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Water-based lubes are perhaps the most popular sub-category in the wonderful 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. The best lubes reduce 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. Plus, lube can intensify your orgasm and take pleasure to the next level. You get it. In short: 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. Keep reading for everything you need to know, plus the best water-based lubricants for friction-free play to buy now.
The best water-based lubes 2024 at a glance:
- Best Overall: Roam Front Lubricant, WAS £12.49 NOW £8.32
- Best For Sensitive Skin: Self Love Natural Water-Based Lube, £10
- Best Water-Based Lube For Condoms: Smile Makers Generous Gel, £12.95
- Best On Lovehoney: Lovehoney Enjoy Water-Based Lubricant 250ml, £12.99
- Best All-Natural: Durex Naturals Water-Based Pure Lube, £12
Meet the experts:
- Gigi Engle is an award-winning author, leading sexologist and sex expert at Sextoys.co.uk
- Megwyn White is a certified sexologist and Director of Education at Satisfyer
What is water-based lube?
Choosing the best lube is all about personal preference, but according to the experts at 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 lube its slip-and-slide texture. On the contrary, oil-based lubes most commonly contain plant-based oils like sweet almond oil, coconut or sunflower seed.
Water-based lubes contain fewer chemicals and more natural ingredients too, which is why they're kinder to the body and the most popular type of lube. They are even used by the NHS when you go for a smear test.
What are the benefits of using water-based lube?
“Water-based lube is the LBD of lube,” leading sexologist and sex expert at Sextoys.co.uk Gigi Engle told us. “They are the most easily accessible and versatile choice because they are compatible with all toys and condoms.” Gigi added: “When in doubt, a water-based lube is your best choice.” Noted!
Thanks to the versatility, water-based lubes can be used during solo sessions, partnered penetrative sex and anal sex. “If you're looking for a natural feel, water-based lubes are great for this… there are even varieties that create pleasant tingling sensations during lovemaking,” added Megwyn White, certified sexologist and Director of Education at Satisfyer.
Water-based lubes are 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 (happily) forked out for.
And, as Gigi pointed out, water-based lubes are best when using condoms, as they're safe to use with latex. In fact, you should be using water-based lubes with condoms always so they are less likely to break.
How long does water-based lube last during use?
Water-based lubes quickly dry up during use so you’ll find there isn’t a lot of playtime with the product. “That’s just the way it is, because they are water-based and get absorbed quickly,” Gigi explained. “Just stop and add more if this happens.” When it comes to this type of lube, more is most definitely more.
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. For that reason, it’s always best to order a few different lubes to find out what works best for you, your body and your sex life. A different lube for every occasion would certainly not go amiss…
Ahead, our full edit of the best water-based lubes that won't upset your pH balance.
1. Best water-based lube overall
Why we love it: Hailed as the “best personal lubricant” by our tester, Roam should be a staple in your bedside table from here on out. Aside from the stylish branding and recycled packaging (we also love the addition of braille, which makes this product much more inclusive), the formula is lightweight, vegan-friendly and long-lasting which isn’t always the case for water-based lubes. Formulated with the likes of aloe vera and jojoba to hydrate without any irritation, it also contains a microbiome prebiotic, is fragrance-free and pH-balanced.
Fragranced? No.
2. Best water-based lube for sensitive skin
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.
Fragranced? No.
Save when you shop for the best water-based lube with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
3. Best water-based lube for condoms
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?
Fragranced? No
Save when you shop for the best water-based lube with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
4. KY Jelly water-based lubricant
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 gentle enough on the skin to use everyday without irritation.
Fragranced? No
Save when you shop for the best water-based lube with these Superdrug discount codes.
5. Best water-based lube on Lovehoney
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 – and so the sex toy brand released the 250ml bottle you see here.
Fragranced? No
Save when you shop for the best water-based lube with these Lovehoney discount codes.
6. Best natural water-based lube
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.
Fragranced? No
Save when you shop for the best water-based lube with these Superdrug discount codes.
7. Best libido-boosting water-based lube
Why we love it: This water-based lubricant from Jomo London is a total game-changer in the lubricant world. It’s formulated with the brand’s hero ingredient L’Arginine, a circulation booster and blood flow enhancer for an orgasmic boost. What’s more, the brand was founded by television star Liv Bentley and celebrity makeup artist Bella Campbell, and Jomo stands for the “Joy Of Missing Out” - a nod to the importance of personal self care and me-time. Hear, hear!
Fragranced? No
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.
Fragranced? Yes, aloe vera
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8. Best water-based lube for sex toys
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.
Fragranced? No.
The number of sex toy stores is burgeoning.
9. Best organic water-based lube
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.
Fragranced? Yes, lemon and vanilla
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10. Best water-based lube without glycerin
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.
Fragranced? No
Save when you shop for the best water-based lube with these Amazon discount codes.
11. Best non-greasy water-based lube
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.
Fragranced? No
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12. Best water-based lube without glycerin
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. We love!
Fragranced? Yes
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13. Best water-based lube on Amazon
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.
Fragranced? No.
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.