Anal lube test

We evaluate and score the friction, protection and user comfort of lubricants during anal play and the introduction of larger toys into the anus.

How vaginal and anal lubricant differ

A good sexual lubricant generally has a more consistent struture and forms small clumps of lubricant in the body. This is just the protective layer against friction with an inserted penis or sex toy and the rubbing of food debris against the vaginal or intestinal wall lining.

In most cases, the lubricant can be used for both vaginal and anal use and the lubricant is not specifically intended for vaginal or anal use. The anal differs from the vagina in having a more sensitive mucous membrane and food debris in the rectum and intestines. Therefore, a higher density lubricant that forms a thicker layer is suitable for anal sex. This protects the mucous membrane from friction and abrasions from food debris. This is best ensured sexual lubricating creams.

Lubricating creams also known as fisting lubricants

Oil-based or fat-based lubricants are the top category for demanding anal play, such as large dildos or fisting. They cannot be confused with oils and regular oil-based lubricants - they are completely inadequate (more on that later).

The thick texture of the lubricant creates a thicker layer that stays on the mucous membrane and protects it. This will reduce friction, pain and discomfort when introducing objects into the anus to zero or the lowest possible level of any lubricant available.

Sexual play can cause small wounds on the tissue, especially the anal mucosa, by stretching the tissue too much or rubbing it against food debris. Cream lubricants usually contain substances such as medicated vaseline or oils with similar properties, which cover the disrupted tissue and prevent the disrupted mucosa from drying out. This reduces the risk of minor inflammation and accelerates the healing of the broken mucous membrane.

Fist creams also often have an anti-fungal disinfectant ingredient and do not burn in the body (unlike most water-based lubricants).

Absolute test winner – Elbow Grease Original Cream – Highest comfort 150 points from 155

Conclusion: The best anal lube, if we don't look at the price. But quite expensive. A good choice for those who don't have deep pockets. Also, if your partner isn't totally a fan of anal sex and you want the best for him. Let him focus on anal play and not on the shortcomings of the lube (that it doesn't smell, doesn't look nice, etc). I use this on a woman who is sensitive to anal burning. I have a cheaper one for myself.

Frictional and mechanical comfort. Best consistency mechanically: i.e. the strongest protective layer and the highest friction and mechanical comfort. Produced since 1978. 50b (max)

Quick application. 3b (max)

No anal burning at all. 50b (max). The main advantage against cheaper competitors.

It won't dry out. After sex you still feel the reserve in the anus. 10b. (max)

Does not leave a greasy feeling in the anus. 2b. (max)

Supports subsequent healing of the mucosa - prevents dehydration of the damaged mucosa and reduces the risk of wound inflammation. 10 points (max 15)

Slightly pleasant smell with a hint of coconut. Compared to similar competitors, no chemical disinfectants or other substances are smelled. The manufacturer can be trusted to have redesigned the formula to make the cream as natural as possible. The second main advantage against cheaper competitors.

Ideal consistency visually and in terms of handling: a nice cream. 10b. (max) The third main advantage against cheaper competitors.

Easy closing. Other similar creams have a snap-on lid that you push on several times and often leave it partially open.

Cons: Expensive as expensive skin creams

Small pack cheap: no 0p (max 1p)

The 5 year shelf life / one year after opening is a bonus over other lubricants (2 years / 1 year). But no extra points because you use it up much faster.

Cobeco Lubricating Cream Fists – Best price-performance ratio 128 points

Conclusion: our recommended choice. If you want to save money and you don't have a completely demanding partner, it offers basically the same as Elbow Grease, but significantly cheaper, with minor shortcomings. The 500ml pack is slightly better than the almost identical Mister B Double F-Fist Cream 500ml for the same price.

Frictional and mechanical comfort. Excellent consistency mechanically: i.e. the strongest protective layer and the highest friction and mechanical comfort. Compared to Elbow Grease only slightly inferior mechanically. 47b (max 50)

Quick application. 3b (max)

It won't dry out. After sex, you still feel the reserve in the anus. Only slightly worse than Elbow Grease. 9b (max 10)

It doesn't burn in the anus. If it does, it's almost imperceptible. 37b (max 50). Redpipi testers are quite sensitive to the burning of lubricants in the anus compared to the general population and do not feel the burning here. Still, we have feedback from one customer that unlike the Elbow Grease it burns slightly. We have reflected this customer feedback in the scoring.

