The Best Lubes for Masturbation, Because It Really Is Just Better with Lube

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.