Water-based lubes are great because you can use them with any toys, the good ones wash off clean and easy, and they are less prone to feeling sticky than other bases. There are a ton of water-based lubes to choose from, but not all of them are on the same level as others.
This guide to our ten best water-based lubes has everything you need to find the perfect one to suit your partner(s) needs!
10- Astrogel Gel Lubricant
Astroglide is a lot of guy's first lube purchase because it is widely available in drugstores and supermarkets. So, it sort of has a reputation for being a bit pedestrian. Well, we are here to tell you should take another look at Astroglide- especially this gel formula.
It's longer-lasting than the non-gel formula which is great because the non-gel formula could admittedly use a little more longevity despite being a serviceable lube. The gel formula is also easier to use because it doesn't tend to run as much as the liquid and stays where you apply it. That's great because you waste less.
It isn't the best lube out there- it is number ten on the list- but it is certainly better than you'd expect and it's definitely a decent lube for the price.
9- Colt Slick Personal Lube
Don't let the simple packaging fool you, this lube packs a slippery punch and it's economical AF. First off, you get about 9 oz. for less than twenty shmackos up to 16 and a half oz. for little more than twenty. That's an extremely decent price for a lube of this caliber.
It hits all the high marks for a decent, mid-range lube- it's slick, non-staining, non-sticky, and washes off easily- and does it at a low-range price. If you're looking for a no-frills, economical lube that gets the job done without breaking the bank, you could do far worse than this one!
8- Climax Bursts Waterbase Anal Lube
This is a nifty little lube that has micro-beads of Vitamin-E suspended in the mixture that burst with friction. This might sound kinda strange, but the sensation it creates is surprisingly sensual. The beads aren't just for show, though. Vitamin-E is useful because it nourishes and moisturizes sensitive anal tissue and increases its elasticity. Anyone who's keen on anal knows how important those factors can be!
In addition to all that, this lube manages to be surprisingly slick, light, and satisfying.
7- EXSENS of Paris Personal Waterbased Lubricant - Pure Aqua
This is an extremely slick and light formula that goes on smooth and washes off easily without sacrificing longevity. This is a lube that is definitely in the "you get what you pay for" category. It's a mid-range priced lube that offers mid-range quality. It gets the job done and manages to fairly easy to wash off.
This lube performs extremely well and probably would have been higher on the list if it didn't contain glycerin and a few other less-than-necessary ingredients. If those things don't bother you, this is a decent lube at a decent price.
6- Sliquid Sassy Anal Gel Glycerine & Paraben Free
Sliquid makes some shockingly decent, ethical lubes that are more than capable of standing up to their traditional counterparts. This lube has a rich, almost creamy texture that still manages to be extremely light and greaseless.
The most surprising aspect of this lube is just how little you need to get the job done and how easily the slickness is renewed with just a bit of moisture. Ok, we all know the score here, we're talking about spit- just a little dab of spit and this lube is back on point.
If you're looking for a bottle of lube that is ethically produced and never fails to satisfy, this baby has it all.
5- Elbow Grease H2O Thick Gel
As we come into the top five, things start to get pretty tight. Really, any of the next five lubes could be considered the top dog by the right person, but you can't make a list of rankings without actually ranking things, so here we are.
Either way, Elbow Grease is one of the heavy-hitters of the lube world and their water-based formula meets and exceeds the standards of quality you would expect from such a big name in the lube game. It's tough to make a good water-based lube for larger insertions or even just hard anal, but that's precisely what this formula is.
We recommend this formula for use with larger anal toys because you never have to worry about bad reactions with the material thanks to the water-base. It provides all of the slick glide you need for some of the heartier anal games and it's worry-free to boot.
4- Fuck Water Clear H2O
This is another lube where you get what you pay for. In this case, you pay a little bit extra but you get a bit extra, too. The real difference you experience with this lube is in the texture. It's light, slippery, and feels like it isn't even there. It washes off easy, and just a little bit of "moisture" brings it right back to life.
If the texture of your lube is one of your major considerations and you like 'em light and airy, this is definitely an excellent choice for you.
3- Pjur Basic Water Based Lubricant
Pjur is arguably one of the greatest producers of lube out there, full stop. This lube is just another example of an argument in favor of that position. It's outrageously slick and never sticky, long-lasting but doesn't leave a residue. It checks every box for an excellent lube and does it all at a reasonable price for a lube of its quality level.
There really isn't much else to say about this lube- it's simply stellar.
2- Good Clean Love Almost Naked Organic
This lube is the major dark-horse candidate that surprised us with its ability to remain so slick for so long without the aid of man-made chemicals. However, the real show here isn't about what this lube doesn't have, it's about what it does have. This lube has aloe juice infused into it that helps maintain the elasticity and general health of the tissues in your most holy of holies.
Ethically produced, slick as fuck, and it keeps you nice and healthy where it counts- this lube is a surprising treat.
1- Boy Butter Easy Pump - H2O
We just love Boy Butter! Their oil-based formula is one of the cremes-de-la-creme for the more adventurous anal activities but you can't use it with a lot of toys out there. It's a great fisting lube, but not so good if you want to use condoms or toys. Luckily, those problems are solved with this water-based formula.
Aside from all the glide and longevity you'd expect from boy butter, this formula is extremely economical for reasons that go beyond the price. The pump-style applicator dispenses a seriously perfect amount of lube. Which is to say, you don't waste a lot by being over-zealous with the lube because you get what you need with just a simple, one-handed squeeze. It also reactivates like a champ with just a bit of encouragement.
On top of all that this lube is infused with a variety of ingredients like shea butter and Vitamin-E that help maintain anal health and heal damage caused by rough play more quickly. If there is a more perfect water-based lube out there, we are yet to see it!
General Water-Based Lube Tips And Resources
These guides are full of info that will help you get the most out of your next lube purchase.
- Different Strokes For Different Folks: A Lube For Every Occasion- This is a general guide to all things lube. It will help you learn which lubes play with which materials, offer tips on how to choose the right lubes to meet your needs, and anything else you might need to know to get the best lube for the job.
- Managing A Dink In Your Backdoor Pink: Painless Anal For The Up And Coming Twink- We know what you're gonna use that lube for and we want to make sure it feels good the way it should! This guy offers tips and advice on how to make anal sex as pleasurable as possible. If you are having a hard time getting accustomed to anal play, this guide should sort you out nicely!
- 10 Fantastic Fisting Tips And Where To Find Them- Already have a cast-iron butthole and want to take it to the next level with a little fisty fun? This guide offers advice on how to safely and pleasurably get your asshole punched.
Helpful Water-Based Lube Accessories
Lube is kind of an accessory in itself so there isn't a lot it needs to function better. Basically, any fun toy you can think of is a great accessory for lube! Strokers, prostate massagers, butt plugs, all these things require lube to be worth fuckin' around with.
The only way you can really make lube better would have to be with a lube shooter. These are syringe-like devices that deliver lube right to where you need it most. We usually recommend this one because it is soft and comfortable to use and has a chamber that holds just the right amount of lube without being too greedy or wasteful.
