Masturbation is a wonderful and healthy thing. Full stop. It’s a pleasurable part of the day (and night) for many folks, and there are tons of science-backed benefits to regular sexual release - otherwise known as orgasm. For men and people with penises, though, there’s usually at least a little pre-stroke prep work required. Aside from having a clean-up plan, finding the right lube for the job is key. Penis chafing and possible irritation are not sexy!
So, lube up! A good slippery, slick, moisturizing lubricant helps make all sorts of sexy scenarios slide along much more pleasurably, whether you’re masturbating yourself, getting or giving a hand job, or having sex.
In case you haven't guessed, today we’re answering the following Very Important Question: What are the best lubes for male masturbation? Before we get into it though, we need to make sure you know that, despite the wording, we’re absolutely speaking to (okay, writing to) any and all people with penises.
Why Use A Lubricant for Masturbation
Regardless of your favorite masturbation positions for men and folks with penises, when it comes to stroking, nulling the void, cuffing the carrot, or male masturbation, whatever you like to call it, the main goal of lubrication is to keep your penis - well, lubricated. Lube is an important part of how to masturbate. It creates a smooth, slippery, friction-free barrier between the skin of your shaft and your hand or the best male masturbator sex toy. Without that barrier, you risk irritating the skin of your penis. The constant up-and-down motion of masturbation combined with a tight grip can cause chafing, tenderness, and even friction burns, which, needless to say, can be quite uncomfortable.
The right lube for pleasurable male masturbation and penis stroking should be nice and slick. It should spread over your shaft easily without dripping or running too much, and it should stay put until you’re done. Sound like a tall order? Not to worry, there are plenty of great lubes perfect for masturbation. Sorry hand lotion, you’re not included.
Top 3 Best Lubes for Masturbation: Pros and Cons
Let’s dive right in. There are three basic types of lubes for masturbation that you can choose from. While we love all three types, each has pros and cons, especially when it comes to masturbation and general penis stroking.
Water-Based Lubes
Water based lube is the most common (and versatile) type of lubricant. It’s made of predominantly water, and is compatible with condoms and all sex toy materials. It’s also a great mess-free choice for mastubation.
Water based lube tends to be thin and easy-spreading, and it’s extra easy to clean off skin, toys, and surfaces. The one downside of water based lube has to do with longevity. Because it absorbs naturally into your skin as you stroke, it can dry up a little quicker than you might like. If this happens, you can simply re-apply.
Silicone-Based Lubes
Silicone based lube is a favorite with people looking for a longer-lasting glide. This lube type contains silicone, which is naturally slippery, and won’t absorb into your skin or the surface of your toy(s). This means that a silicone based lubricant will last much longer than some water-based versions, so you won’t need to stop masturbating to re-apply as often, if at all. If you like to stroke it in the shower, silicone based lube is a must - it won’t rinse or rub off underwater. As a bonus, silicone based lubricant can make your skin super-soft!
As much as we love it, silicone lube does have some downsides. It’s a bit trickier to clean off skin, toys, and other surfaces, and it can’t be used with silicone based male masturbators and other silicone sex toys for men. When it comes to using a silicone based lube during masturbation, though, the upsides outweigh the downsides for sure.
Oil-Based Lubes
Oil based lubes are a bit of a dark horse in the sexual arena. They can’t be used internally, they’re not the easiest to clean, and they absolutely can not be used with condoms. However, they’re an amazing choice for manual stroking and penis-based masturbation.
Oil based lubes tend to be nice and thick. They’re easy to spread over your penis, which ensures plenty of full-coverage stroking comfort. Like silicone based lube, oil based lube won’t rinse away in or under water, and won’t be absorbed by your skin. The result? A long-lasting, reliably slippery masturbation session.
We have to give a mention to natural oils, too. Lately, the concept of using coconut oil as a lube has been rising in popularity. You can certainly try your luck with a natural oil, but please know that any product not specifically meant to be used on your body can cause problems, from allergic reactions to breakouts and irritation.
In general, oil based lube is a great masturbation option. Just keep in mind that the thicker, sometimes greasy texture can present a bit of a challenge in the clean-up department.
How to Choose the Best Lube for Masturbation
We’ve listed the top three types of lube you can use when you masturbate, or when you’re lending a helping hand to your penis owning partner. But which is the best?
Like everything in the sexual realm, it all comes down to your personal preference. For instance, if you like to spend a little quality time with yourself during your morning shower, opt for a silicone based lube that won’t swirl away down the drain. If you’re going for a quickie and aren’t too concerned about your lube drying up, or if you’re using a male masturbator, such as a pocket pussy or mouth masturbator, grab a water based lube. If you’ve got lots of time on your hands and want something super slick and ultra long lasting, go for a creamy oil based lube.
No matter which lube you choose to use or purchase, please be sure to check the ingredients. Some water based lubes contain glycerine, which some people are sensitive to. Others, specifically flavored lubes and warming or heating lubricants, can contain flavoring or certain herbal extracts (mint is a common one) that can cause irritation for certain people. As a rule, when you’re trying a new lube for the first time, it’s a good idea to do a patch test first. Rub a dab on your wrist or inner elbow and wait a few hours. If you don’t notice any irritation, you should be good to go.
Masturbation Lube: A Buyer’s Guide
As we’ve already mentioned, the lube you decide to use when masturbating is up to you and your personal stroking preferences. If you’re still not sure which to try or buy, we’ve rounded up some of our top lube tips below.
Keep Your Stroking Style In Mind
The way(s) you masturbate will help you choose the right masturbation lube. For instance, if you’ve got a great collection of penis and male masturbator sex toys, you’ll want to stock up on a good water based lube - remember, water based lube is compatible with all sex toy materials. If you love to edge or draw out your sexual pleasure for as long as possible, go with a long lasting silicone or oil based lube.
