If there’s one sexcessory we firmly believe should have a permanent place in your nightstand, it’s lube. Even if you think you don’t need it, trust us: Lube has the power to turn good sex into great sex, and you can never use too much of it! But not all lubes are created equal. You should be shopping for the right kind of lube for your specific needs, factoring in the kind of sex you’re having, whether or not you’re playing with toys, using condoms, and more. When it comes to deciding between water-based, oil-based, and silicone-based lubes, you can rely on oil and silicone to give you the most slick, but they can break down condoms and silicone toys—not great! That’s why the best water-based lubes are the way to go, since they can be used with all condoms and sex toys, and are usually easier to find thanks to their versatility.
“Water-based lube is less viscous, or thinner, than silicone- and oil-based lubes,” says sex expert for Momentum Intimacy, Zachary Zane, author of Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto. “It also doesn’t stain the sheets or linger on the body. Silicone- and oil-based lubes can be really challenging to wash off. You can often make a mess with it!”
Of course, everything has its pros and cons. Water-based lubes are thinner and dry up faster, so you’ll need to re-apply them a few times—especially if you’re having anal sex. (Remember: The anus isn’t self-lubricating like the vagina is, so silicone- or oil-based lubes might be easier for anal.) You should also try to steer clear of anything that includes questionable ingredients, like alcohols (which can dry out mucosal surfaces), and glycerin, a byproduct of sugar that can potentially cause yeast infections and UTIs, says Zane.
Our top picks for best water-based lubes of 2023:
Now that you’re thoroughly educated on all things lube, here are our picks for the 13 best water-based lubes. They each have their strengths, so read on to learn which one makes the most sense for you and your needs.
1.Sliquid H20 Original Water-Based Lubricant
Sliquid H2O Original Water-Based Lubricant
Sliquid H2O Original Water-Based Lubricant
Pros
- Vegan
- Hypoallergenic, non-toxic, odorless and flavorless
Cons
- Squeeze bottle, no pump
- Some reviewers say they wish it lasted longer
This distinctive bottle is pretty common to see on all sex toy sites for a reason. The Sliquid H20 gel-like formula is hypoallergenic, glycerin- and paraben-free, and compatible with all condoms and toys. It's easy to clean up, not-scented or perfumed, and is great for use with both toys and partners.
THE REVIEWS: "A great all-purpose lube whether it is during sex, playing with toys, or manually stimulating each other," said one reviewer. "Adds plenty of lubrication without making a mess all over the place or feeling like you have to take a shower after. It ends up getting used more often than expected and is the only one we keep in the bedside drawer. We never thought a supplement to natural wetness was needed, but it turns out it is a very nice addition."
2. Lelo Personal Moisturizer
Pros
- Comes in two different sizes, the smaller is great for travel!
- Great for sensitive skin
- This gorgeous pump bottle—obsessed!
Cons
- Some reviewers say it might not be worth the price tag.
The fancy bottle helps, but it's only part of why this lube (ahem, a 2023 Cosmo Lube Awards winner!) is so great. It's glycerin- and paraben-free, unscented, pH-balanced which makes it great for sensitive skin, and fortified with aloe vera to keep skin feeling moisturized even after you've cleaned up. It's also non-staining and non-greasy, so you can rest assured your fancy lube won't also wreck your fancy sheets.
THE REVIEWS: One reviewer raved: "Love this. This is the second bottle I’ve used, and it really enhances the moisture and makes for a great lubricant for both solo and partnered use. And it doesn’t ruin the integrity of my Lelo toys, and smells great."
3. Sutil Rich Body Glide
Pros
- Contains adaptogens like horny goat weed for added benefits
- Fragrance, odor, and taste-free
Cons
- Some reviews say it dries up quickly
This eco-certified botanical formula is paraben- and glycerin-free, safe for all condoms and toys, and feels very much like the slipperiness of silicone lubes, without actually being silicone. This cushiony formula is also thicker, meaning it's great for anal play especially, but you'd be equally lucky to enjoy it for toy play or vaginal use.
THE REVIEWS: "Either option of the Sutil Luxe or Rich are excellent, thicker, a-little-bit-goes-a-long-way lube," reads one review. "These lubes aren't only excellent for anal play with silicone toys, I also enjoy using them with rabbit-style vibes and air-flow technology toys. This is the universal go-to... add the slight sensation that horny goat weed provides (subtle warmth with friction!) and you have a lush little treat with each dollop!!!"
