Anal Lube: The Guide Nobody Explains Properly
The rectum does not produce its own lubrication the way other tissue does, which is the entire reason anal specific lube exists as its own category rather than just being a marketing label on a normal bottle. Skipping it, or using the wrong type, is the single most common reason anal play goes badly. Here is what actually matters, and every anal lubricant we stock.
Why anal lube is genuinely different
Regular lube is built assuming some natural lubrication is already present and just needs topping up. Anal lube is built assuming none is, so it tends to be thicker, longer lasting, and formulated to reduce friction over a longer session without needing constant reapplication. Thickness also matters for a practical reason, a thin lube can migrate or absorb faster than a thicker gel formula, which is exactly the moment friction and discomfort show up.
Water based versus silicone based for anal
Water based anal lubes are easy to clean up, safe with any toy material including silicone toys, and generally the simpler default choice. They do need reapplying more often than silicone during a longer session, which dedicated anal water based formulas try to offset with thicker consistency.
Silicone based lubes last significantly longer without reapplication and hold up well in water, but should not be used with silicone toys, since the two silicones can react and degrade the toy's surface over time. If you are using a silicone toy anally, stick with water based. If you are using glass, steel, or a condom without a toy, silicone based is a genuinely good option for anal specifically.
Our anal lube range
Lubido Anal Ease Water Based Intimate Lubricant, from £3.99
Built specifically thick for anal play, reducing friction and staying controlled rather than running thin partway through. Available in 30ml, 250ml, and a 250ml three pack if you know you will get through it. This is the most purpose built anal formula in our range and a sensible default if you are not sure where to start.
Fleshlube Slide Anal Lubricant, from £11.99
A thicker, water based gel made specifically for anal play, where extra cushion and a longer glide matter most. Available in 100ml and 250ml. From the Fleshlight range, so a natural pairing if you already use Fleshlight products from our male masturbators range.
Pjur Back Door Relaxing Anal Glide Lubricant, from £12.99
Silicone based with added jojoba extract, built for smooth, long lasting comfort without needing to reapply constantly. Available in 30ml and 100ml. Remember, silicone based means avoid pairing this with silicone toys specifically, though it is an excellent option for anal sex without a toy involved.
Pjur Original Silicone Lubricant, from £12.99
Not marketed as anal specific, but a super concentrated silicone formula that lasts through a long session without reapplying, which is exactly the property that makes a lube work well for anal use. Available in 30ml and 100ml. Same silicone toy caution applies here as above.
Fifty Shades of Grey Ready for Anything Water Based Lubricant, £9.99
A silky, standard water based formula rather than a thickened anal specific gel. Works fine for anal play if you reapply as needed through a session, and it is compatible with every toy material since it is water based throughout.
Lovense Water Based Lube, £17.99
A smooth, silky water based formula from Lovense, worth having on hand if you already own Lovense toys like the Nora rabbit vibrator or Osci 3 and want one lube for everything, though it is a standard consistency rather than a thickened anal gel, so plan to reapply more often during anal use.
Lormi Loob Water Based Lube 250ml, £7.99
Our own everyday water based lube, glides smoothly and holds up well without needing constant topping up. Being upfront, it is a general purpose formula rather than a thickened anal specific gel, so for anal play specifically we would point you to the Lubido Anal Ease or Fleshlube Slide above first. But if you already keep this on the nightstand for everything else, it works fine for anal too with slightly more frequent reapplication, and it is a fair priced, no nonsense option we stand behind because it is ours.
How to actually choose
If you want the simplest, most purpose built option, Lubido Anal Ease is specifically formulated thick for this. If you are already using a Fleshlight product, Fleshlube Slide is the natural pairing. If you want maximum staying power and are not using a silicone toy, either Pjur option lasts the longest per application. If you just want one lube for everything including anal, go water based and accept you will reapply more often, our own Loob or the Fifty Shades option both do the job.
Using anal lube properly
Apply generously, more than feels necessary at first, and reapply the moment you notice increased friction rather than waiting until it becomes uncomfortable. Go slowly and communicate throughout, since lube reduces friction but does not replace the need for gradual, comfortable pacing. Never transfer a lubricant used anally to vaginal use without changing lube or thoroughly cleaning any shared toy first, to avoid transferring bacteria.
Why buy your anal lube from Lormi
Every product on this page ships in plain packaging with nothing on the outside to say what is inside. Orders over £25 get free next day UK delivery, and Love Points build up automatically on every purchase. Browse our full anal lube range directly, or see water based lubes more broadly if you want to compare beyond anal specific formulas.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use regular lube for anal sex?
You can, but a standard formula is generally thinner and will need reapplying more often than a lube specifically thickened for anal use. It works, just less efficiently.
Is silicone based lube better than water based for anal?
Silicone lasts longer without reapplying, which suits anal specifically, but cannot be used with silicone toys. Water based is the safer universal choice if a silicone toy is involved.
How much anal lube should I use?
More than feels necessary at first. Apply generously to the toy, condom, or body, and reapply as soon as you notice increased friction rather than waiting.
Can anal lube be used vaginally too?
Most anal lubes are safe for vaginal use as well, since the formulas are generally just thicker versions of standard lube. Check the specific product description to confirm.
What is the biggest mistake people make with anal lube?
Not using enough of it, and not reapplying often enough. Anal tissue does not self lubricate, so running low mid session is the most common cause of discomfort.
