6 Best Water-Based Lubes
Looking for lubes that are compatible with all sex toys, as well as being wet and slippery? Then this roundup is for you my friend, for I have chosen the 6 Best Water-Based lubes that are going to turn your bedroom into a slip-and-slide. Lubes that use organic ingredients like AH! YES Organic Water-Based, or lubes that will last until the end of time such as the ID Glide, I’ve covered it all. I have collected all this lube information through strict testing, in something I like to call ‘The Lube Lab’. All the lubes went through the same tests, including pH testing, viscosity and longevity, and also ratings on their packaging. No lube was left un-tested, so I can assure you I have highlighted all their pros and cons.
Test Winner | Expert Pick | Budget Friendly | Best for Beginners | Thickest | Best for Fleshlights |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lelo Lubricant | AH! YES Organic Lubricant | System JO Water-Based | Sliquid H2O Lubricant | ID Glide Water-Based | Fleshlight Fleshlube |
Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons |
Table of contents (9)
How We Test water based lubes
We’re a team of 316 sex toy testers and 13 sex toy experts.
To find the very best water based lubes, our testers tried and reviewed 32 different products in this category.
Bad or even just mediocre water based lubes didn’t make the list!
In total, we’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed 1034 toys over the past 6 years.
We even lab-tested some to get objective data.
Read more about how we test products.Comparing the most important features
This table highlights and compares the features of the 6 Best Water-Based lubes. I have highlighted what I think are the most influential features when it comes to buying a lube:
Thickness: Out of these 6 water-based lubes, the ID Glide is the thickest in consistency – similar to the thickness of hand soap. This opposes the thinner lube Sliquid H20, which has a closer consistency to water. A thicker lube like ID Glide, is best for anal.
Price: I have labeled System JO as the budget-friendly pick for this roundup, as I think it has the most reasonable price, while still being a great product. If you have a higher budget and therefore want a more premium feeling lube, then I would highly recommend the Lelo moisturising lube.
Longevity: I measured the Lelo Moisturising lube to be the longest-lasting lube out of all the water-based lubes – testing it on the skin, with a silicone sex toy and a glass sex toy. I measured how long it took to dry out and how long it lasted without re-application. The shortest-lasting lube was Sliquid H20 – it dried out quickly and needed constant reapplication.
This table shows the results of the tests I carried out on all the Water-based lubes. I have compared all of their features in this table:
Lelo Personal Moisturizer | Ah Yes Organic Water Based | System JO H20 | Sliquid H20 | ID Glide Water | Fleshlube Water | |
Test Winner | Expert Pick | Budget Friendly | Best for Beginners | Thickest | Best for Fleshlights | |
Did I like the design? | Yes – a lot! | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How easily does it wash off the skin? | Mid effort | Low effort | Low effort | Low effort | Low effort | Low effort |
Lid functionality/bottle functionality | Easy to use | Easy to use | Easy to use | Easy lid / Hard to squeeze bottle | Easy to use | Easy to use |
pH level | 6 – acidic (good) | 5 – acidic (great) | 7 – Neutral | 5 – acidic (great) | 6 – acidic (good) | 7 – Neutral |
FDA approved | Yes | Yes | Yes | FDA Compliant | Yes | Yes |
How expensive is it? | High price | Low Price | Low price | Mid price | High price | Low price |
Longevity test | Long | Medium | Medium | Short | Medium | Medium |
Viscosity | Slow speed pour | Average-Fast speed pour | Fast speed pour | Fast speed pour | Average-Slow speed pour | Fast speed pour |
Thickness | Very thick | Thin | Thin | Very Thin | Thick | Thin |
Smell | Weak perfume smell | No smell | No smell | No smell | No smell | No smell |
Taste | No taste | No taste | No taste | No taste | No taste | No taste |
Warming Intensity | No warming feature | No warming feature | No warming feature | No warming feature | No warming feature | No warming feature |
How tacky is it? | Low tackiness | No tackiness | No tackiness | No tackiness | Low tackiness | No tackiness |
Condoms | All types | All types | All types | All types | All types | All types |
Sex toys | All materials | All materials | All materials | All materials | All materials | All materials |
Did it stain the sheets? | No | Slightly | No | No | No | No |
Test Winner Lelo Personal Moisturising Lubricant
- Water based – compatible with all condoms and sex toy materials
- Luxurious, high-end packaging
- FDA approved ingredients
Pros
- ✅ Modern looking bottle
- ✅ It feels conditioning and high quality on the skin
- ✅ The branding looks luxurious and expensive
- ✅ You can use this lube with any sex toy
Cons
- ❌ Could be too slippery for some
- ❌ It is expensive
- ❌ The bottle and the lid is really big in size
Why I Chose It
Every time I use this lube, it’s like using that perfume that you only wear on special occasions – I don’t want it to be wasted! It is just such a premium product that every time I use it, I want it to be the best, most memorable time! From the first impression to what’s inside, it really is a lube that I could talk about forever. The brand Lelo is known for its’ high quality, premium products, that are of a higher price and quality standard.