Ingredients Matter
If you have particularly sensitive skin, look for a lube with as few added ingredients as possible. Look for ‘natural’ or ‘glycerine free’ on the label, but be sure to check for other additives that could cause you irritation or allergic reactions. It’s a good idea to stay away from sensation lubes, or anything that has a warming, cooling, or tingling effect. A pure silicone lube can be a good choice for sensitive skin. Just be sure not to keep it away from your silicone toys.
The Right Texture Can Make All the Difference
When you want your lube to spread fully over your skin or toy surface, you’ll want to go for a lighter, liquid formula. Most water based lubes are nice and thin, but some silicone lubes are, as well. If you like a thicker, more cushioned sensation (great for anal play or anal sex), try a hybrid lube or gel lubricant.
High Price Doesn’t Always Equal High Quality
Like many things in life, price doesn’t always dictate quality. There are plenty of high quality masturbation lubes out there that won’t break the bank. Sometimes, all you’re paying for is the brand name. Do some research before you buy. Compare ingredients and read reviews. Get the deals!
Top 10 Best Lubes for Male Masturbation
So, without further ado, what are some of our favorite lubes? There are so many great ones out there, but these are among our favorites:
Best Water Based Lube: PinkCherry Water Based Lubricant
You simply can’t go wrong here! The PinkCherry Water Based Lubricant was designed to be perfectly compatible with toys, different skin types, and different use cases. You can use it by yourself, with a silicone toy, or with a partner. It doesn’t stain your sheets or your clothing, and it stays slick for a long time.
Use this with any toy of any material. It is perfect for someone who needs lube for many different situations. And the best part? The easy-to-use pump makes it possible to grab some lube in the heat of the moment. Oh-la-la!
Best Anal Lube: Anal Original Water Based Lubricant
Anal anyone? The Anal Original Water Based Lube is the perfect lube for anal masturbation. It eliminates friction and helps create a slippery, protective layer that makes anal play fun. It doesn’t stain, and it is mess free, so you can use it in your bed. The texture is slippery but not thin, so you can use it with your favorite toys, such as a prostate massager or anal plug.
Just remember to use enough of this anal lube when you get down to play time: most people go a little too light handed the first time. But we say, more is always better between the sheets!
Best Silicone Based Lube: Bust It Nut Butter Hybrid Glide
We love the Simply Aqua Special Edition Lube this one! This is one of the slickest lubes on the market, and it is great for those who need something silicone-based. It is mess free and has simple ingredients, which anyone with allergies is going to appreciate. It helps reduce chafing during masturbation and can even be used with butt plugs.
Nut Butter also has other uses as well (it can be combined with the Bust It Squirting Cock for a more realistic experience).
Best Oil Based Lube: Creme Masturbation Cream for Men
Love the skin you’re in! The Creme Masturbation Cream for Men Lubricant is a thicker oil-based lube that not only feels great, but it actually nourishes your skin along the way. It has vitamin E, coconut, and sweet almond oils that work together for a long-lasting slipperiness that is perfect for those hour-long sessions.
The tube is easy to use, and even though you probably won’t have to reapply, it is easy to grab in the heat of the moment. It cleans up really easily for an oil-based lube, too: just a little warm, soapy water, and it is gone.
Best Lube for Sensitive Skin: Aqua Sensitive Lubricant
This is for all our sensitive masturbating friends. If you have really sensitive skin and everything seems to break you out, then Wicked’s Aqua Sensitive lube is your best choice. This silky, water-based formula was designed to be hypoallergenic and gentle on all skin types. The bottle is perfect to use, and the 100% vegan formula has been tested by dermatologists.
Best Lube for Shower Masturbation: Platinum Luxury Silicone Lubricant
Who’s ready for a hot, steamy shower? So many of us like to masturbate in the shower, but the minute our lubes get wet, they go away. That’s not the case with Platinum Luxury Silicone Lubricant. This lube was designed for use in really wet situations unless you use just a little bit of soap, and then it goes away.
This lube is versatile and is great out of the shower as well!
Best Lube for Warming: H2O Warming Personal Lube
Let’s keep it hot! Sometimes, we all like our masturbation to be a little bit warmer, and this is a great lube for that. You can use this warming lubricant with your toys to get that realistic feel or use it alone just for the warming properties. It adds a lot of moisture and smoothness to your masturbation session and can even be used for massages.
Even better, the H2O Warming Personal Lube is in a discreet bottle, so your secret is safe with us!
Best Natural Lube: Water Slide Personal Lube
Want to keep your session all natural? If you care about what you put in and on your body, then the Water Slide Personal Lube is a great product for you to try. It is easy to use and long lasting, which is hard to find in a natural lube. This one contains “purified water and natural propanediol,” and is compatible with all toy materials and latex condoms.
Best Lube to Try A Range: Mood Lubricant Sampler
Ready to get in the mood? If you still aren’t sure what you want, then the Mood Lubricant Sampler is a fantastic option for you. This sample pack comes with 5 different types of lube. It includes 1oz. bottles of the water-based, sensitive, tingling, silicone, and warming lubricant options from sex toy powerhouse Doc Johnson. It’s a total win-win!
Wrapping It Up: Choosing the Best Lubes for Male Masturbation
Most of us masturbate, whether we have penises or not. That’s just a fact! Aside from just plain feeling good, there are tons of very well documented health and wellness benefits to masturbation. So stroke on! If you’re looking to enhance your masturbation sessions and just make them a bit more comfortable, ditch the hand lotion and make the leap to lube. You’ll be glad you did.
