Whether you're taking contraceptives, going through menopause, or just experiencing the natural highs and lows of the human body, you are likely to encounter dryness during intercourse from time to time. Lubricants are a great way to tackle the natural dry spells of our bodies, and water-based lubes are the preferred choice for sensitive skin, thanks to their predominantly natural ingredients.
However, picking the right lube can be tricky, so we've compiled all the must-know information in this article, from the benefits of pH balanced and paraben-free formulas to additional features such as scents, flavours and fertility aids. Plus, we've added a list of the 10 best water-based lubes from popular brands like KY Jelly and Durex, including NHS-approved products, all available from UK retailers such as Amazon, ASDA, Boots, Tesco and Waitrose.
Quick List - Top Water-Based Lubes
Durex
Leave the Skin Tingling With This Stimulating Formula That's Fragrance and Flavour-Free
Conceive Plus
Lubricant That Aids Sperm Mobility and Increases Your Chances of Conception
MegsMenopause
Tackle Menopausal Dryness With a Gentle Formula That’s Kind to Your Skin
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Water-based lube is often the go-to option for people first trying personal lubricants, but they're especially favoured by those with sensitive skin. They can be used for vaginal, anal or oral sex without imposing any health risks, and they're safe for use with both latex and non-latex condoms.
Unfortunately, due to their water-heavy formula, they can't be used underwater or in the shower since they would wash away too easily. This does mean that they don't stain sheets, though, which is a huge bonus for most buyers.
Another drawback of the water-based formula is that it can dry out quickly through evaporation or absorption into the skin, so it often needs to be re-applied. Luckily, it's the cheapest lube variety on the market, but if you want something a little more long-lasting, you may want to consider an oil or silicone-based option.
Our bodies are constantly working to maintain a healthy pH balance, but the products we use on our skin can significantly affect it. Using substances with a higher or lower pH than our skin can throw the body's pH off balance, which leads to dryness, irritation and infections.
Ideally, it's best to choose a lube that's pH balanced. This means it has the same pH rating as your skin, so it shouldn't cause any problems or irritation. Look for a rating of around 3.5 - 4.5 pH or labelling that states the bottle is pH balanced. If, for whatever reason, your lube isn't pH balanced, try to use it sparingly and cut back if you notice any dryness.
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If you're choosing a water-based lube, it's likely partly due to the promise of a natural and chemical-free formula, but be careful because not all water-based lubes are entirely chemical-free! If you have particularly sensitive skin, shopping for a sensitive formula is essential in maintaining your intimate health.
Even for normal skin types, the ideal lubricant will be paraben-free. We've helped you out a little with this by ensuring that all the products on our list meet this requirement. For something even kinder to your skin, look for fragrance-free and unflavoured products, as these will contain the least additives and, therefore, will have minimal impact on your skin.
For gentle self-care, take a look at our list of the Best Body Washes for Sensitive Skin!
If your skin isn't particularly sensitive, scents, flavours, and artificial stimulation can add an extra special element to your chosen lubricant. If you're shopping for your first bottle, we'd recommend trying a simple formula to start with, but if you're ready to experiment, you may want to keep an eye out for these additional features.
Some lubricants also advertise more practical features such as fertility aids. Fertility lubricant is incredibly useful if you're hoping to conceive, as it has been specially formulated to aid the sperm's mobility and increase the chances of fertilisation.
Boost your chances of conceiving with our Best Ovulation Tests!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Durex Naturals Extra Sensitive | ![]() | A Gentle Option From One of the World’s Biggest Sexual Health Brands | |
2 | Durex Tingling Lube Intimate Gel | ![]() | Leave the Skin Tingling With This Stimulating Formula That's Fragrance and Flavour-Free | |
3 | Conceive Plus Fertility Lubricant | ![]() | Lubricant That Aids Sperm Mobility and Increases Your Chances of Conception | |
4 | MegsMenopause Motion Lotion Water-Based Intimate Lubricant | ![]() | Tackle Menopausal Dryness With a Gentle Formula That’s Kind to Your Skin | |
5 | Durex Strawberry Flavoured Lube Intimate Gel | ![]() | Sweeten Things up With a Popular Strawberry-Flavoured Lubricant | |
6 | HANX Vegan Lubricant | ![]() | A Vegan and Cruelty-Free Brand That’s Gentle on the Skin and Endorsed by Medical Professionals | |
7 | Sylk Natural Personal Lubricant | ![]() | An NHS-Approved Lubricant Made With a Natural Blend of Kiwi and Citrus Extract | |
8 | Lovehoney Enjoy Water-Based Lube Gel | ![]() | A 100 ml Bottle of Fragrance-Free Lube From a Leading UK Brand | |
9 | KY Jelly Knect Water-Based Lubricant | ![]() | A Low-Budget Option That’s Paraben and Fragrance-Free, but Doesn’t Cut Back on Quality | |
10 | Durex Play Feel Lube | ![]() | Stick to the Basics With a Classic Unscented Formula That Will Last a Long Time |
Durex is a leading brand in sexual health, and you've no doubt come across their products before. If you're looking for something gentle on your skin, their Naturals Intimate Gel could be the perfect lubricant for you.
