The mood is set, the sparks are flying, and things are heating up. You’re this close to exploring some exciting anal play, but then it hits you — you’re out of lube! We’ve all been there. And when it comes to anal sex or other forms of butt play, lube isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a non-negotiable for comfort and preventing any unwanted visits to the ER.

But don’t let a little lube shortage kill the vibe. Believe it or not, your kitchen and bathroom might be hiding some surprisingly delightful alternatives. So, take a deep breath, relax, and let’s explore some playful options that can keep things smooth, safe, and oh-so-satisfying.

Do you need lube for anal?

One of your first inclinations may be to let your partner continue their ministrations and forgo lube altogether. How bad can it be if you practice anal play without it?

“Using lubricant during anal intercourse is not just advisable; it is essential,” Taylor Moore, sexologist and co-founder of The Teasy Agency, tells FemmeFunn. “The anus does not produce natural lubrication like the vagina, making external lube critical for reducing friction, preventing micro-tears, and ensuring comfort and safety.”

As a bonus, Moore says that “proper lubrication transforms the experience from potentially painful to highly pleasurable.”

Lube is truly your friend and ally when it comes to bringing yourself anal bliss. However, it’s important to remember that while lube enhances comfort and reduces the risk of injury, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For full protection, consider using condoms or other barriers in conjunction with lubrication.

What not to use as lube

When you’re looking to DIY your own lube or repurpose a household item to prepare your anus for sex, it’s generally a good idea to think of ingredients you typically see in store-bought, body-safe lubricants and borrow from there. You can also use this as a guideline when taking stock of ingredients you don’t want anywhere near your butthole. 

“Petroleum jelly, such as vaseline, lotions, creams, hair products, and food-based items are absolute no-nos when it comes to anal penetration.” FairDolls’ Martin Ted tells FemmeFunn. 

While these sound like excellent candidates, many contain fragrances or chemicals that can cause irritation, particularly with internal use. This is why you don’t want to think of shampoo or lotion as lube. They’re incompatible with the body because, let’s face it, we’re delicate down there. The best lube alternatives won’t alter your natural pH. 

Animal-based products, as Ted pointed out, can also cause irritation, burning, or infection if they get in or around the anus or urethra. So steer clear of butter, yogurt, or egg yolks. 

Lastly, while this may seem a little counterintuitive, don’t use your bodily fluids on your own body. Saliva and semen don’t provide adequate lubrication, and they may harbor bacteria that you’ll regret introducing to your anal canal. This isn’t to say that rimming isn’t a fabulous way to warm up before you take a toy or your partner. Just remember that once you’ve indulged in a little salad tossing, slick up before you take things any further. 

What household items can be used as anal lube?

You might be wondering right about now: “So, what can I use as lube?” Just because your breakfast staples and favorite hand cream are off-limits doesn’t mean your house doesn’t have a fantastic anal lube substitute right under your nose. 

Remember that this list of lube alternatives was curated with nothing but the butt in mind (read: DO NOTE USE THESE FOR VAGINAL INTERCOURSE), and none of the oil-based alternatives are compatible with latex, so if you and your partner are relying on condoms to protect against STIs, you might want to buy a silicone or water-based lube instead. 

Virgin Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil is a popular choice for anal lube because it’s an all-natural alternative to the synthetic stuff found in the drugstore, and most people usually have a bottle of it in their pantry for one reason or another. It’s also cheap, tasty, and has an impressive shelf-life.

But if you have expensive sheets, we recommend putting down a sex blanket or something you’re not that attached to because this stuff stains easily.

Sweet Almond Oil

“Sweet almond oil is an excellent option for those preferring natural alternatives for anal lube,” Moore says. “It’s moisturizing and typically safe for sensitive skin.” Ensure that the oil you have in your pantry is “100% pure to avoid any additives that might cause irritation.”

Sweet almond oil also smells great, is safe to eat, and has a staying power that most water-based lubes don’t. This means you won’t have to reapply, and reapply, and reapply.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

EVOO is rich in antioxidants and extra gentle on the skin. Its thick consistency offers long-lasting lubrication, making it a smart choice for sustained anal play. But it’s not as well-absorbed by the skin as some of the other options on this list, and you’ll probably need to wash off, like twice, once you’re done. 

Sunflower Oil 

Sunflower oil is light, non-greasy, and readily absorbed, making it a gentle choice for your most delicate areas. It is also rich in Vitamin E, which offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and protect sensitive skin. Opt for organic, cold-pressed sunflower oil for the best experience.

Keep in mind that it may not be as long-lasting as some other options, so you might need to reapply during longer sessions.

Pure Aloe Vera

This summer staple is for more than just easing the burn. It has soothing and hydrating properties, so it’s totally acceptable for anal play if you find yourself in need. It’s also safe to use with condoms. Just be sure to look for pure, additive-free aloe vera gel (sans added ingredients like alcohol) to ensure it’s safe for intimate use.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil is unlikely to be found in your pantry, but it could be in your makeup bag or bathroom cabinet. But it’s not just a good facial moisturizer; vitamin E can be used as a natural anal lube or as a healing serum for hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and itching. 

Shea Butter 

Shea butter is rich, creamy, and highly moisturizing, offering a natural and safe option for anal lube (choose the one with no additives!). It can be found in a number of over-the-counter lubes, so you can feel assured that it’s ideal for maintaining comfort during intimate activities.

All-Natural Face Primer 

If you use irritant- and preservative-free, oil-based primer as part of your daily makeup routine, you can repurpose it as an anal lube. Just be certain your primer is natural by looking for labels like “hydrating” or “silicone-free.” (This one’s more of a last-resort option, at best.)

The Bottom Line

When it comes to anal play, your first line of defense is always having a high-quality lube on your bedside table. But life happens, and sometimes you need a little improvisation. Thankfully, your kitchen and bathroom cabinets can be surprisingly helpful! Whether it’s the soothing touch of aloe vera, the silky glide of coconut oil, or even a dab of your favorite all-natural primer, there are safe and enjoyable alternatives ready to step in and save the moment.

Remember, these anal lube alternatives are great for those unexpected moments, but nothing quite compares to the confidence and comfort of having the right lube on hand. So, stock up on your favorites (we’ve listed some of ours below!), explore these playful alternatives when needed, and most importantly, embrace the joy and freedom of exploring your body on your terms.