4. Sliquid Organics Infusion Botanique
Sliquid Organics Infusion Botanique
Sliquid Organics Infusion Botanique
Pros
- Infused with green tea, sunflower seed, and flax to provide added benefits
Cons
- One reviewer said it felt a little watery and hard-to-use (read: messy)
Sliquid's Organics line is nice because it's still got the same glycerin- and paraben-free formula, but has added organic botanicals to soothe your skin and any irritation that might come with sex, including green tea and sunflower seed to calm the skin, and flax to restore elasticity. A great aloe-infused option!
THE REVIEWS: One reviewer wrote, "We got two of these bottles, one was great one was not as good and more sticky and dried quicker. It’s great in the sense that it’s really neutral and doesn’t have an artificial feel or smell. Great if you need a lube that doesn’t cause reaction and doesn’t taste like anything."
5. PinkCherry Water-Based Lube
PinkCherry Water Based Lubricant
Pros
- Comes in a huge (!!) bottle, so it'll last
- Comes with a pump for easy application
- Only $12.50 for a huge amount of lube—love to see it
- Washes out easily with a little warm water
Cons
- Does contain glycerin, so make sure to wash off immediately after use
If you're searching for an economical lube that won't let you down, PinkCherry's unscented, unflavored original formula is hard to beat. It's a very affordable ($12.50 for 16 ounces), comes in a pump for maximum ease of use, and is highly rated. The only con is that it contains glycerin, which is a known sugar byproduct that can cause infections, so make sure to jump in the shower right after using.
THE REVIEWS: "An amazing lube," said one reviewer. "Both my partner and I have no complaints about this lube. We both love it and will use it as our go-to no matter what we engage in."
6. Playground Love Sesh
Playground Love Sesh
Playground Love Sesh
Pros
- Infused with adaptogens like horny goat weed, ashwagandha, and black cohosh
- Very cute, discreet bottle
Cons
- Kind of tiny, only 3.7 fl oz
Another Cosmo 2023 Lube Awards winner, Playground's Love Sesh lube is fragrance- and flavor-free and made with plant-based ingredients that make it safe for sensitive skin. It's also infused with tons of adaptogens and vitamins that make it great for you, including hyaluronic acid, fermented bamboo extract, vitamin E, ashwagandha, horny goat weed, and black cohosh.
THE REVIEWS: One reviewer wrote, "This was better than other natural lubricants that I've tried. I'm sensitive and prone to infections. This one was perfect for me! Will definitely be purchasing again."
7. Lovehoney Discover
Lovehoney Discover Water-Based Anal Lubricant
Lovehoney Discover Water-Based Anal Lubricant
Pros
- At just $10, you can't beat the price tag
- Extra thick for a water-based lube
- Specifically designed for anal play, but can be used for all types of sex
Cons
- You only get 3.4 fl oz
- Squeeze bottle, no pump :(
115 five-star reviews? Don't mind if we do! Whether you're using this lube for anal play or non-anal play, this gel formula is thick enough for all types of sex and a great everyday lube if you prefer a more slippery, longer-lasting formula.
THE REVIEWS: In a rave review, one person wrote, "If you can find it in stock, buy it. Don't hesitate, just buy it. Have used dozens of name brand lubes, water based, silicone etc. and Discover surpasses them all. Stays exceptionally slick for V and provides a cushioned sensation for A, stays slick for a moderate duration but the trick is to rejuvenate it with a mist of water, great value. Found our desert island lube, thanks Lovehoney!"
8. Trojan H20
Trojan Lubes TROJAN H2O Closer Personal Lubricant
Trojan Lubes TROJAN H2O Closer Personal Lubricant
Pros
- Great size for the price
- Infused with Vitamin E
- Readily available on drugstore shelves
Cons
- Does contain glycerin, so make sure to wash off right after
Trojan is a tried-and-true sexual health brand. You know it's been around forever, you can find it in a pinch, and it works. This particular formula is infused with vitamin E and hyaluronic moisturizers, it's fragrance-free, and at just $10 for 5.5 ounces, it's a pretty freaking great deal, if we do say so ourselves.
THE REVIEWS: "This is the only lube my husband and I will use," wrote one reviewers. "There is no odor or sticky residue. It literally feels so natural while providing that needed moisture you sometimes require help to maintain. This is not intended as an oral lube though, so if that's what you need, look elsewhere."
