15 Best Arousal Gels of 2025 for Better, Wetter Sex
How to choose the best arousal gelSo, how do sex gels work, you ask? According to Organic Loven founder Taylor Sparks, arousal gels help to open your blood vessels, which then increase oxygen delivery and blood flow to the genitals. "This increases sensitivity and vaginal secretions to intensify orgasms," she explains. Think wetter, more sensational climaxes that are much easier to achieve—love that for you. But before you start pulling up a zillion tabs and adding random gels, balms, and serums to your carts, our experts suggest keeping a few things in mind:Consider the ingredientsIf you're looking to increase sensation, ingredients like cinnamon, menthol, gingko, peppermint, and CBD are *def* going to be your friend. Arginine is also a helpful ingredient for its vasodilating properties, though Sparks notes that people who have genital herpes might want to steer clear of topical serums that contain arginine, since they could trigger an outbreak. Another good reason you'll wanna check that ingredient list: Formulas with oil (which is, unfortunately, a lotta sex gels) aren't compatible with most condoms since the oil can break down latex, as double board-certified gynecologist Dr. Monica Grover explains. Naturally, it all comes down to the type of sex you're having and what sensation you're looking for. Speak of which...Find the right sensation for youWhen shopping around, keep in mind what sensations you can expect from each ingredient. Sparks says peppermint, cinnamon, and arginine will give you a quicker bodily response than CBD, but CBD has a longer-lasting (and more intense) effect once it enters the bloodstream. As you might have guessed, peppermint will give you a more cooling effect while cinnamon feels warmer, so keep that in mind depending on your preferences.Avoid anything that's not intended for sexImportant PSA: Definitely don’t try to substitute with a product not marketed as a sex or arousal gel, like Bengay or Icy Hot, Dr. Tamika K. Cross notes. You might think it's the same thing since that stuff is also "cooling," but it's a really, really bad idea. "Those products aren't meant to go on such sensitive skin or inside the body," Cross says, so unless you like weird infections and reactions, keep 'em away from your vagina, mmkay? How to use arousal gelOnce you pick out a formula, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Brandye Wilson-Manigat recommends doing a test application on a less sensitive area, like your wrist or leg, to see what the reaction may be like before you use it on the sensitive skin of your genitals. And once you're ready to go below the belt, be sure to take things suuuuper slow. "Start with a small amount and wait at least 15 minutes to see the effects. If no changes are noted, apply a little more," she says. Also, keep in mind that—while some arousal gels can be used as lubricant—some are only intended for getting the party started and may require additional lube. As for where the stuff actually goes, co-CEO and co-founder of Her Highness, Laura Eisman, suggests applying the arousal gel around the labia, clitoris, and inside the vagina to get the full effect (unless, ofc, the formula notes otherwise). She also adds that if you accidentally put too much on, wash it off with some warm water and a mild (preferably unscented) soap, and add a little coconut oil if it's available to help soothe your skin.And no matter the ingredients in the product you choose, Eisman adds that the actual process of applying a product can also help with arousal. Squirt some product on yourself or put on a blindfold and let your partner go for it. "A sensual application in itself can be an act of foreplay," explains Eisman. "Get lost in the feeling and commit yourself fully to pleasure. Touching and penetration will be felt more intensely, and when you climax, you'll come long and strong." Whether this means you spend some time engaging in a lil self-care or you put your partner in charge, the act of simply getting the goods on your skin is M-A-J-O-R-L-Y erotic.Meet the expertsTamika K. Cross, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified ob-gyn at Opulence Health and Wellness in Pearland, TX. Taylor Sparks is the founder of Organic Loven and author of An African-American Guide To Ethical Non-Monogamy.Brandye Wilson-Manigat, MD, is a board-certified ob-gyn based in South Pasadena, CA, as well as the author of My O My!: A Committed Woman's Guide to Getting the Great Sex She Deserves.Monica Grover, DO, MS, is a double board-certified gynecologist at VSPOT Medi Spa, a sexual health spa in New York, NY.Laura Eisman is the co-CEO and co-founder of Her Highness, a female-forward, cannabis-friendly sexual health products company based in New York, NY.Why trust Cosmo?Here at Cosmo, we have v high standards when it comes to sexual wellness recs. We've included a range of arousal gel options—including stimulating formulas as well as formulas enhanced with CBD—so you can find the best sensation for you. You can also be rest assured all these picks are all body-safe, free from artificial fragrances, and hiiighly rated by some very happy customers, since you (and your vulva) deserve nothing but the best.Every one of our round-ups adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all budgets and bodies. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to do it yourself.
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