The 14 Best Arousal Gels for Turning Up the Sensation During Sex

ProsStimulates a warm, tingly sensationMoisturizing without being goopy or stickyCreates a gradual increase in arousalConsOnly available in a small bottleReady to amplify things in the bedroom? This little bottle packs a big punch when it comes to tingly, warm sensations that turn good sex into absolutely mind-blowing sex. Just a drop or two on the pleasure zone of you or your partner's choice will crank up the heat! Type: Water-basedSize: 0.34 fl ozKey ingredients: Vanillyl butyl ether, menthyl lactateCondom-safe? Compatible with polyurethane condoms, but not latex or polyisoprene condomsGlowing customer review: "Didn’t know what to expect but this little bottle holds some real magic. A little heat has some serious firepower and the potential to ignite just the right level of pleasure. High recommend to any couple looking to keep things spicy🔥"ProsStimulates waves of warm and cool sensationsEasy to remove and sensitive skin approvedConsDoesn't last as long as some had hopedOnly available in a small bottleMade specifically with clitorises in mind, this buzzy balm stimulates both cooling and warming sensations with the help of all-natural ingredients like maca, gingko, and peppermint. Testers love the shivery, satisfying tingle provided by this one—and because it is water-based, removal is a breeze.Type: Water-basedSize: 0.5 fl oz Key ingredients: Ginkgo, maca, damiana, peppermint, cinnamonCondom-safe? Compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms, but not polyurethane condomsGlowing customer review: "I was unsure what Tingle to Mingle would feel like—I hoped it wouldn’t feel like Icy Hot or something. But let me tell you, it is a-m-a-z-i-n-g. It makes you so much more sensitive and lovely down there. Try it. You’ll love it."Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsA little goes a long way, per testersWater-based, so easy to remove if neededConsEffect is too subtle for someNot as long-lasting as other optionsWanna awaken your vulva with a warm tingle? This gentle water-based serum is here to do the job. It's made with peppermint, ginger, and cinnamon to create warming and cooling sensations, and like all water-based formulas, you can quickly wipe it away if you decide the sensation isn't for you.Type: Water-basedSize: 1 fl oz Key ingredients: Peppermint, ginger, cinnamonCondom-safe? Compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms, but not polyurethane condomsGlowing customer review: "This product is so fun and I just love it. After applying only a little bit of the serum (as directed) and waiting for a minute, the results did not disappoint! Warm and cold tingling as expected, and even tastes sweet. This product is definitely a new staple in the bedroom for me!"ProsIncredibly moisturizingInfused with aphrodisiacs for increasing arousalConsNot everyone loves the smellCan't be used with most condomsTo increase pleasure both before and during sex, you should give this clean, feel-good formula a try. It's made with coconut oil and passionflower seed oil to provide a nice, smooth glide, as well as cinnamon and natural aphrodisiacs (including damiana and nutmeg) to heighten sensitivity. Oh, and it's also got vitamin E to leave your skin feeling moisturized, which is always a plus.Type: Oil-basedSize: 0.9 fl ozKey ingredients: Damiana, nutmeg, cinnamonCondom-safe? Compatible with polyurethane condoms, but not latex or polyisoprene condomsGlowing customer review: "Oh, this product feels so smooth and smells so good. Keeps you slick and reduces friction with longer-lasting sessions. I am also very sensitive, and I didn’t have any adverse effects—miracle! In addition, it kept my skin moisturized post-session."Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsProvides both cooling and warming sensationsWater-soluble for easy cleanupConsMenthol may irritate folks with sensitive skinCould be a bit longer-lastingFor something that goes on cool and warms up with action, reach for this aloe vera-based formula from Sliquid. This one includes both peppermint and menthol for a satisfying tingle, and thanks to the aloe base, it boasts soothing properties as well.Type: Aloe-basedSize: 1 fl oz Key ingredients: Peppermint, mentholCondom-safe? Compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms, but not polyurethane condomsGlowing customer review: "I love this product. I’ve been using it for years. A little drop goes a long way. It’s worth every penny. The sensation is like magic. It smells great, and the cooling sensation is so unique. I’ll never stop using it as long as they make it."ProsWater-based, so compatible with toys and condoms15 minutes of buzzy playConsIntense tingling sensation might not be right for everyoneLust Intense gives you the kind of buzzy clitoral stimulation you crave, fully hands-free. It's water-based, so safe to use with toys and condoms, and provides up to 15 minutes of stimulation. Just remember—external use only. This won't work as a lube.Type: Water-basedSize: 0.5 fl ozKey ingredients: Spilanthes Acmella flower extractCondom-safe? Compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms, but not polyurethane condomsGlowing customer review: "This was the best vibrating gel I’ve ever had! This honestly took me over the edge and got me really wet!"Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsIngredients work to soothe irritationAphrodisiacs really do enhance sensation, according to reviewsConsMay require reapplication A few reviews say it tends to dry a little stickyThe star ingredient in this one: horny goat weed, an herb traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. This gentle formula also includes aloe vera and chamomile for their soothing properties, plus ginseng and hemp extract. And no, the hemp won't get you high, ftr.Type: Aloe-basedSize: 1 fl oz Key ingredients: Horny goat weed, ginsengCondom-safe? Compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms, but not polyurethane condomsGlowing customer review: "I absolutely love this product! It is the best addition in the bedroom to elevate my big Os. It smells amazing and leaves me tingling with pleasure all day. For a natural product, it stays slippery for very long. Highly recommend."ProsTingling sensation is fast-acting and long-lastingDoesn't leave a sticky residue, per reviewersConsShouldn't be used by folks with herpesNot a great fit for those who prefer a warming sensationWant a natural formula that brings the tingle? Check out this option from Intimate Earth, which combines Japanese peppermint oil with arginine, an ingredient often used in arousal products intended to enhance sensitivity. And if this one's a little too intense for you, you can always check out the gentle version of this formula, which uses a lower concentration of peppermint oil.Type: Water- and aloe-basedSize: 1 fl oz Key ingredients: Peppermint, arginineCondom-safe? Compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms, but not polyurethane condomsGlowing customer review: "Perfection. I wish I had more words to describe the awesomeness of this product, but the mere thought of this delightful tingly gel on my clit drains all the blood from my brain. So."Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsPacked with adaptogens and aphrodisiacs for boosting pleasureFree from potential vulvar irritants ConsNot compatible with any condomsRequires a few pumps to get goingAlong with a slippery essential oil base, this one features adaptogens (like maca, shatavari, and ashwagandha) and botanicals traditionally used as aphrodisiacs (such as damiana). Oh, and the fact that it smells like vanilla and sandalwood doesn't hurt, either.Type: Oil-basedSize: 1 fl oz Key ingredients: Maca, shatavari, ashwagandha, damianaCondom-safe? Not compatible with polyurethane, latex, or polyisoprene condomsGlowing customer review: "I don't know how this magic stuff works, but it does! It elevated the whole experience. More exciting foreplay and better climax, [and it] lasted a long time, too. Highly recommend."ProsAbsorbs quickly and provides immediate warming effectCoconut aroma is a nice touchConsContains arginine, so those with genital herpes should avoidNot the longest-lasting option, per reviewersListen, sometimes you want results, and you want them ASAP. That's why Bijoux Indiscrets made this fast-absorbing sex balm, which—despite having "slow" in the name—is designed to deliver a warming sensation in seconds. The secret: It uses the warming agent Thermolat, along with ginseng and arginine.Type: Water-basedSize: 0.34 fl oz Key ingredients: Thermolat, arginine, ginsengCondom-safe? Compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms, but not polyurethane condomsGlowing customer review: "To say the clitoral balm provides a 'warming sensation in a matter of seconds' is no joke! It feels unmistakably warm, but not at all too much or unpleasant. I found it felt warm long enough that I was definitely turned on. Looking forward to trying other things with the new sensation."Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsInfused with CBD to enhance arousalRelies on all-natural botanical aphrodisiacs ConsPricier than othersTakes a few pumps and at least five minutes to take effectThis arousal oil combines CBD with eight other organic botanicals, including double-steeped kava root, cinnamon, and ginger, for a formula designed to add a little extra sensation to your sex life. And judging by the glowing customer reviews, some shoppers are very into it.Type: Oil-basedSize: 1 fl oz Key ingredients: CBD, kava, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, peppermintCondom-safe? Compatible with polyurethane condoms, but not latex or polyisoprene condomsGlowing customer review: "Oh. My. Gosh. Wow!! I literally am blown away. I am a squirter but have NEVER experienced such intense orgasms/wetness in my life. You can feel the warmth & tingles start even before you touch anything. A little goes a long way—worth every penny 1000%."ProsGreat for use in the showerIncredibly hydrating, thanks to moisturizing oilsConsNot compatible with latexEffect is subtler than some would likeThis peppermint-infused clitoral balm has a silky-smooth texture thanks to the coconut oil and hemp seed base, and it's packed with skin-loving emollients (like avocado and jojoba oils) to help keep skin moisturized. And because it's oil-based, reviewers say this long-lasting formula is ideal for use in the shower.Type: Oil-basedSize: 2 fl ozKey ingredient: PeppermintCondom-safe? Compatible with polyurethane condoms, but not latex or polyisoprene condomsGlowing customer review: "The Bomb Balm helps heighten sensations and makes so sex much more enjoyable for couples. It works wonderfully in wet environments, as it won't wash off with water. It will last a while, since a little goes a long way!"Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsPowerfully tingly without feeling overwhelmingWater-based for easy removal and cleanupConsMore cooling than warming, which isn't for everyoneArginine may trigger outbreak for those with herpesWith hundreds of five-star reviews, it's pretty clear shoppers can't get enough of this stimulating gel from Unbound, which is made with organic extracts, peppermint oil, damiana, arginine, and ornithine for a satisfying tingle. It's water-based, so it's water-soluble for easy cleanup, and though it's powerful, most testers note it doesn't feel too overwhelming.Type: Water-basedSize: 1 fl oz Key ingredients: Peppermint, damiana, arginine, ornithineCondom-safe? Compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms, but not polyurethane condomsGlowing customer review: "I have super-sensitive skin, and I can use this all over (clit, nipples, on dildos with lube, on my partner) with yummy effects but no irritation! It’s kind of warming and cooling and tingly simultaneously. Would recommend."ProsWorks to penetrate deep and improve orgasmsLasts up to two hoursConsRequires at least 15 minutes to take effectPretty pricey for the quantityCurious about trying a CBD arousal serum? This formula from Vella uses liposomes, tiny structures designed to help deliver ingredients, alongside CBD in a gel designed to enhance sensation. And judging by the customer reviews, some shoppers have noticed a real difference in their arousal and orgasms.Type: Water-basedSize: 0.8 fl oz Key ingredients: CBD, liposomesCondom-safe? Compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms, but not polyurethane condomsGlowing customer review: "I have tried a few CBD lube products. I never found them to make much difference, at least not that I could notice. Vella, on the other hand, seems to increase sensation for me, making it easier and quicker to become aroused and to climax. I am surprised since other products make similar claims. I had little hope that this product would make a real difference but it DOES. I’m ordering more right now!"