The 6 Best Lubes
This is what I like to call, the dream roundup! The 6 Best lubes available to buy right now, all in a carefully curated list from a lube expert like me! (I don’t mean to brag…). I have put each lube through the same tests, such as pH testing and tackiness testing, comparing them with each other and ensuring you have your favorite features highlighted. So let’s find you a lube that will keep your naughty activities going all night long!
Test Winner | Runner Up | Expert Pick | Budget Friendly | Best Temperature Lube | Best Silicone Lube |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intimate Earth Hydra Lube | Sliquid H20 | Lelo Water Based Lube | System JO Water | System JO Warming | Überlube Lubricant |
$14Shop Now | $16$17 Shop Now | $30Shop Now | $9Shop Now | $10Shop Now | $20Shop Now |
Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons |
How We Test lubes
We’re a team of 335 sex toy testers and 13 sex toy experts.
To find the very best lubes, our testers tried and reviewed 41 different products in this category.
Bad or even just mediocre lubes didn’t make the list!
In total, we’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed 1194 toys over the past 6 years.
We even lab-tested some to get objective data.
Read more about how we test products.Table of contents (11)
Test Winner Intimate Earth Hydra Lube
- Organic ingredients, water based
- Compatible with any sex toy material
- High viscosity and longevity
Specifications
Pros
- ✅ A thick, premium quality lube
- ✅ Can be used with all toy and condom materials
- ✅ Easy to use bottle
- ✅ Sleek and attractive packaging
Cons
- ❌ Doesn't last in water as long as a silicone lube
- ❌ Not the cheapest lube on the market
Why I Chose It
If you know me, I don’t give out compliments easily and I am certainly not a softie. But with this lube, it really melts me. I think this lube is honestly my soul mate, my twin flame – it just ticks all my boxes! It is thick enough for all types of sex, including anal or sex with a large toy, as well as feeling smooth and intimate when used with a partner. I have previously expressed that I am not a lover of thicker lubes, but this lube, it has made me see through a different pair of glasses… Rose tinted glasses! Everything about it, from the premium packaging to the luxurious feel of it, I can’t find a fault!
If I was being forced to, I have to tell you about its’ higher price tag – It definitely isn’t the most budget friendly option on the market. But if a Ferrari was 5 bucks, wouldn’t alarm bells start to ring? To me, higher price often means higher quality and that is exact in this case. I think you’re paying for what you get, and trust me when I say this is worth saving your pocket money for, and I am always one for saving my coins for rainy day!
The cherry on top of the cake? It uses Organic ingredients that don’t contain any parabens or glycerin. Music to my ears. I love a low risk lube and if it means I can fully relax while using it, without the fear of making my downstairs a little funky after, then I am buying express next day delivery. Its’ balanced pH is close to the natural pH of a vagina, so the risk of throwing off my balance is nearly none!
Now if you’ll excuse me, or should I say us, I have a steamy date with Intimate Earth Hydra…
Runner Up Sliquid H20 Lube
- Free from parabens, sulphates and glycerin
- Water based lubricant – can be used with any sex toy material
- Smooth and non-sticky
Specifications
Pros
- ✅ Compatible with all sex toys
- ✅ Vegan ingredients
- ✅ Condom safe
- ✅ Free from glycerine, parabens and more
- ✅ No stickiness or staining
- ✅ Low pH value
Cons
- ❌ Fairly expensive
- ❌ Dries out quite quickly
- ❌ Thinner than other water-based lubes
Why I Chose It
By now you may have noticed Sliquid and I’s love hate relationship – I love the actual lube, but the packaging is not for me. Let’s start with the positives – As a vulva owner, I am a huge fan of Sliquid, as these lubes are made for women, by women. The lube is meant to emulate your body’s natural lubrication with balanced ingredients. This means that it is good for sensitive skin and has a similar pH balance to that of a natural vulva. A huge fan of a lube with low risk.
Now to the negatives – I don’t know about you, but when I have lube on my hands, I cannot get a grip of anything! Well, anything I am not supposed to be gripping… Anyway, the bottle is impossible to squeeze! It is made of hard plastic that I can only seem to get a little out each time. I’m often thankful that the lube is quite runny otherwise I don’t think I’d ever get on my skin! The click-close lid is easy to use, but as I am being picky, a lube with a pump lid is the easier to use. Whenever I buy a Sliquid lube, I decanter it into a pump lid bottle. Sliquid please have a re-design…
All in all, this is a great product to have stocked up in your bedside draw. Despite it being aimed towards to vulva owners, it is a great lube that can be used by anyone. Sometimes too many bells and whistles can be overwhelming and often pointless. If you’re looking for a simple water based lube, that will provide good lubrication, then this is a product I would highly recommend.
