The best lube for anal, chosen on the WHO guidance (2026)

How we chose.

We did not test these lubes hands on, and we do not claim to. We graded each one on published data where it exists, the ingredient label and the brand's stated specs, measured against the 2012 WHO advisory on lubricants.

That advisory sets out what matters for rectal use. The rectum does not lubricate itself, so a lube that is thick and long lasting does more of the work. Rectal pH is near 7, and the WHO says a rectal lube ideally sits between 5.5 and 7. It also notes that high osmolality, meaning a lube far more concentrated than your own tissue, may matter more rectally than vaginally. Lab studies on tissue samples, including Dezzutti and colleagues in 2012, link high osmolality lubes to damage of the cell lining. The WHO ideal is 380 mOsm/kg or under, with 1,200 as the ceiling.

Silicone lube contains no water, so osmolality does not apply to it. For the water based picks, we only list products with published osmolality, all well under the WHO ideal.

The picks, in detail.

Uberlube.

Uberlube is Best overall because it has the qualities that matter most for anal sex. It lasts far longer than water based lube, it is safe with latex condoms, and it has a four ingredient list with no preservatives or scent. It is not for silicone toys, and it needs soap and water to wash off. For partnered sex with condoms and no silicone toys, it is the bottle to buy.

Good Clean Love Almost Naked.

The best water based pick, and the one to use with silicone toys. It is iso-osmolar at 240 to 269 mOsm/kg, glycerin and paraben free, and safe with condoms and toys. Its pH of 4.7 is tuned for vaginal use and sits below the WHO rectal range, which is the trade for its low osmolality. It is thinner than a gel, so plan to reapply.

Pjur Original.

A classic silicone lube where a few drops go a long way, which makes it the best value silicone option. It is very slick and latex condom safe. Like every silicone lube, keep it off silicone toys, and note that it can stain sheets.

Astroglide Ultra Gentle Gel.

A gel is thicker than a liquid and stays where you put it, which is why many people prefer one for anal sex. Ultra Gentle has a filed osmolality of 200 to 300 mOsm/kg, is fragrance free and made for sensitive skin. Its filed pH range runs from 3.5 to 5.5, wide and mostly below the rectal ideal. It can feel heavier than a liquid.

Sliquid Organics Natural.

The best for sensitive skin, with an osmolality of 106 mOsm/kg, one of the lowest we track. It is glycerin free, vegan and works with condoms and every toy. It is very thin, which is a real drawback for anal use, so expect to reapply often. Its plant extracts can bother very reactive skin.

What to consider when shopping.

Factor	Silicone	Water based
How long it lasts	Longest, rarely needs reapplying	Dries out sooner, reapply as needed
Latex condoms	Safe	Safe
Silicone toys	Avoid	Safe
Cleanup	Soap and water	Rinses off with water
Osmolality	Does not apply	Check it, aim for 380 or under

Thicker is generally better for anal sex, so if you prefer water based, a gel like Astroglide Ultra Gentle holds up better than a thin liquid. Check the label for glycerin, which raises osmolality in many water based lubes.

Many people keep one of each. A silicone bottle covers partnered sex with condoms, and a water based bottle covers anything involving silicone toys. A little silicone lube goes a long way, so that bottle lasts. The water based bottle is the one you reapply during use and replace more often.

What to avoid.

• Numbing and desensitizing lubes. Products with benzocaine, lidocaine or similar ingredients dull the pain that tells you to slow down or stop.
• Oils with latex condoms. Coconut oil, baby oil and petroleum jelly break down latex and polyisoprene condoms.
• High osmolality water based lubes. Many famous bottles are well over the WHO ceiling of 1,200 mOsm/kg. Our lube index lists the measured values.
• Warming, tingling and flavored lubes. These rely on additives that tend to push osmolality up and can irritate rectal tissue.

Care and safety.

Lube is not optional for anal sex, and more is usually better than less. Lube also matters for condoms: the WHO recommends condom compatible lubricant for anal sex, and adequate lubrication helps reduce the risk of a condom breaking. Use water based or silicone lube with latex condoms, never oil.

With toys, match the lube to the material. Silicone toys take water based lube only, because silicone lube can degrade a silicone surface over time. Glass and stainless steel work with either. Any toy used for anal play should have a flared base, and should be washed with warm water and mild soap before it is used anywhere else.

Nothing here is medical advice. Pain that does not ease, bleeding or a tear is a reason to stop and see a clinician.