Editor’s tip: Because of all the oils in this formula, this balm doesn’t rinse away easily—ideal for shower sex or a solo sesh in the bathtub.
Key ingredients: hemp seed oils, coconut oil, soybean oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, peppermint oil | Compatibility: safe to use with polyurethane, nitrile, or lambskin condoms as well as non-latex sex toys (made with silicone, glass, or metal); NOT safe to use with latex condoms or toys | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore Pick: K-Y Intense Intimate Pleasure Gel
Why it’s worth it: The water-based formula behind K-Y’s Intense Intimate Pleasure Gel provides waves of warming, cooling, and shimmering sensations. Use it to spice up foreplay, raise the stakes during manual clitoral stimulation, or get the two of you raring to go for penetrative pleasure. It’s one of the more affordable arousal gels on the market, and if you’re too antsy to wait for online shipping, you may find it at your local drugstore, Target, or Walmart.
Editor’s tip: All it takes is two to three drops of product to achieve the heightened sensation you’re after.
Key ingredients: water, glycerin, hydrogenated castor oil | Compatibility: safe to use with condoms and sex toys | Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do arousal gels work?
“Arousal gels are topical products designed to enhance sexual arousal and pleasure,” explains Michelle Herzog, LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) and founder of the Center for Modern Relationships in Chicago. “They often contain ingredients like menthol or L-arginine to increase blood flow and sensitivity in the applied areas.” You can put them on your clit, nipples, vulva, inner thighs, or anywhere else from which you derive pleasure.
Arousal gels can be used as part of partnered sex during foreplay, the main event, or both. But there are a few important things to note. First, most arousal gels should only be used on external body parts, so keep them out of the vagina or anus to avoid irritation. Second, you should ensure your partner has okayed your gel of choice—surprise allergic reactions can kill the mood. You can also use one of these stimulating gels with your favorite vibrator or while you’re enjoying some solo self-care. Just make sure that your arousal serum of choice is compatible with your sex toys before you do the deed.
Are arousal gels and lubricants the same thing?
In general, no. “Unlike lubricants, arousal gel is not safe for internal use and should only be applied to the outside of your vagina, most commonly on your clitoris, since it has the most nerve endings,” explains Kenosha Gleaton, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn in Charleston, South Carolina. While there are a few arousal gels and serums that can be used internally, the majority should not be used for penetrative sex.
Are arousal gels generally safe?
Yes. That said, talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns or allergies you have so they can provide a recommendation. Dr. Gleaton also notes that you can always apply a small amount of the gel to your thigh or arm before using it on your genitals so you can see how it feels and ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction.
Who might benefit from using arousal gels and who should avoid them?
“Individuals with a lower sex drive may find arousal gels helpful in intensifying sensations and promoting a more enjoyable sexual experience,” shares Dr. Herzog. She also notes that menopausal women who are experiencing changes in hormone levels, people dealing with stress or fatigue, or those with certain medical conditions that affect sexual function may find arousal gels helpful in enhancing pleasure.