- Widest compatibility: JO H2O lists latex, polyisoprene and polyurethane condoms.
- Best silicone: K-Y Silicone, compatible with latex, polyisoprene and polyurethane.
- Added water-based lube cut anal-sex condom breakage from 21.4% to 3%.
- Avoid oils and lotions with latex.
The right condom-safe lube can make a condom more comfortable. The wrong one can weaken it. Water-based and silicone lubricants are generally compatible with latex, polyisoprene and polyurethane condoms, but the details differ by product, so we compare what each maker states.
Every pick below is a different formula with an explicit condom statement, and we note glycerin-free and paraben-free formulas where the maker says so. If you also need to protect silicone toys, choose a water-based pick. For more, see the condom-safe category.
JO H2O Original, 8 oz
JO H2O is a water-based gel that the maker says works with latex, polyisoprene and polyurethane condoms and most toys. It has no fragrance or parabens.
- Three condom types
- Toy compatible
- Simple ingredient list
- Contains plant glycerin
K-Y Silicone Lube, 4.5 oz
K-Y Silicone is stated compatible with latex, polyisoprene and polyurethane condoms. It is long-lasting, waterproof and safe for anal use per the maker.
- Three condom types
- Waterproof
- Familiar brand
- Not for silicone toys
ID Glide, 4 oz
ID Glide states compatibility with natural rubber latex, polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms and with silicone and rubber toys. It is non-staining and easy to clean.
- Condoms and silicone toys
- Rinses with water
- Doctor recommended per the maker
- Glycerin status not stated
pjur Original Silicone Lube, 3.4 oz
pjur Original is a concentrated silicone with no preservatives. It is safe with natural rubber latex, polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms and works as a massage oil too.
- No preservatives
- Three condom types
- Versatile
- Not for silicone toys
SKYN All Night Long Silicone Lube, 8.5 oz
Skyn All Night Long is a silicone lube from a non-latex condom brand. It is preservative- and fragrance-free and compatible with polyisoprene, natural rubber latex and polyurethane condoms.
- Non-latex friendly
- Pump bottle
- Fragrance-free
- Silicone base
Trojan H2O Closer Water-Based Lube, 5.5 fl oz
Trojan H2O Closer is a water-based lube with vitamin E and hyaluronic moisturizers. It works with Trojan latex condoms, is fragrance- and dye-free and is non-sticky.
- Designed to work with Trojan condoms
- Fragrance- and dye-free
- Non-sticky
- Compatibility stated for latex only
Durex Aloe Vera Water Based, 6.76 oz
Durex Aloe Vera is a water-based lube compatible with natural rubber latex and polyisoprene condoms and Durex toys. It can be used for vaginal, penile and anal application.
- Latex and polyisoprene safe
- Aloe soothing
- Versatile
- Polyurethane not stated
Sliquid H2O Water-Based Lube, 8.5 oz
Sliquid H2O is plant-cellulose based, free of glycerin, glycol and parabens, and stated as compatible with toys and condoms. It suits sensitive skin.
- Glycerin-free
- Toys and condoms
- Non-staining
- Specific condom materials are not listed
Aloe Cadabra Unscented Aloe Lube, 2.5 oz
Aloe Cadabra is NSF-certified organic and compatible with natural rubber, latex and polyisoprene condoms and many toys, though not with polyurethane condoms.
- Organic aloe
- Latex and polyisoprene safe
- Vegan
- Not for polyurethane condoms
How we chose
We only credit compatibility the maker states. Condom materials matter: latex and polyisoprene are both sensitive to oil, and polyurethane works with most lubricants.
- Explicit statements on latex, polyisoprene or polyurethane.
- Base: water-based and silicone only, with oils excluded.
- Toy notes: silicone lube should not touch silicone toys.
- No repeated formulas.
Condom-safe lubes compared
Dashes mean the listing does not specify.
| Pick | Base | Condom-safe | Toy-safe | Glycerin-free | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JO Water Based | Water | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ Plant glycerin | Widest water-based compatibility |
| K-Y Silicone | Silicone | ✓ Yes | — | — | Long-lasting with condoms |
| ID Glide | Water | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | — | Condoms and toys together |
| pjur Original | Silicone | ✓ Yes | — | — | Silicone with three condom types |
| Skyn All Night Long | Silicone | ✓ Yes | — | — | Polyisoprene and latex-free condoms |
| Trojan H2O Closer | Water | ✓ Yes (latex) | — | — | Latex condom users |
| Durex Aloe Vera | Water (aloe) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | — | Durex condom users |
| Sliquid H2O | Water | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Condoms for sensitive users |
| Aloe Cadabra Unscented | Water (aloe) | ~ Not polyurethane | ✓ Yes | — | Organic with latex |
Why lube helps, and why oil hurts
Added water-based lubricant can reduce breakage. In an anal-sex study cited by WHO, breakage was 3% with the supplied water-based lubricant versus 21.4% with none. For vaginal sex, aged condoms broke 4.5% of the time without added lube and 2.1% with it, while new condoms broke 2.4% either way.
Condom breakage with and without added water-based lube
WHO calls the vaginal evidence 'equivocal', so the strongest case is for anal sex and for older condoms.
Matching lube to your condom
- Latex: water-based or silicone.
- Polyisoprene: as sensitive to oil as latex. Use water-based or silicone.
- Polyurethane: almost any safe lubricant works, but check the label.
- Toys too? Choose water-based.
Browse water-based and silicone lists for more.
Questions
What lube is safe with latex condoms?
Water-based and silicone lubricants are generally compatible with latex condoms. Avoid oil-based products.
Can I use coconut oil with condoms?
No. WHO lists coconut oil among household products not to use with latex condoms.
Do polyisoprene condoms need special lube?
Polyisoprene is as sensitive to oil as latex, so use water-based or silicone lube.
Is silicone lube safe with polyurethane condoms?
Many makers state it is, and WHO says almost any safe lubricant works with polyurethane. Check your lube and condom labels.
Does lube make condoms safer?
Added water-based lube reduced breakage in some studies, especially anal sex. It does not replace correct condom use.
What is the best condom-safe lube?
Water-based and silicone lubes are generally compatible with latex condoms, so the best condom-safe lube depends on your condom material and any toys. If you are new to condoms, a water-based pick is a simple place to start; always check the label.