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Arousal Creams

Arousal creams increase blood flow where you apply them, for a warming, tingling or more-sensitive feeling. Also sold as stimulating gels and arousal serums, they come in clitoral, penile and couples versions, and none of them is a lubricant.

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What is a stimulating gel?

A stimulating gel is a topical you apply to the clitoris, vulva, penis or nipples to increase blood flow to that spot. More blood means more sensation, and most formulas add a warming, cooling or tingling feeling on top of it. They are also sold as arousal creams, arousal serums and clitoral balms. Same category, different label.

Reactions in this category are split more than in anything else we carry. The same gel one person calls transformative another finds distracting or plain unpleasant, and menthol-based tingle is the most divisive ingredient of the lot. Patch test on the inside of your wrist before you put one anywhere sensitive, and give it a few minutes to declare itself.

The limit worth stating plainly: these are not lubricants. They are thin, they absorb, and they are not built to reduce friction. Pair one with a real lube instead of expecting it to do both jobs. They are also not a treatment. If low arousal is persistent and bothering you, that is a conversation for a doctor rather than a bottle.

Types of arousal creams

What to pair a gel with, and what to reach for instead when a gel is the wrong tool.

  • Water Based Lubricants: What a stimulating gel needs alongside it, since none of these reduce friction on their own. Safe with every toy material we sell.
  • Lubricants: The full lube category, water based through silicone and hybrid.
  • Clitoral Vibrators: The other route to the same goal. A gel is the no-batteries version, and plenty of people use both together.
  • Postpartum: Where warming and tingling formulas are the wrong choice. Tissue that is already sensitive wants a plain lubricant or an intimate moisturizer instead.

How to choose the right one

If you have never used one: patch test first. Inside of the wrist, then wait a few minutes. Reactions vary more here than in any other category we sell.

If tingling is not what you are after: look for a warming formula or a plain serum. Menthol is the ingredient that produces the buzz. Not everyone likes it and there is nothing wrong with being in that camp.

If you're sensitive or prone to irritation: glycerin-free, and go easy on anything with a strong menthol note. Sensitive tissue and tingle ingredients are a poor match.

If a toy or penetration is involved: add a lubricant. A gel absorbs and will not cut friction on its own. Pair it with a water based lube.

If you're postpartum, breastfeeding, or dealing with dryness: skip this category for now. Start with a plain lubricant or an intimate moisturizer. Warming and tingling formulas are the wrong tool for tissue that is already sensitive. The postpartum collection is built for that instead.

If nothing here is working: a gel is not a treatment. Persistent low arousal has causes worth investigating properly. We are not clinicians and would rather say so than sell you a third bottle.