Our product recommendations are selected by editors, tested first-hand, or expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site.
In 2023, we all know that lube makes masturbation feel more pleasurable. At best, stroking your dry penis feels mediocre; at worst, it’s painful and leads to a tender rash akin to rug burn. And if you’re circumcised, you don’t have the additional (fore)skin to help with stimulation, so you really need to use a lubricant. It’s not an option; it’s mandatory! (And no, spit does not cut it. It dries up way too quickly.)
But not all lubes are created equally. Some water-based lubes are so thin that you have to reapply them constantly, and many silicone-based lubes will stain your sheets. Then there are some ingredients, such as glycerins, parabens, and alcohols, that can irritate your partner, causing UTIs and bacterial vaginosis. (Less of a concern if you’re just using the lube to masturbate yourself, but if it doubles as the lube you use with your female partner, you want to be more mindful of the ingredients.)
That said, here are the seven best lubes to use on your penis when masturbating, guaranteed to make your orgasms more powerful.
HAVE MORE SEX
The Best Lubes For Penile Masturbation
SUTIL Water-Based Lube
Best Overall Lube
This water-based lube from Fun Factory is thick and long-lasting for a water-based lube. It doesn’t “stick” or stain your sheets and washes off easily. It’s made with jujube extract, ginseng, and lastly, horny goat weed, a Chinese herb that promotes healthy blood flow for general arousal and sensitivity.
Hello Cake Cake Men's So-Low Lotion
Best Masturbation Cream
This isn’t a lube as much as it’s a cream. Specifically designed for male masturbation, it actually becomes less thick as you use it, allowing for more sliding and gliding while masturbating.
Momentum Organic Aloe Lube
Best Aloe-Based Lubricant
Momentum lubes are 100% organic and made without glycerin or parabens. They’re also hypoallergenic and 100% vegan. This lube is made with aloe and infused with organic ingredients, including oat and quinoa. The texture is a little thin but still quite good.
Good Parts Ultra Smooth Silicone
Best Silicone-Based Lube
A little dot goes a along with this silky-smooth silicone lube. The only con is that this lube gets messy and can be challenging to wash off—but that’s the case for the vast majority of silicone lubes.
Pure for Men Coconut-Based Lube
Best Coconut-Based Lube
This lube starts a little “firmer” and then melts in your hand (and on your penis) as you use it. It’s also fabulous to use during anal sex, too, though be forewarned, you can’t use latex condoms with this lube because the coconut base will actually erode and break the condom.
Lovehoney Enjoy Water-Base Lubricant
Best Budget Option
Costing $17 for an 8.5 fluid-ounce bottle (most bottles of lube are between 2 and 5 fluid ounces), this lube is by far one of the most reasonably priced lubes on the market. I’d say there’s nothing special about it. It’s just a solid and safe lube that will undeniably get the job done.
Sliquid Silk Silk Hybrid Lube
Best for Use with a Sex Toy
You can’t use silicone-based lube with a silicone sex toy because it will erode and eventually destroy the sex toy. However, you can use many hybrid lubes, which are water- and silicone-based. Hybrid lubes are great because they are thicker than traditional water-based lubes. Sliquid’s hybrid lube is thick, compatible with silicone toys, and is actually on the cheaper side.
