Lube, lubricant, or personal lubricant – whatever you call it, it’s got one purpose: to make sex more fun. Most people subscribe to the “wetter is better” theory during sex, so read on to find out all about lube and which ones you should be buying this year.
Lube Meaning – What Is Lube?
A lubricant is any substance that reduces friction. Personal lubricant is all about helping things move more smoothly during sex or masturbation. It’s not just about penetration, either. Lube can help toys, fingers, and hands glide smoothly over sensitive areas, increase anticipation, or prolong or quicken orgasm.
What Is the Best Lubricant to Use for Vaginal Sex?
Myth: A woman who is enjoying sex will always get super wet.
Fact: There are many reasons why someone might experience vaginal dryness before or during sex, even if they are incredibly aroused. These include:
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Illness
- Breastfeeding
- Medication
- Dehydration
- Hormones
Also, if you’re enjoying an all-night session as opposed to a quickie, the chances are you’re going to need a helping hand… or tube. Lube is about keeping sex fun for everyone involved and makes everything slicker and easier. Never feel shamed into thinking your vagina or your partner’s vagina isn’t working as it should.
Vaginal lubricants can be used to make penetration more comfortable, help sex toys glide over the vulva and clitoris, or aid in manual masturbation. Let’s be clear, even if you produce tons of fluid during sex, lube can still make things more pleasurable.
What Is the Best Lube for Anal Sex?
Myth: Any lube is okay for anal sex.
Fact: You can use any lubricant, but the best lube for anal tends to be thicker and longer-lasting. The anus doesn’t have any natural lubricant, and anyone who enjoys anal play will know that you need to take time to stretch and relax the area. So, a high quality, long-lasting lube that feels great is absolutely essential.
What Is the Best Natural Lubricant?
If you’ve googled “how to make lube” and started raiding the kitchen for coconut oil or grease, please stop. You should only use safe and sterile lubricants designed for sex. Oils that have been used for food cooking could have bacteria in them that you don’t want to introduce to your delicate downstairs areas.
Popular “natural lubricant” choices include:
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Aloe vera gel
- Moisturizer
- Hair products such as conditioner
If you find that products such as these work well for you, buy a bottle or jar just for sex and don’t use it for any other purpose. That way, you avoid any sort of cross-contamination. Take note: Although oil-based lubes can last a long time, they are no good for sex with condoms as they erode the latex.
The Five Best Lubes in 2020
Here are our top five lubes for sex, masturbation, toy play, or whatever turns you on.
Best Water-Based Lube
Water-based lubricant is very popular and practical because it shouldn’t damage condoms and is safe to use with most sex toys. However, water-based lube can become sticky and dry up, requiring frequent reapplications. It also disperses in water, so it is no good for shower play.
One of the best water-based lubricants we’ve discovered is LubeLife. Users praise how long it lasts and the lack of stickiness. Plus, for oral play, it tastes okay. Ideal for solo, couple, or group play and safe for use with any sex toys.
Best Silicone-Based Lube
Silicone-based lube is more slippery and lasts longer than water-based lube. However, it may damage silicone-based sex toys over time. Good news: Silicone-based lube can be used safely with condoms.
Wet Platinum is currently boasting its longest-lasting formula and is suitable for all, whether solo or not. It’s vegan, latex safe, and perfect for sex or masturbation in the shower.
Best Lube for Vaginal Sex
Uberlube is a silicone-based lubricant that’s billed as a high-end luxury lube. Users love the way it dissipates after use and leaves skin feeling smooth and moisturized. It won’t harbor bacteria or yeast and doesn’t mess up the body’s natural Ph levels, making it ideal for vaginal sex or anyone concerned about infection or sensitivity.
Best Lube for Anal
The charmingly named Back Door by Pjur might sound a little aggressive but is actually very kind to anyone’s rear entrance. This silicone-based lube is ideal for anal play with non-silicone toys and condoms but is no good for silicone sex toys. It’s thick, creating a cushion to protect delicate areas and increasing glide and sensation. Longer lasting anal lube means fewer applications and less interruption to your sexy session.
Best Lube for Sex Toys
If you love to play with toys, the chances are you have plenty of silicone toys in your arsenal. That means you have to say “no” to silicone-based lube, as it can degrade the quality of your toys and damage them. But what about when you want to combine toys with anal play, or just want a lube that lasts? Sliquid Silk Hybrid Lubricant is a combo of water and silicone-based lube, with not enough silicone in to damage your toys but enough to keep sex with toys slippery and fun for longer. Win!
Takeaway
Lube or lubricant helps reduce friction during sex or penetration. This can make sex easier and more pleasurable. We’ve rated five top lubes for 2020.