When it comes to products that aren’t sex toys but claim to boost the user’s chances of orgasm, I have to admit some skepticism. However, I am also a curious creature and willing to try new things in the pursuit of pleasure. So when I received a little tin of Bliss clitoral pleasure balm from Lovehoney, I decided to suspend my disbelief and give it a go.

What is Bliss Clitoral Balm?

Bliss is a topical pleasure balm designed to increase sensitivity in the clitoris. It comes in a small heart-shaped tin. The balm itself is white in colour and has a creamy consistency that melts with the warmth of your fingers.

Bliss Clitoral Balm is infused with peppermint, menthol, and essential oils. As natural vasodilators, menthol and mint encourage blood flow to the area when applied topically, heightening sensitivity. They also produce a cooling, tingling sensation.

Is Bliss Pleasure Balm Body-Safe?

To answer this question, I took a closer look at the ingredients.

• Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil: A natural oil commonly used in cosmetics, make-up and skincare products. It has been shown to have beneficial properties for the skin and is considered safe.
• Hydrogenated Olive Oil (and) Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil: We all know olive oil has health benefits when used in food, but it is also a common ingredient in skincare and cosmetics. SpecialChem reports that it is safe for topical use in concentrations up to 5%.
• Hydrogenated Jojoba was: Jojoba oil and jojoba wax were investigated by the International Journal of Toxicology and proven safe for cosmetic use. (Warning: link contains mentions of animal testing.)
• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter): A common natural ingredient in skincare and cosmetic products. The Cosmetic Ingredients Review investigated shea butter and found it to be safe.
• Menthol: Menthol is prized for its distinctive minty fragrance and the cooling sensation it creates on the skin. The FDA has found it to be safe for these purposes and also in food.
• Tocopherol: Tocopherol is a form of Vitamin E, typically derived from vegetable oils. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review and International Journal of Toxicology concluded that it is safe for topical use.
• Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil: An essential oil derived from the peppermint plant, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review determined that peppermint oil is safe as long as the concentration of the compound pulegone does not exceed 1%.

So is Bliss clitoral balm safe? Yep! Unless you’re allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients, you’re good to go.

In Use

You may look at this tiny tin of Bliss clitoral balm and think it seems like a tiny amount for the money. But trust me, you only need a little bit to enjoy the effects!

To start using Bliss pleasure balm, simply dab a small amount onto your fingers and massage into your clitoral area. This works best if you’re already at least starting to get aroused. If you like, you can use Bliss Balm alongside your usual water-based lube.

The sensation of this balm can be pretty intense, so start off with less than you think you’ll need. If you want a more intense sensation or aren’t getting the desired effect, you can always add more.

If you’ve ever used “cooling” or “tingling” lube (or put toothpaste on your genital area, which is something I don’t recommend but that a lot of people do), you’ll recognise this as a similar sensation. It starts of cool and tingly, with the initial intensity fading into a higher than usual level of clitoral sensitivity.

Bliss clitoral balm is only suitable for external use. If you get a little bit in your vagina or butt it probably won’t do you any harm, but don’t put it up there deliberately and wash it off your hands (or use a barrier) before doing any penetrative play.

Does Clitoral Pleasure Balm Work?

If you struggle to orgasm, don’t expect a pleasure balm to be a cure-all. Orgasm is, unfortunately, much more complicated than that.

However, this stuff absolutely “works” in that it heightens sensitivity and adds a new and interesting sensation which many users will find pleasurable. I find that it helps to make clitoral touch more enjoyable, can make my orgasms stronger, and can sometimes make it easier to get there on days when I’m less sensitive.

I also suspect there may be a potential placebo affect for some people. If you expect the balm to help, you might feel more relaxed and less stressed, which ultimately makes having an orgasm easier.

Overall, I’d say “manage your expectations.” It’s not a magic potion, but another tool to add to your pleasure toolkit. And, of course, if you don’t generally struggle to orgasm but are just looking for some extra sensitivity or a fun way to play with sensations, you can also benefit from trying a clitoral pleasure balm.

A bonus pro tip: if your partner is okay with the taste of mint, apply a little Bliss balm to your vulva before they go down on you.

Verdict

I’m a convert. Despite my initial skepticism, I enjoyed Bliss clitoral calm far more than I expected to. I enjoyed the enhanced sensitivity and the fun tingly sensations it provided.

At just £9.99 from Lovehoney UK or $12.99 from Lovehoney US for a 20g tin (which will last you ages) it’s a steal. Throw some in your next Lovehoney order!

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me a sample of Bliss clitoral balm to try. All views are, as always, mine. Affiliate links appear in this post.