I love how conditioning and natural feeling this lube is; you can use it without noticing it is there half the time! It is a water-based sexual lubricant that is a great accessory to any sexual adventure, including personal masturbation, sex with a partner or even a sex toy. As it is water-based, it is compatible with any sex toy material, including silicone, as well as being compatible with any condom type. Its’ pH reads 6, showing that is is slightly acidic; close to the naturally acidic reading of a vagina.
Lelo personal moisturiser is stylish and modern, appealing to those who notice the packaging and appreciate a discrete lube. It does have a higher price tag, but I wouldn’t include this lube in the round-up if I didn’t think it was worth the hype. It is definitely one of my favourites lubes on the market, and if you wan to see my others, then read my 6 Best Lubes roundup!
Expert Pick AH! YES Organic Water-Based Lubricant
- Organic ingredients – good for keeping a balanced pH
- Water-based – compatible with all sex toy materials and condoms types
- Aimed at Vulva owners
Pros
- ✅ Organic ingredients
- ✅ Compatible with all sex toy materials
- ✅ Doesn't contain glycerin or parabens
- ✅ Great for people who have sensitive vulvas
Cons
- ❌ Not waterproof
- ❌ Very wet - could be too slippery
- ❌ Not thick or cushioning
Why I Chose It
I always try and use organic ingredients whenever possible, as I prefer using natural ingredients that are not going to be risky or harmful to use. AH! YES Organic Water-Based Lubricant is one of my favourite organic lubes; using natural materials that are all completely body safe and feel great. I have chosen this lube to be the ‘Expert Pick’ as I think it has so many positives, that it is a product I believe everyone should have. This lube is very versatile and can be used with a partner or alone, as well as with small sex toys.
For me, what’s on the outside is as important as what’s on the inside, and this bottle is one of my favourite designs. It is easy to squeeze even when my hands are lubed up, and I am able to squeeze out all of the product, leaving no waste and getting my moneys worth! Some may find the AH! YES Organic Water-Based Lubricant is a little too wet and slippery for them, so I would then recommend choosing a thicker lube, like the ID Glide for example.
Sometimes a lube can be water-based, but also not contain body safe ingredients, such as glycerin. Yet this lube has to be included in this roundup, as it has great ingredients that are safe to use by anyone and also with any type of toy or condom material. A lube that you should definitely try if you haven’t!
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Budget Friendly System JO Water-Based Lube
- Easy to use packaging
- Budget friendly price tag
- No special features like taste or tingling
Pros
- ✅ It is high quality and conditioning on the skin
- ✅ Compatible with all condoms and sex toys
- ✅ Great quality packaging that is easy to use
- ✅ Lasts a long time
Cons
- ❌ Maybe not thick enough for anal
- ❌ No special features like taste or tingling
- ❌ Contains Glycerin
Why I Chose It
If you haven’t tried this lube, then you’re missing out, big time. It is wet, slippery, long-lasting and simple. From the outside, System JO water-based lube doesn’t look or sound like much, but when you start to use it, it is a great lube. It is perfect for any type of sex, even with any material sex toy and it works exactly how you would imagine it too.