Expert Pick Lelo Water Based Moisturising Lube
- Water based sexual lubricant
- Premium and luxurious lube
- Slightly acidic pH of 6 – great for both penis and vulva owners
Specifications
Pros
- ✅ It feels conditioning and high quality on the skin
- ✅ The bottle is the best lube bottle I have seen!
- ✅ The branding looks luxurious and expensive
- ✅ You can use this lube with any sex toy
Cons
- ❌ It is expensive
- ❌ The bottle and the lid is really big in size
Why I Chose It
This lube takes ‘judging a book by its cover’ to a whole new meaning. Lelo WANTS you to judge its packaging first and then unveil what’s beneath. Right from the first look, this lube caught my attention. After getting over the fact it comes in a box, that you have to unbox like a kid on Christmas morning, you unveil a luxurious and extravagant bottle that easily compares to a bottle of expensive perfume. Sometimes lube bottles can look a little tacky and almost embarrassing, but trust me when I say I would even display this on my grandmas mantle piece, it’s that beautiful. Everyone must know about this lube immediately… well, not if it gets sold out and I can’t then buy a refill!
Don’t even get me started on what’s inside the bottle – A thick, coating lube that feels smooth on the skin. I have repeatedly expressed that I am a thinner lube lover, but Lelo has converted me. I would use this lube for any type of sex; with a partner, sex toy or even for anal. It’s almost slimy, making it more sexy and sensual… I don’t even need foreplay when I have this lube! I was impressed at how long lasting it was for a water-based lube, of which typically tend to dry out quickly. Not sure I could last as long as Lelo I’m that excited!
If I had to say bad things about a diamond product like this, I’d only mention the higher price tag. But if you don’t mind saving up, then I would highly recommend this is what you spent it on! Or just ask Santa!
Budget Friendly System JO Water Based Lube
- Easy to squeeze bottle and click-close lid
- Water-based lube
- Compatible with all sex toys and condom types
Specifications
Pros
- ✅ It is high quality and conditioning on the skin
- ✅ Great quality packaging that is easy to use
- ✅ Lasts a long time
Cons
- ❌ Maybe not thick enough for anal
- ❌ No special features like taste or tingling
Why I Chose It
System JO lubes never fail to impress me, and this one is no exception. They are just so reliable and I know what I am going to get – no surprises, nothing unexpected. Until I found this lube. It is a water-based lube that can be used with any sex toy, but it feels similar to a silicone lube! It is smooth and long lasting on the skin and doesn’t dry out as fast as most other water-based lubes! I even tried it in water and I was pleasantly surprised how long it lasted! I really thought I had seen all of JO’s tricks, but clearly not!
The most exciting part? The price. I have always been one to read the price tag, no matter what I am buying. And when I started exploring the sex toy industry, I quickly noticed the relation between cheap price tags and crap toys. So when I see a cheap price tag, I am sceptical. But I have been proven wrong – This lube has an attractive price tag without being a bad sexual lubricant. Sure, it doesn’t come with any special features or blow your mind, but it is a reliable, good quality product. Something I would use as a standard lube when I wanted to get down and dirty, quickly.
I am such a fan of water-based lubes as they are compatible with all condom types and sex toy materials. I love using silicone toys and am someone who likes to have a choice, so when using a silicone lube, I don’t like my choices to be limited. I also like the calm, simple life, so by using a water-based lube I don’t have to worry if there is a higher risk for the condom breaking. Woohoo! This lube definitely receives a swipe right from me!
Best Temperature Lube System JO Warming Lube
- Has warming features that activate by friction
- Water-based – compatible with all sex toy materials and condom types
- Long lasting without re-application
Specifications
Pros
- ✅ Clear and attractive bottle design
- ✅ Long lasting without re-application needed
- ✅ Cushioning for large toys/anal
Cons
- ❌ The warming intensity could be more intense
- ❌ Thickness feels a little unnatural
Why I Chose It
I’d like to think my sex life was steamy enough, but I was humbled when I came across this System JO warming lube. This temperature lube adds a whole new layer to your bedroom activities, heating up the lust and excitement! When friction occurs between either you and your sex toy, or you and your partner, then the lube starts to warm up, often heightening arousal or sensitivity.
In typical style for System JO, this lube is thick and coating, so I would recommend using it with any size sex toy. Although it is thick, I wouldn’t recommend using a warming lube for anal, I would rather suggest a neutral lube that doesn’t have any temperature features. I trusted it to last long and boy did it, almost too long! I have used warming lubes that certainly heat up faster and hotter, so that was the only downfall, yet if you wanted a warming lube that didn’t get too intense, then this is your lube.
I would recommend this lube for any experience level, but if you are new to lube, then maybe I would avoid a temperature lube as your first, as it can be overwhelming sometimes. Then again, it isn’t the hottest warming lube, so it could be a good introductory warming lube. I have used warming lubes that certainly heat up faster and hotter, so that was the only downfall.
