Table of Contents
Anal sex can be extremely satisfying, but butts don't self-lubricate like vaginas do. That makes anal lube critical to your pleasure and safety.
Lube is 100% required for anal sex. Without it, both partners can experience discomfort or even injury.
Anal Sex Lube Basics (in 30 seconds)
- NEVER have anal sex without lube — it can cause injury and infection
- Use a long-lasting lube: oil-based, silicone, or hybrid
- Our top silicone pick: Gun Oil Silicone | Top water-based: Sliquid Sassy
- Using a silicone toy? Use water-based lube only — silicone lube damages silicone toys
- Avoid: glycerin, parabens, propylene glycol, glucose, nonoxynol-9
- Apply generously to both partners — reapply often
- Use condoms during anal sex to prevent STI transmission
Choosing an Anal Sex Lube
Choose Your Lube Type
Water-based lube
Water-based lube is the most versatile — works with all toys and condoms. Not as long-lasting as silicone or oil, so reapply often. Best choice when using silicone sex toys.
Try: Pjur Backdoor Comfort Anal Glide
Oil-based lube
Oil-based lube is very slick and long-lasting — perfect for anal with toys. NOT safe with latex or polyisoprene condoms.
Try: Boy Butter H2O (water-based, condom-safe version) or SPUNK Natural
Silicone Lube
Silicone lube is extremely slick and doesn't absorb into skin — stays slippery longest. Condom-safe, but NOT safe with silicone toys.
Try: Gun Oil Silicone
Hybrid Lube
Hybrid lube blends water-based and silicone — slicker than water-based, easier cleanup than pure silicone. Condom-safe but not safe with silicone toys.
Try: SPUNK Hybrid
Check the Ingredients
A safe anal lube should NOT contain: glucose, propylene glycol, parabens, glycerin, nonoxynol-9, or menthol. These can irritate or damage the interior of the rectum and make infections easier to spread.
All lubes recommended below are safe for anal and contain no toxic ingredients.
Note: Be careful with desensitizing anal lube — numbing agents can mask pain that signals injury.
Top-Rated Anal Lubricants
Water-based anal lubricants:
Sliquid Sassy — our top water-based pick. Extra-thick formula, clean ingredients, condom and toy safe.
Sliquid Sassy Ultra-Thick Lubricant
$8.99
$11.99
Sliquid Sassy Ultra-Thick Lube Sliquid Sassy Lubricant is a long-lasting and water-based anal gel. 💦 Ultra-thick water-based gel Latex, rubber, plastic & silicone toy friendly Non-staining, unflavored and unscented Uniquely blended to emulate your body’s own natural lubrication Sliquid Sassy is… Read More
Pjur Backdoor Comfort Anal Glide — water-based formula built for anal, with panthenol to soothe and condition.
Pjur Backdoor Comfort Water-Based Anal Glide
$19.99
$22.99
Pjur Backdoor Water-Based Anal Glide A water-based lubricant that feels almost like silicone, pjur Back Door Moisturising Water Anal Glide has a long lubricating effect and boasts all the advantages of water. Furthermore, the formula of pjur Back Door Moisturising Glide has… Read More
Boy Butter H2O — buttery thick water-based formula. Condom-safe and toy-safe.
Oil-based anal lubricants:
SPUNK Natural — coconut and avocado oil blend. Safe with silicone toys. NOT with latex condoms.
SPUNK Natural Coconut and Avocado Oil Lubricant
$10.99
$12.99
SPUNK NATURAL Lubricant SPUNK Lube Natural is a unique blend of edible, virgin coconut oil and organic avocado oil that locks in moisture for amazing natural personal lubrication. This vegan-friendly adult lubricant is free from silicone, glycerin, and parabens, as… Read More
Silicone anal lubricants:
Gun Oil Silicone — our top overall anal lube. Ultra slick, condom-safe, long-lasting.
GUN OIL Silicone Lubricant
$20.99
$22.99
Gun Oil Silicone Lubricant Attention, private! At ease. Designed to meet the needs of the most hardcore bedroom soldiers, Gun Oil Silicone provides slick, long-lasting lubrication thanks to its proprietary three-molecule silicone blend. You won't find a lube with the same texture… Read More
Fuck Water Premium Silicone — premium silicone, slick and long-lasting.
