Turn Up the Heat With These Silky-Smooth Arousal Gels (2024)

Whether you tend to need a nudge towards orgasm or want to up the ante of your average climax, the best arousal gels, serums, and oils can turn that ship around…and sideways, and backward, and in every other direction, you like to do it in. While gels won’t make an O out of absolutely anywhere, these formulas increase sensitivity and blood flow to erogenous zones like clits, tips, and nips. Many are made with menthol, peppermint oil, CBD, and arginine to bring the tingles and warmth. So, tote these tubes and tinctures into partnered play and solo sessions, and feel the difference. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite arousal gels and chatted with experts on the science behind the sensations.

Our Top Picks

• Best Arousal Gel Overall: Dame Arousal Serum, $30
• Best Cooling: LELO x Bijoux Indiscrets Clitoral Arousal Serum, $37
• Best All-Natural: Agent Nateur Holi (Sex) Intimate Oil, $45
• Best Oil-Based: Playground Mood Maker, $29
• Best for Travel: Lovehoney Ignite Orgasm Gel, $17
• Best Budget Pick: Tracey Cox Supersex Orgasm Gel, $13
• Best CBD-Infused: Foria Awaken Arousal Oil, $40
• Best Water-Based: Unbound Jolt Gel, $24

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do arousal gels work?
• Are arousal gels and lubricants the same thing?
• Are arousal gels generally safe?
• Who might benefit from using arousal gels, and who should avoid them?
• Can arousal gels increase libido?
• Meet the experts

Best Overall: Dame Arousal Serum

Why it's worth it: Just a few drops of Dame's Arousal Serum dishes out a dose of tingly warmness on your most sensitive bits. The sensation is born from plant-based ingredients like peppermint, cinnamon, rosemary leaf extract, and ginger root extract. Rub the stuff on your clit, nipples, earlobes, or any other spots that could use an extra sensory boost.

Editor's tip: The brand calls the serum "lickable," so it's safe to ingest in small quantities.

Key ingredients: sweet almond oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon leaf oil, rosemary leaf extract, ginger root extract | Compatibility: safe to use with sex toys and condoms | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Cooling: LELO x Bijoux Indiscrets Clitoral Arousal Serum

Why it's worth it: You (and your vagina) know and love LELO for its next-level sex toys, so you'll be pleased to see the brand has teamed up with sexual-wellness store Bijoux Indiscrets to cook up the sublime Clitoral Arousal Serum. Here, arginine sensitizes wherever you apply the serum, while ginseng boosts circulation, directing more blood—and more feeling—to the clit. You'll also feel a cooling, tingling effect from Frescolat (a colorless liquid used as an active cooling agent) and vitamin C in this gel.

Editor's tip: The tube should last up to three months of use, so pencil in plenty of pleasure sessions.

Ingredients: arginine, ginseng, castor oil, hyaluronic acid | 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 sex toys | Fragrance-free: no

Best All-Natural: Agent Nateur Holi (Sex) Intimate Oil

Why it's worth it: The Agent Nateur Holi (Sex) Intimate Oil has all the makings of a go-to. The formula is super hydrating and lubricating, and sweet almond oil makes for tasty tingles wherever you apply the product. Each botanical ingredient taps into opening the body's chakras, namely the heart chakra and third eye. The oil is fast-absorbing and void of all synthetic and chemical ingredients. All it takes is half a dropper of oil to get things going. Sensitive skin is welcome.

Editor's tip: This oil shouldn't replace your moisturizer, but you can use it for a bit of hydration anywhere on the body.

Ingredients: coconut oil, sweet almond oil, rose oil, jasmine oil, sandalwood 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 sex toys | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Oil-Based: Playground Mood Maker

Why it's worth it: Playground Mood Maker is an always-smooth, never-sticky arousal gel that covers all your bases—high and low. Complete with a gorgeous vanilla, sandalwood, rose, and ylang-ylang scent; it doubles as a touch of sexy (and non-synthetic!) aromatherapy. Two ingredient highlights include ashwagandha and maca root, which studies show can improve sexual function in women. Other ingredients, like apricot oil and meadowfoam oil, will nourish your skin while you use it.

Editor's tip: This one is safe to use with toys but not with condoms. If you're looking for something condom-safe that also enhances sensations during sexual activity, consider a water-based lubricant.

Key ingredients: ashwagandha, maca, Shatavari, reishi, cordyceps, apricot oil | Compatibility: safe to use with sex toys, not safe to use with condoms | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Travel: Lovehoney Ignite Orgasm Gel

Why it’s worth it: The lightweight Lovehoney Ignite Orgasm Gel cuts to the chase and then some. Titillating menthol can increase circulation, rendering the clitoris ready for bigger and better orgasms. The pocket-sized, one-ounce bottle fits into your pocket for easy toting and right into your cosmetics bag for long weekends with your long-distance lover.

Editor’s tip: If you prefer a slower-burn balm situation, you’ll love the Lovehoney Ignite Pleasure Balm, which also brings the tingles.

Ingredients: arginine, menthol, castor oil | Compatibility: safe to use with condoms and sex toys | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Budget Pick: Tracey Cox Supersex Orgasm Gel

Why it's worth it: Tracey Cox's Supersex Orgasm Gel has over 775 five-star reviews on Lovehoney from customers who say it really…really works. The water-based formula incorporates arginine and menthol to wake up your clit, labia, penis, et al., for heightened pleasure that lasts. At less than $15, it's a budget-friendly pick—so stock up without the guilt.