It takes its name from the formula made up of 100% natural ingredients, so you don't have to worry about any harmful additives. Plus, it's pH balanced and completely fragrance and paraben-free.
If you're looking to branch out with a product that's a little more exciting, this lube is specially formulated to stimulate the skin wherever it is applied. Aside from the intended tingling sensation, it shouldn't cause serious disruption to the skin since it is fragrance and flavour-free.
Despite the slightly more complicated list of ingredients, it's still compatible with latex condoms. Plus, the long-lasting formula means a 100 ml bottle will go far, saving you a ton of money in the long run.
This lubricant from Conceive Plus is designed specifically for couples hoping to conceive. The formula works by boosting the sperm's mobility, so there's a higher likelihood of natural fertilization.
The formula will protect your intimate skin, too, since it's completely pH balanced and fragrance-free. If you're hoping to get pregnant without medical intervention, this is one of the best options on the market.
Vaginal dryness is more common among menopausal women than in any other demographic. Luckily, MegsMenopause is committed to tackling this issue with its range of tailor-made products.
This bottle is pH balanced and completely fragrance and paraben-free, so it can be tough on your symptoms but gentle on the skin. Plus, the brand is vegan and endorsed by PETA's seal of approval!
For an alternative way to keep things interesting, why not try a flavoured lube? This strawberry option from Durex is one of the most popular on the market, and for a good reason!
The strawberry flavour is universally appealing, so it's ideal if you're just starting to try out flavoured formulas and you want something that's tried and tested by millions of other customers. It's long-lasting and great value for money for a 100 ml bottle. Plus, like all of their products, it's safe for use with condoms and toys.
This long-lasting lubricant from HANX is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens and fragrances. The gentle pH balanced formula won't harm your skin and even comes with endorsements from medical professionals.
Unfortunately, it's one of the most expensive options on our list, and it's half the size of some of the cheaper alternatives. If you want to support a completely vegan and cruelty-free brand, though, you may be inclined to spend a little more.
Sylk's all-natural formula is approved by the NHS thanks to its avoidance of parabens and artificial ingredients. Its delicate scent is achieved through the use of kiwi and citrus plant extracts which will cause no harm to intimate skin.
Since the volume of this product is only reported in grams, it's difficult to determine how far one bottle would go. So, if you need something to last a long time, you may be better off with a 100 ml option.
Another well-known brand in the world of sexual health, Lovehoney products have dominated the market since the company's foundation in 2002. This fragrance-free, water-based lube is just another in a long line of their successes.
Unfortunately, the formula is not pH balanced, so you will need to use it sparingly, potentially in rotation with other products. As long as you don't over-use it, though, it shouldn't be a cause for concern.
This is the most budget-friendly option on our list, but you'll still get a high-quality product despite the low price tag. Plus, the fragrance and paraben-free formula promise to be gentle on the skin.
The major downside is that some customers have complained about the packaging causing unnecessary waste. While other lubes come in squeeze or pump bottles that allow you to pour in small quantities, the tough plastic of the KY Jelly tube can sometimes cause excessive quantities to be expelled from the bottle and ultimately wasted.
This unscented option from Durex is their original water-based formula, and there's a reason that it's still wildly popular even after all the new products have hit the market. It's long-lasting and free of irritants, so it's ideal if you're looking for something simple.
With all of Durex's newer products now on sale, though, it's hard not to compare this classic formula to the more modern options out there. If you're looking for something a little more exciting, you may be more tempted to pick up a flavoured or stimulating option.
Written and researched by Alicia Byrne
No. 1: Durex|Naturals Extra Sensitive
No. 2: Durex|Tingling Lube Intimate Gel
No. 3: Conceive Plus|Fertility Lubricant
No. 4: MegsMenopause|Motion Lotion Water-Based Intimate Lubricant
No. 5: Durex|Strawberry Flavoured Lube Intimate Gel
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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