How we review.

Every product on this site is judged the same way, in this order.

1. The numbers.

For any lubricant or moisturizer that contains water, we start with osmolality and pH. We take values only from primary sources: FDA 510(k) premarket filings (as compiled by the Weaving Voices lubricant database), the WHO/UNFPA/FHI360 2012 advisory, and peer reviewed lab measurements (Dezzutti et al. 2012; Edwards and Panay 2016). We never estimate. If a product publishes nothing, the index says so, and it cannot earn a top pick.

Grades are mechanical. Upper osmolality bound at or under 380 mOsm/kg is Ideal. Under 1,200 is Acceptable. Over 1,200 is High. We grade on the upper bound so no product gets credit it might not deserve.

2. The label.

Glycerin, parabens, fragrance, flavor, warming or cooling agents, and the preservatives the WHO flags (polyquaternium 15, chlorhexidine) all count against a product. Condom compatibility and silicone toy compatibility are stated for every item.

3. Feel.

Thickness, how long it lasts, whether it goes tacky, whether it washes off, smell, bottle design. This is where personal preference lives, so we describe rather than score, and we tell you which product suits which situation.

4. What we do not do.

We do not rank by commission. We do not accept payment for placement. We do not run sponsored content. We do not use AI generated imagery that poses as a photograph of a real product, person or place. We do not give medical advice; see a clinician for pain, bleeding or anything that does not resolve.

Updates and corrections.

Guides carry a published and an updated date. The index is re-checked quarterly, and whenever a brand reformulates or a new filing appears. If you find an error, tell us. We fix it within a week and note the change.