Top 5 Lubes for Anal Sex
Amongst the condoms, sex toys, and adult movies - the anal lubricant is a staple you need to add to your collection of sex accessories. Maggie May, our anal connoisseur, lists what you should look for and what to keep well away from when indulging in some booty play.
Do we really need it?
Yes! Yes! Yes! Don’t try anal without it! The right lube will provide a buffer needed for the pushing and squeezing. Not to mention, create long-lasting wetness needed to make anal play a safe and mind-blowing experience for you and your partner. I truly believe that half of the people who have tried anal and didn’t enjoy it didn’t use enough lube (or the right one.)
“Half of the people who have tried anal and didn’t enjoy it, didn’t use enough lube - or the right one.”
First an anatomy lesson
The anal walls are drastically thinner than the vaginal walls, which is why they require a lubricant that will reduce the chances of rectal tears. Tears inside the rectum drastically increase the risk of contracting STIs. And as anal play is riskier in terms of STI transmission (compared to vaginal play), it is an absolute necessity to use lubricant - each and every time - along with the condom.
As with all other sex toys and accessories, this is not a one-size-fits-all and finding the perfect lube for you really comes down to several factors, which I shall list below. If you ever come across a lubricant which says it is “numbing” - do not touch it! Pain is your friend - it is the perfect gauge to tell you if your anal sex is getting too rough, and therefore dangerous. If you numb that area with desensitizing or analgesics agents, you won’t know if you’ve done any damage until the lube has worn off.
“Pain is your friend in anal sex - you want to know when you’ve gone too hard.”
Now, let's look at the various types of lubricants and which one to use when.
Anal lubes come in three categories: silicone, oil, or water-based.
Water-based lubes
This lube doesn’t last as long as silicone or oil-based lubricants. This is because the anus absorbs water quite quickly. However, they are safe to use with condoms and sex toys. Water-based lubes are best for anal sex with a silicone toy (for example, a strap-on or butt plug) as they won’t damage your toys. Because the main component is water, this lube feels the most natural, closely mimicking the body’s natural lubrication.
Benefits
- Compatible with all sex toys and condoms
- Feels natural
- Won’t cost you too much
Limitations
- Dries up quickly
- Highly absorbed by the body
My no.1 tip for water-based lubes? Use lots and lots of it! Your booty will drink that water right up so don’t be shy - the more, the merrier. You’ll be grateful for it after! I use water-based lubes ONLY when I’m looking at my silicone dildo and feeling anally inclined.
Silicone-based lubes
The general rule is the thicker the lube, the better the anal sex will be. Since most silicone lubes contain Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, and Cyclomethicone, they tend to be thickest of all the lubes. Because of this, the silicone-based lube has the most significant following. But not only that! This amazing lube has a hypoallergenic nature. And believe me - when you are putting anything in your anus, you really want to go as gentle and natural as possible. The tissue inside the anus is extremely fragile, and many lubricants contain high amounts of dissolved fats and sugars which can cause a toxic effect and actually strip away the anal tissue (International Microbicides Conference 2010.) Trust me; you don’t want that! This will not only damage your anal cells but also make you more prone to contracting all sorts of nasties. Another benefit of the silicone-based lube is that it has higher viscosity - meaning it is more slippery. Slippery anal sex minimises heat and friction and therefore makes for a more pleasurable, and safer, anal encounter. However, on the downside; silicone-based lube isn’t compatible with silicone toys as it can cause silicone material to break down (sounds strange, I know.) Unless you want your expensive silicone dildo breaking down in your butt, I’d stay away from silicone-based lubes whilst you’re playing with your sex toys.
Benefits
- Hypoallergenic
- Thickest
- Longest lasting
- Can be used with most condoms
- Not water-soluble therefore great for shower sex
Limitations
- Pricey
- Not compatible with silicone sex toys
My no. 1 tip for silicone-based lubes? Make sure your condom says it’s compatible with silicone-based lube. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a worn and torn condom - not due to your amazing romp but rather the chemical reaction between the lube and the condom. Buy one of listed silicone-based lubricant from the list below, and use it when you’re having anal sex with that special kinky human penis - not a toy one. I have silicone-based lube at home and use it for back door action each and every time my partner and I are feeling extra naughty.
Oil-based lubes
Oil-based lubricants use plant oils (coconut, shea butter, etc.) as the main ingredient. Because of this, the oil-based lubricant is extremely moisturising and improves the elasticity of your anal walls, making back door action a little easier and a little slicker. It lasts longer than water-based lubricants; however, it can’t be used with most condoms and latex toys.
Benefits
- Long-lasting
- Not water-soluble therefore great for shower sex
- Natural ingredients (most of the time)
Limitations
- Not compatible with most condoms
- Not compatible with most latex sex toys
- My no.1 tip for oil-based lubes? Don’t use it with your condoms or your latex toys - unless you want them breaking down whilst they are inside you. Yikes!
Scroll below to find our list of favourite anal lubes.
Intimate Earth
Not only will your butt love you because this lube is free from preservatives and additives, but so will the planet as this lube is 100% vegan. Here’s to conscious guilt-free rear entry fun.
EROS
EROS products are manufactured “just in time” enabling you to take full advantage of the 3-year shelf life.
Pjur
Has been dermatologically tested with a silicone-based formula specifically developed for use during anal play
I love reading your comments, so if you’ve tried one of our favourite lubes - or you wish to share your own suggestions - please do so by commenting below.
Written by Maggie May
Maggie May is a sexologist and a writer. She is a lover of all things sensual and sexual.