Water-based lubes are perhaps the most popular sub-category in the burgeoning world of lubricants. If you've already begun your search for the best water-based lube, you clearly know just how important lube is – for both sex and masturbation. It banishes the friction you might feel when being penetrated by a penis, dildo or rabbit vibrator – which in turn mitigates the risk of injury, discomfort and tearing. And intensifies your orgasm. But it can also reduce your chances of getting a UTI (since regular, vigorous sex can result in the bladder becoming inflamed, which in turn, results in infection). You get it. Lube is important.
But why water-based? Pitched against oil and silicone-based counterparts, you may be left wondering what water-based lubricants in particular bring to the table. Fret not. Keeping reading for everything you need to know (plus the best water-based lubricants for friction-free play).
What is the difference between water-based lube and normal?
First thing's fist: there's no “normal” lube; no right or wrong choice. It's all down to your body and your preference. But according to Hanx, the main difference between water-based lube and “normal” lube is in the ingredients. Water-based lubricants contain xanthan gum or agar agar – which are natural thickeners found in plants – to give the water-based lube its slip-and-slide texture. On the contrary, oil-based lubes would most commonly contain plant-based oils like sweet almond oil, coconut or sunflower seed.
Water-based lubes contain fewer chemicals and more natural ingredients, which is why they're kinder to the body and the most popular type of lube. And why they're used by the NHS when you go for a smear test.
What is water-based lube best for?
Water-based lubes are the most versatile kind of lube out there, perfect for use during partnered penetrative sex and anal sex. They're also the best choice if you're using a silicone sex toy or sex toy for couples. Silicone lubricants will break silicone sex toys down (a huge waste of money), while water-based lube will be kind to the £100 LELO vibrator you recently (happily) forked out for.
Water-based lubes are also the best choice if you're using condoms, since they're safe to use with latex. In fact, you should be using water-based lubes with condoms always – since they're less likely to break if you do.
Any reasons why you shouldn't use water-based lube?
The only major downside to water-based lubes is that they dry out more quickly when exposed to air. This means they're probably not your best bet if you're hoping to use them for masturbation or a hand-job, for instance. They're also not the best choice if you're having sex in water, because they'll wash off really easily.
It's always best to order a few different lubes to find out what works best for you and your body. A different lube for every occasion would certainly not go amiss.
Scroll for our edit of the best water-based lubes to add to your cart.
Why we love it: Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, this water-based lube is made from 100% natural ingredients – meaning it's free from toxins, preservatives and fragrances. It lasts well, feels refreshing on the skin and looks chic in your bedside cabinet.
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Why we love it: Compatible with both condoms and silicone sex toys, vibrators and dildos, this discrete bottle of water-based lube feels super silky but is easy to wash off after use. It gives a bit of extra cushioning during solo or partnered play, and is vegan, fragrance-free and paraben free. What's not to love?
Save when you shop for the best water-based lube with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
Here's my Satisfyer Pro 2 review.
Why we love it: KY Jelly is one of the most searched-for water-based lubes around, recommended by UK Doctors due to its non-staining formulation and compatibility with latex condoms. It costs less than £5 (when in the sale – as it is right now, PSA), is perfume-free and is gently enough on the skin to use everyday without irritation.
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Why we love it: This water-based lube, which is compatible and safe-for-use with both condoms and all sex toy materials, is Lovehoney's bestselling lubricant for good reason. Need proof of how much people LOVE it? The original 100ml bottle had over 600 glowing reviews – but so the sex toy brand released the 250ml bottle you see here.
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Why we love it: Long-lasting and fuss-free, this no-frills water-based lubricant can be delivered next day with Amazon Prime membership – and it's guaranteed to elevate your intimate time. It easily washes off, doesn't leave stains and is a great way to supplement your natural lubrication before or during sex or masturbation.
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Why we love it: 100% natural and formulated to be pH friendly to help maintain your natural balance, this affordable Durex water-based lube increases smoothness and reduces risk of discomfort.
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Why we love it: Formulated with aloe vera, this moisturising water-based lube provides gentle lubrication to ease vaginal dryness and banish discomfort. Suitable for masturbation, oral sex and vaginal sex, it's compatible with condoms. Simply twist the pump anticlockwise and push down to release the lubricant – in just the quantity you need.
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Why we love it: Not only does this water-based lube come in a genuinely chic bottle that you'd proudly have on display in your bedside cabinet, but it's pH-balanced to be kind to your vagina. It's derived from aloe, making it compatible for silicone toys, and it feels light and silky. Added bonus: Dame's Alu comes wrapped in a silicone grippy sleeve which makes it easier to hold onto the bottle when you're applying the lube one-handed. They've considered it all.
The number of sex toy stores is burgeoning.
Why we love it: The reason we stan Good Clean's water-based lube so much is that 95% of the ingredients are organic, which gives it the stamp of approval from those with sensitive skin. It's formulated to pair with the natural pH of those with vaginas, and it doesn't leave stains behind. A solid choice.
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Why we love it: Sliquid water-based lubes are some of the most popular on the market if you're after something unscented, non-sticky and free of glycerin. It has been formulated to feel as close to your own natural lubricant as possible – and it's 100% vegan to boot. Oh, and it's a great choice for anal sex, since the cellulose it uses as a thickening agent keeps it silky and slippy for ages.
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Why we love it: One of the most luxe-looking water-based lubes on the market comes from the creators of our favourite clitoral stimulators, LELO. Obvs. Aside from the bottle looking genuinely very chic, the water-based lube itself is formulated with aloe vera to make it kind to your natural pH balance. It's moisturising, lasts for a long time and it won't stain your bed sheets.
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Why we love it: Keep things smooth and friction free during sex and masturbation with Hanx's water-based lube. Vegan, organic and long-lasting, it's naturally scented and free from parabens.
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Why we love it: This cruelty-free water-based lube, which has been developed to moisturise both men and women's skin during use, feels surprisingly luxurious for the price. It's 100% natural and vegan, formulated by a team of sexual wellness experts in London to be silky smooth and effective.
Save when you shop for the best water-based lube with these Amazon discount codes.
For more from our Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx.
