13 Best Lubes for Anal Sex, According to Experts and Reviews

Between 32 and 36% of women have had anal sex at least once, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). So whether it's part of your lifestyle or something you've been thinking about trying, you need a high-quality lubricant.

“[You should] use plenty of lubrication,” says Joshua R. Gonzalez, MD, a urologist and sexual health expert practicing in Los Angeles, CA. “Also, make sure to ease into things, especially if you're new to engaging in this kind of sex.” The anus is a small space, and it doesn’t self-lubricate like a vagina does – so lubrication will help reduce friction from a penis or your favorite sex toy.

Why should you use an anal lube?

Anal sex, like all sex, is not without risk, but a good lube can help make things safer, as well as way more fun.

Everyone's rectum has a thin lining, and a woman’s anal sphincter is thinner than a man’s. What's more, too-rough activity back there can also lead to injury, according to the CDC. Keeping things lubricated can alleviate friction, says Dr. Gonzalez.

Using anal lube can also make it less likely that your condom will break. The tearing of delicate skin can allow a sexually transmitted infection to get into your bloodstream. That’s why the following advice is key: “Always use a condom,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “They're the best way to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections.”

This is especially true if you're having butt sex, as it is the riskiest type of sex when it comes to transmitting HIV, according to the CDC. The agency reports that being "the bottom" is less safe than being "the top", because again, your rectum’s lining is thin, which can allow the virus to easily enter your body. Being the top isn’t risk-free either, though; a male partner can get HIV from you through his urethra, his foreskin if he's not circumcised or through any scratches, cuts or sores on his penis.

According to data from Orlando Health’s Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, other STIs a condom helps protect against include chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis. Which means, OF COURSE you’re going to use a condom, and lubricant can help keep yours from tearing. "Condom breakage and injuries during anal sex typically occur when things aren't well lubricated,” explains Dr. Gonzalez.

What to consider when shopping for anal lube:

Choosing a lubricant for anal, vaginal or any kind of sex may take some trial and error, so you can see what feels best to you and your partner, or just you if you're enjoying "me" time. How your body feels is your best guide, but here are a few points to keep in mind:

• Use a lube based in water or silicone, or both. “When choosing a lubricant to use with your latex condom, stay away from oil-based options,” Dr. Gonzalez continues. “Water and silicone lubricants are condom-safe, but oils can damage latex condoms and make them break.” In fact, read the label to make sure the type of condom you're using is compatible with your lube, as some (even without oil) will degrade polyurethane as well. Silicone lube damages toys, so sticking to water-based is best if you're using a butt plug or another toy.
• Avoid petroleum products like Vaseline, and skip natural oil-based lubricants like coconut oil, too, if you're using a condom.
• Steer clear of desensitizing agents, such as lidocaine. Some lubes that are specifically branded for anal sex contain these but they could stop you from being able to feel the pain that indicates an injury so you won’t know to tell your partner to stop. (None of our recs contain numbing agents.) Many lubes contain glycerin, which is a byproduct of sugar; Some experts advise avoiding this ingredient, as sugar attracts yeast, which may lead to an infection. That said, many people are fine with glycerin in commercial lubes, so if it works for you, it's safe to use.

After speaking with sex experts and reading reviews, here are our top picks for the best anal lubes.