Does not leave a greasy feeling and anal. 2b (max)

Supports subsequent healing of the mucosa - prevents dehydration of the damaged mucosa and reduces the risk of wound inflammation. 8b (max 15)

A light touch of coconut. Slightly, only when sniffed very closely, there is also a chemical smell of disinfectants.

Nice creamy consistency. More jelly-like, less pretty to look at than Elbow Grease and only slightly more jelly-like than Doble F-Fist Cream. Slightly worse than Elbow grease – thinner. 8b (max 10)

Packaging and handling. It does not leak at all. You can tip it onto the bed when tipping it over. One has to open the lid several times or properly check the squeeze. Elbow Grease packaging also looks slightly better visually. 3b (max 4)

Small pack cheap: no 0p (max 1p)

Mister B Double F-Fist Cream – Excellent price-performance ratio 121 points

Conclusion: Slightly worse than Elbow Grease, but much cheaper. Mechanically and functionally identical to Cobeco Lubricating Cream Fists for the same price, only almost imperceptibly worse in some secondary properties - a slightly higher disinfection odor and worse consistency.

Frictional and mechanical comfort. Excellent consistency mechanically: i.e. the strongest protective layer and the highest friction and mechanical comfort. Compared to Elbow Grease only slightly but perceptibly inferior mechanically. 47b (max 50)

Quick application. 3b (max)

It won't dry out. After sex, you still feel the reserve in the anus. Only slightly worse than Elbow Grease. 9b (max 10)

It doesn't burn in the anus. If it does, it's almost imperceptible. Some extremely sensitive customers, however, will be slightly burned. 37b (max 50)

Does not leave a greasy feeling and anal. 2b (max)

Supports subsequent healing of the mucosa - prevents dehydration of the damaged mucosa and reduces the risk of wound inflammation. 8b (max 15)

A light touch of coconut. If you sniff very carefully, there is also a very slight chemical smell of disinfectants. 5b (max 10)

Nice creamy consistency. Slightly worse than Elbow grease – a little jelly-like. 8b (max 10)

Packaging and handling. Very lightly fluid. You can tip it onto the bed when you roll it over. One has to close the lid several times or check the squeeze properly. Elbow Grease packaging also looks slightly better visually. 2b (max 5)

Small pack cheap: no 0p (max 1p)

Lubricating cream Boy Butter

6 % more expensive than Elbow Grease in worse packaging. Otherwise, from the point of view of our test, completely identical properties - visually, mechanically, viscosity and smell. For the packaging for such an expensive cream, we give 0, therefore only 146 points. Although it has butter in the name, its structure and properties are really a lubricating cream, not a fat.

Oils (and common oil-based liquid lubricants) approx. 40 points

When it comes to lubricants for anal sex, it is necessary to distinguish between oils and fats and oil-based lubricating creams. Oils such as Crisco, Slam Dung or sometimes even butter or cooking oil are widely promoted as anal lubricants by some sex shops. But that is nonsense. Oils, whether food-grade or special lubricating oils for sex, are completely unsuitable for anal sex. In our opinion, they are also unsuitable for vaginal intercourse.

Not only do they often etch condom (they don't understand latex). But it creates a very thin layer that does not reduce friction and does not protect the mucous membrane. With oil, you feel that the penis or inserted dildo is cutting you inside. This is really the case, because the mucous membrane is minimally protected, unlike other lubricants. In addition, they leave a greasy environment. They will not help even in an emergency. These lubricants are worse than plain saliva and are therefore suitable perhaps for back or muscle massage or cooking.

Fats

Some cosmetic fats, unlike oils and cooking fats, can create a thick protective layer and thus protect the mucous membrane. They usually, with the exception of lard, have lower slipperiness. They are relatively good for introducing large objects into the body, but far from ideal.

Deer Tallow – Winner of the category of least drying and highest healing effects 125b

Conclusion: The best healing effects, the easiest deep insertion, handling and storage.

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It has been produced since time immemorial. The basic use is on the lips, but it is also excellent for anal.