Its only downfall is that it contains glycerin! As a vagina owner, I don’t like lubes that contain glycerin as it increases the risk of getting a vaginal infection. If you’re like me and have a sensitive downstairs, then I would suggest you try a lube that has Organic ingredients. System JO is a great all-rounder of a lube, for either beginners or the most experienced and one that I will always have stocked up in my bedroom. A recommendation for anyone and everyone, but maybe not those who like anal, its not thick enough! (in my opinion…)
If you’re on a budget but still want a reliable lube, then this might be for you! It looks and feels premium, but without he expensive price tag to match – The design is very typical of System JO; it is simple with a recognisable logo and blue colouring to match the fact that the lube is a water based product. For me, this is a lube I would also want a bottle of, as it is so simple and easy to use.
Best for Beginners Sliquid H2O Original Water-Based Lubricant
- Water-based – compatible with all condoms and sex toy materials
- Hard to squeeze bottle
- Good lube for beginners
Pros
- ✅ Compatible with all sex toys
- ✅ Vegan ingredients
- ✅ Free from glycerine, parabens and more
- ✅ No stickiness or staining
Cons
- ❌ May dry out too quickly for some
- ❌ Fairly expensive
- ❌ Thinner than other water-based lubes
Why I Chose It
If you’re looking for a lube that will make friends with your downstairs and not make it angry, then I would highly recommend Sliquid H2O Water-Based Lubricant. It is an effective lube that keeps things wet for as long as you need. It is also extra easy to clean off the skin and out of clothes and doesn’t have any sort of smell that may turn some people off. It’s simple, straightforward, and basic, but it works!
The bottle isn’t the easiest to squeeze, making applying it a little more of a challenge, but overall, for the price, I don’t think you can go too far wrong with this lube! I would recommend this lube to anyone of any experience level, but especially to beginners as it doesn’t have too many overwhelming features. Something thta is basic but still good at what it does – a beginners’ dream.
Sliquid H2O is the only original water-based personal lubricant that’s 100% vegan-friendly. A top choice for anyone who wants eco-friendly lubrication that won’t cost the Earth. Designed with the female body in mind, this inert lube is hypoallergenic, pH balanced and contains no nasty ingredients which can lead to UTI’s or yeast infections.
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Thickest ID Glide Water-Based Lube
- Thick enough for anal
- Compatible with all sex toy materials and condoms
- Contains glycerin
Pros
- ✅ It is compatible with all sex toy materials
- ✅ It is thick enough for anal
- ✅ Easy-to-use bottle
Cons
- ❌ Contains Glycerin
- ❌ It isn't a travel sized bottle
Why I Chose It
I could talk good things about this lube for a very long time, probably as long as it would take the empty this never ending bottle! ID Glide has the perfect texture and consistency for me – It is thick, but not too thick that it feels unnatural, but that it is smooth and soft on the skin. I like a lube that feels the same no matter what activity I am doing; it feels as good when using it with a large anal toy, as it does when having missionary sex with a partner. I would definitely recommend using this lube for more rigorous sex. I also really hate a lube that dries out; this is a common thing for water-based lubes compared to more silicone based lubes, but this one doesn’t fall into that stereotype!
Its’ downfall? It contains glycerin, an ingredient that often promotes bacterial growth in the vagina and something that I don’t like to have in my lube. If you’re susceptible to vaginal infections, I would suggest a lube that doesn’t contain glycerin, like the System JO Water-Based.
I had to give you the option of a thick lube, as I understand that everyone has a preference. A someone who is a thinner lube lover, it isn’t my first pick for normal partner sex, but it is for sure my number one when needed for anal.
