Desensitizing or numbing lubes typically contain analgesics like lidocaine or benzocaine, and while these are great for making what could be an uncomfortable experience essentially pain-free, there are a few things you need to know:
Fox
At first glance, when getting into anal play it makes complete sense to reach for a lube that will make penetration a lot more comfortable — or even, painless! We get it.
First, if you numb up your rear entrance before play, you typically won’t be able to feel any pain until afterward. This means you can’t communicate with your partner to prevent injuring yourself *in the moment!*
HBO
No one wants to deal with painful sex, burning, or bleeding — so being able to tell your partner when you’re experiencing any discomfort can make sure you don’t injure yourself for the sake of a good time.
Second, some numbing agents cause burning, itching, or irritation — so obviously, you shouldn’t use *any* form of lubricant without doing a patch test on your arm or leg to see if there’s any reaction.
Comedy Central
Numbing agents may also be formulated with glycerin or sugars, which can be an allergen for you *or* your partner (because bodily fluids are being exchanged here)! Make sure to read the ingredients list, do a patch test, and discuss with your partner!
And finally, if you use a numbing agent on yourself while playing with a partner, it *will* end up on their genitals, hands, mouths, etc., and numb those areas as well — so make sure to use a condom to enjoy real-feel sensations!
Nickelodeon
And remember, while silicone-based lube is the best option for butt stuff, latex condoms are compatible, but these non-latex ones will! BTW — if you want some regular-degular anal lube definitely check out this list!
And now for the good stuff…
1. A strawberry-flavored desensitizing gel created with Benzocaine to help relax your sphincter muscles for more comfortable play — remember, a little goes a long way!
FYI — this gel should be used along with a silicone or hybrid anal lube!
Promising review: “First timer here, I was so scared to do anything anal. I heard horror stories of the pain and just wanted a way of feeling pleasure with no pain. I put this on the outside of my anal and let it dry about 10–15 minutes before intercourse. Because this was my first time, we only tried out a butt plug, and with anal lube, I felt no pain! It was a really nice experience, truthfully, and I am so glad I had this product with me. I’m not sure if it ran down to my vaginal area, but my boyfriend had been desensitized and able to last a long period of time. Best sex either one of us had ever had.” —Harley Stevens
Get it from Amazon for $6.99.
2. A desensitizing water-based lube that delivers a light numbing effect to help ease discomfort during anal play or exploration.
Amazon
Promising review: “Honestly, wow! I was really skeptical at first about using this because I wasn’t sure it was going to work, but boy, it did! It took about 10–15 minutes for it to work for me and lasted a while after. I was able to have backyard fun for the first time with no pain!” —Sarah Roberts
Get it from Amazon for $21.95.
3. A desensitizing fisting cream designed especially for anal aficionados and size queens! This long-lasting hybrid formula is extra thick and boasts menthol with benzocaine to help prevent any discomfort as you play with your largest toys or take on a partner’s whole hand. 😮💨
Lovehoney
Some reviewers even use it for vaginal fisting! FYI — this cream should be used along with a silicone or hybrid anal lube!
Promising reviews: “I’m definitely not at the fisting stage of my backdoor journey; I’m actually just starting out, but I have always had trouble relaxing because I was so worried about pain. Well, worry no more! This cream is my new favorite, and I can’t wait to try it with my partner!” —Goodietwoshoes
“So I start with three fingers in myself. So it does numb. If you go too big or too fast, you can cause problems, so be careful to loosen up first! Just got it four days ago and fisted myself twice. Want more, but my cooter needs a break. I wish I had someone to use their fist on me!” —Lovehoney Customer
4. An anal numbing gel to help relax your muscles and numb you up for your next backdoor session, be it solo or partnered. It even comes in five different flavors, so you can take any oral play up several notches.
This product is not a personal lubricant and should be used in tandem with a silicone- or hybrid anal lubricant to ensure additional comfort.
Promising review: “Picked this up to prepare to take a bigger toy and figured it would make the initial session a smooth one. Narrator: It was. Was cold as on the first use, but you’ll adjust quickly. Gave it about 10 minutes (give or take) and got to work. I still felt the stretch but not the sting that usually occurs. Checked my backdoor when my legs started working again to make sure there wasn’t any damage. There wasn’t any, fortunately, so I am now sold on this stuff. Use it every time I use a big and/or new toy. Just make sure to clean up properly and pay attention to how your body feels while doing your thing. If something feels off, then stop and check.” —Adam & Eve Customer
Get it from Adam & Eve for $16.99 (originally $19.99 and available in five flavors).
