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What is orgasm gel? Find the best orgasm gels to help you climax
Orgasm gel, aka arousal gel, helps increase sensitivity and can add some extra ‘ohs’ to your orgasm. So, we’ve rounded up the best ones for you.
By Rebecca Roberts | Last updated Mar 21, 2024
Everyone’s heard of lube - but have you ever heard of orgasm gel? Designed to make sex or self pleasure more intense and enjoyable, orgasm gel - aka arousal gel - can be used with condoms and in lieu of lubricant to add more sensations to sex. Be it tingling, pulsating, or increased sensitivity, there are a variety of orgasm gels available to try. They’re particularly helpful for people who have difficulty reaching orgasm, although orgasm gels are not designed to create sensation but rather enhance it. So, if you find that despite your best efforts (and that of your rabbit vibrator or clit sucker) you can’t reach climax, it might be worth trying one out.
The right orgasm gel, however, should be hypoallergenic, safe for use with condoms and toys like bullet vibrators and sex toys for couples, and shouldn’t include ingredients that may interfere with any medication you’re on. For instance, there are orgasm creams that require a prescription and a discussion with your GP first before using them. With that in mind, our roundup includes orgasm gels that are natural and affordable.
Read on to discover the best orgasm gels for PIV and masturbation (with one of the best sex toys for women), as recommended by Mumsnet users.
Best orgasm gel, a quick look
1. Best water-based: Lovehoney Ignite Orgasm Gel
2. Best plant-based: Dame Arousal Serum
3. Best orgasm balm: Lovehoney Bliss Balm
4. Long-lasting: Ann Summers Stimulating Orgasm serum
5. Best overall: Durex Intense Orgasmic Gel
See more
Durex Intense Orgasmic Gel 10ml, £13
A little goes a long way
Small tube makes it easy for travel
Condom-friendly
Fast-acting
Only enough for 20 orgasms
Might be too strong for some
Quantity: 10ml | Type: Gel, suitable for vegetarians | Condom friendly: Yes | Ingredients: Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Aroma, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide
This orgasm gel from Durex has received rave reviews for delivering intense and long-lasting orgasms. And since it's natural, fast-acting, and condom friendly, it's earned itself number one in our best orgasm gels roundup.
It’s a clitoral stimulation gel and just a few drops massaged in during foreplay will make a big difference. From warming and cooling waves to teasing tingles, the sensations caused by the gel’s special formula are all designed for an intense orgasm. According to Durex, the product was tested on a batch of participants, with 80% reporting they achieved an orgasm. In fact, Durex claims the gel can achieve 20 orgasms with just one bottle. Which makes it great value for money.
Despite its small size, a little goes a long way. And reviewers say the compact design makes it easy to travel. Ideal for adding a little excitement to your next weekend away.
The one downside some reviewers reported is it can leave a bitter taste in the mouth, so maybe something to consider during oral.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
Mumsnetters have certainly put orgasm gels through their paces when in the bedroom, with many Mumsnet users sharing experiences (both good and bad) of the orgasm gels they’ve personally tried and tested. We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsetters highlighted products that they felt were poor quality, were ineffective, and failed to help users reach climax.
Expert opinions
We then cross-checked our recommendations with the orgasm gels praised by experts to ensure we were bringing you the best products that are rated across the board.
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best orgasm gels, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Ann Summers, Boots, Lovehoney, and Amazon, and independent sites to get broader consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.
Multipurpose and can be used around the body
A little goes a long way
Pocket-sized bottle for easy storage and travel
Silky gel feel and water-based
Only available in 30ml
For external application only
Quantity: 30ml | Type: Water-based gel | Use on: Clitoris, labia, nipples, or any erotic area | Ingredients: Aqua, Propanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Arginine, PEG-40, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Menthol, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol | Dose: Only need one or two drops
When it comes to sex, Lovehoney is a favourite go-to by Mumsnetters over on our Talk board. So, it's no surprise then that the company's own water-based orgasm gel earns one of the top spots in our best orgasm gels roundup.
Why? Well, unlike other gels and serums on our list, Lovehoney's Ignite Pleasure Gel can be used beyond your clitoris - one to two drops can heighten your sensitivities across your labia, nipples and any other areas of your body (or your partner's) that you deem erotic. Plus, it's affordable - at just £13, a little goes a long way in this 30ml bottle and since you only need a couple of drops during each use, the compact bottle should last you a while.
