7 Best Lubes for Vaginal Dryness, According to Gynecologists
These expert-recommended lubricants help combat dryness and irritation.
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Let’s face it: Most of us have experienced dryness down there at one point or another. In fact, vaginal dryness can affect women of all ages—and anyone who’s experienced this symptom knows how especially painful it can be during sexual activity. That’s where the best lubes for vaginal dryness come in to help.
But wait—what’s causing things to be dry down there, anyway? “The most fundamental cause of vaginal dryness is lack of estrogen, which can occur during many circumstances,” explains Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., an ob/gyn and clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine. The most common culprit is menopause or perimenopause, says Dr. Minkin, but other causes related to changing estrogen levels include childbirth and breastfeeding, as well as certain medications and contraceptive pills. Additionally, those who are suffering from vaginal infections (such as a yeast infection) can also experience dryness as a symptom.
Meet the Experts: Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., ob/gyn and clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine; Taniqua Miller, M.D., ob/gyn and expert in midlife and menopause health; Natasha Marie Narkiewicz, sexual wellness expert and head of communications at sexual health company MysteryVibe.
No matter the cause, though, vaginal dryness can often lead to pain or irritation during sex—which is why you may want to use a personal lubricant. “Lubricants minimize friction during penetrative intercourse, making the experience less uncomfortable or less painful,” says Taniqua Miller, M.D., ob/gyn and expert in midlife and menopause health. “Especially if there is condom use, where the latex or polyurethane material can feel dry, application of lube can allow for more gliding motions and prevent friction rub.”
But what kind of lubes are best? We tapped gynecologists and sexual health experts for what exactly to look for in a lubricant—and rounded up the best, top-rated picks for combatting vaginal dryness.
Our top picks
Read on below for the best expert-approved lubricants to use if you’re experiencing vaginal dryness.
Replens Silky Smooth Personal Lubricant
Pros
- Silky-smooth feel
- Long-lasting lubrication
- Compatible with condoms
Cons
- Not safe for use with silicone sex toys
A pick recommended by both Dr. Minkin and Dr. Miller, this popular lube from Replens provides long-lasting, moisturizing lubrication that feels smooth and silky, helping alleviate vaginal dryness and enhance intimacy. As a silicone-based lubricant, it lasts longer than water-based lubes and is compatible with condoms (though it’s not recommended for use with silicone sex toys). The formula also doesn’t contain potentially irritating ingredients such as preservatives, parabens, or glycerin.
Reviewers love that this lube gives a silky-smooth feel without getting sticky. It’s a “godsend,” according to one Amazon shopper. “I absolutely love this product. I’m post-menopausal, which causes the vagina to become pretty dry, and intercourse can be very uncomfortable,” they shared. “This lubricant counters this discomfort, is estrogen free, and a little bit goes a long way.”
| Type | Silicone-based |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Dimethicone, dimethiconol |
| Size | 2.7 oz |
Good Clean Love Almost Naked Personal Lubricant
Good Clean Love Almost Naked Personal Lubricant
Pros
- Contains soothing aloe
- Great smell
- Safe for use with condoms and sex toys
Cons
- May have to reapply often
This is one of the best water-based lubes. It’s formulated with organic aloe vera, which helps to soothe and nourish for moisturizing, silky-smooth lubrication. Since it’s water-based, this lube is safe for use with both condoms and sex toys—not to mention it makes for easy clean up. The formula is free from parabens, petrochemicals, and artificial fragrance, and it’s also pH-balanced and iso-osmatic—meaning it won’t damage tissue or strip the body of its natural moisture, according to the brand.
“This stuff is amazing! Seriously, it’s the best lube I’ve ever used. No burning, no itching, no residue (during or after), and a pleasant smell to go along with it,” wrote one Amazon customer. “It doesn’t dry out as fast as I thought it would...I don’t feel like I’ve just bathed in a bottle of lube after using it either!”
| Type | Water-based |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Deionized water, xanthan gum, agar, organic aloe vera, natural extractives lemon and vanilla, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid |
| Size | 4 oz |
Viva Naturals 100% Pure Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil
Viva Naturals 100% Pure Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil
Pros
- 100% pure coconut oil
- Gentle and non-irritating
- Smells and tastes great
Cons
- Not safe for use with condoms
- Can get messy
Looking for a good natural lubricant? Dr. Miller says coconut oil is her “go-to” recommendation for lubricants because it tends to be less irritating. This top-rated pick from Viva Naturals is made of 100% pure organic coconut oil without any additives, meaning it’s a safe bet if you’re looking for something gentle and non-irritating. One thing to note, however: Because it’s oil-based, this lube isn’t compatible with condoms.
