6 Best Water-Based Lubes
When I was given the task of writing the Water-based lube roundup, I almost cried with happiness. It is my dream piece of writing – but then this joy turned into panic… How am I possibly going to pick my favourite! I have managed to select my 6 Best Water-Based lubes that are going to turn your bedroom into a slip-and-slide – Lubes that use organic ingredients or that will last until the end of time, I’ve covered it all.
Test Winner | Best for Beginners | Budget Friendly | Best Flavored | Best for Anal | Best Cum-style |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intimate Earth Hydra | AH! YES Organic Lubricant | System JO Water-Based | System JO Gelato Crème Brûlée | Pjur Back Door Water Anal Lube | Lovehoney Delight Silk Lube |
$14Shop Now | $10Shop Now | $13Shop Now | $9Shop Now | $23Shop Now | $10Shop Now |
Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons |
How We Test water based lubes
We’re a team of 340 sex toy testers and 13 sex toy experts.
To find the very best water based lubes, our testers tried and reviewed 42 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 1255 toys over the past 6 years.
We even lab-tested some to get objective data.
Read more about how we test products.Table of contents (9)
Test Winner Intimate Earth Hydra Lube
- Compatible with any sex toy material or condom type
- Thick enough for anal
- Glycerin free
Specifications
Pros
- ✅ A thick, premium quality lube
- ✅ Can be used with all toy and condom materials
- ✅ Easy to use bottle
- ✅ Sleek and attractive packaging
Cons
- ❌ Doesn't last in water as long as a silicone lube
- ❌ Not the cheapest lube on the market
Why I Chose It
From the outside in, this is the dream lube. My ‘Test Winning’ pick for sure, the Intimate Earth Hydra is one of the best in the game. From the attractive design on the outside, to the high quality of the physical lube, it really is the best of the best. I love using this lube for a range of different sex related activities, for both anal and PIV sex as well as personal masturbation. For someone who is typically a thin lube lover, the Intimate Earth Hydra has just the right viscosity, not being too thin but also not unnaturally thick.
On first impression, I knew this lube was going to be tough competition – The bottle design is easy to use, with its’ click-close lid and easy to squeeze bottle. I am not the biggest fan of screw top lids, as they are tricky to use when you have lube on your hands, as well as just ruining the mood, struggling to open the bottle! The design was luxurious and eye-catching, with the beautiful font and colours. When online shopping for a lube, the packaging and design can sometimes be a deciding factor for me – If I think the packaging looks cheap and sleazy, I often think the lube is probably of the same standard. Therefore, better packaging helps me make a decision.
If I was being super picky, I would have packaged this lube in a glass bottle with a pump lid, to add to its luxury. But because I am so happy with the lube itself, I don’t care that much. When testing this lube out for the first time, I quote “It is thick but does nto become tacky”
Best for Beginners 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
Specifications
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 my ‘Best for Beginners’ pick as I think it is a great starter lube, that allows you not to worry and to fully enjoy the experience of using lube for the first time. 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 very wet and slippery, which is good for normal sex or foreplay, but not the best for anal. I would therefore recommend using a thicker, more cushioning lube.
As I have personally tested over 95% of all the lubes here on Bedbible, I would say I have the largest knowledge pool on sexual lubricants. This really is one of the best – it is great for maintaining wetness, great for not interacting negatively with the pH of a vulva and is an overall high quality product. I have no cons!
Budget Friendly System JO Water-Based Lube
- Easy to use packaging
- Budget friendly price tag
- No special features like taste or tingling
Specifications
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, with any material sex toy and it works exactly how you would imagine it too. If the definition of a lube from the dictionary was a physical product, then it would be this lube. Simple, easy to understand with no fancy bells or whistles.
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 the 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.
Best Flavored System JO Gelato Crème Brûlée Flavored Lubricant
- Dessert flavoured lube
- Contains Glycerin
Specifications
Pros
- ✅ Super tasty!
