The 18 best lubes for friction-free foreplay, according to a sex writer

Added glide without a total loss of control is exactly what you want with a water-based lube — and we can confirm this delivers. This offering from new nookie-accessory brand Knude Society is 100% natural — AKA no parabens, fragrances, hormones or colourings — which limits any sway in your pH and the onset of conditions like thrush or BV.

The gel-like formula doesn't drip, sparing your sheets. Plus that pop-top bottle? Well, that almost took the title for top perk — until we discovered the brand's subscription service. Yep, have a three-month supply of motion lotion delivered discreetly to your door on repeat and you'll save 13% per bottle.

You probably don’t need us to rehash why we love the luxury Swedish sexual wellness brand, LELO (read our edit of our 14 faves here). Its toys offer a premium route to pleasure — and the same can be said for its water-based moisturiser.

Aptly named, this one fights any friction when playing on your own, with sex tech, or with a partner, but can also be used as a moisturiser when your skin needs a little extra hydration.

Then there’s the sleek black design of the bottle, meaning it could pass as something else in your washbag (or carry-on, as the 75ml size is plane-approved).

Do you want multiple intensely pleasurable bangs for your buck? One fan of this Lovehoney lube says the 500ml bottle lasted them a whole six months.

The water-based lube itself is rather simple and hasn’t changed much since it was first launched — because, as they say, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’.

A little thicker than some other water-based offerings, this is great if you need a little extra wetness down there. Plus, it comes with an easy-to-use pump that’s ideal if you’ve only got one hand free.

Bum fun fans, listen up. Bondara has given their anal lube a refresh, this time adding in a numbing agent to ensure it’s no pain and ultimate gain.

It’s also non-tacky, meaning no sticky residue gets left on you or your sheets, and with a 250ml (squeezy) bottle coming in at just £12.99, it’s also a total steal.

Just remember to take it slow and consider chucking out a safe word.

Überlube — and before you ask, no, this isn’t the car service’s attempt to break into the sex industry — was founded in 2010 to create a long-lasting, lightweight lube that wouldn’t ever be labelled ‘sticky’.

It may have taken the US-based brand hundreds of attempts, but we can confirm it's nailed the brief. The clear love potion is slippery without being drippy and lasts during lengthy liaisons. Yep, no poorly timed pilling here.

Although it’s the brand's eco-friendly approach to travel we love. The Good-to-Go traveller case, holding up to 15ml of the wet stuff, can be refilled as many times as you like.

Maybe you’ve hit the menopause, your medication is playing with your pH, or you're just having an off day when it comes to your downstairs area.

Either way, this Motion Lotion is all about recreating your natural wetness, meaning comfortable sex without the stickiness or artificial smells of some other lubes.

It’s also been dermatologically tested, and PETA approved, so you know your lady garden is in safe hands.

Come with us on a quick diversion: sex toys are great, particularly for exploring what you do and don't like, as well as getting your sexual kicks when unaccompanied.

However, sadly, there are a few things they can't do: A) cuddle, B) produce love juices. Hence why we always recommend turning up to your next round of teasing with a bottle of the good stuff.

Smile Makers' Generous Gel has been designed to pair perfectly with all its tech (FYI, The Firefighter brings the heat). Just add a couple of drops to your freshly-charged toy and head south.

Gentil’s a new player in the British pleasure market, launched by Australian-born Monica Nakata. The aim: to create a range of intimate wellness products women would be proud to leave on display — and recommend to their friends, which is exactly what our sex writer has been doing.

The water-based lubricant, while a little pricier than some others, aims to cause minimal disruption to your vaginal microbiome. The pH-balanced formula is also free from parabens, petroleum, glycerin and synthetic fragrance, scented only by the aloe included on the short-and-sweet ingredients list.

In terms of wetness, this falls somewhere between natural lubrication and uncontrollable slip n’ slide. Essentially, start with one pump and see how you go. When it comes to lasting power, this is one you don't need to reapply — but you also won't be left feeling sticky or tacky afterwards.

We’re sure you're big fans of Hanx’s vegan, ultra-thin condoms for safe yet ultra-satisfying sex, but did you know that the sexual wellness brand also makes (brilliant) lube?

Another water-based offering that’s safe to use with latex condoms and silicone sex toys, Hanx has crafted an all-rounder that’ll work in most sexual scenarios — even during shower sex, as it removes friction before washing effortlessly off the skin.

Even better news: you can subscribe to deliveries every two/four/eight/twelve weeks, meaning no more awkward dashes to the supermarket or settling for a mediocre love liquid. Plus it will save you 15% on every bottle.

