These are officially the 9 best water-based lubes, according to sexual wellness pros

Perfect for partners or toys (or both).

Collage of the best water based lube
(Image credit: Coco de Mer, Satisfyer and Roam)

Looking for the best water-based lube? Great idea - because, yep, water-based lubes are a great way to have better, wetter and safer sex.

A quick breakdown of the best lubes available: there are water-based, oil-based and silicone-based and sometimes hybrids of two or more. Water-based lubricants can be used for vaginal and anal play (read our roundup of the best lube for anal here), but they aren't just great for sex, either. Unlike silicone lubes, water-based lubes are safe to use with silicone sex toys, so you can have extra fun with your dildos or vibrators. 

In fact, a 2022 review into lubrication during sex found three studies that compared water-based lubes to oil-based lubes or no lubricant at all, and water-based came out on top every time. 

"Water-based lubricants mimic your body's natural fluids such as mucus, saliva, and vaginal secretions," explains Megwyn White, certified clinical sexologist and director of education at Satisfyer. "Additionally, water-soluble lubricants tend to have higher viscosity making them the perfect pairing for erotic massage, edgeplay, deep sensual massage, and are also safe for use with condoms. However, they also dry much faster and may require frequent applications." 

Of course, some people prefer other lubes, like CBD lube or even coconut oil as lube.  Some may even prefer using the best condoms, most of which are lubricated. But if you're new to the whole lube shebang? Then water-based is a great option. We've asked our panel of sex experts to share their favourite water-based lubes, including: 

Best water-based lubes: 9 to try

Chloe Gray
Contributing Health Writer

Chloe Gray is a freelance journalist who writes and talks about health, fitness, and wellbeing through a feminist lens. She was part of the launch team for Stylist magazine's fitness brand, Strong Women, and has written for i news, Women's Health, Red magazine, Good Housekeeping, Refinery29, and more. She's all about building mental and physical strength, eating delicious food that fuels you well, and making the fitness industry more accessible and enjoyable. She's also a qualified fitness trainer and research nerd, so you can be sure everything you read is backed by proper science.