In the artistic words of Nelly (with a slight Katie twist): It’s getting hot in here, so *Imma let System JO* take off all my clothes…
Best Silicone Lube Überlube Luxury Silicone Lubricant
- Silicone based lube
- Premium, high quality lube
- No pH – Since there’s no water (H2o) in the silicone lubes you can’t get a pH reading because there is no hydrogen ion activity (H+), the hydrogen comes from the “H” part of the H2O
Specifications
Pros
- ✅ Beautiful glass bottle with an easy to use pump
- ✅ Super slippery consistency
- ✅ Stain-free
- ✅ Doesn't contain preservatives, fragrances, parabens, glycerin, gluten or alcohol
Cons
- ❌ Cannot be used with silicone sex toys
- ❌ Not quite thick enough to ideal for anal sex
- ❌ Pricey
Why I Chose It
Uberlube is an A Lister when it comes to the celebrities of lubes. It is certainly recognised as one of the more premium, higher quality, more expensive products on the market. Everything about it says Hollywood: The glass bottle, the pump lid and the long lasting, smooth lubrication that it leaves on the skin. The product itself isn’t full of unnecessary ingredients and doesn’t contain parabens or glycerin.
Despite silicone lubes being smooth and long lasting, I am always more sceptical when using them, as I personally like to use silicone sex toys. But if you’re someone doesn’t mind using metal or glass toys, or simply want a lube to use alone or with a partner, then this has to go in your basket. We also cant ignore the high price tag – It definitely isn’t a budget friendly lube but I would say it is worth the money. I would never want you to spend money on something that was a scam, so I wouldn’t have included this expensive lube in the ‘6 Best Lubes’ roundup if I didn’t think it was worth it.
I think I would go as far as saying it has the best bottle on the market. I have mentioned before that I am a lover of packaging, so when I saw the sleek white font and glass bottle, I did get slightly over excited. If that doesn’t tickle your pickle to the max, just notice the pump lid! A pump lid! There are so many lubes on the market that are difficult to decanter, especially when your hands are lubed up, but this one was a dream. I could talk for hours about it… don’t let me… I’m serious…
Comparison
Best | Test Winner | Runner Up | Expert Pick | Budget Friendly | Best Temperature Lube | Best Silicone Lube |
Overall score | 4.8 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | 5.0 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | - | 4.7 / 5.0 |
Bedbible rating | 5.0 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | 5.0 / 5.0 | 5.0 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 |
User rating | 4.5 / 5.0 from 58 users | 4.7 / 5.0 from 312 users | 5 / 5.0 from 498 users | 4.6 / 5.0 from 16 users | - | 4.8 / 5.0 from 97 users |
Price | Affordable | Affordable | Pricey | Cheap | Affordable | Premium |
Design | 95 / 100 | 95 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 90 / 100 | 100 / 100 |
Ease of use | 100 / 100 | 90 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 90 / 100 |
Quality | 95 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 90 / 100 | 100 / 100 |
Sound | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Power | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Buzzy/Rumbly | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Ingredients | Aqua, Propanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Organic Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Fruit Extract, Organic Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Extract, Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract | Purified Water, Plant Cellulose (from cotton), Cyamopsis (guar conditioners), Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid | Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Aloe Vera Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Paullinia Cupana (Guarana) Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract and Citric Acid. | Glycerin, Parabens, Propylene Glycol, Water (Aqua), Cellulose Gum, Menthol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben | Glycerin, Water (Aqua), Cellulose Gum, Methylparaben, Propylparaben | Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Cyclomethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) |
Waterproof | Yes - for a short time | - | No | No | No | - |
Materials | Plastic bottle | - | Plastic bottle | Plastic bottle and lid | Plastic bottle | - |
Openings | Click-close lid | - | - | - | - | - |
Texture | Thick and slimy | - | - | - | - | - |
Condom safe | Yes - all types | Yes | Yes | Yes - all types | Yes, all types | Suitable for use with latex and polyisoprene condoms but not polyurethane |
Volume | 120ml/4oz fl. oz | Available as 2, 4.2 or 8.5 fl. oz | 250ml / 5fl.oz fl. oz | 4 fl.oz / 120ml fl. oz | 4 fl.oz (120ml) fl. oz | 3.78 fl. oz |
Allergies | - | Vegan-Friendly & Free of DEA, Gluten, Glycerine, Glycerol, Parabens, PEG, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitol and Sulphates | - | - | - | - |
Fastening | - | - | - | - | Click-close lid | - |
Comparing the most important features
‘This table highlights and compares the features of the 6 Best lubes. I have highlighted what I think are the most influential features when it comes to buying a lube:
Thickness: There are 2 front runners for the thickest lube in this roundup, being the Intimate Earth Hydra and the Lelo moisturising lube. I would recommend using both lubes for all types of sex including anal, as they have a thickness that is similar to honey. They are thick and coated when on the skin, and provide an excellent layer between you and your partner.
