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There’s no way to show yourself some love quite like some good, old-fashioned me-time—and the best lube for masturbation can take any self-pleasure to the next level. Whether you’re sticking with your hands or bringing the best G-spot vibrators, suction toys, or butt plugs into the mix, personal lubricant keeps things frictionless and fun. Here’s everything you need to know about mixing lube and masturbation, according to the experts, plus top-rated picks to keep by your bed.

Yes, you can totally get by with nothing but your body’s natural lubrication, which we all produce in different amounts. But even if you’re very much in the mood, it might not be enough on its own, explains Janielle Bryan, MPH, CHES, a Philadelphia-based sex educator and professor who focuses on health equity. “Without lube, masturbation can cause skin irritation due to repeated friction,” she says. “Lube allows you to masturbate longer and use different techniques that would be difficult with dry skin.” It’s a win-win.

Another thing to keep in mind is your masturbation technique, says Justin Lehmiller, PhD, a research fellow at the Kinsey Institute, author of Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life, and Lovehoney scientific adviser. “For example, if you are inserting a toy into your body as part of masturbation, lube will likely make that feel a heck of a lot more comfortable. The same goes for masturbating via long or vigorous strokes of the penis.”

In case you haven’t heard, we’re in the golden age of lube; everywhere you look, there are high-quality options designed for every body, desire, and activity. And while any old personal lubricant can absolutely work for self-pleasure, this newfound wealth of options—and nightstand-friendly designs—means you can hone in on exactly the right formula for your needs. (Adieu, crusty bottle of lotion snuck under the foot of your bed.)

There are three main options for lube: water-based lube, silicone-based lube, and oil-based lube, which each have their own pros and cons. Water-based options are popular because they’re easy to clean, usually don’t stain sheets, and play nice with every kind of sex toy, but they also become tacky more quickly than other formulas. Silicone options are silkier and longer-lasting (they don't evaporate as quickly), but they can’t be used with the majority of sex toys (more on that later). Oil, meanwhile, is similarly slick and long-lasting, but it can stain fabric and isn’t safe to use with latex condoms.

To pick the right type of lube, experts recommend considering what your masturbation routine looks like. Prefer classic skin-on-skin contact? You can choose from any of the three. “If your concern is easy cleanup, a water-based lube is probably going to be your best bet,” Lehmiller says. “However, if you want a long-lasting lube or want to use it in the shower, then a silicone-based lube is likely to be a better fit.”

If any silicone toys will be involved—and it’s likely, considering the material is widely used in everything from wand vibrators to sex toys for men—you should always stick to water-based lube. “The silicone on the lubricant will break down and deteriorate toys made from silicone,” Bryan explains. “[Those] toys, especially softer ones, could be ruined.”

Beyond material, you can also experiment with texture. Thicker formulas make great anal lubes, since they take longer to dry out and make up for the fact that your anus doesn’t self-lubricate; just make sure you’re using something water-based if anal sex toys are involved. (High-viscosity picks are also great if you’re experiencing vaginal dryness.) And some options even offer tingling or warming sensations, Lehmiller notes, although they can cause irritation for people with sensitive skin.

We tracked down the absolute best lube for masturbation, no matter your gender, and there’s something here for everyone. Now clear your calendar and settle in for some well-earned me-time.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Just about the fanciest option you’ll find anywhere, Überlube is ideal for masturbation. It’s a silicone-based lubricant, so you shouldn’t use it with silicone sex toys—but skin is fair game. The rich formula is infused with vitamin E to moisturize your skin while you play, and despite being slick enough to use in the shower, it won’t stain sheets. Plus, the pump top dispenses the perfect amount of lube for solo play—or partnered sex, if you happen to have company.

Bryan recommends Sliquid lubricants because the brand doesn’t use glycerin, sugar, or sugar derivatives—ingredients that thicken lube and make it taste better, but can lead to yeast infections. This water-based bestseller is also hypoallergenic, toy-safe, and pH-balanced specifically for vaginas. It’s the total package.

Cake’s cream was formulated specifically to prevent penis chafing with a nourishing mix of coconut oil, avocado oil, and aloe vera. It’s also fragrance- and paraben-free, plus safe to use with toys, whether you’re enjoying male masturbators or prostate massagers.

Any water-based lubricant will work with silicone sex toys, but Lelo’s silky option is superior. (Fitting, since it’s the same brand behind some of our favorite and best vibrators for women.) The unscented, non-staining formulation is slippery without feeling greasy or tacky—and the bottle is so sleek that you might be tempted to leave it out for the world to see.

Again, thicker lubricants are great for anal play, and LubeLife’s silky-smooth offering is an especially great (and cost-effective) pick that won't have you reapplying every five minutes. Because it’s water-based, it’s compatible with silicone toys—anal vibrators, prostate massagers, you name it—and cleanup is a breeze.

Although this odorless silicone lube surprisingly won’t work with Maude’s own sex toys, it’s a worthwhile tradeoff: The formula stays slippery for as long as you’re willing to play, and it’s even good to use underwater. The pump top also prevents messy application.

Looking for a truly luxurious lube? Coconu’s edible body oil is up to the task. No matter what kind of sexual activity you’re getting up to with or without a partner—massage, low-and-slow masturbation, oral sex—the lightweight formula will keep things frictionless. This one is on the pricier side, but a little goes a long way with oil-based lubricants, so you won’t run out too quickly.

Isabel Fay’s water-based lube is perfectly slick and formulated without irritating glycerin or parabens. But its best feature, in our estimation, is that gorgeous bottle, which looks more like fancy lotion or hand sanitizer than personal lubricant. Go ahead and leave it on your nightstand—no one will be the wiser.

Solo play can be the perfect time to experiment with more intense sensations—including the tingly warmth from this best-selling bottle of Astroglide. Add a few drops to your lube of choice or use it alone to turn up the heat.

Less of a lube and more of a titillating serum, this aloe vera-based “primer” heightens sensitivity and arousal when you’re in the mood. It’s only natural to be skeptical, but the reviews are compelling: “[It] had me moaning like I have never moaned before,” one says. Plus, the packaging is a cut above your average bottle of lube.

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