Frictional and mechanical comfort. Strong protective layer. Compared to lubricating creams, it has lower slipperiness and higher friction. Due to its initial stiffness, it is easier to insert deep into the anus. 25b (50max)

Quick application 2b (3b max)

Dries the least of all lubricants and creams tested. 10b (max)

It leaves a greasy feeling in the anus after sex, but it's not unpleasant. 0b

Does not burn in the anus. 50b (max)

The best healing effects of all tested. Supports subsequent healing of the mucosa for the longest time - prevents dehydration of the damaged mucosa and reduces the risk of wound inflammation. Therefore, it is also suitable as a supplement to other anal lubricants for subsequent coating of the anus and sphincter after sexual play or in the following days. 15b (max)

Largely natural composition. Lightly scented. Completely free of industrial chemical odours. 9b (max 10)

Nice creamy consistency. 10b (max)

Packaging and handling. Easy closing. Solid cream is easy to store and transport. Compared to lubricating creams, it stays on the tools and soap is needed to wash it off. 3b (max 4)

Extra point for the fact that you can buy a small pack for the same price and test it well. 1b (max)

Homemade lard 127 – Highest price-performance ratio

Lard is significantly better. Homemade rendered lard. Without the greaves, of course. It is halfway between oils and oil-based lubricating creams. It will create a protective layer that reduces friction, thicker than oils or butters or just fats, but thinner than cream lubricants. It also provides protection against drying out of the wound and thus accelerates healing. It can be a relatively cheap, slightly worse and less comfortable alternative to cream anal lubricants. It is not suitable for the vagina and condoms. It leaves the mucous membrane very oily after contact. This may be less comfortable, but it does not harm the body (anus). Lard also has a slight smell and, unlike lubricants, can stain clothes and bedding quite a bit. Crisco looks like lard at first glance, but when heated, it has the structure and properties of oil - it only creates a thin layer and is not comfortable.

Whipped cream should have similar, but slightly worse, properties. However, it is unsuitable from a hygienic and bacterial point of view.

Conclusion: 113 points (out of 155 possible). Compared to the Elbow Grease it is about 1/3 or 1/4 the price and if you don't mind the slightly lower comfort, slight smell and mess around, it is the cheapest option with good performance.

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Friction and mechanical comfort. 40b (max 50)

Quick application. 3b (max)

No anal burning at all. 50b (max)

It won't dry out. After sex you still feel the reserve in the anus. 10b. (max)

It leaves a greasy feeling and anal. 0p. (max 3)

Supports subsequent healing of the mucosa - prevents dehydration of the damaged mucosa and reduces the risk of wound inflammation. 5b. (max 15)

Light natural smell. 5p. (max 15)

Ideal consistency visually and in terms of handling: a nice cream. 10b. (max)

handling: worse, makes a mess . 0b (max 4)

Slum Dunk Unscented 130b

Very similar to deer tallow, but slightly lower lubricity and healing support. On the contrary, it smells like cooking oil or lard, but it is not a natural product. Especially since it is called Unscented :). If this smell is supposed to be an improved version of the odorless version of “Unscented”, then we would not want to experience the original version Original :). Seriously. It is a very solid lubricating cream even for hard anal practices, but the competition offers more music for less money.

Cobeco Pharma MALE Butter Lubricant

Very stiff, basically medical Vaseline. That's why we classify it as a grease and not a lubricating cream. Better than oils, but not slippery enough compared to creams. Similar to deer tallow, but not as good a healing aid. This doesn't make sense. There are other better alternatives in all respects. Some 110-120 points.

Lubricating gels

Classic sexual lubricating gels are for many the basis for comfortable casual sex. They are also sufficient for unpretentious anal sex. If your partner doesn't like anal sex and is only doing it for you, a lubricant or a better quality oil-based cream lubricant is suitable. Possibly in combination with a regular sex lubricant.

