Pros: Thick and cushiony enough for anal play; a little goes a long way; contains skin-soothing jojoba; can be used with condoms and non-silicone sex toys
Cons: Expensive; not compatible with silicone toys; only available in one (small) bottle size; may stain sheets
The Best Warming Lube: Wicked Ultra Heat
The cinnamon and clove oil in this lube’s formula create an exciting sensation of warmth wherever it’s applied, so it works well for getting into the mood or heating things up on cold nights. You might want to test a small amount where you’re planning to use it, though, to get a sense for how your anatomy will respond—as with eating hot wings, it’s easy to go overboard!
Pros: Warming ingredients promote bloodflow, arousal and sensitivity; very slippery; very long-lasting; vegan
Cons: Not compatible with silicone toys; may stain sheets; only comes in one (small) bottle size; warming sensation, scent, and/or taste may be too irritating for some users
The Best Tingling Lube: Dame Arousal Serum
Meant to be applied to the clitoris and surrounding area, this serum contains tingly ingredients like peppermint oil to jumpstart arousal and bloodflow. Massaging it into sensitive spots is half the fun.
Pros: Tingly sensation boosts sensitivity, bloodflow and arousal; compatible with all non-latex sex toys; convenient pump-top bottle; long-lasting
Cons: Incompatible with condoms (except polyurethane condoms); sensations may be too intense/irritating for some users
The Best Lube Sampler Pack: Sliquid Essentials Lube Cube
If you’re overwhelmed by the many lube options on the market, this sampler pack is a great way to try a range of different kinds. It contains two sample packs of each of Sliquid’s bestselling water-based, silicone-based, and hybrid lubes, so you can give each one a whirl before committing to a full bottle of anything.
Pros: Contains two samples each of six different types of lube; conveniently packaged in a small travel-friendly box; hypoallergenic
Cons: Sample sizes may not be big enough, depending on how much you want to use
The Best Organic Lube: Good Clean Love Almost Naked
There should be no junk in (or around) your, uh, junk. This super-slick lube from Good Clean Love is certified to be made of 95% organic ingredients, while being free of any nasty stuff—like parabens or petrochemicals—you wouldn’t want anywhere near your privates. The aloe-based lube is meant to last a long time and not dry out during the heat of the moment, while a light citrusy vanilla scent rounds out the overall excellent personal lubricant.
Pros: Moisturizing thanks to aloe; mostly organic; hypoallergenic; safe to use with condoms and non-silicone sex toys
Cons: Lightly scented but might not bode well for those who don’t want a scented lube; water-based so might need to be reapplied
The Best Unscented Lube: Lelo Personal Moisturizer
With its reputation for being a great sex toy brand, Lelo better make a damn good lube to use with all those little gadgets. It came through with its unscented “Personal Moisturizer,” which is glycerin- and paraben-free. It features a bit of aloe to avoid any greasiness, and yes, it’s obviously safe to use with your sex toys because it is a water-based lube.
Pros: Unscented for those who are sensitive to fragrances; uses body-safe ingredients; compatible with silicone sex toys
Cons: Sits on the pricier end of the spectrum, dries out somewhat quickly; doesn’t taste good