Anal Lubricant Guide
Stephen Hopper
Why Anal Play Needs a Dedicated Lube
The vagina makes its own moisture. The anus does not. Without plenty of lube, anal play can cause friction, discomfort and small tears.
Anal lubricants are made to solve that. They are usually thicker, cushion more and last longer than everyday lube, so they stay put where you need them.
Browse the collection: Anal Lubricants
What Makes a Good Anal Lube?
- Thickness. Gels and thick formulas stay in place and cushion better than thin liquids.
- Staying power. A lube that dries out halfway through means stopping to reapply.
- Body-friendly ingredients. Look for formulas without harsh fragrances or strong warming agents.
Silicone vs Water-Based for Anal
Silicone-based lube is the longest-lasting option. It does not absorb into the skin, so a little keeps working for a long time. It is safe with latex condoms. Popular picks include Pjur BackDoor Silicone and ID BackSlide Extra Thick Silicone.
Water-based anal lube is the pick for silicone toys and for anyone who wants easy cleanup. Choose a thick gel and keep the bottle close for reapplying. Try Pjur BackDoor Water-Based, JO H2O Anal or Elbow Grease H2O Thick Gel.
Oil-based creams are popular for solo anal play, but they are not safe with latex condoms or many toy materials. See our Oil-Based Lubricant Guide before you choose one.
How Much Lube to Use
More than you think. Apply lube to both the outside of the body and to whatever is going in, whether that is a finger, a toy or a partner.
Reapply whenever things start to feel less slick. With water-based lube, that may be every few minutes. Running out of glide is the most common cause of discomfort.
What About Numbing or "Desensitizing" Lubes?
Some anal lubes contain a mild numbing ingredient, often benzocaine or lidocaine. They can help some people relax, especially at first.
Use them with care. Pain is your body's way of saying "slow down," and numbing can hide that signal. Start with a small amount, go slowly, and stop if anything hurts. Many people find that patience, relaxation and plenty of regular lube work better.
If you want to try one, our Desensitizing Lubes, Sprays & Creams collection has milder options.
Tips for Comfortable Anal Play
- Go slow. Start with a finger or a small toy and let your body relax.
- Use plenty of lube. Then add more.
- Choose toys with a flared base. Anything going in should have a base wider than the toy, so it cannot slip inside.
- Match the lube to the toy. Use water-based lube with silicone toys, or spot test silicone lube first.
- Use protection. Condoms with water-based or silicone lube lower the risk of passing on infections.
- Clean up. Wash toys with warm soapy water or a toy cleaner after every use.
Popular Anal Lubricants at CheapLubes.com
- Pjur BackDoor Anal Silicone
- Pjur BackDoor Anal Water-Based
- ID BackSlide Extra Thick Silicone
- JO H2O Anal
- Elbow Grease H2O Thick Gel
The right anal lube makes the difference between "never again" and "again, please." Choose a thick formula, use more than you think, and take your time.