Related: Find the best sex toys for women, tried and tested by us
Natural ingredients
Can increase intensity
Water- and plant-based
Higher price tag compared to others
Shelf life: 24 months after opening | Cruelty free: Yes | Vegan friendly: Yes | Ingestible: Yes | Quantity: 30ml | Ingredients: Water, Propanediol Prunus Amygdalus, Dulcis Mentha Piperita Oil (Terpene-free), Rosmarinus Officinalis*, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, Mixed Tocopherols, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose* (naturally derived compound), Sodium Benzoate, Zanthoxylum Americanum*, Zingiber Officinale*, Potassium Sorbate
This serum is water-based but also pH-balanced and contains natural ingredients, including peppermint, ginger, and cinnamon. It's also free from any nasties, which include glycerine, parabens, gluten, and hormones. It tastes and smells good, plus the intensity increases when it’s blown on. And as it's water-based, you can use it with condoms and toys. Reviewers say one small drop packs a punch, so a little goes a long way. Which is good, as it's a pricey product.
Mint extract helps increase blood flow
Hand 20g size is great for travel
Menthol-infused
Packaging allows for double dipping
Not edible
Quantity: 20g | Type: Balm | Use on: Clitoris | Ingredients: Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil (and) Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Hydrogenated Jojoba wax, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Menthol, Tocopherol, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
This product is not a gel, but a stimulating balm. It's designed for your clitoris and can help to create a thrilling throbbing sensation. It contains peppermint and essential oils, which can increase blood flow and help to stimulate the nerve endings. All of which promotes sensitivity for a pleasure-filled experience.
Reviewers say the balm melts into the fingers and offers such a pleasant tingling sensation. The cute tin packaging also makes it a perfect gift or ideal for travelling with.
Ann Summers Stimulating Orgasm Serum 50ml, £15
Vegan-friendly and natural ingredients
Free from animal testing
Doesn’t leave a sticky residue
Pump can be temperamental
Expensive
Vegan friendly: Yes | Type: Serum | Quantity: 50ml | Contains: No nasties, free from animal testing | Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Laureth-7, Lactic Acid, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Capsicum Frutescens Resin, Limonene, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
This orgasm gel ticks all the boxes. It’s vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, plus it doesn’t contain any nasties that could irritate the skin. It’s also of incredible quality, offering long and intense orgasms. Some reviews even described their orgasms as ‘mind-blowing’.
At £15 for a 50ml bottle, it is on the pricier side. But a little does go a long way. Plus, reviews say it smells good and doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue. Which is ideal if you don’t want to suffer greasy stains on your bed sheets.
Some reviews say the pump on the bottle can be a little tricky to use and dispense the gel. But it could be a small price to pay for the pleasure…
Related: Best sex toys for couples
What is the difference between orgasm gels and lubes?
Orgasm gels are designed to maximise your orgasm. That could be through creating cooling or warming sensations or heightening the sensitivity of your clitoris. Some orgasm gels have a lubricant but it's important to note that not all orgasm gels do.
So if you need extra lubrication, it's worth buying a combination product or using a lubricant alongside your orgasm gel.
Are orgasm gels water or silicone-based?
All our products listed are water-based, which usually means they're gentle on skin and compatible with condoms and sex toys. Although, it's definitely worth checking before you purchase and looking at the list of ingredients to rule out any allergies.
Are all orgasm gels compatible with condoms?
Any oil-based product can damage latex, so make sure you check the product's ingredients before purchasing. This also goes for your choice of lubricant and massage oil, should you wish to use one.
Can orgasm gels cause allergies or irritations?
Some individuals may have sensitivities to certain ingredients used in oils, gels or serums. It’s important to select products that are hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Some products in our list are also free from common irritants like parabens, glycerine, or fragrances.
Can orgasm gels be used with sex toys?
When choosing a product, it's important to be sure that it's compatible with the material of your sex toy. As a rule of thumb, most water-based products are safe to use with all types of sex toys. Just check the manufacturer's guidelines or instructions for your specific sex toy.
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Why you should trust us
Transparency is crucial to us, and that's why we're always honest about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.
About the author
Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. After birthing and breastfeeding two babies in two years, Rebecca knows first-hand how hard it can be to reignite intimacy. From condoms, to lubricants, to sex toys - she’s on a quest to find the best ones, with the help of Mumsnet user recommendations.
Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, walking the dog, or hiding from her neighbour as she attempts to buy condoms during her weekly “Big Food Shop”.
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