Health and wellbeing

Best anal lube 2026: how to choose it and our picks

Updated 29 October 2026

Unlike the vagina, the anus doesn't produce its own lubrication and its lining is thin and delicate. That's why, for anal play with a partner or with toys, lube isn't optional: it's what makes it comfortable and safer. Here's which type to choose, which ingredients to avoid and the anal lubes we recommend.

Quick answer

Best water-based: pjur Analyse me!
Best silicone: Uberlube
Best thick gel: Swiss Navy Anal Jelly
Best budget: So Divine Anal Lubricant
Best for sensitive skin: Sliquid Sassy

Water-based or silicone for anal?

Silicone: lasts the longest because it isn't absorbed. Great for penetration, but don't use it with silicone toys.
Thick water-based: safe with every toy and condom, and easier to clean up. Choose a gel and reapply often.
Hybrid: a middle ground between staying power and easy clean-up.
Oil: not with latex condoms.

Numbing anal lube: why we don't recommend it

Some "desensitising" products contain anaesthetics such as benzocaine or lidocaine. The problem is that pain is a warning sign: if the area is numb, it's easier to push too far and cause small tears without noticing. Sexual health professionals generally advise against them.

Note that "relaxing" or "soothing" on the label doesn't necessarily mean numbing; some use ingredients such as jojoba or panthenol. Always read the ingredients. What really helps:

Go slowly and start with fingers or a small toy, such as a beginner butt plug: see our butt plug comparison.
Relax: plenty of foreplay, deep breathing and a comfortable position.
Use lots of lube and reapply before it dries.
Stop if it hurts. If pain keeps happening or there's bleeding, see your GP or a sexual health clinic.

The best anal lubes

1. Best water-based: pjur Analyse me!

Water-based

pjur Analyse me! (water-based)

From £12.71 at Lovesexshop · 2 UK shops

Lovesexshoppjur Analyse me! Water-Based Anal Lubricant (100ml)£12.71
Desirelpjur Analyse Me! Water-Based Anal Lubricant (250ml)£30.43

View at Lovesexshop

Formulated for anal sex, with hyaluronic acid and a silky, long-lasting glide. Safe with condoms and toys of every material. pjur Back Door is another water-based anal lube from the same brand:

Thicker

pjur Back Door

From £12.71 at Lovesexshop

Lovesexshoppjur BACK DOOR - water-based anal lubricant (100 ml)£12.71

View at Lovesexshop

In the US: Body Body, $15.53

2. Best silicone: Uberlube

Silicone

Uberlube (silicone)

From £19.99 at Harmony · 2 UK shops

HarmonyUberlube Silicone Lubricant 55ml£19.99
Sextoys.co.ukUberlube - 1.86 oz. (55 ml)£29.77

View at Harmony

A premium silicone lube with a very short ingredient list. It stays slippery for a long time without feeling sticky. Remember: not with silicone toys.

3. Best thick gel: Swiss Navy Anal Jelly

Thick gel

Swiss Navy Anal Jelly

From £23.57 at Lovesexshop · 2 UK shops

LovesexshopSwiss Navy Anal Jelly - Water-Based Anal Lubricant (150ml)£23.57
HarmonySwiss Navy Premium Anal Lubricant 59ml£24.99

View at Lovesexshop

In the US: Body Body, $8.70

A cushioning, water-based gel designed for anal play, available from several UK shops. System JO's H2O Anal is another popular thicker formula:

Thick

System JO H2O Anal

From £10.57 at Sextoys.co.uk · 2 UK shops

Sextoys.co.ukJO H2O Anal Lubricant - Original - 2 oz.£10.57
LovesexshopSystem JO - H2O Anal Original - water-based anal lubricant (120 ml)£14.00

View at Sextoys.co.uk

4. Best budget: So Divine Anal Lubricant

Budget

So Divine Anal Lubricant

From £7.99 at Harmony · 2 UK shops

HarmonySo Divine Anal Lubricant 100ml£7.99
So DivineAnal Lubricant£7.99

View at Harmony

From the British brand So Divine: an affordable water-based anal lube in a 100 ml bottle.

5. Best for sensitive skin: Sliquid Sassy

Sensitive skin

Sliquid Sassy

From £13.45 at Sextoys.co.uk

Sextoys.co.ukSliquid Sassy Water-Based Gel Booty Formula - 4.2 oz.£13.45

View at Sextoys.co.uk

A thick, water-based gel from a brand known for short ingredient lists, designed for anal use. Intimate Earth Soothe is another thick option, with plant extracts according to the manufacturer:

Plant-based

Intimate Earth Soothe

From £19.16 at Sextoys.co.uk · 3 UK shops

Sextoys.co.ukIntimate Earth Soothe Anal Anti-Bacterial Glide - 4 oz.£19.16
LovesexshopIntimate Earth Soothe - Revitalizing Anal Lubricant (120ml)£25.48
DesirelIntimate Earth Soothe - regenerating anal lubricant (240 ml)£35.81

View at Sextoys.co.uk

How to use anal lube

Apply lube to the area and to the toy, finger or condom.
Go slowly and reapply as soon as you notice more friction.
If you use condoms, choose water-based or silicone lube.
Never go from anal to vaginal penetration without changing the condom or washing the toy, as this can cause infections.
Only use anal toys with a flared base or a ring, and choose body-safe materials: see which materials are safe.

Is the problem pain during vaginal sex?

Many people searching for "lube for painful sex" are dealing with vaginal dryness. A moisturising water-based lube works better there: see the best water-based lubes. If pain keeps happening, talk to your GP, as there are often treatable causes.

More on lube types in our full lube guide, and compare prices in the lube comparison.

FAQ

Can I use regular lube for anal sex?

Yes, as long as it's water-based or silicone and you use plenty. Dedicated anal lubes are usually thicker and last longer, which makes them more comfortable.

Is water-based or silicone lube better for anal?

Silicone lasts longer; water-based is safe with every toy and easier to wash off. With silicone toys, choose a thick water-based lube.

Is numbing anal lube safe?

It isn't recommended: by reducing sensation, it can stop you noticing discomfort that signals something is wrong, which can lead to small injuries.

Can I use anal lube with condoms?

Water-based and silicone lubes are condom-safe. Oil-based products are not compatible with latex condoms.

How much lube should I use?

More than you think: apply it to the area and to whatever is being inserted, and reapply as soon as you feel more friction.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. If you have pain, irritation or any health concern, speak to your GP or a pharmacist.