’ve ever had sex without it.

However, with so many different types of lube out there, you might feel overwhelmed and not know which one is right for you. While there are pros and cons to every kind of lube, those using sex toys and condoms will definitely want to consider choosing one that is water-based. To answer your most pressing questions, we tapped Zachary Zane, a sex and relationship expert for #LubeLife, to share everything you’ll want to consider before purchasing a water-based lube.

What is water-based lube?

“Water-based lube is a type of personal lubricant primarily made from water and other ingredients to enhance its texture and performance,” Zane explains. “It is commonly used during sexual activity to reduce friction, making the experience more comfortable and pleasurable for all parties involved!”

Who is it good for and why might you consider water-based over other types of lube?

“Lube is good for any and everyone who wants to have more comfortable and pleasurable sex,” Zane says. “You may use a water-based lube over a silicone- or oil-based lubricant for various reasons. Water-based lubes tend to be less sticky and thick and are far less likely to stain your sheets than silicone or oil-based lubes,” he says, adding that these lubes are typically compatible with silicone sex toys (whereas silicone lube will erode and eventually destroy a silicone sex toy).

The Best Water-Based Lubes, at a Glance:

• Best Budget-Friendly Lube: #Lubelife Water-Based Lubricant , $10
• Best Splurge Lube: SKYN Naturally Endless Personal Lube, $30
• Best Moisturizing Lube: Nécessaire The Sex Gel , $28
• Best Travel-Friendly Lube: Smile Makers Generous Gel, $9
• Best Coconut Water-Based Lube: Coconu Water-Based Lubricant, $27
• Best Non-Sticky Water-Based Lube: Playground Love Sesh, $15

How do you use it? What kind of toys are safe to use with it?

According to Zane, there are a few ways you can apply lube–on your hands and then on your penis or inside your vagina, or directly onto your genitals or a sex toy. “One of the perks of water-based lubes is that they are safe (and recommended) for use with nearly all sex toys,” he says.

When purchasing a water-based lube, are there any ingredients/features you should be careful about?

Zane warns against buying lubes with the following ingredients–parabens, glycerin, and propylene glycol. “These ingredients can potentially cause irritation, disrupt the pH-balance of a vagina, or increase the likelihood of getting a yeast infection,” he says.

Like any skincare product, you should do your own research to ensure you’re choosing a lube that’s right for your body. To make the process a little easier, we’ve compiled the eight highest-rated and best-selling water-based lubes out there.