The Best Anal Lube: Our Pick For Safer, Smoother Anal Sex

Lube — and we mean the real, high-quality stuff, not spit — is a must-have for anal play. Unlike the vagina, the rectum doesn't produce its own natural lubrication, so going without it can lead to discomfort, pain, or even injury. While there are plenty of lubes out there, silicone stands out as the top choice for anal play. Why? First, it's incredibly slick, cutting down on any unwanted friction. Plus, silicone anal lubes have the stamina to keep up with you, whether it’s a quick encounter or an all-night session. While a little extra reapplying never hurts, silicone will help keep things smooth and comfortable from start to finish.

Silicone lube is the ultimate lubricant for all things anal, and is my preferred, recommended go-to option. Let's get scientific for a minute. Silicone is a polymer with a specific structure that lends itself to enhancing properties — slip and pleasure among them, making it the superior anal lube. While it’s known for its use in complex machinery, it can also be used with our ‘machinery’ in the bedroom.

First off, silicone lubes are actually much more effective at staying wet and keeping you evenly lubricated (in all the right ways). It lasts for longer periods of time, regardless of the type of play. Also, because silicone doesn’t contain water and other oils, it doesn’t dry up in the anal canal as quickly, which means much more playtime and far less time reapplying. The slickness and endurance that silicone lube provides is exactly what you want for anal play.

When you're looking for the best anal lube, you'll find a whole shelf of options — not just silicone. There’s water-based, hybrid (a mix of water and silicone), and various oils, usually with coconut oil as the star. Each type has its own perks in and out of the bedroom, but silicone really shines for anal play (excuse the pun). It outlasts the rest and, bonus: it’s condom-friendly, making it the go-to for smooth, safe sessions.

Why Lubrication is Essential for Anal Sex

Friction can lead to a higher risk of possible complications, such as sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and traumas like tears (anal fissures) and dilated veins (hemorrhoids). For this reason, it’s incredibly important to use a lubricant with the highest lubricity possible, which is why we are entering the space with a silicone lube first. It's also why we specifically engineered our Glass Anal Dilator Set in glass — because it plays so perfectly with silicone lube. Our goal, whether you’re a newbie experimenting with anal play or a seasoned pro, is minimizing risk while maximizing pleasure, and silicone lube can be key to help you achieve this.

The Anus and Natural Lubrication

The anus contains a column of anal glands that secrete mucus whenever we go to the bathroom. The mucous covers the weak spot – what’s called the dentate line, which is an important anatomical landmark, essentially connecting the inside of the body to the outside – to help decrease pressure and allow fecal matter to glide easily over it and out the anus. Yet unlike vaginal arousal fluid or cervical mucus, humans don’t usually notice anal mucus unless there is an infection or illness present. In a healthy butt, anal mucus is too viscous (thick) and not enough volume is produced to serve as a good lubricant or leak out of the anus. That’s why external or supplemental lubes are essential to encourage pleasure, while preventing discomfort and injury.

Types of Anal Lubes: Finding Your Perfect Match

When it comes to finding the best anal lube, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Let’s explore the most popular types and their pros and cons to help you find what fits your needs just right.

• Water Based lubricants
  Many of the most popular lubricants are water-based. Water-based lubricants are great choices because they’re condom-safe and toy-friendly, meaning the lube won’t break down the materials from which they’re made, and is perfect for safe sex. It’s also easy to wash off and doesn’t stain, while also being the most economical choice. However, because it dries out so quickly and tends to get sticky, it’s not our preferred choice for anal sex.
  
  
• Silicone-Based Lubricants
  Silicone lube is a standout for its long-lasting slickness, water-friendly compatibility, and low risk of irritation because it’s hypoallergenic, making it ideal for extended play. However, it does come with a few drawbacks: it tends to be pricier, can stain sheets and fabric, and requires a bit more effort to wash off completely.
  
  
• Oil-Based Lubricants
  Oil-based lubes offer a super-smooth glide (and ride) and are often made with natural ingredients, which many people prefer. On the downside, they aren’t compatible with latex condoms and can trigger allergies due to common ingredients like nut and seed oils.
  
  
• Hybrid Lubricants
  Hybrid lubes blend the best of both water-based and silicone options, offering a slicker, longer-lasting experience than water-based lubes, while being easier to clean than silicone. However, they don't quite match silicone in terms of slipperiness or staying power.

What Makes Silicone the Best Anal Lube?

The science of its safety within the human body is inherent in its properties and functions. The body is unable to absorb silicone, whereas water-based lubes and oils can easily be absorbed. There’s a time and place, of course, for water-based lubes. A quickie, for example, or when you’re using a silicone toy. But since some water-based lubes can cause cellular and microbiome changes, they’re not recommended for extended use. We know that anal and rectal microbiome changes, whether caused by incorrect douching solutions and routines or water-based lubes, can compound irritation — the potential pitfall to pleasurable anal play. But guess what? Not when using silicone lube! Another important benefit of silicone lubes is that they are hypoallergenic, so they are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions in the anal region.

Now, onto water play! The benefits keep pouring in because silicone lube is the perfect companion for underwater fun. In fact, it is waterproof. Having this as an option allows you to have your play wherever you want. The shower, bath, pool — even a booty that’s been completely submerged underwater. You may be asking yourself: then how do I get it off once the fun is over? We thought of that. Our Butt & Body Acne Scrub was designed to easily and quickly clean up and remove any leftover lube and bodily excrement. It can also be removed with warm water and some mild soap.

The one consideration for using silicone lube is that it does stain fabrics, so you’ll want to be extra careful not to ruin your favorite pair of sheets. Try our Bedside Towel to help protect your bed, or any other fabric you might be using while playing. 

Play with Confidence

The key to starting anal sex is not only a full understanding of your anal anatomy and how it functions, but also to make sure you have the right tools, the correct supplies, and a company that stands behind you to support all the ways you play. I’ve always believed that silicone lube, as the best type of anal lube, is one of the cornerstones of healthy and happy anal sex, which is why it made so much sense for us to come out with our own. We’ve got your back — from top to bottom, and now start to finish.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Evan Goldstein is the Co-Founder of Future Method and the Founder and CEO of Bespoke Surgical, the leading private practice in health and wellness for gay men. He received his MD from the University of Medicine and Dentistry School of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Goldstein is the go-to butt and bottoming expert, having been published in Huffington Post, Men’s Health, Healthline, and more. Learn about Dr. Goldstein by visiting his practice, bespokesurgical.com