Role of Lubricant in Anal Play: Best Lubes to Choose for Anal Toys

Sex is a deeply personal, intimate experience, and this is especially true of anal play due to the taboo nature of it, which many folks love! The key to having a satisfying anal play experience is ensuring that everyone involved is comfortable, and one crucial aspect that can significantly impact sexual comfort is using not just the right amount, but also the right type of lubricants. Lubricants not only enhance pleasure but also play a vital role in preventing discomfort and protecting the sensitive tissue of the anus, which need particular care since they don’t self-lubricate like vaginal tissues. The backdoor requires more (and deserves better) lubrication than what saliva can offer, so this comprehensive guide from Sexyland will explore the importance of lubricants during anal play with partners and anal sex toys, the different types available, and the best one to suit your needs!

What role does lubricant play in anal play?

The primary function of any lubricant is to reduce friction and create a slippery surface, helping to keep the fun flowing smoothly and make the experience more enjoyable for everybody! This is particularly important in areas where natural lubrication is insufficient or nonexistent such as the anus, as during penetration and even vigorous rubbing, friction can lead to discomfort, pain, and potential injury such as skin tears or abrasions, and that’s not what anybody wants — not only is this uncomfortable, breaks and microscopic tears in the skin can make it easier for certain STIs to be transmitted between partners, so always use plenty of lubricant, and use a condom with untested playmates and any sex toys you may be sharing. Lubricants are also a great way to ensure condoms glide smoothly and minimise the risk of the condom breaking for optimal protection too — win-win!

(P.S. It may be tempting to go for anal lubricants that contain numbing ingredients like benzocaine or lidocaine, but these are generally not recommended for beginners as they can mask when things are going wrong back there, such as there not being enough lubrication. Just listen to your body and take things as slowly as you need to in order to be comfortable!)

What type of lubricant is best for anal sex toys?

Water-based lubricants are among the most versatile and widely used lubricants as they’re generally gentle on sensitive skin, easy to clean with plain water without any sticky residue, and safe to use with all anal sex toys, as well as condoms. Water-based formulas are compatible with all adult toy materials, which is particularly important for anal toys made of silicone — this is because in general, silicone-based lubricants are not compatible with silicone sex toys as these formulas contains silicone particles that can degrade the silicone material and leave deformations on the surface of the toy that can harbour germs, bacteria, and other harmful nasties.

(Technically, super-high quality silicone-based formulas can be compatible with silicone toys, but this is so hard to track between brands and ingredients that it’s just easier to stick to water-based lubricants when it comes to silicone anal sex toys.)

Why might silicone-based lubricants be preferred for anal play?

So if they’re not suitable for silicone toys, why would someone choose silicone-based lubricants for anal play?

Well, not all anal play involves sex toys, and silicone-based lubricants have a number of advantages over water-based lubricants when it comes to anal-specific play. They won’t absorb into the skin and are generally thicker in texture compared to water-based lubricants, meaning that silicone-based lubricants feel slipperier for longer and offer a better ‘cushioning’ effect against friction. They’re still compatible with condoms and the increased longevity means they won’t dry out as fast and don’t require as many reapplications to keep things slipping and sliding smoothly. Silicone-based lubricants are also water-resistant, meaning they won’t wash away if you’re indulging in some wet and wild play in the shower or bathtub!

To clean up silicone-based lubricant, it’ll take a bit of soap along with water, though after anal play, the best way to take care of any products involved is to use antibacterial soap and/or adult toy cleaner anyway.

How to choose the right anal lubricants for your needs

Selecting the right lubricant depends on various factors, including personal preferences, activities, and any specific needs or sensitivities you or your partner may have. Here are some tips to help you choose:

• Consider the activity — different activities may require different types of lubricants. For example, water-based lubricants are great for general use and folks who prefer a lightweight formula that spreads and absorbs more easily, and don’t mind more frequent applications or want an easy cleanup. Meanwhile, silicone-based lubricants are better for a thicker cushioning effect against friction, extended sessions where you don’t want to have to reapply it as often, or sexy situations in water!
• Check compatibility — are you planning to use condoms and/or anal sex toys? Ensure that the lubricant you choose is compatible with then. Water-based lubricants are generally safe with everything while silicone-based lubricants should be avoided if you’re planning to use anal sex toys made from silicone.
• Test for sensitivities or allergies — if you or your partner have sensitive skin, opt for a lubricant that is hypoallergenic and free from potential irritants like fragrances or parabens. If you visit a Sexyland adult shop in person, there are usually testers available for our lubricants so you can perform a patch test in the crook of your elbow before buying any new anal care products to ensure there are no adverse reactions when playtime rolls around!

The best anal lubricants to buy at Sexyland

Best water-based anal lubricant: Wicked® Jelle Thickened Water-Based Anal Gel Lubricant

This beloved water-based lubricant has a thickened, jelly-like texture for supreme cushioning and pillowy-soft smoothness that stays slippery for ages without getting sticky. It’s also vegan-friendly for everyone to enjoy!

Best silicone-based anal lubricant: Pjur® Back Door Relaxing Silicone Anal Glide

This concentrated, non-numbing lubricant has been specifically developed for intensive anal sex and combines high-grade silicone with natural jojoba extracts for a relaxing effect. It provides extremely long-lasting lubrication for maximum comfort without reducing sensation, helping you and your partner feel closer than ever…

Other anal care products & accessories to consider

Douches & enemas — these are a great way to cleanse the backdoor before getting down to business, helping to keep playtime hygienic while also giving you peace of mind that there won’t be any unexpected messes.

Anal training kits — these anal sex toy kits usually contain butt plugs of different sizes so you can gradually work your way up in size and prepare your body to take larger toys or the body parts of a partner…

Lubricant plays a crucial role in reducing friction, enhancing pleasure, preventing injury, and improving the functionality of condoms and sex toys during anal play, so if you’re ready for super-satisfying backdoor encounters, Sexyland is your one-stop shop! Check out our range of anal lubricants and sex toys at your nearest Sexyland store, or shop online and get 2hr Delivery on selected bestsellers!