Editor's tip: Keep it within reach while you're getting down because it may need to be reapplied during a sex sesh.

Key ingredients: arginine, menthol, water, hydrogenated castor oil | Compatibility: safe to use with condoms and sex toys | Fragrance-free: yes

Best CBD-Infused: Foria Awaken Arousal Oil with CBD

Why it's worth it: Foria's Awaken Arousal Oil is safe to use inside the body—a rare quality among arousal gels. (Still, you should still do a patch test before opening up shop.) It's powered by coconut oil, hemp extract, and a blend of organic cardamom, peppermint, and cacao absolute essential oils. Think of it as a "pre-lube" that readies your body for a roll in the hay. It can be used in tandem with your lubricant of choice, like Foria's Intimacy Sex Oil.

Editor's tip: If CBD isn't your thing, Foria also makes a CBD-free version of the arousal oil formulated with organic botanicals like kava root and cacao.

Key ingredients: coconut oil, hemp extract, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom 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 sex toys | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Water-Based: Unbound Jolt Gel

Why it's worth it: Sometimes, a little jolt in your nethers is in order, and the Unbound Jolt Gel will happily provide the electricity. Invigorating ingredients like peppermint oil and arginine create subtle, sparkly heat wherever the gel touches down—clit, nipples, or elsewhere. Thanks to its water-based formula, this gel is safe to use with condoms and silicone, glass, or metal sex toys.

Editor's tip: The arginine in this product can cause inflammation for people with herpes, so if you or your partner have this condition, you'll want to look for an arginine-free product.

Key ingredients: aloe, witch hazel extract, peppermint oil, arginine, water | Compatibility: safe to use with condoms and sex toys | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Sensation Variety: Cake Tingle to Mingle

Why it's worth it: Cake's Tingle to Mingle covers the toasty and chilly ends of the sensation spectrum when applied to the clit. It's concocted with plenty of naturally derived ingredients, including maca extract, cinnamon oil, and licorice root extract. The brand suggests starting with one to two pumps and allowing the product to absorb for up to five minutes before going in with more. Go the whole hog or keep things light.

Editor's tip: Cake also offers a very similar product called Stim for Him, formulated with penis-havers in mind. According to the brand, the only difference is Tingle to Mingle is formulated with cinnamon oil, while Stim for Him has peppermint oil.

Key ingredients: water, ginkgo biloba leaf extract, maca extract, wild yam root extract, cinnamon oil | Compatibility: safe to use with condoms and sex toys | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Couples: Goop Wellness Sex Oil

Why it's worth it: Get creative with this lush Sex Oil from Goop Wellness. Yes, it has tickly arousal gel ingredients like cinnamon and ginger, but it can also be used as a massage oil for all-over exploration. And the sleek black bottle? We're turned on just looking at it.

Editor's tip: You can use it on vulvas, thighs, nipples, penises, and any other zone that feels good. Please stick to external body parts only, though.

Key ingredients: cinnamon leaf oil, ginger root oil, jojoba seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, balsam fir needle oil | Compatibility: safe to use with silicone, metal, or glass sex toys, not safe to use with condoms | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Shower Sex: Lovability Bomb Balm Arousal Balm

Why it's worth it: The Lovability Bomb Balm Arousal Balm comes in a tin that could pass for a candle, but trust us, this kind of flame is way better. Peppermint oil and menthol heighten sensations, while avocado, jojoba, and soybean oils nourish the skin. Rub a dab of it anywhere you like—say, the clit, frenulum, nipples, or thighs—for epic O's and softer skin.

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.

However, like anything else that comes in direct contact with skin, there are precautions to take. "If you have sensitive skin or are prone to infections, like bacterial vaginosis, I recommend staying away from arousal gels," says Dr. Gleaton. "Any arousal gels that say 'cooling,' 'warming,' or have flavors may be extra irritating to your skin." As with anything you're putting on your skin, do your research.

Can arousal gels increase libido?

Arousal gels are designed to enhance physical sensations, but they don't necessarily change your libido. If you're experiencing low libido or low sexual desire, there might be other factors at play. "An arousal gel is not going to fix your low desire if it's a relational dynamic," explains Dr. Herzog. "It might help your body have the response you want, but it doesn't necessarily mean that you are connected in your presence and want to be there."

If you're worried about changes in your libido, consider consulting a doctor who can help you explore possible causes like hormone changes, side effects of medications, or mental health factors.

Meet the experts

• Michelle Herzog, LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) and founder of the Center for Modern Relationships in Chicago
• Kenosha Gleaton, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn based in Charleston, South Carolina

Here, even more sexy goodies to get you on your way (and to the finish line, wink):

• 17 Easy-To-Use Sex Toys for Beginners
• Don't Underestimate the Power of Finger Vibrators
• 20 Best Luxury Sex Toys That'll Make Solo or Partner Play All the More Indulgent

Now, watch Margot Robbie take you inside the Barbie Dreamhouse:

Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place! And don't forget to follow Allure onInstagram,Twitter, andTikTok, orsubscribe to our newsletterto stay up to date on all things beauty.