Fuck Water Premium Silicone Lubricant
$12.99
$18.99
Fuck Water SILICONE Sex Lubricant Alright, Condomaniacs, you're in for a wild ride with FuckWater Premium Silicone Lubricant. This isn't your average lube; this is the James Bond of lubricants, designed for stamina, endurance, and a super long-lasting performance that… Read More
Pjur Analyse Me! Silicone — extra-thick, built for anal, with jojoba to gently relax tissue.
Pjur Analyse Me! Silicone-Based Relaxing Anal Glide
$26.99
$31.99
Pjur Analyse Me! Silicone-Based Relaxing Anal Glide Anal sex can be a profoundly passionate and sensual experience, but proper preparation is essential. Pjur Analyse Me! is a silicone lubricant designed specifically to enhance anal play. It contains natural relaxants but no… Read More
Hybrid anal lubricants:
SPUNK Hybrid — best all-rounder. Slicker than water-based, easy cleanup.
SPUNK Hybrid Lubricant
$7.99
$10.99
SPUNK Lube Hybrid SPUNK Lube Hybrid is a water-based silicone lubricant that resembles the look and feel of natural body lubrication (ie: cum). It lets you feel the sensation of skin-to-skin contact. Why we LOVE SPUNK Hybrid SPUNK… Read More
How to Use Anal Lubricant
Apply Lube Generously
Anal requires much more lube than vaginal sex. Apply liberally to both partners before penetration — both need to be absolutely glistening. Reapply whenever you feel friction or discomfort.
Use a Condom
STIs (like HIV) transmit more easily via anal sex — using a condom for anal sex is extra important. Condoms also maximize the slickness of lube. Add silicone lube to the outside of the condom for maximum comfort. Remember: DO NOT use oil-based lube with latex or polyisoprene condoms.
Take it Slow
Even with plenty of lube, never jackhammer during anal. Penetrate slowly, wait until your partner is comfortable, add more lube often, and start with foreplay so muscles have time to relax.
Try Toys First
New to anal? Start with a butt plug or anal training kit before penetration. Use finger condoms when using fingers to protect against bacteria.
Where to Shop for Anal Sex Lubricants
Shop online at Condomania — 30+ years selling sex lube, huge selection of anal-safe lubricants and condoms, all medically tested. FREE shipping over $50, FREE discreet packaging. Browse all anal sex lubricants here.
Also see: Anal Sex 101 guide | How to prepare for amazing anal sex | Best Anal Lube of 2026
FAQs
Can I have anal sex without lube?
Only if you’re into bad decisions.
Butts don’t self-lubricate, so anal without lube = friction, discomfort, and possible injury. Use a high-quality anal lube every time—your butt (and your partner) will thank you.
What kind of lube is best for anal sex?
You want something slick, long-lasting, and butt-safe.
Silicone lube is the gold standard for anal—it’s super slippery and doesn’t dry out. Oil-based lube is also great, especially for toy-free play. Just avoid water-based lube unless you’re using silicone toys (and even then, pick a thick one like Sliquid Sassy).
Can I use silicone lube with anal sex toys?
Not unless you want to melt your toy like a popsicle in July. Yikes.
Silicone lube + silicone toys = damage. Always use a water-based or oil-based lube with silicone toys to keep them safe and your play squeaky clean.
How much anal lube should I use?
More. No, even more than that.
Slather it on liberally—your butt, your partner, your toys, everywhere. If anything feels dry or draggy, pause and reapply. Anal is not the time to be stingy.
Are desensitizing anal lubes safe?
They’re a mixed bag.
Numbing lubes can help newbies relax—but they can also mask pain and lead to injury. If you’re trying one, go slow, communicate, and NEVER ignore discomfort.
Where’s the best place to buy anal lube?
Online at Condomania, obviously.
Most stores barely carry anal-friendly lubes. Condomania stocks safe, body-tested anal lubes in every variety—plus discreet shipping!