Anal sex can be a super fun thing to try. When you do it right, it can be pleasurable -and enjoyed by everyone. However lube is essential to really enjoy it safely. But what is the best lube for anal sex?

There are different options when it comes to lube. Choosing the right lube can be just as important as how you actually have sex. Lube comes in different types, from being flavoured or plain to what ingredients are in it.

Getting the best lube for anal sex will help you have a smooth experience which you can both enjoy.

Anal sex

Anal is something that most women either love or hate. While it’s usually a fantasy for most men that they would love to try. Whether you’re an anal veteran or virgin though, using the best lube for anal is essential.

As you probably know, vaginas self lubricate when a woman gets aroused. Some women may use extra lube to help keep things comfortable too. Or might want to try a flavour or sensation lube to change things up. But with anal sex, there is no natural lube available.

When you get excited, you might notice you leak pre cum. While this can help get things moist initially, it isn’t adequate on its own to act as a good lube. If you’re new to anal sex, you should make sure you find a lube which is comfortable for both you and your partner.

Experts recommend using a water based lube when you’re using condoms. Simply because oil based lubes or DIY options like Vaseline, can cause small holes in the condoms or actually increase friction. Plus it usually doesn’t last as long as water based lubes.

For any concerns about the risks of anal sex, we’ve compiled our best tips!

Getting lubed up

When you apply the lube, it’s important you put it in the right places and use enough of it. Before any penetration, putting lube on your fingers, cock and any toys is key. Nobody wants something dry being pushed inside them and it will feel much better for you if it’s smooth.

Put lube on your girlfriend’s butt or let her put some on herself if she prefers. When you apply it, you should be generous and rub it around her butt hole while also putting some inside. If you really want to be thorough, you can use a syringe to put it deeper in her. This can pave way for some kinky doctor role play but is a good idea if you’re going for a longer session or big toys.

Then after massaging her and enjoying foreplay to help her relax, put more lube than normal on your cock. During vaginal sex, you might not always use lube if it’s comfortable for both of you but given anal sex is usually much tighter, lube is best. Rub lube all the way along your shaft and especially put more on the head as this will be the hardest part to get in.

With any kind of penetration, be gentle and go slowly. Check that your partner is comfortable and only push in further when she gets used to the feeling of you inside her. During sex, remember to put more lube on to keep things smooth.

If it begins to feel dry or there’s friction, adding more lube and changing position can help you find the best fit. Spit alone is not an adequate lube. Though it might look hot in porn and a sloppy blowjob beforehand can feel awesome, you probably need some proper lube too!

So what is the best lube for anal sex?

It’s hardly surprising that the best lubes for anal sex are those designed specifically for anal sex. Whether you use a standard lube like K-Y Jelly or a normal Durex lube is up to you. But when choosing one that’s meant for anal sex, keep to those that are water based. Not only do they usually clean up easier but they’re slicker when you need it.

Trying lubes which are named for anal can sometimes help. The experts behind the tube will have put more thought into the ingredients and it’s likely to be that bit thicker than ordinary lubes.

Using some tingling sensation lubes can be fun during foreplay and sex but before you try anything new, make sure you don’t react to it. I can tell you how little fun it is when you use a new lube and find it burning your nether regions!

Silicone based lube can be popular for anal sex as it’s slick and lasts longer. But be warned that you need to check it’s okay with the condoms you’re using and shouldn’t combine it with silicone toys.

Butter and oils

Now those of us who have seen or heard of the Last Tango in Paris remember the infamous butter anal-rape scene with Maria Schneider. Aside from it totally not being okay that she wasn’t told about the butter beforehand, the other big issue is that some people actually think butter is an okay lubricant.

A major reason why you shouldn’t use butter is because it can cause bacterial issues. As it contains milk proteins such as casein, this can turn manky quickly. So if you have any butter left on your genitals or inside you, it can easily cause infections. Butter is definitely NOT the best lube for anal sex.

Similarly, cooking oil might sound like a good way of greasing the grind. But like butter it isn’t actually designed for internal usage. Oil in your food is fine but if you use it in the sheets, you’ll have trouble on laundry day. And need to apply it more because it’s absorbed easily.

Any oil based product is likely to damage condoms and could increase the risk of STIs.

Coconut oil

Some people have used coconut oil as lube. It isn’t necessarily the best lube for anal sex as oil based lubes are absorbed quickly. So you’ll need to use more of it than if you used a proper lube that’s meant for anal.

But coconut oil smells and tastes good. It’s healthy for you in your normal diet. If you want to try rimming, coconut oil might be a nice option to rub onto your partner. Or can be used effectively to massage her after you’ve had anal sex as good sex aftercare.

It comes with a warning though that coconuts can disrupt the natural bacterial balance in a woman’s vagina. So if you use it for anal, it’s better to clean up before going in for a double dip. Unless you want to risk giving your partner thrush.

Numbing lube

You should never use pain reducing or numbing lube during any kind of sex but especially not during anal sex. If you find anal sex painful, it’s likely that you’re not using enough lube, are in the wrong position or are being too rough/fast/deep for your partner.

Using a lube that numbs sensation not only reduces pleasure at times but also prevents you from knowing when things are going wrong. Being too rough during anal sex can be dangerous and cause internal injuries, tears or lead to a greater risk of STIs.

Pain is your body’s natural way of telling you that something is amiss. If lube numbs this out, you could accidentally cause injury to yourself or your partner in the process.

Using a lube which helps you to relax is a different matter altogether. If it’s a natural relaxant, some of these can be okay to use during anal sex. But do your research carefully and always play safe so you can enjoy more pleasure and not end up seeing the doctor!

Herbs, creams and essential oils

You can use aloe vera lube during sex. For anal adventures, it can be effective at soothing any discomfort or sore skin. While it also helps you heal quicker if there are any abrasions. That’s why aloe vera is something you should definitely consider if you’re looking for the best lube for anal sex. Some lubes include aloe vera already so if this appeals to you, you can try it out.

While some essential oils might sound or smell good. You should always check if they’re actually safe for internal use before you use them. Usually going for lube over-the-counter is best.

Body products

Equally when it comes to using body lotions or creams, they aren’t designed for sex and will likely be absorbed too quickly to be of use. Plus there may be chemicals in them which will cause skin irritation or could cause bacterial issues.

A lot of beauty products are meant to go on the surface of your skin only. If you check the bottom or back of a bottle, many will say that they shouldn’t be consumed. Use that as a clue that it shouldn’t really go inside you.

Key example? Baby oil – good on your bum, not in it. Unless you fancy a yeast infection. While soap may be slippery in the shower but can cause internal irritations and will dry out.

Vaseline and petroleum jelly have been found to increase the chance of a woman developing bacterial vaginosis. BV is not a fun thing and can smell a little fishy. What is the best lube for anal sex in your opinion?