5. A water-based desensitizing anal gel made with 7.5% benzocaine to make things easier than ever when trying to insert a toy, finger, or partner through the rear.
Adam & Eve
This lube is toy- and condom-safe! FYI — this gel should be used along with a silicone or hybrid anal lube!
Promising review: “This anal desensitizing gel does wonderful things it really does numb things up so it is easy for any large penis to just slide right in, no pain at all. I will be ordering this product again and again… Thank you. You need five more stars up above for this product…” —Adam & Eve Customer
Get it from Adam & Eve for $12.74 (originally $14.99) or Amazon for $12.99.
6. A desensitizing anal lubricant that features 3.5% lidocaine for a numbing sensation that helps increase comfort during anal sex.
A water-based formula offers effortless cleaning and compatibility with your favorite sex toys and condoms.
Promising reviews: “Excellent product. Lets you feel it without the pain. A little goes a long way, but I’d recommend applying liberally. One application lasted quite a long time. Easy to clean off skin, but will stain sheets and bedding, so be careful.” —Amalia C Oritz
“Excellent product. It really desensitizes the muscle tissue around the anus. Finally, I was able to insert a toy 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. I definitely recommend this product for backdoor use.” —Antonio Rodriguez Sanchez
Get it from Amazon for $18.34.
7. A vegan anal lube formulated with benzocaine for a topical anesthetic to help make backdoor play more enjoyable in the moment, so you can focus on the play instead of any pain.
Doc Johnson
Promising review: “I’ve only used one numbing lube before, which didn’t work that great. This one works so much better! This lube is more thicker which I tend to stay away from because of too much friction. This wasn’t bad at all since it numbs so good. This definitely helps with achieving a hands free orgasm. No scent at all, little greasy feeling but wasn’t an issue. Bottle is a pump and dispenses slow (which is a good thing). The label slides on mine, so if you want it to be discrete, it can be. Definitely would buy again.” —Itsjustmike
Get it from Lovehoney for $19.99 (originally $24.99).
8. An extra-thick, oil-based anal lubricant by Doc Johnson that’s made with soothing antibacterial ingredients to help with backdoor entry via a partner or larger toy, so pain doesn’t ruin the fun!
Lovehoney
Promising review: “The lube itself is brilliant, when using it on my partner I have applied it to sex toys and my own member, and it makes entering the bum way easier. I would always recommend an anal specific lube for any kind of activities involving the bum because normal lube doesn’t cut it. I would highly recommend this anal lube in particular because I have found that when applying a generous amount to either a sex toy or on myself, it makes getting in as easy as I’ve ever experienced.” —Harrison
Get it from Lovehoney for $15.99 (originally $19.99).
9. A water-based gel lubricant enriched with a numbing agent that helps ease the area for a more comfortable feeling and experience.
Promising reviews: “It’s great. Was really surprised and I will definitely order this again. It numbs the rear but I can still feel. If you’re new to backdoor play then get this lube.” —David
“We purchased this numbing lube and the creamy white version of it and this is BY FAR the best lube we’ve ever used. First is the value of it. We accomplished pretty amazing things with about a tablespoon of this lube, compared to half a sports bottle of the powdered stuff. Doesn’t dry or get sticky during use. The numbing agent is strong enough to make things comfortable but subtle enough to make everything very pleasurable. The cleanup was incredibly easy. Literally, run your hands under water and it’s gone. We’re never buying anything else. Great value for you money.” —NC Charlie
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
10. And lastly, Pjur’s silky, long-lasting Back Door silicone anal lubricant that’s formulated with jojoba to help deliver a relaxing effect on your rear entry, so you can still feel all the fantastic sensations rather than be completely numb.
As mentioned above, this lubricant relaxes muscles but does not numb the area.
Also available in a water-based version with hyaluronic acid instead of jojoba!
Promising reviews: “Great product. Wife really enjoys using it. Last a long time and is very smooth. Makes backdoor play very enjoyable for her!” —Lovehoney Customer
“This has changed how often I use the backdoor because, honestly, using other lubes, it was just annoying setting up and actually getting to the fun part. But this lube did a great job and actually cut down on some of the pain I usually have with insertion. Lasted a full session, and my toy still had some left on it.” —Jackson
Get it from Lovehoney for $26.99 (originally $34.99) or Amazon for $16.90.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
