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First things first: anal sex requires three things: consent, communication, and lube. Forget about any stigma attached to using lube, the anus is not a self-lubricating hole (unlike the vagina), and thus lube is necessary for keeping things comfortable and safe during any type of anal play.
1. A hypoallergenic, silicone-based lube designed for some long-lasting, out-of-this-world booty play.
I'm patting myself on the back for not making a Uranus joke.
Promising reviews: "I’ve tried many lubes, and as someone who is on the tighter end, I can say this lube is the best match for me. The smaller size is convenient to travel with, the lube lasts long and doesn’t require constant reapplication (even as compared with the wet platinum version), and it doesn’t irritate my skin. Easy to wash off." —Steven
"Got this for my solo and partnered play. DEFINITELY provided the slip me and my partner needed to open me up, he’s not exactly average and it took some time but very effective. 😍😍" —Anonymous
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
2. A waterproof silicone-based anal lubricant by Astroglide that boasts a hypoallergenic formula for long-lasting play in and out of the shower or jacuzzi.
Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this stuff!! As someone who enjoys all things anal it’s a definite must have for me!! The slip is AMAZING and a little goes a long LONG way!! It’s the perfect key for unlocking the backdoor ... I’ll never be without!!" —LadySkyWalker
"Wow. Just wow. Totally recommend for butt stuff! My girl and me were so impressed. We regularly do anal and this lube is our favorite. We love it. The feeling is very slick and leaves a thin coating, which makes the feeling incredible. 👍💯" —Anonymous
Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in two sizes).
3. A hypoallergenic silicone-based lubricant created with aloe vera and vitamin E for long-lasting, maximum comfort during anal penetration, whether with your favorite plug or partner.
Don't forget that a silicone-based formula means this lube is water-friendly!
Promising reviews: "To me it’s the best lube for anal penetration, consistency not too thick or too thin!" —Samuel K. Shum
"You only need a small amount, once! Works well for anal sex." —Javodrick
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in three sizes).
4. A silicone-based lubricant that reviewers rave about for its nonsticky formula and convenient pump mechanism (included in packaging!).
It's condom-safe and water-friendly for anywhere and everywhere play, and apparently it's multifunctional as a massage oil or moisturizer, but we all know why we're here.
Promising review: "Silicone lubes are not easy to clean. They stay in your sheets. However, water-based lubes were made for holes that produce fluid naturally. If you want to have anal sex and want it to be amazing: use silicone lube only, reduces friction and doesn't get dry and sticky. This stuff works just as good as $30 bottles I've purchased. It arrived with two free samples of their flavored varieties. Came with standard lid BUT also included a pump dispenser you can switch out with (no more spills)! Super happy with this purchase." —JustJeff
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four sizes and five flavors).
5. The OG Butters Lube designed with a vegan, oil-based formula that can be used in any and all your holes, as well as with your favorite toys and other body-safe materials, for slippery — never slick — fun.
Promising reviews: "This lube is amazing! My boyfriend is rather endowed and he’s my first. This lube made things easy and comfortable for sure." —Kai Welsh
"Very slippery and long lasting, feels good in any hole. Zero irritation. Keep some dedicated rags handy for clean up and wash separately. Wipes right up off of skin easily. Good company and nice people. This is premium lube, get some." —eric reed
Get it from The Butters Hygienics Co. for $3+.
The Butters Hygienics Co. is a Black- and Queer-owned business based in Michigan that creates products using simple ingredients and hand-crafted in the owner's kitchen. In true millennial fashion, they want you to be able to afford quality body products that do what the bottles say they do.
6. The OG Boy Butter created with a creamy coconut oil base that goes onto the skin clear for a lightweight, nontoxic, and edible alternative to other lubricants.
It's also safe to use with your toys! (But not latex condoms.)
Promising reviews: "We love this product, feels really good doing anal play." —M & R
"This is my absolute favorite lube. It stays slippery forever like silicone lube, but cleanup is a breeze. My roommate spilled silicone lube on his bathroom floor and it literally took hours to clean up, this stuff washes off with soap and water. You can also use it with silicone toys, which can be damaged by silicone lube. It has a creamy consistency so it stays where you want it and doesn't drip or run off. The only down side is that it is totally incompatible with latex condoms. It's fine with polyurethane condoms, but because it's oil-based it will dissolve latex." —Captain Packrat
Get it from Amazon for $22 (only available in squeeze bottle).
7. A water-based anal lubricant by #LubeLife that's also toy-friendly and condom compatible, so you can engage in all the backdoor play you can dream of.
Promising reviews: "I wish I could explain in detail how amazing this product is. You will NEVER buy a different lube after this. All the others I’ve tried before this one were horrible. I will never use another now. Anything you stick in your bum with this lube is gonna feel AMAZING. Buy it!!" —Rebecca De La Fuente
"Great for backdoor play. Anyone that enjoys backdoor play with their partner will enjoy this product. A little goes a loonnngggg way and it last until you wash it off. Makes penetration so easy and smooth and minimizes the discomfort of insertion to almost zero. My wife love this product and says 'It's a must for anal play'!" —Dexter Blakely
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three sizes).