“Can’t say enough good things about this as a lube,” shared one reviewer on Amazon. “It works great! Doesn’t get sticky like other purpose-made lubes, smells great, tastes great if you get some in your mouth, has natural antibacterial properties, and is good for your skin to boot. Definitely the way to go.”
| Type | Oil-based |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | 100% organic coconut oil |
| Size | 16 oz |
Foria Intimacy Sex Oil with CBD
Pros
- Only two ingredients
- Contains moisturizing coconut oil and soothing CBD
- Long-lasting moisturization
Cons
- Pricey
- Not safe for use with condoms
Foria’s best-selling lube is a pick recommended by Natasha Marie Narkiewicz, sexual wellness expert and Head of Communications at sexual health company MysteryVibe, who notes that it contains only two organic ingredients: Coconut oil and CBD. “Coconut oil is known for its regenerative and moisturizing properties, which can help moisturize vaginal tissue, and CBD has soothing and calming properties that can help reduce discomfort and enhance vaginal sensation during intimacy,” she says. It’s also on our list of the best CBD lubes.
With only two ingredients, you can rest assured that this formula doesn’t contain any potentially irritating ingredients that can upset the vagina’s pH, such as phthalates, glycerin, parabens, dyes, or petroleum-based ingredients, says Narkiewicz. Plus, it’s an oil-based lubricant, meaning “it won’t dry out as fast as water-based lubricants,” she adds.
| Type | Oil-based |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Coconut oil, CBD |
| Size | 3.8 oz |
Uberlube Silicone Lube
Uberlube Silicone Lube
Pros
- Contains moisturizing vitamin E
- Silky, non-sticky feel
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Not safe for use with silicone sex toys
There’s a reason this why this best-selling lubricant boasts a 4.6-star rating from over 38,000 Amazon shoppers. Unscented and flavorless, this silicone-based lube contains vitamin E for a soft, moisturizing feel on skin. It’s also great for sensitive skin, thanks to a formula that’s free of parabens, glycerins, alcohol, and fragrance. Reviewers especially love that it’s long-lasting without leaving behind a sticky mess.
“I am 50 and nearing menopause. I was searching for a good lubricant due to dryness that comes with aging...This lubricant is the best I’ve ever used,” shared one reviewer. “Not only is it silky soft, it feels like nothing at all when you apply it. It’s like a silky velvet layer...without all the sticky residue and mess. A little goes a long way. I’ve never had to reapply it during sex.”
| Type | Silicone-based |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Dimethicone, dimethiconol, cyclomethicone, tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E) |
| Size | 1.86 oz |
Pjur Aqua Water-Based Personal Lubricant
Pros
- Silky, non-sticky feel
- Safe for use with condoms and sex toys
- Easy to clean up
Cons
- May have to reapply often
“Pjur Aqua is my personal favorite and a staple in my lubricant collection,” says Narkiewicz. “[It] is a premium water-based lube that provides long-lasting lubrication without feeling sticky and leaving residue. Its formula is made up of mostly water without any unnecessary additives like fragrances, oils, and fats, so it won’t disrupt the vaginal pH, which can exacerbate vaginal dryness.”
As a water-based lube, this pick is safe for use with both condoms and sex toys. Reviewers also rave that it feels like “liquid silk” without ever getting sticky or tacky. “Love this stuff. I’ve been using it for so many years and it never fails me...It doesn’t become a scary scene of sticky glue over time,” said one Amazon shopper. “No more Sahara desert ladies!”
| Type | Water-based |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.4 oz |
| Ingredients | Aqua (water), glycerin, ethoxydiglycol, hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hydroxyethylcellulose, propylene glycol, citric acid, benzyl alcohol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone |
Pre-Seed Fertility Lubricant
Pros
- Clinically-tested formula
- Supports sperm survival and quality
- Comes with an applicator
Cons
- Pricey
If you’re looking to conceive, Dr. Minkin recommends this water-based lube from Pre-Seed. Unlike other lubricants, which can slow down sperm, this lube is specifically designed to assist with fertility: It’s clinically-tested formula is isotonic and pH balanced, making it similar to the natural vaginal environment to support sperm survival and sperm quality. This lube also comes with nine single-use applicators for easy use.