The vast majority of water- and oil-based lubricating gels burn more sensitive people in the anus and vagina thanks to anti-fungal additives. Silicone-based lubes suffer less from this. On average, regular sex lube gels would have about 75 points. If we were to score lubricating gels that don't burn in the anus (Male Lubricant Powder, Lona Strawberry, Raspberry, Silona, Water Glide Feel roughly like this:

Conclusion in general for better water-based lubricants for anal use: 97b out of 158 possible

Mechanical and frictional comfort. Not ideal for anal sex 30b (max 50b)

Quick application. 0b (max 3)

No anal burning at all. 50b (max)

It's drying up. 0 (max 3b)

Does not leave a greasy feeling and anal. 3b. (max)

Supports subsequent healing of the mucosa - prevents dehydration of the damaged mucosa and reduces the risk of wound inflammation. 0p. (max)

No chemical odours 10b. (max)

Ideal consistency visually and in terms of handling: they usually flow and can be handled 0b.

Packaging and handling. 0b (usually hard to fit into the anus)

Small pack cheap: usually yes 1b. (max)

Cobeco Male Lubricating Powder for anal use: 109b out of 158 possible

Mechanical and frictional comfort. Not ideal for anal sex 35b (max 50b)

Quick application. 1b (max 3)

No anal burning at all. 50b (max)

It's drying up. 0p. (max 3p)

Does not leave a greasy feeling and anal. 3b. (max)

Supports subsequent healing of the mucosa - prevents dehydration of the damaged mucosa and reduces the risk of wound inflammation. 0p. (max)

No chemical odours 10b. (max)

Consistency visually and in terms of handling: they usually flow and can be handled 7b.

Packaging and handling. 2b (dissolves very well, high durability, harder to introduce into the anus than creams but better than other water-based lubricants) (max 4)

Small pack cheap: usually yes 1b. (max)

Brutal price-performance ratio. The best lubricant for regular vaginal intercourse, intercourse with with a condom and for TPE aids.

Hybrids – Low-quality would-be lubricants

Beware, this is probably the case with most products that manufacturers or distributors try to present as lubricating creams. In reality, however, they are just thickened lubricating gels and not lubricating creams. E.g. Eros Mega Slide or Pjur Power Premium Cream. This group of half gels and half creams has a jelly-like semi-liquid texture. Both of these products have a more pronounced chemical smell and burn in the anus. Frictional comfort is comparable to conventional lubricants and falls far short of the properties of quality lubricating creams. Basically, they are inferior to conventional lubricants and at the listed prices are pronounced overpriced making no sense at all.

Conclusion: 43b out of 158 and by far the worst price/performance ratio

Friction and mechanical comfort. 35b (max 50)

Quick application. 1b (max 3b)

It doesn't burn in the anus at all. 0b (max)

It's drying up. 0 (max 3b)

It does not leave a greasy feeling and anal. 0p. (max)

Supports subsequent healing of the mucosa - prevents dehydration of the damaged mucosa and reduces the risk of wound inflammation. 0p. (max)

Chemical smell. 0b

Ideal consistency visually and in terms of handling: a nice cream. It is not too stiff and jelly-like and does not flow a bit. 3b.

Packaging and handling 0b

Small pack cheap: no 0p (max 1p)

Saliva

Saliva is for regular vaginal sex. For anal sex, it's enough for emergencies and not at all for introducing larger objects. But they are better than oils as they create a slightly thicker layer. But worse than any other lubricant. The disadvantage of saliva may be the risk of transmitting venereal disease.

Conclusion: 84b out of 157 possible

Mechanical and frictional comfort. For regular sex, okay. For anal sex, more of an emergency 20b (max 50b)

Quick application. 0b (max 3)

No anal burning at all. 50b (max)

It won't dry out. After sex, feel the reserve in the anus. 0b. (max)

Does not leave a greasy feeling and anal 2b (max)

Supports subsequent mucosal healing 0 (max)

No chemical odours 10b (max)

Ideal consistency visually and in terms of handling: 3b (max)

without gelatinisation 3b (max)

easy handling. 5b (max)

Small pack cheap: yes 1p (max 1p)

Body creams 20-30%

Body creams leave a greasy feel. Body creams should spread easily and absorb quickly. This is the opposite of the properties we look for in a lubricant or lubricating cream – slipperiness, creating a protective sliding layer that absorbs slowly.

Body creams are intended for the skin, not the mucous membranes, where they often burn. The mucous membranes need better ingredients. Use saliva as a sexual lubricant rather than body cream.