Best Lube for Anal Sex: What We Recommend

At a Glance

• Why lube is non-negotiable for anal: The anus doesn’t self-lubricate, and too much friction can irritate delicate tissues, cause micro-tears, and increase infection risk. Lube isn’t optional — it’s part of doing it safely.
• The best pick for anal specifically: Water-based lubes are the top choice because they’re toy-safe, condom-compatible, and easy to clean up. A thick, hydrogel formula stays put better than standard water-based options, which can dry out and need reapplication.
• What to skip: Avoid flavored, scented, or numbing lubes. Numbing agents are especially risky for anal play — if you can’t feel discomfort, you won’t know when something’s wrong.
• Silicone and oil have trade-offs: Silicone lasts longer but will degrade silicone toys. Oil-based lube is great for massage and penetrative sex without condoms, but it breaks down latex and is tough to wash out of fabric.
• How to apply it right: Coat both the inside of the anus and the outside of whatever you’re inserting. Warm the lube between your hands first, lay a towel down, and reapply freely during longer sessions.

As much as we wish it were, natural lubrication isn't enough, especially if you have certain health conditions or are engaging in sexual activities, like anal sex.

The right anal lube can make booty play feel amazing. But with so many lubes to choose from, it can be overwhelming.

Don't worry, brave explorers; there is help in store!

Lubricants can help make sex more comfortable and pleasurable. Too much friction during sex can irritate the delicate anal tissues and increase the risk of tearing and infection.

But with lube and a little patience, anal play can be downright orgasmic.

Lubricants have various features that suit different people, depending on their sexual needs. Read below to learn the differences between lubes, and then we'll talk about which is best for anal sex.

Lube 101

Incorporating lube into the bedroom helps ensure that sex is pleasant and not painful. And the best part, lube is for everyone! It can and is used by all, regardless of gender, age, and sexuality.

Using lube during anal play can help:

• Enhance pleasure by making sex feel more comfortable.
• Solve dryness by lubricating any body part that needs a little extra help.
• Make sex safer by reducing friction and the risk of tear or injury.

Watch out for flavored and scented lubes, which can irritate the skin. Those sensitive or allergic to scented lubes often experience itching, redness, or a burning sensation. Similarly, avoiding lubes that advertise a desensitizing effect is best.

Lubes that promise no pain may sound enticing, but numbing lubes containing desensitizing agents won't let you know you're overdoing it until after you're done with anal play. This can lead to intense injuries, like anal tearing, that you won't realize until after the lube wears off.

Bottom line: sex should be enjoyable.

Water-Based Lube

Water-based lubes generally have no taste, feel like natural lubrication, and are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. These types of lubes also do not interfere with oral sex.

One big thing to note is that water-based lubes are not ideal for any sexual activity in the water since they easily wash off. However, this means that it also makes for easy clean-up. If the lube gets on any clothes or sheets, all you have to do is throw them in the wash!

Since these lubes contain mostly water, they are quickly absorbed by the skin. When used for sex, reapplication might be necessary because it can quickly dry out.

Thankfully, we have a water-based lube made specifically for anal play: the Hydrogel Water Based Anal Lube. This water-based anal lube is thick, long-lasting, and never sticky. It stays put and provides extra cushioning, superior glide, and addresses the specific needs of anal play.

Water-based lubes have the added benefit of being condom and toy compatible. This means that our lube won't degrade your condom, and you won't have to worry about deteriorating your sex toy, either.

Silicone-Based Lube

Since the skin does not absorb silicone, silicone-based lubes can feel different, unlike water or oil. It feels thicker and doesn't require as much re-application as water-based lube. This also means that silicone-based lube can be helpful in sexual play in the water because it won't wash away.

Silicone is hypoallergenic, so most people will not experience any irritation. Also, silicone-based lubes will not damage condoms.

However, these lubes can damage silicone sex toys, as the lubricant tends to solidify on the toy, and some may leave a sticky residue. This can lead to a bacteria buildup, making them unsafe to use for any toy-involved play.

Oil-Based Lube

Like silicone-based lube, oil-based lube provides a slippery feel that lasts longer than water-based lube. Oil-based lube will not require much or even any re-application during sex since your skin will not absorb it.

Oil-based lubes should not be used with latex condoms, though, because they can dissolve the latex and cause a breakage in the condom. Similarly, oil-based lubes should not be used with latex sex toys, as they can cause bacteria to grow on the toy.

Lastly, oil-based lubes are not easily washed off and may stain any sheets or clothes that it gets on.

Although there are a handful of downsides to oil-based lubes, they are an excellent tool for masturbation, massages, and penetrative unprotected sex.

CBD Lube

CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of the main compounds found in cannabis plants, especially hemp. CBD has many health benefits, including stress and tension relief.

CBD lube is a hemp lube, and it's important to remember that hemp is not quite the same as the cannabis people smoke to get a high from. Hemp and what many people refer to as the "marijuana" plant are two different kinds of cannabis plants. Hemp does not contain any THC, which is the chemical responsible for marijuana's psychological effects.

Experts say CBD has been strongly linked with decreased redness and swelling and increased blood flow. Increased blood flow can be beneficial for improving relaxation, which is why CBD has also been linked to increased arousal and increased sensitivity to touch.

Which Lube is Best for Anal Sex?

With the wrong lube, anal sex can be painful and even cause mild bleeding afterward due to anal tears in the sensitive anal canal tissue. But the right lube can make booty play feel amazing.

Most people find that they prefer a thicker lubricant for anal sex as it gives them extra cushion to protect delicate body parts.

Thankfully, we have a lube specifically for anal — the Hydrogel Water Based Anal Lube. This lube addresses the specific needs of anal play, being viscous, long-lasting, and never sticky.

This lube also stays put and provides extra cushion and superior glide. Desensitizers are also kept out of the luxurious formula to ensure safety, sensation, and pleasure.

Tips for Using Lube

Once you have your lube and are ready to go, take your time and apply the lube properly.

Warm It Up

Since your body is most likely warmer than the temperature where you keep your lube bottle, the lube can feel startlingly cold when it first touches the body. To make the application process more relaxing, warm the lube up by rubbing it between your hands before applying.

Use Extra Lube for Anal Sex

Since the anus does not self-lubricate, it's essential to use a large amount of lube for anal sex and anal play. It's crucial that you not only put lube in the anus but also on the outside of the condom, body part, or sex toy that you plan to use.

Place a Towel Underneath You

If you don't want to do a full load of laundry with sheets and pillowcases, you can throw a towel down on the bed. This will guard your sheets, couch, carpet, etc., from any lube stains.

However, if you are using a water-based lube, you don't have to worry about stains — just about doing an extra load of laundry!

Add Lube to Your Foreplay Routine

You don't have to wait until it's time for intercourse to take out your lube. Try using lube during foreplay to enhance your level of arousal. You can gently rub lube on the anus and perineum, apply it to the penis, or even use it for a sensual massage.

Reapply When Needed

Pay attention to the comfort level of yourself and your partner. If more lube is needed, don't hesitate to reapply, especially during longer sex sessions. This will ensure that there is no risk of injury or discomfort. Applying lube generously will also allow for a longer, more enjoyable round — or three!

Conclusion

Using lube during anal sex is necessary for safety and enjoyment. Luckily, it's easy to use, and there are multiple options for whatever suits your needs best.

To be sure that the lube stays on long and is thick enough for anal play, head to GIDDI and check out our shop. Be kind to your behind, pals!