The Ultimate Anal Lube Guide starts with a simple truth: The anus is jam-packed with sensitive nerve endings. So anal sex really can unlock all sorts of incredibly pleasurable feelings.
However, it’s essential to understand that the anus is NOT a vagina. It does not lubricate itself. And engaging in anal play without lube… Well, it’s going to hurt. Thankfully, God himself created sexual lubricants, which can make anal sex far more pleasurable.
That said, not all lubes are created the same.
In the following guide, we break down the three main types of anal lubricants (water, silicone, and oil-based) and explore the pros and cons of each.
We’ll also include some information on sex toy best practices, safety tips, and a few other things to keep in mind the next time you want to go cave diving.
If you’re completely new to anal play, check out our Beginner’s Anal Guide before diving in.
Why Lube is Essential for Anal Play
Wondering why to use lube for anal? It’s because the anus is technically NOT a sexual organ. And because the anus does not lubricate itself, using lube for penetration isn’t just an option… It’s non-negotiable!
Using a high-quality anal lube reduces friction, prevents tearing, and reduces your risk of irritation, ultimately making for an overall more comfortable and pleasurable experience for everyone involved.
Before anything else, don’t forget to read our Anal Prep & Hygiene Guide
for the safest cleaning routine.
Think about it! Even professional porn stars and sex workers use lube when engaging in anal play. So why wouldn’t you?
That said, three types of lubricants can be used for anal sex: water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based, which we take a closer look at below.
Water-Based Anal Lube: Pros, Cons & Best Uses
Benefits of Water-Based Lube
Because they’re water-based, these types of lube are safe to use with latex condoms and silicone sex toys, and they are gentle on your skin and private parts, too!
Another significant benefit of water-based lubes is that they’re easy to clean, and they won’t stain your sheets.
But as you’ll see below, they’re not necessarily the best option out there.
Downsides of Water-Based Lube
One of the most significant downsides to using water-based lubricants, however, is that they tend to dry out more quickly than oil- or silicone-based lubes.
Therefore, you’ll likely need to reapply multiple times during your anal romp. Multiple applications tend to make things sticky, which can feel a bit uncomfortable.
And on top of that, because these lubricants are literally made from water, they’re not ideal for shower play because they’ll rinse off.
Best Scenarios to Use Water-Based Lube
Because water-based lubes are safe for use with condoms and sex toys, they’re considered the safest lube for anal beginners.
And even though they dry out quickly, which isn’t ideal, it does make water-based lube a good option if you’re having a quick backdoor session.
Silicone-Based Anal Lube: Pros, Cons & Best Uses
Benefits of Silicone Lube
The most significant benefit of using a silicone-based lubricant is that they don’t dry out, pretty much ever! So you won’t need to grab the bottle and reapply after every couple of thrusts.
Silicone lubricants are also very slick and slippery, which makes them an excellent option for longer anal sex sessions. They’re also safe to use with condoms.
And to top it all off, they’re water-resistant! So they’re naturally a good option for shower sex!
Downsides of Silicone Lube
Now, the biggest downfall of silicone-based lubricants is that they’re more expensive than pretty much all water-based lubes.
They’re also stickier and more complicated to clean from fabrics. So you might want to think twice about using a silicone-based anal lube while playing around on your brand-new 500-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets.
And lastly, they’re not safe to use on silicone sex toys.
This might seem counterintuitive. After all, you would think that using silicone with silicone would be fine. But these types of lubes can degrade softer silicone, causing your sex toys to break down and fall apart.
Best Scenarios to Use Silicone Lube
So yes, silicone lubes are a step above water-based lubes, especially when it comes to anal sex.
However, if you’re having condom-safe anal sex, playing around in a shower, bath, or hot tub, or if you’re prepping for a more extended anal sex session and you don’t want to be reaching for the lube every few minutes, silicone lubes are definitely the way to go.
Oil-Based Anal Lube: Pros, Cons & Best Uses
Benefits of Oil-Based Lube
Need a thick anal lube that lasts? You’re in luck! Similar to silicone lube, oil-based lubricants are thicker and last longer than water-based lubes, which provides an added layer of cushion for comfortable anal play.
You can also find scented oil-based lubes, which can double as massage oils for hybrid anal sex foreplay.
That said, foreplay is essential. However, it is generally better to avoid using scented lubes or lubes that contain fragrances internally, as these ingredients can be harsh and cause irritation or discomfort to your skin and anus.
Downsides of Oil-Based Lube
The biggest concern with oil-based lubes is that they are NOT safe for use with condoms. So, unless you plan on having unprotected sex, it’s best to avoid using oil-based lubes because they will cause your condom to break almost immediately.
They can also clog your skin pores, which increases your risk of developing acne, infections, or skin irritation.
And lastly, they stain! Be cautious when using oil-based lubricants around fabric, sheets, comforters, or other materials you want to keep clean.
Best Scenarios to Use Oil-Based Lube
The best use case for oil-based lubes is either when you’re engaging in solo anal play without a condom, or when you’re having safe, consensual anal sex with a partner and you want a lube that offers long-lasting and slippery lubrication.
Condom & Anal Toy Compatibility: What You Need to Know
We’ve already covered a bit on which types of lube are safe for condoms and toys.
However, let’s review that information to ensure you’re using the correct lubricant for the proper scenario.
Water-based lubes ARE safe to use with condoms and virtually all sex toys.
Silicone-based lubricants ARE safe to use with condoms and some sex toys (glass or plastic), but NOT toys made from silicone.
Oil-based lubes are NOT safe to use with condoms or most sex toys.
If you love experimenting with anal toys, check our Advanced Anal Play Guide
for expert-level advice on toys and technique.
How Much Lubricant Should You Use for Anal Sex?
No matter who you are or what type of sex you’re having, it’s essential to use as much lubricant as you feel necessary to provide safe and pain-free penetration.
However, when having anal sex, more is always better.
Because the anus does not lubricate itself, whether you’re using a water-based, silicone-based, or oil-based lubricant, you’ll want to apply it generously to ensure a smooth ride.
Common Lube Mistakes to Avoid
Using lubricants for anal is not rocket science… However, there are some mistakes you might make that can leave you feeling unhappy, sticky, and unsatisfied.
For starters, it’s never a good idea to mix different lubricant types.
So if you start your anal session with a water-based lube, it’s best to stick with it.
Remember that oil doesn’t mix with water, and neither water nor oil will mix well with silicone.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Anal Lube for You
When it comes to lubricants, everybody is different. Some people love water-based lube because it’s safe and versatile. Others love silicone lube because it lasts longer. And yet other people prefer oil-based lubes because of how slick they feel.
When deciding which type of lube to use for your next anal session, it’s essential to consider the scenario you’ll find yourself in.
The Best Lubes For Anal Play
As you can see, no two anal lubricants are created equal.
Using lube for anal makes the act that much safer and ensures that everyone involved will have a good time.
