Anal Lubricants

The anus is the opening that connects the rectum and the colon. There are two sphincter muscles: an external and internal sphincter muscle, which can feel like a muscular ring. The exterior of the anal opening has millions of ultra-sensitive nerve endings that can provide pleasing sensations when stimulated. It’s important to know that, unlike the vagina, the rectum is NOT self-lubricating, making it imperative to use lubrication when enjoying anal sex. Anal sex, or anal intercourse, is usually the insertion of a penis, sex toy, or finger into a person’s anus, anus, and rectum, for sexual pleasure and gratifying sensations.

💡 Don't Forget to Keep Anal Sex Safe, Sane, and Consensual

Like vaginal intercourse, it is vital to protect yourself against STDs when having anal sex. If you are not a committed couple that gets tested regularly, using a condom during anal sex would be an excellent idea. It is not sanitary or safe to have vaginal sex and then change to anal sex without cleaning your genitals thoroughly. Clean your genitals before switching. If you don't take the time to clean your genitals, it can lead to infection. The easiest way to avoid this hassle is to wear a condom and change it each time you decide to change your penetration holes. Another important reason you should wear a condom is that some anal lubricants contain Benzocaine. This anesthetic may cause your penis or vagina to become numb and temporarily lose sensation.

💦 What Exactly is an Anal Lubricant?

Many couples don't realize that the anus does not self-lubricate as the vagina does. Anal penetration without using a personal lubricant can be painful and lead to tearing or, even worse, infection. Such an experience could lead a couple never to try anal sex again. Keep the lube handy if you don't want the back door closed. Lubricant will help make penetration more comfortable.

Lubricant manufacturers have developed anal lubricants to reduce discomfort and pain during anal sex. Anal lubricants may contain Benzocaine, an anesthetic to numb the anus so that there is no pain or discomfort during penetration. A silicone-based lubricant is perfect for anal penetration because it creates a slick environment, doesn't dry out, and doesn't need reapplication. Water-based lubricants are absorbed by the skin, unlike silicone-based lubricants.

🍑 What Are the Best Anal Lubricants?

Having long-lasting, non-sticky lubricant can help make the experience more enjoyable, avoid tears or injuries, and prevent infections and irritation. Not all lubes are created equal, though, and some products that are thought of as lube can cause irritation or an increased risk of infections. We’ll first go over what types of lubricants we recommend and then some of our favorite brand recommendations. Before we get to our favorites, let’s get some Anal Lube 101 out of the way first to ensure a safe and fun adventure. Anal lube generally breaks into four categories: silicone-based anal lubricants, oil-based anal lubricants, water-based anal lubricants, and hybrid anal lubricants.

Silicone-Based Anal Lubricant

Advantages:

• It’s great for long-lasting play: Silicone lube doesn’t get absorbed into the human body or wash away with water. This means it will stay slick and slippery longer without needing to reapply the lubricant frequently.
• Body-safe: Silicone lubes tend to be hypoallergenic, which will rarely cause allergic reactions or irritation in your body. Always make sure to read the ingredients.

Drawbacks:

• Will ruin some sex toys: This is one you’ll hear a lot throughout different blogs and at sex toy shops. The true answer is that it depends on the silicone grade in both the lube and the silicone sex toy. The problem is that not all companies will state their material grades, which can leave you with a sticky, ruined toy. If the toy doesn’t strictly say that it’s medical-grade or platinum silicone, don't risk it.
• The clean-up will take some time: While it can be a pro that silicone lube doesn’t wash away with water while you’re using it, it makes the clean-up a little more complicated. It can also stain fabrics, like your bed sheets, requiring a good machine wash to remove. Try using a wash towel, soap, water, and grease elbow to clean your body.

Oil-Based Anal Lubricant

Advantages:

• Lasts for a long time: As silicone lubes, it stays slippery and slick for a long time during anal play. Oil lubricants won't wash away with water or saliva.
• Great for foreplay: The great thing about oil lubes is that it can double as oil for a sensual massage and other foreplay-like hand jobs. They also tend to have lovely scents, if that’s your thing.

Drawbacks:

• Can’t use latex condoms: Oils degrade latex meaning it’ll cause latex condoms to tear and break.
• Difficult to clean up: Oil lubes tend to get messy and require soap to clean off the slipperiness of your body and fabrics.

Water-Based Anal Lubricant

Advantages:

• Compatible with latex and all sex toys: Since its main ingredient is water, it will be gentle enough and consistently compatible with all materials, like latex condoms and silicone toys. It’ll spare you more sexytime since you won’t have to sit there and read all the material compositions of everything you’re using.
• Easy clean-up: Usually, with just a quick water rinse or wet wipe, it’ll clean up most of the water-based lube off your body and fabrics.

Drawbacks:

• Will need to reapply frequently: Water lubes get absorbed into the skin, which can quickly disappear and lose their slickness during high activity and friction. You will need to reapply often to avoid any anal injuries!