“Lube without harsh chemicals with a balanced PH and which does not kill sperm...This is my life saver for my vaginal dryness,” wrote one reviewer. “I am usually dry and need lubrication pretty often...This product is amazing!” said another. “Not only did it help with the dryness, it was not sticky at all and it made my enjoyment fuller!”
| Type | Water-based |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.4 oz |
| Ingredients | Purified water, hydroxyethylcellulose, pluronic, sodium chloride, sodium phosphate, carbomer, methylparaben, sodium hydroxide, arabinogalactan, potassium phosphate, propylparaben |
How to choose the best lube for vaginal dryness
✔️ Use the right type of lube for your needs. There are three different types of lubricants: water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based. Water-based lubes typically wash off easily, are easy to clean, and are safe for use with sex toys, but silicone-based and oil-based options generally last longer. However, you shouldn’t use silicone-based lubes with silicone sex toys or oil-based lubes with condoms. “Lubricants which are oil-based should not be used with latex condoms, [because] the oil can damage the latex and lead to less contraceptive and STI protection,” warns Dr. Minkin. “Women are better off using a silicone- or water-based lubricant in those circumstances.”
✔️ Avoid potentially irritating ingredients. “I generally recommend avoiding a lubricant that has flavor, heating sensation, or other preservatives, such as parabens or propylene glycol,” says Dr. Miller. These additives “can further irritate the vagina,” especially if you’re already experiencing dryness.
✔️ Try out different options to find the right one. Ultimately, the best lube for you comes down to your personal preference and comfort. Finding one that’s right for you takes a little bit of trial and error, notes Dr. Miller. “I always tell women who are trying out different lubricants to buy a small amount first to see how they like the feel of the product—and then they can get a good supply,” adds Dr. Minkin.
What causes vaginal dryness?
According to experts, the most common cause of vaginal dryness is due to a decrease of estrogen in the body. There are many different conditions that are related to low estrogen, but the most common is menopause or perimenopause, says Dr. Minkin.
Estrogen levels can also change for women in postpartum status after childbirth—especially for those who are breastfeeding—which can lead to dryness. “Breastfeeding causes temporary ovarian suppression, and [these] women often need some extra moisture in the vagina,” Dr. Minkin explains.
Lastly, vaginal dryness can be a side effect of certain hormonal contraception like birth control pills, notes Dr. Miller. “Also, those who are experiencing vaginal inflammation from infections, such as yeast vaginitis, may also have a sensation of vaginal irritation and dryness,” she adds.
Why do I feel dry even with lube?
“Many people in a low-estrogen state or with inflammation in the vagina may feel ‘dry’ or ‘irritated’ even with a lubricant because the underlying skin in the vagina has changed,” says Dr. Miller. She notes that she often sees this in menopause: “The estrogen levels are no longer activating the receptors on the vaginal skin that allow for natural lubrication or for the plump and pliable nature of the vaginal walls...So even if you are placing a lubricant in the vagina, the vagina is still thin and the skin still fragile,” she explains.
Another potential reason you still feel dry even when using lube is if you’re suffering from a vaginal infection. “If the vagina is inflamed from infection, while there may not be dryness, the vagina can still feel irritated, mimicking dryness,” says Dr. Miller.
In these cases, you may need other types of treatments or medications to relieve dryness (or treat the underlying condition). If you’re experiencing persistent vaginal dryness and discomfort, make sure to consult your gynecologist or medical provider.
How we chose the best lubes for vaginal dryness
Our team conducted extensive research and consulted Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., ob/gyn, clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine; Taniqua Miller, M.D., ob/gyn and expert in midlife and menopause health; and Natasha Marie Narkiewicz, sexual wellness expert and head of communications at sexual health company MysteryVibe. Additionally, we combed through countless user ratings and reviews to find the best lubes for vaginal dryness.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examined hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.
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