If you’ve never used an arousal gel before, you’re probably wondering – how does arousal gel work, and what does it do? You can find arousal serums at every sexual wellness shop, and yet not many people consider arousal serums to be an essential part of their sexual routines.
There is a lot of mystery surrounding how arousal gels work, how to use them, and whether you should even use them. Today, we’re here to shed some light on this underrated product that has the potential to blow your mind. So, let’s dive in.
What Is Arousal Gel?
Arousal gel, sometimes referred to as arousal serum, clit balm, or liquid vibrator, is a topical liquid designed to enhance arousal. It can come in a variety of forms – solid balm, oil, cream, or gel.
Most often, arousal gels are created for women as a remedy to help improve arousal before and during sex and help achieve orgasms or intensify them. However, arousal serums are universal and can be used on vulvas and penises and even other sensitive areas of your body, such as the anus and nipples.
How Do Arousal Gels Work?
If you’re wondering whether arousal serums work or if they’re just the gimmick like so many other women-focused products are (cellulite creams, for example), you’re not alone. Some arousal gels make bold claims, promising multiple toe-curling orgasms, yet the mystery of how they work remains.
The way arousal gels are sexual enhancers – they have active ingredients that help promote arousal. “These ingredients aim to stimulate nerve endings and increase blood flow to the genital area, potentially enhancing arousal and sensitivity,” explains psychologist and relationship adviser Barbara Santini.
What are those active ingredients? There are actually a variety. You can find arousal serums that use full/broad-spectrum CBD, while others use menthol, menthyl ethylamido oxalate, peppermint oil, or warming agents like propylene glycol, vanillyl butyl ether (to name a few).
Arousal gels with CBD typically require more time to activate, and the effects might not be as prominent (no tingling or cooling sensations). In contrast, arousal gels that use other active ingredients tend to start working 5-10 minutes after application.
But… Do Arousal Gels Actually Work?
We discussed the theoretical part of how arousal serums and gels work, but do they work in practice? The short answer: it depends.
Everyone’s bodies are different, and how each of us reacts to different types of stimuli will vary. Some people might be more sensitive than others and notice that arousal gels make them tingly and warm, while others might experience minimal sensation.
There have been very few studies to provide scientific evidence on whether arousal serums and gels work. The two studies that looked into the effects of topical arousal gels on women of different ages found the results to be positive.
One study surveyed 67 women, ages 20-70 years, over a 3-week period, who applied the arousal gel before intercourse. Women reported positive changes to their sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction when using the arousal gel during intercourse.
The second study surveyed 500 women between the ages of 18 and 59 for one week. Over 90% of participants said that the arousal gel improved their intimate experience.
Why Use Arousal Gel
The main reason to use arousal gels in solo and partnered play is to increase your arousal. Applying the gel before masturbation or partnered play can turn you on quicker, which can be essential for women who have trouble getting in the mood for sex.
The act of gifting yourself or your partner an arousal serum to enhance the pleasure means prioritizing female pleasure, which can be a turn-on in itself, according to licensed clinical social worker and kink-informed therapist Sarah Chotkowski.
“A clitoral serum also encourages taking your time, and taking time before penetrative sex, if penetrative sex is something that is going to happen,” Chotkowski explains. Even if you don’t feel the tingling or cooling sensation that much, extended foreplay will lead to better arousal and more pleasure.
Arousal Gel vs. Personal Lubricant vs. Intimacy Serum
Arousal gels are topical liquids designed to enhance arousal and orgasms by promoting blood flow to the genital area. Most (if not all) arousal gels are strictly for external use, and most are not condom compatible.
Personal lubricants, whether water-based, silicone-based, oil-based, or hybrid, are designed to add more lubrication if the body’s natural lubrication is not enough. While lubes make things feel better during sex and can enhance pleasure, most don’t have active ingredients that stimulate the genitals (exceptions are cooling or warming lubes) and are condom-compatible (except for oil-based lubes).
Intimacy serums are typically a hybrid between lube and arousal gel. They tend to be oil-based and can be used externally to add lubrication and enhance sensations. Intimacy serums remove friction during solo or partnered play, but they shouldn’t be used as lubes. They also usually don’t have active ingredients that promote blood flow.
How To Use Arousal Gels
Choose the Right Product
If you want a natural, slow-working product, look for something with full/broad-spectrum CBD as the main active ingredient. Consider if you’d prefer tingly, cooling sensations, or tingly warming sensations, and choose an arousal gel with the right ingredients for the experience you’re looking for.
If you’re an avid sex toy user, then always check if the arousal serum you’re interested in is compatible with sex toys and won’t ruin your favorite vibrator. And always make sure you read the ingredient list if you have allergies.
Test It Out Before
Before you apply the arousal gel to the genitals, which is the most sensitive area of your body, do a patch test. Apply a tiny drop to your wrist or the back of your hand and wait 5-10 minutes to see if you have a reaction. If you don’t notice any irritation, go ahead and use it on the intimate areas. If you do notice irritation, wash it off your hand and avoid using that arousal gel anywhere else.
Before or During
Apply a tiny drop or a few of the arousal gel onto your clit before climax and have fun with whatever foreplay activities you usually engage in with your partner to increase excitement. If you engage in intercourse, you can apply it to boost the sensations and help you reach an orgasm easier and faster.
Allow Your Partner To Take Charge
You might use arousal serum as a tool to engage in powerplay. Surrender control and have your partner apply the arousal serum and then use different techniques to stimulate you until you climax. Or, take charge and order them to apply the arousal gel, massage it slowly, and pleasure you until you climax.
Use It with Your Favorite Sex Toy
Arousal gels can be a great way to enhance masturbation with your favorite sex toys. Apply the serum to the clitoris before using your toy. Chances are, the enhanced sensations will make your orgasms quicker and more powerful.