Lube for anal sex: your questions answered

Which lube is best for anal sex?

A thick lube made for anal, either water-based or silicone, is the best choice for most men. Anal lubes are denser than standard gels, so they cushion each thrust and stay where you put them. The JO H2O Anal Thick is five times thicker than JO's original anal formula, works with every toy material and with latex condoms, and rinses off with water. If you prefer an organic, vegan formula, the HOT Superglide Anal is a water-based gel tuned for anal sex.

Water-based or silicone lube for anal: which is better?

Silicone lasts longer, water-based is easier to clean and works with everything. Silicone does not soak into the skin, so a little keeps its glide through a long fuck and even in the shower; the JO Premium Anal is water-resistant and compatible with all condom types. Water-based lube needs topping up more often, but it washes out of sheets with water and is safe with every toy. Many men keep one of each: browse our water-based lubes and silicone lubes.

Can you use silicone lube with silicone toys?

Usually not, because silicone lube can make the surface of a silicone toy sticky or tacky over time. That is why makers such as JO list their silicone anal lube as safe with non-silicone toys. With silicone dildos and plugs, use a water-based lube, or test a hybrid on a hidden spot of the toy first. Steel, glass and hard plastic toys work with any lube.

What is hybrid lube?

A hybrid mixes a water base with some silicone, so you get a longer glide than water alone and easier clean-up than pure silicone. The JO Classic Hybrid stays silky without turning tacky, rinses away easily and works with latex and polyisoprene condoms. It suits men who switch between stroker sessions and anal sex with one bottle. See all hybrid lubes.

What is fisting lube?

Fisting lube is extra thick and is used in large amounts, because a hand or a big toy needs far more glide than a cock. The Fist It Extra Thick comes in a 500 ml bottle, is water-based, fat-free and compatible with latex. Powder lube is the other classic: you mix the Fist It Powder Lube with water to the thickness you want, which makes it easy to take away for a weekend. Oil-based creams such as the Fuck & Fist FF Cream give a rich, lasting glide, but only with non-latex gloves and toys. Find the full range under fisting lubes, and read fisting for beginners before you start.

Are numbing lubes a good idea for anal?

No. A numbing lube dulls the pain signals that tell you to slow down, so you can tear or bruise without noticing until afterwards. Pain during anal sex means: more lube, more time, more relaxation, or a smaller size. Choose a lube with no numbing agent: the Pjur Backdoor Relaxing is a concentrated silicone lube with jojoba and contains no lidocaine or benzocaine, so you keep all of your feeling.

Pain is information, and a good lube lets you hear it.

How much lube do you need for anal?

More than you think, and more again as you go. Put lube on his cock or the toy and also around and just inside the ass, using a finger. Reapply whenever you feel friction or the glide gets sticky; with water-based lube that can be every few minutes, silicone lasts much longer. A dry moment is the most common reason anal sex starts to hurt.

Tip: Keep the bottle open and within reach before you begin, so adding more never means stopping to look for it.

Does lube work with condoms?

Water-based and silicone lubes work with condoms, oil-based lube does not. Oil weakens latex, so a latex condom can tear. If you love oil or butter for long sessions, switch to non-latex condoms such as the EXS Pull Non-Latex, which are very thin, already lubricated with silicone and compatible with water and silicone lubes. Our condoms section has more sizes.

Can you use flavoured lube for anal?

Flavoured lube is made for oral sex and rimming, and works fine for anal when it is water-based and sugar-free. The JO Gelato Salted Caramel is sugar-free, safe with all toys and condoms, and lets oral flow straight into a fuck. For a long anal session, add a thicker anal lube once you move on, because flavoured gels are usually thinner.

How do you clean up after anal lube?

Water-based lube rinses off with water, silicone and oil need warm water and soap. Wipe the area with a damp cloth, wash toys right away, and use a toy cleaner on anything that went inside: the JO Refresh Foaming Toy Cleaner is safe for silicone, glass, metal and ABS. More options are in toy cleaners. For the other end of your routine, see how to use an anal shower, and if you are just starting, the best toys for beginners.