8. A water-based lubricant specifically designed for booty play and mimicking natural lubrication with a flavorless and fragrance-free formula.
Promising reviews: "Wow! This product blew my mind! It is PERFECT for anal intercourse. I typically use silicone-based lube, but the cleanup is a disaster. This lube was not only a better quality than silicone lube, but the cleanup was a breeze. I have been disappointed many times by lube but this was definitely not one of them. We didn’t need to reapply a lot like with other water-based lubes and it doesn’t dry and get all sticky. I will be a lifelong customer. Buy this lube!" —Kassidy Singh
"This stuff is great for anal sex and easy to clean off, it has no flavor according to my gf and has no scent either." —Joshua Janey
Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in 8-oz and 32-oz sizes).
9. A water-based anal lubricant that's designed with a plant-based glycerin formula for a silky smooth texture that maximizes comfort.
Because this lube contains glycerin, it's best to avoid using it as a vaginal lubricant because the ingredients can lead to yeast infections.
Promising reviews: "My booty never felt so good after using this! BEST ANAL LUBE EVERRRRR! Dont be afraid to play with your booty guys best orgasm ever! ITS SCIENCE!" —Dylan
"Made anal sex last long and pleasurable for both, also was easy to rinse off and do again and again." —Jeremie
Get it from Amazon for $18.95.
10. A Fifty Shades of Grey anal lubricant which has a water-based formula with an extra-thick consistency that'll (hopefully) last as long as you.
Promising reviews: "We've tried many different anal lubes and found that this one is the best we have used. Others we have tried have either been too watery, sticky, or didn't last long. This lube is a nice thick consistency but doesn't feel sticky. It lasts really well! We used a small amount for anal play and it made me feel comfortable without any pain or discomfort unlike others we have tried. We will definitely be purchasing this again when we run out!" —Lovelylumps
"We bought this lube principally to use with anal, we've used it for this purpose multiple times and always find it provides an adequate level of lubrication. We often use it with butt plugs and anal beads that we found at the same time and it makes insertion really easy. You don't need a huge amount, although we did find repeat application was necessary whilst having anal sex. One downside of the lube is that it is slightly sticky." —Caferacer91
Get it from Lovehoney for $12.99.
11. The Jelly by Unbound, which is a water-based gel lubricant that offers a safe alternative to natural lubrication and helps you play with your favorite sex toys a little more easily. Also, it is lightly-scented (and flavored!) with hints of lemon and vanilla.
12. A flavorless and fragrance-free water-based lubricant created by a sex toy company and great for use, whether you lean more vanilla or have a healthy relationship with several silicone toys. Regardless, 17,000 reviewers are really happy with their purchase.
13. A desensitizing water-based lube that delivers a light numbing effect to help ease discomfort during anal play or exploration.
Promising reviews: "Honestly wow! I was really skeptical at first about using this because I wasn't sure it was going to work but boy it did! It took about 10–15 minutes for it to work for me and lasted a while after. I was able to have backyard fun for the first time with no pain!" —Sarah Roberts
"Been using this for at least five years for pegging with my fiancé. Awesome lubrication. Stays slick for a while, but can be sticky when it starts to dry. Also desensitizes you to the perfect amount. Just takes away a little of the sensitivity to dildo texture and alleviates the burning sensation I get from reducing or cold toys." —Keesht
Get it from Amazon for $23.89.
14. A desensitizing anal lubricant which features 3.5% lidocaine for a numbing sensation that helps increase comfort during anal sex.
A water-based formula offers effortless cleaning and compatibility with your favorite sex toys and condoms.
Promising reviews: "Excellent product. Lets you feel it without the pain. A little goes a long way but I'd recommend to apply liberally. One application lasted quite a long time. Easy to clean off skin, but will stain sheets and bedding, so be careful." —Amalia C Oritz
"Excellent product. It really desensitizes the muscle tissue around the anus. Finally, I was able to insert a toy 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. I definitely recommend this product for backdoor use." —Antonio Rodriguez Sanchez
Get it from Amazon for $18.26.
15. A water-based gel lubricant enriched with a numbing agent that helps ease the area for a more comfortable feeling and experience.
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Promising reviews: "It's great. Was really surprised and I will definitely order this again. It numbs the rear but I can still feel. If you're new to backdoor play then get this lube." —David
"We purchased this numbing lube and the creamy white version of it and this is BY FAR the best lube we've ever used. First is the value of it. We accomplished pretty amazing things with about a tablespoon of this lube, compared to half a sports bottle of the powdered stuff. Doesn't dry or get sticky during use. The numbing agent is strong enough to make things comfortable but subtle enough to make everything very pleasurable. The cleanup was incredibly easy. Literally, run your hands under water and it's gone. We're never buying anything else. Great value for you money." —NC Charlie
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in two sizes).
If your curiosity is piqued or you're an experienced anal player, check out this round-up of the best anal vibrators to add to your play.
You, the next time *anyone* mentions anal (send them this link too!):
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