- ✅ No artificial taste
- ✅ Free from parabens or propylene glycol
- ✅ A little goes a long way
Cons
- ❌ Contains glycerine
- ❌ May be a little sweet for some
- ❌ Very runny
- ❌ Bottle is not so easy to squeeze
Why I Chose It
If you are looking for a water-based lube, that is flavoured and going to add some more depth to your sex life, then I would highly recommend the System JO Gelato Crème Brûlée lube. I was sceptical at first when I saw it was Crème Brûlée flavoured, as I didn’t think it would actually taste like the dessert, but it was nearly the exact same! Some flavoured lubes that I have tried int he past have tasted synthetic and false, sometimes nto even tasting like what they say the flavour is! But System JO never miss the mark, as from my experience, most of their lubes have really accurate flavours.
As for most flavoured lubes, they contain glycerin, therefor I wouldn’t personally recommend using them for PIV sex, but only oral sex. This lube uses completely body-safe ingredients, meaning that it is safe to consume. If you are planning on having sex with lube, I would recommend another water-based lube that doesn’t contain glycerin, as you therefore decrease the risk in an imbalance of pH. When using flavoured lube for oral sex, I love this bottle design, as I can accurately aim the lube onto the desired area of the the body. All the System JO lubes use the same easy to squeeze bottle, with the click-close lid.
Best for Anal Pjur Back Door Water Anal Lube
- Thick enough to be used for anal sex
- Compatible with all sex toy materials, including silicone
- Includes the ingredient panthenol – an ingredient that holds moisture
Specifications
Pros
- ✅ Feels natural for an anal lube
- ✅ Reasonable price tag
- ✅ From a reliable, high quality brand
Cons
- ❌ Screw lid - hard to use with wet hands
- ❌ Cheap, tacky bottle design
- ❌ Contains glycerin
Why I Chose It
I have always found that water-based lubes tend to be thinner than other silicone or hybrid lubes, so when I saw there was a thick, anal water-based lube, I became very excited. The Pjur Anal Water-based lube is a thick lube that is cushioning and coating on the skin, therefore making anal sex more comfortable and pleasurable.
One of my favourite parts about this lube is that it contains panthenol an ingredient that helps hold moisture. This is great as it won’t be absorbed by the skin as quickly as it would be if it didn’t contain panthenol, meaning that it stays wetter for longer. As I have mentioned before, water-based lube tend to dry up quicker than silicone and hybrid lubes, which isnt great for anal sex, as it needs to remain lubricated. The longevity of this lube is therefore then higher, which is great if you’re wanting it for extended play. It also doesn’t become tacky or sticky, which if it did, would make anal pretty uncomfortable!
I am not the biggest lover of the Pjur bottles, simply because screw lids annoy me, as I can’t unscrew them when I have lube on my hands! On the other (lubed up) hand, I like a tall bottle and I find it easier to hold and it feels like there is more product in the bottle, which makes me feel like I am getting more for my money.
Best Cum-style Lovehoney Delight Silk Lube
- White in colour to look like real cum
- Neutral pH of 7
- Thick viscosity
Specifications
Pros
- ✅ Very easy to use bottle
- ✅ Compatible with all condom types and sex toy materials
Cons
- ❌ Contains glycerin
- ❌ More feminine design
- ❌ Dries out quite quickly
Why I Chose It
Typically sexual lubricants are translucent and don’t have a colour, making them clear and often unnoticeable when on the skin. However, you may be looking for something that looks a little more realistic – thats why I had to include this cum-coloured lube! The Lovehoney Delight Silk lube is a white coloured lube that is water-based and can be used to create a more realistic scene. For cum-shots, cream pies or more realism in the bedroom, this is great lube to try. When on the skin, it has a strong white colour to it, keeping that colour even when rubbed into the skin. I was surprised how much it really looks like the real thing!
When using this lube and wanting to make it look real, with it being water-based, it means it can be used with any material sex toy. It is then great for squirting dildos to make a realistic sex scene. However, my least favourite ingredient of glycerin makes up part of the lube, so be aware if you have a sensitive downstairs.
Everything about this lube makes it easy to use and a the best cum-style lubricant – The bottle is small enough to take travelling, it uses a pump lid which can accurately aim the lube onto your desired body part and has an attractive but simple bottle design! All while having a reasonable price tag, this cum-style lube is great for bringing those fantasies to life!