Price: The most expensive lube in this review are the Uberlube and Lelo lubes, yet they are the highest quality lubes too. They are luxurious and premium-looking lubes, due to their feel and packaging design, reflecting the high price. if you were on a tighter budget, I would recommend the System JO H20 – it is more budget-friendly but is still a great lube that will provide long-lasting lubrication.
Tackiness: Tackiness is a big factor when it comes to lube, as you want it to stay as slippery as possible, for as long as possible. The lube that didn’t become tacky at all, was the Intimate Earth Hydra. Sliquid H20 and Uberlube were runners up in the tackiness test, with the System JO warming becoming the tackiest out of all these lubes, as it needed to be rubbed for the temperature feature to be felt.
This table shows the results of the tests I carried out on all the lubes. I have compared all of their features in this table:
Intimate Earth Hydra | Sliquid H20 | Lelo Personal Moisturizer | System JO H20 | System JO Warming | Uberlube | |
Test Winner | Runner Up | Expert Pick | Budget Friendly | Best Temperature Lube | Best Silicone Lube | |
Did I like the design? | Yes – a lot! | Yes | Yes – a lot! | Yes | Yes – a lot! | Yes – a lot! |
How easily does it wash off the skin? | Mid effort | Low effort | Mid effort | Low effort | Low effort | Mid effort |
Lid functionality/bottle functionality | Easy to use | Easy lid / Hard to squeeze bottle | Easy to use | Easy to Use | Easy to use | Easy to use |
pH level* | 6 – acidic (good) | 5 – acidic (great) | 6 – acidic (good) | 7 – Neutral | 6 – acidic (good) | No pH present |
FDA approved | No | FDA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How expensive is it? | Mid price | Mid price | High price | Low price | Low price | High price |
Longevity test | Long | Short | Long | Medium | Long | Mid |
Viscosity | Slow speed pour | Fast speed pour | Slow speed pour | Fast speed pour | Slow speed pour | Fast speed pour |
Thickness | Very thick | Very Thin | Very thick | Thin | Thick | Very Thin |
Smell | Vanilla | No smell | Weak perfume smell | No smell | No smell | No smell |
Taste | No taste | No taste | No taste | No taste | No taste | No taste |
Warming Intensity | No warming feature | No warming feature | No warming feature | No warming feature | Yes – low intensity | No warming feature |
How tacky is it? | No tackiness | No tackiness | Low tackiness | No tackiness | Low tackiness | No tackiness |
Condoms | All types | All types | All types | All types | All types | Latex and Polyurethane |
Sex toys | All materials | All materials | All materials | All materials | All materials | Glass and Metal |
Did it stain the sheets? | No | No | No | No | No | No |
pH*: Since there’s no water (H2o) in the silicone lubes you can’t get a pH reading because there is no hydrogen ion activity (H+), the hydrogen comes from the “H” part of the H2O.
Extra products to use with lube
Lube is as simple as it sounds, but some other products make it even easy to insert or apply! Take a look at my suggestions…
Trinity Vibes Lubricant Launcher
The Trinity Vibes Lubricant Launcher is a set of 3 lube launchers, that can be filled with your desired lube and then used to accurately insert or aim onto different parts of the body. Lube launchers are great for those hard to reach areas, like the anus before anal sex. I would recommend a lube launcher or injector to people that don’t want to get lube all over their hands, or need to apply lube to difficult places, easier.
The Different Test Results
I personally carried out multiple tests for each lube, to ensure that all features and qualities were tested and highlighted. Tests like viscosity, smell, taste and pH level was individually tested on each lube and then compared. Below I have highlighted how the tests were carried out.
Viscosity - Drop off a spoon test
The drop off the spoon test is as simple as it sounds – I put the lube onto a large spoon, and measured how quickly it fell to the table, 2o centimetres below. If it fell slowly, it had high viscosity and if it fell quickly, it was typically a thinner lube with lower viscosity.
Smell and Taste Testing
A simple as it sounds, I smelt and tasted each lube, to test the accuracy of the bottle labelling. Some flavored lubes didn’t taste like what they said they are flavoured as, as well as other, plain lubes actually having a chemical smell. I would be annoyed if a lube said it didn’t have a flavor and then it did!
pH Balance - Acid or Alkali?
Since there’s no water (H2o) in the silicone lubes you can’t get a pH reading because there is no hydrogen ion activity (H+), the hydrogen comes from the “H” part of the H2O. So when it came to testing water-based lubes, I tested the pH level, to see if it was more acidic or alkali. It is important to know the pH level of a lube, especially if you have a sensitive down-stairs, as your natural pH level might be thrown off, causing an imbalance. This could then lead to bacterial growth and a chemical imbalance!
Reviewed by:
Katie Moroney