Best for Fleshlights Fleshlight Fleshlube Water-Based Lubricant
- Suitable to use with Fleshlights and any other sex toy
- Easy to use bottle and lid
- Doesn’t contain glycerin
Pros
- ✅ Runny and water-like
- ✅ Extra slippery
- ✅ It can be used with any material sex toy
- ✅ It is thick enough for anal
Cons
- ❌ Too wet for some
- ❌ Could last a little longer
- ❌ It cant be used in the shower for long
- ❌ The bottle is quite small
- ❌ It has no special features - it is quite simple
Why I Chose It
Fleshlube Water is a sexual lubricant made by the company Fleshlight, who are most well known for their Fleshlight personal masturbator toys. This lube is a great lube to have stocked up in your bed side draw – It is a thin, reliable lube that feels smooth and natural on the skin, and reduces friction during sex with a partner. It is packaged well and would be suitable for anyone of any experience level – even a great first lube, as it doesn’t have too many overwhelming features. I do love the thickness of this lube, it is not too thick or thin but it is easy to navigate and direct onto the desired area. I would recommend this lube for all types of sex, including anal or with large toys.
Fleshlight are best known for making their infamous Fleshlight sleeves and this lube is what they recommend to use with them – they really compliment one another. Fleshlube Water really feels nice when using it with a sex toy – it coats and creates a seal, that keeps it lubricated for extended amount of time, so usually lasts as long as you do!
No, Fleshlube Water-Based is not the best lube in this round-up, but it’s definitely up there as one that’s worth picking up and giving a try if you get the opportunity.
Comparison
Best | Test Winner | Expert Pick | Budget Friendly | Best for Beginners | Thickest | Best for Fleshlights |
Overall score | 5.0 / 5.0 | 4.7 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 | 4.3 / 5.0 |
Bedbible rating | 5.0 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 | 5.0 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 | 4.0 / 5.0 |
User rating | 5 / 5.0 from 520 users | 4.9 / 5.0 from 21 users | 4.6 / 5.0 from 16 users | 4.7 / 5.0 from 312 users | 4.5 / 5.0 from 417 users | 4.5 / 5.0 from 352 users |
Price | Pricey | Cheap | Cheap | Affordable | Pricey | Moderate |
Design | 100 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 95 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 75 / 100 |
Ease of use | 100 / 100 | 90 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 90 / 100 | 90 / 100 | 80 / 100 |
Quality | 100 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 80 / 100 | 80 / 100 |
Sound | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Power | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Buzzy/Rumbly | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Ingredients | Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Aloe Vera Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Paullinia Cupana (Guarana) Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract and Citric Acid. | Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder, Linum Usitatissimum (Flax) Seed Extract, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium(Natrium) Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate | Glycerin, Parabens, Propylene Glycol, Water (Aqua), Cellulose Gum, Menthol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben | Purified Water, Plant Cellulose (from cotton), Cyamopsis (guar conditioners), Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid | Aqua, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Cellulose Gum, EDTA, Carbomer, PEG-90M, Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, Methylparaben, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate | Aqua, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenylpropanol, Butylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Lonicera Japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) Extract |
Waterproof | No | No | No | - | Not for long | No |
Materials | Plastic bottle | Cardboard box, Plastic bottle | Plastic bottle and lid | - | Plastic bottle | Plastic bottle |
Volume | 250ml / 5fl.oz fl. oz | 1.7 fl.oz / 50ml fl. oz | 4 fl.oz / 120ml fl. oz | Available as 2, 4.2 or 8.5 fl. oz | 8.5fl oz / 250ml fl. oz | 250ml fl. oz |
Condom safe | Yes | Yes - all types | Yes - all types | Yes | Yes - all | Yes - all types |
Allergies | - | - | - | Vegan-Friendly & Free of DEA, Gluten, Glycerine, Glycerol, Parabens, PEG, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitol and Sulphates | - | - |
Reviewed by:
Katie Moroney