What is the Best Lubricant for Sexual Intercourse?

You Googled It: “Best Lubricants for Sexual Intercourse”

SO SERIOUS. Searching for the “best lube for sex”? Amateur. “Best lubricants for sexual intercourse”? You guys clearly mean business.

However you phrase it, we love that so many of you are asking this question. There are so many lubes on the market, and personally, we’ve designed each of Cake’s lube formulas for a specific purpose. Different activities and body parts have different needs, after all.

The right lubricant can reduce friction and increase pleasure for everyone involved. The wrong lube can encourage an infection, an allergic reaction, or even lead to a condom breaking.

So which type of lube is right for you?
With tons of ingredients, textures, and brands to choose from, let this blog be your guide to finding the best option. (Or for product recommendations without the fuss, scroll to the end.)

Understanding Lubricants

If you’re reading this, you already know there are different kinds of lubricants to choose from. We’re here to help you understand the differences between them, and how lube differs from plain old saliva.

Different Lubricant Bases

There are several types of lubricants to consider: silicone-based, water-based, oil-based, and “hybrid”. Each one has benefits or potential drawbacks depending on how you intend to use them.

Water-based lubes, specifically Ph-balanced formulas, are often recommended by gynecologists for vaginal sex to reduce the risk of infection or irritation. Look for a water-based lube with natural ingredients that is also glycerin-free and paraben-free. Aloe-based lubricants are technically water-based, and an excellent option for vaginal hydration and preventing irritation.
Lubes for oral sex are also often water-based to reduce the risk of upset stomach should you accidentally ingest a little. Many are flavored, and while that can add to the appeal, be aware that additives like sugar or glycerin are not the best for vaginal sex.
For either activity, we love that water-based lubes are safe to use with all kinds of condoms.
Silicon lubes are known for being silky and long-lasting, effectively reducing friction even during extra-long anal or vaginal sex sessions. Silicone itself is hypoallergenic, Ph-neutral, condom-safe, and waterproof for use in the shower. So what’s the catch?
For one, silicone lubes can be messy, harder to clean up, and have the potential to stain your sheets. Second, they can degrade silicone sex toys. Finally, silicone lubes are rarely 100% silicone, so watch out for those non-natural ingredients that make for unhappy vaginas.

“Hybrid lubes” that combine water and silicone result in a formula that is both moisturizing and long-lasting. This makes it uniquely suited to backside play, and it’s quickly becoming a cult favorite. We’ll also reiterate that while silicone can be safe and comfortable for vaginal sex, pure water or aloe-based lubes are really considered the gold standard for vaginal health.

Oil-based lubes are long-lasting, creamy, and skin-softening. They can also pull double-duty for a sensual massage. For these reasons, we’re a huge fan of coconut oil for men’s solo sessions - or a hands-on assist from a partner.

However, oil-based lubes aren’t our top pick for penetrative or oral sex because they aren’t particularly versatile.

Oil-based lubes are not safe with any condoms except for polyurethane, certain oils can increase the risk of bacterial and yeast infections, and there are usually more effective options out there (in our opinion).

Lubricant vs Saliva

We get it, saliva is natural, accessible, and free. Sadly, it’s far from the best choice for *sexual intercourse.* Saliva can dry out very quickly, which means it needs to be “reapplied” frequently….that can get difficult (dry mouth anyone?) not to mention a little awkward. Even if you reapply, saliva still doesn't provide the same level of hydration and slip as specially-designed lubricants. Unlike saliva, commercial lubricants are formulated to address dryness, reduce friction , and enhance pleasure.

saliva may be ok in a pinch, but it’s just not an ideal substitute for a quality lubricant.

The Best Lubricant for Your Needs

So now you know that different activities and personal sensitivities require different types of lube. Read about best options for anal sex, vaginal sex, and sensitive skin or allergies below, or take our quiz to find the best formula for your needs

Best Lubricant for Anal Sex

For anal play, a lube with a thicker consistency provides a cushion-like barrier, which can aid in reducing discomfort.

Silicone-based lubes are silky, long-lasting, and don’t need to be reapplied often, so there’s less stop-and-start. Water-based lubes, while not as long-lasting, provide necessary hydration to help prevent anal tears. Combining the best properties of each formula.
A hybrid anal lube delivers both hydration and duration.

Best Lubricant for Vaginal Sex

Vaginal sex calls for a lube that complements the body's natural lubrication and pH: ideally, a water based lube

Water-based formulas preserve the body’s natural pH of 4.5, helping to prevent infections. Plus, they’re compatible with all materials, including latex condoms and various sex toys. When choosing a lube for vaginal use, look for a glycerin-free and sugar-free formula with gentle, natural ingredients to prevent possible yeast infections or irritation.

Best Lubricant for Sensitive Skin and Allergies

If you have sensitive skin, keep an eye out for keywords like “hypoallergenic”, “fragrance-free”, and “unflavored”to avoid allergic reactions or skin irritation. Check the product’s packaging for labels like “suitable for sensitive skin” and read the ingredient list to confirm there aren’t chemical additives or irritants like parabens and propylene glycol.

Natural lubricants, like those made from aloe vera, can be particularly soothing for sensitive skin.

If you’ve made it this far, you’re basically an expert on the best lubes for all kinds of sexual intercourse. So get out there and put that new knowledge to use!

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