If you find that a few days after getting frisky you're a bit uncomfortable down there, you may be having problems with your pH. Yep, your balance can be thrown off by condoms, lube and even your partner's juices.

Thankfully, some brands are taking a new approach to sexual wellness — one that considers your vaginal health and happiness.

DeoDoc's lube drops were developed with an expert gynae, meaning they don't interfere with your 'good' bacteria, otherwise known as Lactobacillus. So, enjoy a smoother ride without a side of serious discomfort.

This premium offering from London-based pleasure experts Coco De Mer combines ginseng and moisturising aloe vera to maximise your comfort.

However, the major perk of this one is its discreet design, meaning no awkward questions if you accidentally leave it in plain sight. Yep, a brown glass bottle disguises its contents, while intricate artwork decorates the front, meaning this could definitely pass as your newest fragrance.

Safe to use with all your toys and fitted with an easy-to-use pump, this ticks every box. Oh, and it’s one of the least sticky options in our lineup. Sold.

Are you looking to start a party in your pants? This warming lube from Lovehoney is designed to help you glide right towards that final goal while also increasing your sensitivity.

Simply squeeze this on you, or your lover, and wait a few minutes for the warming sensations to start spreading.

This is a great travel-sized option, measuring up at just 100ml, and comes with a precise spout to stop it from squirting everywhere. Sadly, we can’t promise the same for you...

Another water-based lubricant that can be used for solo sessions, partnered play and toy teasing — except this one wins the award for most fun aesthetics.

Infused with aloe vera and free from glycerin, parabens and sugar, this has, once again, been designed with your natural balance in mind. The brand has even confirmed this lube has a pH of 4.0 – 4.5 to match a healthy vagina (usually between 3.8 – 4.5).

One fan loved the sliquid (yes, we're suggesting this as a fun alternative to the word 'lube') so much that she admitted to also using it when sliding in her nixit menstrual cup (yep, the brand makes those too).

With a generous 118ml of good stuff per lime-green bottle, it's great value for money — and that really turns us on.

Are you after a lube that’ll help you slide smoothly from second to third base, but also tastes great?

The sex care experts at Roam decided to swerve the typical strawberry and cherry flavours, instead opting for a cucumber and yuzu combo that’s as refreshing as the classic G&T. Yum.

Available in both a 50ml and 100ml size, the smaller is perfect for slipping in your handbag before date night. And, for those who struggle with their sight, every Roam product comes with a brail description on the side.

Designed to create a ‘natural wetness’, this isn’t the most moisturising option, but that’s easily fixed with a few extra pumps.

Now, strictly speaking, this one isn’t a lube. But if you need a little extra action down there to hit the mighty O, this stimulating oil might be just the thing.

With CBD, ginger extract and cannabis seed oil, this oil is a triple threat, promising to moisturise, smooth and stimulate. Simply tip a few drops onto your go-zone and start exploring.

We don’t recommend using this one with toys or condoms, so save this for your next playdate with your permanent plus-one.

Are you a fan of water-based lube but find it doesn't always last the test of time? Then consider switching it out for this silicone hybrid, which truly delivers.

Arriving in a large 250ml bottle with a handy pump and twist-lock, this is great from the outset. But fans (and our sex writer) also confirmed this isn’t sticky and offers a long-lasting glide, making it absolutely appropriate for P-spot play.

In fact, one said, ‘thick, slick and slow to go tacky... still my lube of choice’. Need we say more?

Looking to add a little romance back into your relationship? This two-in-one lubricant is a great alternative to messy, and sometimes rather pricey, massage oils. So why not focus on various kinks — first the ones in your lover’s neck, and then the ones in your sexual fantasies.

Infused with aloe vera, this is a total treat for your skin and is safe to use with all your sex tech.

One couple said, ‘We had never used lube in our entire married life of 46 years, but now we always will.’ High praise.

Here's another lubricant housed inside a sleek, fairly discreet bottle that you won't mind leaving on your beside. Although, its organic insides are what really impressed us.

Vegan, cruelty-free, and totally free from parabens or fragrance, this (totally odourless) lube is kind to the skin — and your sheets, thanks to the lack of anything unnatural, meaning it doesn't stain. A little thinner in consistency, this does run and drip, although that's no bad thing if you're particularly dry down there.

One thing to know about Maude is that Dakota Johnson — better known by some as Anastasia Steele in the 50 Shades franchise — is both an investor and co-creative director of the brand. Essentially, we're in good hands.