When it comes to using personal lubricants to ease penetration, soothe vaginal dryness, or improve your overall sexual pleasure, water-based lubricants are considered safer than oil-based or silicone-based lubricants for a few reasons.
Read on to learn why and discover the 7 best water-based lubricants for partnered intercourse, solo pleasure, or easier insertion of pelvic health tools.
Water-based Lubricants – Why They Are The Best
In addition to easing sexual penetration, minimizing friction during intercourse, and improving the intensity of orgasms, lubricants are also recommended for masturbation, dilator therapy, and strengthening the pelvic muscles with kegel weights.
However, not all lubricants are created equal, and female health experts largely recommend the use of water-based lubricants over oil-based or silicone-based for the following reasons.
- Unlike oil-based lubes, water-based lubricants will not damage latex condoms and compromise your intention to practice safe sex.
- Similarly, silicone-based lubricants are known to damage the outer silicone layer of sex toys, vaginal dilators, and kegel weights, whereas water-based lubricants will not.
- When unscented and unflavored, water-based lubes do not irritate sensitive skin and are widely considered a healthier option to maintain the natural pH balance of the vagina.
- Lastly, water-based lubricants are easier to clean than their oil or silicone-based counterparts, and they will not leave stains on your bedding, carpets, or wooden flooring after playtime.
Top 7 Water Based Lubricants
Below, we’ve listed the 7 best water-based lubricants for more enjoyable sex and masturbation, as well as easier insertion of vaginal dilators, pelvic wands, sex toys, or kegel weights.
1. Velvet Rose Water-Based Personal Lubricant, From Intimate Rose
Price - $12.99
This toxin-free, silky smooth, and non-sticky, water-based lubricant was designed by a pelvic health physical therapist, is made in the USA, and is one of the few FDA-approved lubes on the market due to its natural and body-safe ingredients.
Recommended for increasing sexual arousal, treating vaginal dryness, and for easier penetration with a variety of pelvic health tools, this lube is also cruelty-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and vegan.
With a pH level that correlates with the natural pH of the vagina (3.8 - 4.5), Velvet Rose Personal Lubricant also ensures that the vaginal flora is protected and remains balanced.
On top of its reasonable price, natural formula, and safe pH levels, a little goes a long way from this discreetly packaged 8 oz bottle– making it our number-one choice on this list.
2. Natural Sex Lube, From Hello Cake
Price - $14.00
Made from a plethora of organic ingredients that include water, hemp, mushroom, quinoa, and aloe vera, Natural Sex Lube is smooth, non-sticky, and hydrating for vaginal and vulvar skin. Advertised as being safe for use with latex condoms and most sex toys made from silicone, it’s a good idea to check compatibility with your sex toys or pelvic health tools before purchasing.
This lube also comes with a handy pump dispenser, allowing you to gauge the right amount for your needs. At just $14.00 for a 3.3 oz bottle, it is also reasonably priced.
3. Lovehoney Enjoy Water-Based Lubricant, from Womanizer
Price - $14.95
For an 8.45 oz bottle, the price of this water-based lubricant is certainly attractive, although the manufacturer does advise applying it liberally for effective results. However, this could vary according to the person, because in our experience, a little went a long way.
The pump dispenser also makes it easy to apply and find the right amount for your needs. Most importantly, it is a body-safe product, and it is also safe for use with silicone sex toys and most condoms.
4. Shine Organic Water-Based Lubricant, from Maude
Price - $18.00
This organically-made, toxin-free, water-based lubricant from Maude includes the moisturizing properties of aloe vera and is pH balanced to maintain healthy vaginal flora. Although it is stipulated that warm water is required to wash it off, the manufacturer also promises that even if you don’t wash it off entirely, your skin will not feel sticky after use.
For a 4 oz bottle, it is well-priced and the addition of aloe vera makes it ultra-hydrating.
5. Pepper Water-Based Lubricant, from Pepper
Price - $22.00
With its minimalist packaging, natural ingredients, and silky feel, Pepper Water-Based Lubricant is often referred to as a luxurious lube. Unscented and unflavored, as any good water-based lube should be, it is designed to maintain a healthy vaginal pH while enhancing the body’s natural moisture.
Safe for use with all condoms, sex toys, and pelvic health tools, Pepper Water-Based Lubricant is also easy to clean and stain-free.
The one drawback? Priced at $22.00 for a 3 oz bottle, it’s not exactly reasonably priced.
6. Lovers Water-Based Lube, from Lovers
Price - $22.50
As a naturally made, body-safe water-based lubricant with only six ingredients, Lovers Water-Based Lube is designed to improve solo sexual sensations and enhance sexual interaction with partners. Touted to be safe to use with any sex toy or condom, this lube plays friendly with latex, rubber, polyisoprene, and silicone.
Costing $22.50 for a 4 oz bottle it is one of the more expensive on our list but enjoys a good reputation.
7. NaturaLove Lubricant, from Jo Organic
Price - $32.95
Toxin-free and made from over 95% of certified organic ingredients, this water-based lube from Jo Organic is designed to boost your intimate pleasure and ease penetration as well as pain during sex. Even though we found it to be a little sticky a few minutes after application, it was soothing, helpful, stain-free, and easy to clean.
Perhaps the only downside to this water-based lube is the price - at $32.95 for a 4 oz bottle, it’s the most expensive lube on our list.
Wrapping Things Up
When it comes to more comfortable sex, easier penetration, and less friction during intercourse, water-based lubricants are considered the healthiest, safest, and best all-purpose lube in today’s market.
Although previously popular, experts now know that oil-based lubricants damage condoms, and silicone-based lubes destroy the outer layer of silicone sex toys and pelvic health tools due to a chemical reaction. For a list of the 7 best water-based lubricants, check out our list above.
References
The Journal of Sexual Medicine - Association of Lubricant Use with Women's Sexual Pleasure, Sexual Satisfaction, and Genital Symptoms - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1743609515332562
The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists - Barrier Methods of Birth Control – FAQs - https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap
Dr. Barb DePree, M.D., has been a gynecologist and women’s health provider for almost 30 years and a menopause care specialist for the past ten.