Comparison
Best | Test Winner | Best for Beginners | Budget Friendly | Best Flavored | Best for Anal | Best Cum-style |
Overall score | 4.8 / 5.0 | 4.7 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | 4.1 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 |
Bedbible rating | 5.0 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 | 5.0 / 5.0 | 4.9 / 5.0 | 4.7 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 |
User rating | 4.5 / 5.0 from 60 users | 4.9 / 5.0 from 24 users | 4.6 / 5.0 from 16 users | 4.7 / 5.0 from 32 users | 3.5 / 5.0 from 5 users | 4.5 / 5.0 from 66 users |
Price | Affordable | Cheap | Cheap | Moderate | Affordable | Cheap |
Design | 95 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 80 / 100 | 85 / 100 |
Ease of use | 100 / 100 | 90 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 85 / 100 | 97 / 100 |
Quality | 95 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 100 / 100 | 90 / 100 | 90 / 100 | 80 / 100 |
Sound | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Power | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Buzzy/Rumbly | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Ingredients | Aqua, Propanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Organic Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Fruit Extract, Organic Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Extract, Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract | 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 | Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Flavor (Aroma), Sucralose, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid | Aqua, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract | Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Hydrolyzed Silk, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Carbomer, Dimethicone, EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, PEG-45M, Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, Methylparaben, Sodium Benzoate |
Waterproof | Yes - for a short time | No | No | - | No | Not for long |
Materials | Plastic bottle | Cardboard box, Plastic bottle | Plastic bottle and lid | Plastic bottle and lid | Plastic bottle and lid | Plastic bottle and lid |
Openings | Click-close lid | - | - | - | - | - |
Texture | Thick and slimy | - | - | - | - | - |
Condom safe | Yes - all types | Yes - all types | Yes - all types | Yes | Yes - all types | Yes - all types |
Volume | 120ml/4oz fl. oz | 1.7 fl.oz / 50ml fl. oz | 4 fl.oz / 120ml fl. oz | 1 or 4 fl. oz | 100ml fl. oz | 100ml / 3.4 fl.oz fl. oz |
Allergies | - | - | - | Free from parabens and propylene glycol | - | - |
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: Water-based lubes can have a range of consistencies – some thick, some thin and therefor better for different types of sex. I would recommend a thicker, more coating lube for anal and a thinner one for more intimate sex.
Price: Typically water-based lubes are the cheapest type of lube, compared to silicone or hybrid. Obviously ignoring other features that the lube may have, such as organic ingredients or flavour, a water-based lube is going to be your best bet if you’re on a budget.
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:
Intimate Earth Hydra | Ah! Yes Organic Water Based | System JO H20 | System JO Gelato Crème Brûlée | CREAMY cum-style | Pjur Back Door Water Anal | |
Test Winner | Best for Beginners | Budget Friendly | Best Flavoured | Best Cum-style | Best for Anal | |
Did I like the design? | Really like it | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | It’s okay |
How easily does it wash off the skin? | Mid effort | Low effort | Low effort | Very low effort | Very low effort | Low effort |
Lid functionality/bottle functionality | Easy to use | Easy to Use | Easy to Use | Easy to Use | Very Easy to Use | Hard to use when hands are have lube |
pH level | 6 – acidic (good) | 5 – acidic (great) | 7 – Neutral | 7 – Neutral | 6 – acidic (good) | 6 – acidic (good) |
FDA approved | No | Yes | Yes | FDA Licensed | No (made in France under pharmaceutical control) | Yes |
How expensive is it? | Mid price | Low price | Low price | Mid price | Mid price | Low-Mid price |
Longevity test | Long | Mid | Medium | Medium | Long | Medium |
Viscosity | Slow speed pour | Average-Fast speed pour | Fast speed pour | Very fast speed pour | Slow-average speed pour | Fast speed pour |
Thickness | Very thick | Low-Medium thickness | Thin | Very thin | Very thick | Thin |
Smell | Vanilla | No smell | No smell | Sweet, dessert smell | No smell | Germoline smell/chemical |
Taste | No taste | No taste | No taste | Crème Brûlée flavor | No taste | Initially chemical, no lasting 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? | No tackiness | No tackiness | No tackiness | Low tackiness | High 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 | No | No | No | Slightly | No |
Reviewed by:
Katie Moroney