FDA Cleared
Topical Product

Vaginal Lubricant

A non-hormonal gel applied at the time of sex to reduce friction and pain from vaginal dryness.

Last verified: · Updated:

Vaginal Lubricant (Topical Product)Compare

Method at a Glance

Measured outcomeRecommendedGuideline status: Recommended
DurationOn-demand (per use)
Cost$8–$25
/per package
Used forVaginal dryness & painful sex relief
How you get itDirect-to-Consumer (Physical) · No prescription
Available Products

4 products in this category

Specific branded items that use this method. Compare manufacturer details, active ingredients, and regulatory status.

FDA Cleared
AP
Personal Lubricant Liquid

Astroglide Personal Lubricant

A water-based personal lubricant liquid for reducing discomfort during sex.

Vaginal Lubricant
FDA Cleared
GC
Personal Lubricant Gel

Good Clean Love Almost Naked Personal Lubricant

An aloe-based personal lubricant with a pH-balanced formula.

Vaginal Lubricant
FDA Cleared
KY
Personal Lubricant Gel

K-Y Jelly Personal Lubricant

A water-based personal lubricant gel for reducing discomfort during sex.

Vaginal Lubricant
FDA Cleared
UP
Personal Lubricant Liquid

Uberlube Personal Lubricant

A silicone-based personal lubricant for reducing friction during sex.

Vaginal Lubricant
The details

What the evidence says

How well it works, what to watch for, who should avoid it, and the studies behind it.

Outcome & guideline status

Recommended

Guideline status: Recommended

A 2023 open-label RCT (n=174, PMID 36781402) tested 5 water-based lubricants over 4 weeks and found all met the primary endpoint of >=4-point improvement in Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score, with significant improvement across all 6 FSFI domains (P<.0001 for lubrication and pain reduction; P<.05 for the other domains). A second RCT (n=66) confirmed similar improvement for water-based and silicone-based lubricants (Krychman et al. 2025). However, these are open-label trials without a placebo or no-treatment arm, so placebo effects cannot be ruled out. No trial reports a single percentage reduction in dyspareunia. NAMS 2020 GSM Position Statement recommends lubricants as first-line non-hormonal therapy for mild GSM symptoms, alongside moisturizers.

Research sourcePalacios S et al. 2023, J Sex Med — A randomized trial on the effectiveness and safety of 5 water-based personal lubricants (PMID 36781402)
Why we rate it this wayNAMS 2020 GSM Position Statement (PMID 32852449)

Cost & insurance

$8–$25/per package

Over-the-counter products typically $8-$25 per bottle or tube at pharmacies and online. Water-based lubricants are generally less expensive than silicone-based. Cost varies by brand and size.

Insurance CoverageNo

Duration & reversibility

Lasts forOn-demand (per use)
Reversibility
Reversible

The science

How it works in the body

Vaginal lubricants are short-acting gels or liquids applied directly before sexual activity to reduce friction and discomfort. They work by coating the vaginal and vulvar surface, supplementing natural lubrication that declines with estrogen loss. Unlike moisturizers, which are used on a regular schedule to hydrate tissue over time, lubricants are used on demand at the time of intercourse. Common formulations include water-based (containing glycerin or hyaluronic acid), silicone-based (longer-lasting, not water-soluble), and oil-based products.

Regulatory status & access

StatusFDA Cleared
Used forVaginal dryness & painful sex relief
How you get itDirect-to-Consumer (Physical) · No prescription
PrescriptionOTC

Side effects

  • Mild vaginal irritation or burning (usually transient)
  • Increased vaginal discharge
  • Itching or rash (rare, usually hypersensitivity)

Who shouldn't use this

  • •Hypersensitivity to any ingredient (glycerin, propylene glycol, or preservatives)(An allergy or sensitivity to the medicine, device, or one of its ingredients)
  • •Oil-based lubricants should not be used with latex condoms (degrades latex)(An allergy to natural rubber latex; use polyurethane or polyisoprene alternatives)

Clinical guidelines

NAMS

2020 GSM Position Statement, first-line non-hormonal therapy for mild GSM symptoms

View Guideline
The full picture

What to know about Vaginal Lubricant

What it is

Vaginal lubricants are non-hormonal gels or liquids applied directly before sexual activity to reduce friction, discomfort, and pain caused by vaginal dryness. Unlike vaginal moisturizers, which are used on a regular schedule every 2 to 3 days to hydrate tissue over time, lubricants are used on demand at the time of intercourse. They work by coating the vaginal and vulvar surface, supplementing the natural lubrication that declines as estrogen falls during menopause. Common formulations include water-based (containing glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or hydroxyethylcellulose), silicone-based (longer-lasting, not water-soluble), and oil-based products. They are available over the counter without a prescription.

How well it works

A 2023 open-label randomized trial (n=174) tested five water-based lubricants over 4 weeks and found that all met the primary endpoint of at least a 4-point improvement in the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), with statistically significant improvement across all six FSFI domains (P<.0001 for lubrication and pain reduction; P<.05 for the other domains). A second randomized trial (Krychman et al., 2025; n=66) confirmed similar improvements for both water-based and silicone-based lubricants. However, these trials are open-label and do not include a placebo or no-treatment arm, so placebo effects cannot be ruled out. No trial reports a single percentage reduction in dyspareunia.

The Menopause Society (NAMS 2020 GSM Position Statement) recommends vaginal lubricants and moisturizers as first-line non-hormonal therapy for mild GSM symptoms, noting that nonprescription therapies provide sufficient relief for most women with mild symptoms. For moderate to severe GSM, prescription options such as vaginal estrogen, vaginal DHEA, or ospemifene are recommended.

Side effects and cautions

Vaginal lubricants are generally well tolerated. Common side effects are mild, transient vaginal irritation or burning, increased discharge, and itching. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if irritation persists. People with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient (such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or preservatives) should avoid products containing those ingredients. Oil-based lubricants (such as petroleum jelly or baby oil) should not be used with latex condoms, as they degrade latex and increase the risk of condom breakage. Water-based and silicone-based lubricants are safe to use with latex condoms.

Where to get it

Vaginal lubricants are available over the counter at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online without a prescription. They do not require a doctor’s visit, though a healthcare provider can help determine whether your symptoms warrant prescription treatment instead. Check our provider directory for clinics near you.