9. Wicked Aqua Cinnamon Bun
Wicked Aqua Cinnamon Bun H2O-Based Lube
Wicked Aqua Cinnamon Bun H2O-Based Lube
Pros
- Vegan
- Long-lasting
- Paraben- and propylene glycol-free
- Smells and tastes like a cinnamon bun!
Cons
- Does contain glycerin, so wash off after!
Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth? This vegan formula is also paraben-free and most impressively, has no weird aftertaste—an unfortunate thing that sometimes happens in the land of flavored lubes. If Cinnamon Bun isn't for you, Wicked also makes Mocha Java, Salted Caramel, and Candy Apple flavored versions. We recommend sticking to oral sex when using flavored lubes, to avoid any infection-causing ingredients making their way all the way inside you.
10. Pjur Med Natural Glide
Pros
- Particularly great if you experience vaginal dryness
- Free of any synthetic colors, fats, paraffins, fragrances, or added flavors
Cons
- A little on the pricier side for lube
Pjur's Med Natural Glide formula is specifically made for dry skin. It's long lasting, gentle enough for daily use, and designed to soothe and moisturize. If you've got razor bumps or you experience chafing during sex, this is great to have on hand.
THE REVIEWS: One reviewer wrote, "My wife had issues with lubes, as she has very sensitive skin. She always felt they burned. Even with most water-based lubes, she would complain. This lube has been so different and helpful. She has not once complained after multiple uses. Extremely happy with it."
11. Pulse H2Oh! Personal Lubricant Pods
H2Oh! Personal Lubricant Pods
H2Oh! Personal Lubricant Pods
Pros
- Compatible with Pulse's luxe lube warmer
- You get six tiny pods that are TSA-friendly
- No parabens or preservatives
- Infused with chia seed extract
Cons
- A little pricey for the pack—you can't really buy them individually, but you get six of 'em!
Pulse's lube pods are designed to be inserted into their lube warmer—a luxe device that also won a Cosmo 2023 Lube Award—but you can also pump them manually, which makes them a great, travel-friendly pick! You get six pods for $30, which is a little pricey, yes, but you can rest-assured you're getting a hydrating, hypoallergenic, non-staining lube that'll leave you satisfied (and not having to have an awk talk with a TSA agent).
THE REVIEWS: "I never thought lube could feel so good without the sticky icky aftermath that I’ve found from other brands," wrote one reviewer. "This has been a real game changer and having the bonus of no yeast infections following has been a blessing. I’ve tried both aloe and water types and both are really nice. My husband has enjoyed this as well and prefers this over anything we’ve used in the past. Having it warmed is incredibly nice!"
12. Momentum For All Hybrid
Pros
- Paraben- and preservative-free
- Silicone + water hybrid lube, so it lasts longer than just a water-based lube would
Cons
- Def on the pricey side for just 3 oz
This lube is a silicone and water hybrid, meaning it's got a little bit of both bases, so it'll last you longer than a regular water-based lube would. (That also means you should tread with caution when using silicone toys! Wash 'em right when you're done to avoid them degrading.) It was created by an obgyn (so you know it's legit), it's vegan, free of parabens, glycerins, and fragrances, and won't be as sticky as a 100 percent silicone lube would. You can't lose with this one!
THE REVIEWS: In what is probably our favorite review of all time, one person wrote, "This is like my sixth bottle, that should tell you a thing or two."
13. LubeLife Water-Based Lubricant
Pros
- Comes in several different sizes
- Straightforward and no-frills
- Non-sticky and long-lasting
Cons
- Some reviewers complained about shipping issues
If you've ever wanted to by 275 gallons of lube, now's your chance! (Kidding! Kind of!) LubeLife's Water-Based Lube comes in multiple size options, with the smallest being four ounces for $7 (a great deal, tbh), and 275 gallons for $5869. But don't worry, there are plenty of friendly-middle-term options, including a 32 oz bottle (with a pump!) for $17—another great deal. This formula is free of parabens, glycerins, silicones, gluten, and hormones, and compatible with all condoms and sex toys. Just make sure to re-apply as needed!
THE REVIEWS: "This lube goes a long way, so a little drop will get the job done," wrote one reviewer. "A 4-oz is what I started with and I think it will last me for a while…or maybe not. It is smooth, no salty smell and no stick afterwards. Great product and we use it every night. Thank you!"
