According to the experts we spoke to, silicone-based lube is an excellent choice for anal sex and hand jobs because it’s longer-lasting than water-based and less absorbent (requiring fewer reapplications). Crucially, however, this kind of lube should never be used with silicone sex toys or condoms because it can degrade their material.

Even if your partner’s got that WAP, there’s no such thing as being too wet. That’s why you should always have a bottle of lube handy for vaginal sex, anal sex, and even masturbation (especially if you're circumcised). Lube makes sex more pleasurable for everyone involved—unless, that is, you have sensitive skin, and you find yourself having an unpleasant reaction to your personal lubricant. Beyond the base of the lubricant, there are other things to keep in mind when looking for a go-to option. Mason recommends a high-viscosity, long-lasting lube for extra comfort. Jojoba oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or sweet almond oil are also good ingredients to look for, per the Cleveland Clinic. A fragrance-free lube is ideal for everyone, but if you have sensitive skin or you've been sensitive to lube in the past, it’s even more important to find an option that’s hypoallergenic and made without fragrances. “Use a high-quality lube, be patient, and take the time to really enjoy yourself and set time aside to get fully aroused for sex,” Gigi Engle, ACS, a certified sex educator and host of Internet Sex Therapy, tells SELF. “The more lube the better. I always say you shouldn’t be thinking there can be “too much” lube. You should want to be on a water slide. It just makes everything better. This applies for all kinds of sex—but is especially important during anal—because the anal doesn’t self-lubricate like a vagina.” What you should avoid in an anal lube

To prevent adverse effects or poisoning from personal lubricants, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper use – including route of use – and storage. Discontinue use and consult your primary care physician if you experience irritation after use. Keep lubricants out of reach of children or pets and keep them in their original containers. Personal lubricants (commonly referred to as "lube") are used to protect against dryness and friction during sex or during medical procedures like when performing an ultrasound or when administering medications in the form of rectal or vaginal suppositories. Unlike vaginas, [which provide natural lubrication], anuses do not self-lubricate,” board-certified ob-gyn Jacques Moritz, MD, previously told SELF. Anal penetration without adequate lubrication can cause the tissue in your anus to tear, SELF previously reported, which is both painful and dangerous. These tears in the anus area can make you more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections (or STIs), like gonorrhea and HIV, according to Dr. Moritz. What kinds of lube are safe for anal sex? may interact with silicone including hard plastic silicone. To know for sure, try überlube on a small area. Clean after use for best results.

For penetrative sex without a condom, we recommend WOO’s More Play Coconut Oil Lube because it has a subtle vanilla flavor and is safe to swallow. For penetrative sex with a condom, we recommend Lube Life’s Water-Based Personal Lubricant.a preservative and antimicrobial (methylparaben). Because water is a nutrient for microorganisms, this helps inhibit their growth and prevents the product from spoiling. So, avoid things like warming agents. Dodge ingredients such as glycerin and spermicides. With a water-based lube, consider the PH level of the area you're using it on: the anus has a relatively neutral pH, whereas the vagina is just slightly acidic, so use a lube which matches.