Aloe Cadabra and Good Clean Love top our list of best vaginal lubrication products. Learn more about all our picks, plus the pros and cons of different types of personal lubricants.

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A lack of estrogen (causing vaginal dryness) can make intimacy uncomfortable — or even painful.

Lubricants can help. They work quickly and offer short-term relief from pain and dryness during sex. Here’s a look at some of the most common lubricants available, as well as the pros and cons of each.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $10
  • $$ = $11–$15
  • $$$ = $16 and up

Water-based lubricants

Water-based lubes are good for reducing friction. This type of lubricant can make sex more comfortable for people with vaginal dryness from menopause.

In general, water-based lubricants are less likely to irritate the vagina than silicone lubes, but they may dry up more quickly.

In a 2023 study, participants who used water-based lubricants for 4 weeks reported less vaginal dryness and more arousal, lubrication, and sexual satisfaction. They were also more likely to reach orgasm.

The best water-based lubricants have a pH and osmolality similar to the vagina’s natural environment, according to a different 2023 study.

Pros

  • won’t damage latex condoms
  • less likely to cause vaginal discomfort than oil-based lubricants
  • washes off easily with soap and water
  • safe to use and easy to find in stores
  • odorless, colorless liquid

Cons

  • can dry up quickly; may need to be reapplied often
  • doesn’t work in water and is not effective for sex in a shower or pool
  • can contain preservatives and additives such as glycerin and parabens
  • may irritate the sensitive vaginal tissues or cause yeast infections in some people

Silicone-based lubricants

Silicone is a type of polymer. It has an oil-like consistency, which makes it work as a vaginal lubricant. Silicone-based lubes often contain ingredients like dimethicone, dimethiconol, and cyclomethicone.

The slippery feel of silicone lubes and their ability to last longer without drying out are advantages over water-based lubricants.

In a study from 2016 of women with sexual discomfort after breast cancer, almost twice as many women said a silicone-based lubricant improved their comfort during sex more than a water-based one.

Pros

  • offers the greatest amount of lubrication
  • will not dry out during sex
  • keeps working in water
  • will not affect latex condoms
  • less likely to irritate you than water-based lubricants

Cons

  • can be expensive
  • can be hard to find in stores
  • can be difficult to wash off fully with soap and water
  • may leave a sticky residue on your skin

Oil-based lubricants

These lubricants come in two types: natural plant oils like coconut, olive, or almond oil and store-bought oils like mineral oil and Vaseline.

The advantages of oil-based lubes include their low cost, safety, and effectiveness.

In a small study from 2013, 73% of women with breast cancer who had painful sex said using olive oil made sex more comfortable.

Oil-based lubricants are not without downsides — they may irritate skin and stain fabric.

Vaseline can actually introduce bacteria that cause infections. For instance, a small study found that women who used Vaseline as a lube were twice as likely to test positive for bacterial vaginosis.

Oil-based lubes are also not recommended for use with condoms because they can damage the condom, making them less effective at preventing STDs and pregnancy (if you still get periods).

Pros

  • lasts longer than water-based lubes
  • works in water
  • doesn’t contain irritating preservatives and other additives
  • safe for polyurethane condoms

Cons

  • can damage latex condoms
  • certain oil-based vaginal lubricants — including petroleum jelly and baby oil — can increase your risk for a urinary tract infection
  • can stain sheets, underwear, and other fabrics

Lubricants are intended for temporary use during sex to relieve dryness.

If vaginal dryness is an issue beyond sex, you may want to consider a vaginal moisturizer (which include the AH! YES applicators on our list above). These products are intended for longer-term relief from dryness. They may have similar pros and cons to the different types of lubricants listed above, depending on their ingredients.

They come in gels, creams, or beads and suppositories.

Our other picks include:

These lubricants add ingredients like menthol and capsaicin to create a warming sensation.

Some people report that they enhance sensation and lead to more orgasms. Others experience an uncomfortable burning or stinging sensation (in which case, discontinue immediately).

Products include K-Y Yours + Mine, K-Y Warming Liquid, LifeStyles Excite, and Lube Life.

A 2019 study suggests that vitamin E suppositories are helpful for relieving menopause-related dryness. You can use natural oils such as coconut, olive, or grapeseed oil.

However, some people find these oils irritating, and they’re not safe for use with condoms.

K-Y is a popular lubricant company that The North American Menopause Society recommends for treating vaginal dryness related to menopause.

Water-based lubes like K-Y can make sex more comfortable, but they tend to dry up faster than silicone-based lubricants.

The lubrication from an oil-based product may last longer than water-based. But oil-based lubricants are more likely to irritate the vagina, and they can damage condoms.

Oil-based lubricants are also more likely to stain fabrics.

Experts from The North American Menopause Society recommend water-based lubricants because they are less likely to irritate the vagina than oil-based products. They also suggest using vaginal moisturizers several times a week at bedtime to maintain moisture in the vagina.

Vaginal lubricants work best for mild to moderate vaginal dryness.

If your dryness is more severe or a lubricant does not help, it’s wise to see a gynecologist or a primary doctor. You may need an estrogen cream or pill. Or, you may have an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated.