Tag: water based lube

Pjur lube review header featuring closeups of droplets of water

[Lube Review] Pjur Med Natural & Pjur Med Sensitive Lubricant

Published on by Amy

Pjur is perhaps one of the most well-known lubricant brands on the market, yet in over 8 years of running this site I’ve never done a Pjur lube review! That’s about to change, though, because I recently received the new Pjur Med Natural and Pjur Med Sensitive lubes to try out.

Pjur Med Natural vs. Pjur Med Sensitive: What Are They and What’s the Difference?

Pjur Med Sensitive and Med Natural lubes

Med Natural and Med Sensitive are two lubes from Pjur’s new Med range, and I received both to review. Under the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR), personal lubes are classified as IIb medical devices – that is, under the same category as products such as condoms, but also medical equipment such as blood bags, ventilators, and implantable dental devices.

What does this mean? Pjur explains it in detail here. In short, though:

  1. Since 2024, a product can only be sold as a personal lubricant in the EU if it passes the MDR.
  2. Products that are not MDR compliant must only be sold as cosmetics for external use.
  3. Products must demonstrate efficacy and safety to receive MDR certification.

Pjur, headquartered in Luxembourg and manufacturing in Germany, is among the first lube manufacturers to receive MDR certification. This means that you can purchase Pjur lubes with a higher level of confidence that they are safe for your body.

Med Natural and Med Sensitive are both water-based personal lubricants, with the main difference being the ingredients. They are both unscented, unflavoured, condom-safe, and toy-safe.

Is Pjur Med Lube Vegan?

I reached out to my contact to ask whether Pjur products are vegan and cruelty-free. Here’s what they told me:

Pjur lubes contain only vegan ingredients. However, sadly, all those sold in the US market (which is most of them) are tested on animals as this is required by law to make them a certified medical device. This means I definitely won’t be buying them again. I may not even have agreed to test them if I’d known this, to be honest.

For those in the UK or EU, though, “Pjur Med VEGAN” is a cruelty-free choice.

Pjur Med Natural Lube Review: Ingredients

Since Pjur Med lubes are MDR-certified, I’m going to approach this review with the basic assumption that all the ingredients are body-safe and of a high quality. Therefore, in this Pjur lube review I will only comment on things to be aware of depending on your personal needs and preferences.

Pjur Med Natural‘s ingredients list looks like this: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate.

First, let’s talk about glycerin.

Pjur specifically uses vegetable glycerin, AKA glycerol, in its Med range of lubes. Glycerin is a controversial ingredient in lubricant, with some experts believing it can increase the risk of yeast infections for folks with vulvas, damagemucus membranes and raise the osmolality of a lube, increasing the risk of irritation or infection. Others say it is safe and nothing to worry about.

This is ultimately an individual choice. I’d recommend avoiding it if you’re prone to yeast infections or irritation. Personally I prefer to avoid lubes with glycerin for this reason, but not everyone’s vulva is as sensitive as mine.

Benzyl alcohol is another ingredient to be aware of in this one. This common ingredient is considered safe for skincare uses, but it is a fairly common allergen and can cause irritation in individuals who are sensitive to it. Always do a patch test before using the lube if you’re not sure.

Xanthan gum is a common thickening agent and stabiliser. Sodium benzoate, citric acid, and potassium sorbate are common food-grade preservatives that are generally safe and well-tolerated. They also appear in only tiny amounts in lubricant.

Pjur Med Sensitive Lube Review: Ingredients

Med Sensitive is formulated for those with sensitive skin. Sensitive lubes tend to contain gentler ingredients, reducing the risk of irritation, infection, or allergic reaction.

The ingredients list is as follows: Aqua (Water), Propylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Saccharin, Citric Acid

Propylene glycol is an ingredient that often causes people to panic because it’s a key component of antifreeze. Which, sure, but so is water. You don’t need to freak out about an ingredient just because it also appears in another, unrelated product! Propylene glycol is a common food and the FDA categorises it as “generally recognised as safe.”

Propylene glycol’s safety as a lube ingredient, though, is a divisive subject. I’ve always avoided it but, given its presence as a key ingredient in a medically-approved lubricant (and one for sensitive skin, no less), I might have to reevaluate this!

Traditional propylene glycol is a petrochemical, meaning that it is derived from non-renewable resources. However, there are also plant-based alternatives. Pjur does not specify which type it uses.

Ethoxydiglycol and Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (HGHC) both commonly appear in cosmetics products but less often in lubricants. Both are generally considered safe in small quantities and the former is subject to strict regulations governing how and in what quantities it may be used. Hydroxyethylcellulose is a gelling and thickening agent from plant sources, and sodium saccharin is a synthetic food-grade, non-nutritive sweetener.

Med Natural & Med Sensitive Pjur Lube Review: In Use

Both Pjur Med Natural and Med Sensitive come in 100ml screw-top bottles. The neck of the bottle is mostly covered, with just a small hole to pour the lube through. This setup tends to result in lube all over the bottle, all over the bed, or both unless you’re super careful. Pump bottles or disc top caps are vastly superior lube dispensing mechanisms!

Pjur lube bottle

The taste of both the Pjur lubes I received to review is pretty light and unobtrusive. Med Sensitive is sweeter but, due to the sodium saccharin, also has the kind of “chemical sweetener” taste I find really unpleasant. As a result I’m unlikely to use this one for oral sex.

Consistency wise, Med Natural is very thin and runny. Med Sensitive is slightly thicker, edging towards a gel-like consistency. This means that Sensitive is a longer-lasting lube and I needed to reapply it less often. Both left a slight sticky, tacky sensation on my hands after use, which washed away easily with water.

Both of these lubes have a light, barely-discernible scent. They wash out of clothes, sheets, and strap-on harnesses easily.

Pjur Med Natural & Med Sensitive: Verdict

Overall, I found these lubes fine, though I wouldn’t say I loved them. The medical certification does give me confidence in using and recommending them as safe options, with the caveat to always check the ingredients if you have any allergies or sensitivities.

I preferred the less sickly-sweet taste of Med Natural, but the thicker consistency of Med Sensitive. Neither have caused any negative reactions for my body, though I’ve avoided using the glycerin-containing Med Natural internally.

You can buy Med Natural and Med Sensitive from Pjur for $18/$23 respectively for a 100ml bottle (that’s €15.95/€17.95 for EU readers and £13.95/£15.95 for my UK friends!)

Thanks to Pjur and Little Leaf Agency for supporting this Pjur lube review by providing these samples. All views and experiences are, as always, my own. Affiliate links appear in this post.

Header image for Vibeology Pure Organic Water-Based Lube review

[Lube Review] Vibeology Pure Organic Water-Based Lube

Published on by Amy

Finding good lubes is hard. It shouldn’t be, but it is. So many of the products on the market – not just those sold in chemists and supermarkets, but also those sold by specialist sex shops – are full of gross ingredients that can make lubricants anything from unpleasant to downright toxic to use. There are a very small number of lubes I totally trust at this point, and my vulva has experienced first-hand the effects of just grabbing whichever one is nearest. That’s why I tend to take my own when I go on sexy dates or to play parties. So when I read the ingredients list of Vibeology’s Pure Organic Water-Based Lubricant, I was excited to test and review this lube.

Vibeology Pure Organic Water-Based Lube Review: What’s In It?

Vibeology Pure Organic Water-Based lubricant bottle showing ingredients

At first glance, nothing in this lube’s ingredients list gave me any concerns. Let’s take a closer look at what’s in Vibeology Pure Organic Water Based Lubricant.

  • Purified water
  • Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) leaf juice: A powerful skin-friendly ingredient which has hydrating, soothing, and irritation-reducing properties.
  • Hydroxyethyl cellulose: A plant-derived gelling and thickening agent that is thought not to hinder sperm motility. One source I read indicated that this ingredient might increase the risk of yeast infections in some users. However, I could not find a definitive scientific source to back this up.
  • Sodium benzoate: A food-grade preservative that is used in tiny quantities in lube and unlikely to be harmful.
  • Potassium sorbate: Another food-grade preservative likely to be harmless in these small quantities.
  • Citric acid: A preservative that also helps to balance the pH of a lubricant. Harmless in small quantities.
  • Carrageenan: A common food additive extracted from red seaweed. It is somewhat controversial in food but I could not find any evidence to suggest it is harmful in lubricant. Interestingly, there is some evidence that carrageenan may play a role in reducing transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV). Obviously you shouldn’t rely on this alone and should also practice safer sex! It is also unclear whether the tiny amount of carrageenan present in products like Vibeology Pure Organic Water Based Lubricant is sufficient to have this effect.
  • Hyaluronic acid: Occuring naturally in the body, hyaluronic acid has been highly prized in skincare for many years due to its ability to hydrate by binding with water. Research indicates that it is safe to use and can be an effective intervention for vaginal dryness.
  • Sodium ascorbyl phosphate: A stabilised form of vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant and helps with skin elasticity. Widely believed to be safe.

Overall, this is an excellent ingredient profile for a lube. Unless you’re allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients, you should be able to use Vibeology Pure Organic Water-Based Lube free from worry.

Vibeology Pure is vegan, cruelty-free, certified organic, and hypoallergenic. It is also dermatologist-tested and manufactured in an FDA-approved facility in the US. This lube is compatible with both latex and non-latex condoms and safe to use with all sex toy materials including silicone.

Vibeology Pure Organic Water Based Lubricant Review: Sensory Properties and Performance

Vibeology Pure Organic Water-Based lubricant bottle

When it comes to selecting a lube, the ingredients are the most important piece of the puzzle but not the whole story. The product’s feel, texture, smell, taste, and consistency – as well as what residue it leaves behind, if any – are almost as important.

The first thing I noticed when I squeezed Vibeology Pure lube out of the bottle was how thick it is. Unusually for a water-based product, it’s not particularly runny. It’s really bordering on being more of a gel than a liquid. In practice, I found this meant I needed less of it than I would need of a runnier lube. I also found it lasted a little longer and I needed to reapply it less often. Some people find that gel-like lubes are preferable for anal play, in particular.

Vibeology Pure Organic Water-Based Lube is also the closest to a genuinely taste-free water-based lubricant I have ever tried. Even when I licked a huge glob of it off my hand (not the recommended way to use lube, but the things I do for my readers!), I could taste virtually nothing. It does have a slight scent, but it’s a mild and not-unpleasant tang that likely comes from the aloe.

Vibeology Pure is non-sticky, and did not leave behind any residue on either my skin or my sheets. Once it dried on my skin, only the very slight lingering scent gave any indication it had ever been there. I really like the way it feels, which is super smooth and glide-y. It does not irritate my sometimes-finnicky vulva. It also washes away quickly without a trace with soap and water after use.

Verdict

This is an excellent lube! Body-safe, silky smooth, taste-free, and filled with nourishing ingredients. I can heartily recommend Vibeology Pure Water-Based Lube if you’re looking for a gentle and body-friendly lubricant that won’t break the bank, irritate your bits, or stain your sheets! It’s a particularly good choice if you’re looking for something a bit thicker than the more typical runny consistency of water-based lubes.

A 4 fl.oz bottle of Vibeology Pure Organic Water-Based Lubricant retails for $22 (£16.74) from Shevibe.

Thanks to Shevibe for sending me Vibeology Pure Organic Water Based Lube to test and review! All views and experiences are, as always, my own. Affiliate links appear in this post and shopping with them sends me a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Header image featuring a splash of water for Wicked Simply Aqua lube review

[Lube Review] Simply Aqua Water-Based Lubricant

Published on by Amy

Choosing lube should not be as much of a minefield as it is. Many lubricants still contain numerous toxic or otherwise harmful ingredients such as parabens, propylene glycol, glycerine, benzocaine, and petroleum-derived ingredients. And, of course, sex toy and lube safety do not feature in any sex ed curriculum that I know of. This week, I received Wicked Simply Aqua water-based lube to review.

I’m very choosy about lube, mostly to protect my vaginal health. I’ve had too many experiences of reaching for some random bottle of lube at a sex party or on a lover’s bedside table only to have to go and rapidly wash it off due to an adverse reaction to some ingredient or other.

At the current time, there are two brands of water-based lube I reach for on a regular basis: Sliquid and Bloomi. I rotate others in occasionally (such as my fave CBD-infused lube and a silicone-based one I like when I’m not using silicone toys), but those three are my staples. When I go to play parties or on sex dates, I bring my own. As I said, I’m picky.

So did Simply Aqua water-based lube by Wicked Sensual Care meet my admittedly exacting lube standards?

Wicked Simply Aqua Water-Based Lube: What’s In It?

Woman's hand holding a bottle of Simply Aqua water-based lube

When I’m considering trying a new lube, the first place I go is to the ingredients list. The second place I go is to the internet to research any ingredients I’m not familiar with.

So what’s in Wicked Simply Aqua water-based lube?

  • Water
  • Propanediol (corn): the various sources I read tell me that this is an alternative to propylene glycol, with the key difference that it is derived from corn and its production is less environmentally damaging. The jury’s out on how similar its effects are in the body – some say it is safer, others say it functions basically identically to propylene glycol. These ingredients raise osmolality, which can cause dryness, irritation, and may increase the risk of yeast infections in people with vaginas. According to a fantastic in-depth post by fellow blogger Phallophile Reviews, many lubes – including this one – have an osmolality over the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organisation.
  • Cellulose gum (cotton seed): a safe plant-derived thickening agent.
  • Hydroxyethylcellulose (tree bark): a plant-derived gelling and thickening agent. Lubes with this ingredient can be a good choice for people trying to conceive as it does not hinder sperm motility.
  • Disodium EDTA: a stabilising agent that numerous sources sources mark as an ingredient of concern. It is a penetration enhancer, which means it facilitates the absorption of various compounds through mucus membrances (such as the vagina or anus.) It can also cause irritation. I’m disappointed to see it in Wicked Simply Aqua.
  • Olea Europaea (olive) leaf extract: a safe ingredient that is rich in antioxidants and may have positive benefits for the skin.
  • Stevia Rebaudiana leaf/stem extract: a common plant-derived sweetener that is not a sugar and will not have the negative effects of sugars on the genitals. It may also have some skincare benefits when used topically.
  • Citric acid: this is commonly used in lube to balance the pH to more accurately mimic the body’s. It is also a preservative. Some sources say to be wary of this ingredient, while others say it is likely harmless in the tiny quantities that appear in lubricants.
  • Sodium benzoate: a food-grade preservative that is likely harmless in the small quantities used in lube.
  • Potassium sorbate: Another food-safe preservative which is harmless in small quantities.

Yeah, it’s not looking great for this lube. The natural ingredients with beneficial properties, such as the stevia and olive extracts, are positives. However, the use of propanediol and disodium EDTA give me serious pause.

Wicked Simply Aqua is suitable for vegans and certified cruelty-free. It is also pH balanced for vaginal use.

Sensory Properties & Performance In Use

It’s a real shame about Wicked Simply Aqua’s couple of questionable ingredients. Those aside, I actually really liked its sensory profile and performance. It has a nice medium-thin consistency, flows well, and a little goes a long way. It is also non-sticky, doesn’t leave a tacky residue behind, and won’t stain your sheets.

Its scent is mild and only really noticeable if I have my nose very close to the product. What scent there is, I can best describe as tangy and mildly citrussy. Its taste is surprisingly sweet, which I imagine is due to the stevia.

It feels nice, lasts well (for a water-based product, which will always need reapplying eventually), and works well with my body’s natural lubrication.

Wicked Simply Aqua Lube Review: Verdict

Sadly I cannot recommend Wicked Simply Aqua lube.

Despite its nice sensory properties and solid performance, the ingredients are too problematic. Of course, your acceptable risk profile may be different from mine. My vulva is very sensitive and prone to reacting badly to irritation. For that reason, I tend to be highly cautious about my lube ingredients.

As always, I’m only giving you my personal opinion and experience. And this time, my opinion is that there are plenty of better, body-friendlier lubes out there that you should buy instead. Try:

Wicked Simply Aqua is available from Babeland, Shevibe, Good Vibes, and Sex Toys UK.

Thanks to Babeland for sending me the Wicked Simply Aqua Lube to review. All views are, as always, mine! Affiliate links appear in this post.

Header image for Bijoux Indiscrets Bubblegum Play Kit review

[Lube, Cosmetics & Massage Products Review] Bijoux Indiscrets Bubblegum Play Kit

Published on by Amy

One of the fun things about being both a femme and a sex blogger at this time of year is seeing all the sweet, cutesy, pink-and-hearts-and-flowers themed products that companies are putting out for Valentine’s Day. Bijoux Indiscrets were kind enough to send me this year’s Valentine’s offering from their range: the Bubblegum Play Kit which includes a lube, a massage oil, and a lipgloss.

Bijoux Indiscrets Bubblegum Play Kit: Lube, Massage Oil and Lipgloss

The Bubblegum Play Kit contains three products: a warming massage oil, a full-body massage gel that doubles as a water-based lube, and a lipgloss. Each one is scented and flavoured like bubblegum. All three products, like everything in Bijoux’s range, are vegan.

Bijoux Indiscrets bubblegum play kit

The kit came packaged in a cute pink box with a heart on the front, much like the packaging you might get on a gift set of cosmetics or bath products. The overall effect, like the products themselves, is sweet to the point of saccharine. But how did the contents stack up? Let’s take a closer look at each item.

Warming Massage Oil

Bijoux Indiscrets bubblegum massage oil

This isn’t really an oil in the true sense of the word. As far as I can tell, it doesn’t actually contain any oil at all. It’s really a water-based gel that warms as you massage it in. Still, we’ll call it “massage oil” to distinguish it from the other massage product in this kit.

For me, it takes about a minute to feel the massage oil warming on my skin. You’ll get a more intense warming sensation if you blow gently on it.

I found that the bubblegum massage oil didn’t really blend or get fully absorbed into the skin the way some oils and lubes do. Instead, it tends to linger on the surface. This can be a good thing, as a little bit goes a long way and there’s no need to keep reapplying it. However, it can also be a problem if you don’t enjoy the feeling of having oil or gel lingering on your skin.

This is by far the nicest tasting of the three products. It’s very, very, very sweet, so you’ll want to know that going on. That sweetness is likely due to its first ingredient: glycerin. Due to the glycerin, I found that my hands and skin felt quite sticky after using it and I wanted to wash it off. Glycerin is okay in a massage product in the way it wouldn’t be in a lube, but from a sensory perspective it is a downside to this bubblegum massage oil.

Stickiness aside, though, this is a fine massage gel and the sweet bubblegum taste and pink aesthetic gives it a fun and playful vibe.

You can buy this oil separately for €22/£20. It’s also available in caramel & sea salt and strawberry & honey flavours.

Full Body Bubblegum Massage Gel/Lube

Bijoux Indiscrets bubblegum massage gel/lube

According to Bijoux Indiscrets, this bubblegum flavoured water-based massage gel can double up as an intimate lube. It has quite a long list of ingredients, so you’ll want to review it carefully to make sure there’s nothing you’re sensitive to.

I can’t see anything alarming in the ingredients, but I’m also not enough of an expert to declare them all definitely fine. At the very least this bubblegum gel/lube contains no glycerin or parabens, though it does contain “Aroma” (artificial fragrance/flavour) which is not very specific and can include any number of things.

I do quite like the feeling of this one. It’s somewhere between a thick liquid and a thin gel, and it spreads across the skin nicely and lasts well. However, unlike the massage oil, this gel tastes really unpleasant to me. Instead of sweetness, it’s got a horrible chemical-y taste. I’m quite sensitive to artificial sweeteners and I can really, really taste them in this.

I probably won’t finish this one, honestly. I’m “meh” on flavoured lubes at best to begin with and this isn’t a nice tasting one.

Oral Pleasure Lip Gloss

Bijoux Indiscrets bubblegum lipgloss

This lip gloss is more subtly flavoured than the lube and massage oil, but still has a distinctive bubblegum flavour.

After you apply it, you start getting a tingling sensation thanks to the peppermint oil it contains. I think, based on the name, the idea is that you put it on and then perform oral sex with it. I haven’t had the opportunity to try that but I did try putting a bit on my vulva, just to see what the effect would be. It gave a kinda pleasurable tingly, warming feeling a bit like a warming lube or menthol pleasure balm. So that effect might translate if you used it during oral?

The warming and tingling is really noticeable on my lips, to the point that it becomes uncomfortable if I use too much. You really only need a little bit of this one.

This lipgloss lasts well and gives a nice glossy shine. It’s a little sticky, which wasn’t a problem once it was on but made applying it with my fingers annoying. A brush or wand would be better than the pump top bottle. Neither the lube nor the lipgloss are ass aggressively sweet as the massage oil in the Bubblegum Play Kit.

Verdict

I generally liked two out of the three products in this kit and will definitely finish them, though the bubblegum lube was a miss for me. However, at €60/£54 it’s pretty pricey for what it is. For that reason I don’t think I’d buy it again.

If you have a femme in your life who really likes pink things and bubblegum, though, it could be a cute and sensual Valentine’s Day gift.

Thanks to Bijoux Indiscrets for sending me this product to review! All views are, as always, my own. Affiliate links appear in this post.

Header image for Morgasm CBD lube review

[Lube Review] Morgasm CBD Lube

Published on by Amy

Two things you’ll know about me if you have been reading my work for some time: I am both highly curious and highly cynical. This means that, when I hear about a cool new sex thing, my train of thought is roughly “well, it’s probably not all it’s cracked up to be… but damn I want to try it and find out!” Enter CBD lubricant, which (along with CBD products in general) has been having a major moment over the last couple years. Specifically, today I’m testing and reviewing Morgasm’s CBD lube.

You might remember this guest post by Hattie Gladwell from back in 2021 in which she shared how CBD lubricant helped her to overcome orgasm difficulties. After that, how could I not be excited to try it myself?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main components of cannabis and comes from hemp (a cousin of the marijuana plant.) CBD is available in various forms: oils, extracts, capsules, and so on. It’s been infused into numerous products, from foods and drinks to health and beauty products and more. Including, yes – lube. Morgasm is just one of the numerous companies now making CBD products.

CBD does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that causes a “high.” This means that it is legal in many places even where cannabis is not, including here in the UK (within certain parameters.)

According to Harvard Health, CBD is generally safe for adults. However, it can produce adverse interactions with some medications (check with your doctor). CBD may also cause side effects in a small number of people, and is not advised for use by anyone under 21.

(How) Does CBD Lube Work?

The answer to “does CBD lube work?” is “maybe.” The answer to “how does CBD lube work?” is “we’re not sure.”

CBD has been cited as a miracle remedy for countless problems from chronic pain to low mood and insomnia. But does it do much or is it all an expensive placebo? In some specific areas, the positive data points in CBD’s favour are beginning to stack up. In others, however, the evidence just isn’t there yet. The science of CBD and its effectiveness is still in its infancy. This means there’s a lot about it we don’t know, and that includes about its impact (if any) on arousal, pleasure, and sex.

Much of the evidence I could find for the effectiveness of CBD lube was anecdotal. Obviously, this anecdotal evidence is far from conclusive (the plural of “anecdote” is not “data.”) However, there’s enough of it out there that it’s at least worth more than a passing glance.

Morgasm claims that its CBD lube can increase sensitivity, increase feelings of relaxation, heighten sensation during orgasm, and decrease pain during penetrative sex.

Some believe CBD may increase blood flow to the body’s tissues, including in the genital area. This may help to increase natural lubrication for people with vulvas and assist with erectile issues for people with penises. Others believe CBD aids in relaxation, which leads to better sex, or that its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce pain.

The extent to which any of this is a placebo and the extent to which the CBD is actually having a direct effect, though? Debatable. Significantly more research is needed to fill the enormous gaps in CBD’s evidence base.

Morgasm CBD Lube: What’s In It?

Morgasm’s CBD lube is a water-based product infused with 250mg of full-spectrum CBD per 60ml. Full spectrum CBD “contains multiple cannabis plant extracts, including essential oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, such as cannabinol,” according to Medical News Today. It may also contain trace amounts of THC, though in quantities too small to have any psychoactive effects. Be aware that there are different legal limits for THC content in different jurisdictions. In the US, it’s 0.3% under federal law, while in the UK it’s 0.2%.

Morgasm CBD lube also contains an array of plant-based and hypoallergenic ingredients including mentha piperita (peppermint leaf extract), the amino acid L-Arginine, aloe vera, and vanilla extract. Check out the ingredients breakdown for a full list of what’s in Morgasm lube and what each ingredient does.

Morgasm CBD lube ingredients

Morgasm CBD lube is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and organic. It is safe for use with both latex and non-latex barriers as well as all body-safe toy materials.

I don’t love that Morgasm’s lube contains glycerin, even organic vegetable glycerin. Many experts, including those at institutions such as Stanford OB/GYN and the Cleveland Clinic, state that glycerin can contribute to yeast infections. I’m not particularly prone to them but I have a personal rule against using glycerin-containing products internally for the sake of my vaginal health. You’ll need to make your own risk assessment based on your body and preferences. For that reason, I proceeded with testing Morgasm CBD lube only on the outside of my vulva.

Morgasm CBD Lube Review: First Impressions:

I had two initial reactions to Morgasm’s CBD lube when I first opened my sample:

  1. It smells gorgeous! It has a distinctive but not overpowering tangy, subtly minty scent. That’s probably the peppermint leaf at work. Taste-wise, that tang and slight sweetness comes through, too.
  2. It’s a really, really weird colour! It comes out of the tube in a sort of beige-brown. I initially wondered if my sample was off but no, that’s just the colour it is. It’s not noticeable once it’s applied to the body, but it was jarring at first. I’m used to lube being clear, or white at a push.
Woman's hand with a smear of Morgasm CBD lube

So How Did It Feel?

I cannot overstate the cynicism with which I approached this product. I set out to write this Morgasm CBD lube review fully assuming that my reaction was going to be an underwhelmed “well, it’s lube, so… that’s good I guess?”

So imagine my shock and delight when it actually did something for me.

I applied the lube a few minutes before I was planning to masturbate, as the information I’d read indicated that topically-applied CBD can take a while to kick in. I was slightly aroused when I started, but I could feel my vulva and clitoris getting really sensitive really quickly once I applied the lube.

When I started touching myself, I couldn’t believe how sensitive I was. The best way I can describe it is that it felt like I’d shortcutted the build-up, essentially arriving at the “every nerve ending quivering” state that normally comes from protracted arousal building, anticipation, or edging.

The bottom line is that I came really hard and really fast.

Again, I have no way to conclusively prove or disprove that this effect was caused by the CBD. It could have been a direct effect, or it could have been any of the other ingredients. Mint, for example, is commonly used in arousal-enhancing products for the cooling and tingling sensation it provides. It could have been the combination, or it could have been a placebo effect despite my cynicism. There’s no way to know for sure.

But I’m left asking myself: if something works, does the “why” actually matter all that much? Whatever the cause, the orgasm I had was real. And when something helps me to come that hard and that quickly, I’m going to take the win.

Morgasm CBD Lube isn’t too sticky and doesn’t leave a horrible tacky residue on my hands.

Morgasm CBD Lube Review: Verdict

Official product image of a green tube of lubricant for Morgasm CBD lube review
Image: Morgasm

I don’t really understand how it worked, I only know that it did. This stuff helped me to reach one of the strongest (not to mention fastest) orgasms I’ve had in quite some time.

The one downside? Like most CBD products, it’s seriously pricey. Morgasm CBD lube retails for a slightly eyewatering $54 for a single 60ml tube. You can save by buying in bulk packs of 2, 3, 4, or 10 tubes, but it’s still an expensive product.

It should tell you how much I liked this product that I am seriously considering splashing out on a full-size bottle or two once my little sample tube runs out.

Thanks to Morgasm for sending me this CBD lube to test and review. All opinions and experiences are, as always, mine. Affiliate links appear in this post.

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[Lube & Massage Products Review] Bloomi Massage Oil & Water-Based Lubricant

Published on by Amy

I’ve decided to couple these two mini reviews of Bloomi’s lube and massage oil into one post. Sexologist-led, all Bloomi products all meet something called the Clean Standard:

Based on academic research and input from top sexual wellness experts, we created the only industry standard to ensure toxic ingredients don’t touch your intimate areas.

– Bloomi Clean Standard

This means that you can feel assured that Bloomi’s products do not contain any of the nasty ingredients that are far too common in sexual wellness products: glycerin, parabens, artificial fragrances, phthalates, sulfates, and so on. And, since everything is plant-based, they’re also vegan and cruelty-free! Even the packaging is made from recycled, recyclable, and sustainable materials.

Bloomi Reviews: Lube and Massage Oil

I received the Relax Body & Massage Oil and the Smooth Water-Based Lubricant to try out.

Bloomi Relax Body & Massage Oil

Bloomi massage oil

I’ve recently rediscovered the joy of giving (and receiving) massages. Massage is such a wonderful, intimate way to touch a partner and you can use it in so many different ways. It can sooth a headache or a bad back, act as a kind of foreplay or precursor to sex, serve as aftercare, be an act of service from a submissive to a Dominant, or just be a way to connect physically without necessarily getting your genitals involved. And that’s just for starters. Like any kind of touch and intimacy, massage is what you make of it.

I tested the Bloomi Relax Body & Massage Oil with my partner for this review. We both loved the gorgeous lavender scent. It’s distinctive without being overpowering and lavendar can invoke feelings of calm, relaxation, and overall wellbeing.

The Relax Body & Massage Oil blends smoothly into the skin and does not leave any unpleasant residue. It leaves the skin feeling soft, moisturised, and healthy. So much so that you can use it as an everyday body oil/skin moisturiser as well as a massage oil, if you like.

Bloomi’s Relax Body & Massage Oil retails for $24 for a 3oz/90ml bottle. And since a little goes a long way (you only need a few pumps to get really good coverage), it should last you a while.

Please be aware that, like most oils, this product is not compatible with latex. Don’t use it (or be sure to wash it off first) if you are planning to use latex safer sex barriers such as condoms and dams, as it can degrade them and make them more prone to breakage.

Bloomi Smooth Water-Based Lube Review

Bloomi water-based lube

Those of you who have been reading my work for a while will know that I am extremely choosy about the lubricants that I will use and recommend. Too many lubes are filled with ingredients such as parabens (which have been shown to be endocrine disrupters) and glycerin (a type of sugar which can cause issues such as yeast infections and Bacterial Vaginosis.)

That’s why I was happy to review Bloomi’s gentle, body-friendly, and planet-friendly products. Smooth by Bloomi contains only gentle plant ingredients, including hydrating green tea extract and Sodium Hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), which may help to relieve vaginal dryness.

Bloomi’s Smooth Water-Based Lubricant has quite a thin consistency compared to some of the more gel-like lubes I’ve reviewed, and is satisfyingly smooth and slippery. I find it lasts quite well, so you don’t have to reapply it as often as with some water-based products. I particularly like it for high-friction activities such as using my Godemiche Grind Rings or silicone dildos with more “grabby” textures.

Smooth Water-Based Lubricant’s formulation has a pH of 4.0-4.5. The normal pH of the vagina can range from 3.8-5.0, so this lube shouldn’t cause any issues there. It isn’t sticky, and doesn’t leave any residue behind on either my skin or my sheets. It also has only the mildest scent and virtually no discernible taste.

Apparently Smooth isn’t suitable for use with polyurethane condoms, so bear that in mind if you’re using non-latex barriers. It’s fine for use with latex or polyisoprene barriers, though.

Smooth Water-Based Lubricant retails for $13 for 3oz/88ml. Again, a little goes a long way here.

Thank you to Bloomi for sending me these products to review. All views are, as always, my own. This post contains affiliate links and purchasing through them sends me a small commission at no extra cost to you!

A woman's mouth seductively licking a heart-shaped lollipop. Text reads: Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Review

[Massage & Better Sex Products Review] Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex

Published on by Amy

“No fiction, no acting, no judgements, no comparisons, no fear, no guilt nor shame”—so begins the Bijoux Indiscrets “Slow Sex” manifesto, which adorns the packaging of each product in the Slow Sex range of intimacy and better sex products, which I recently received to review. Definitely a message I can get behind!

Of course, sex is complicated. Fear, judgement and shame are very real for too many of us. I still experience them even as someone who makes a living by talking and writing openly about sex. It’s going to take far more than a range of products to fully tackle the deep, systemic issues that allow sexual shame to run rampant.

Even so, in a world where so many companies (even purportedly sex-positive ones) profit from shame and stigma, I’m glad to see an adult retailer encouraging people to move away from these destructive ideas and towards more authentic pleasure.

I received a selection of items from the Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex range to try out.

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Range: General Impressions

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex banner

Each full size Slow Sex product comes beautifully presented. It comes in eco-friendly cardboard packaging featuring artistic close-ups of body parts and sometimes floral motifs.

Collection of Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex products

The Slow Sex range also doesn’t use any gendered marketing! Each product is described by referencing body parts and sex acts, without ascribing gender to them. It sounds like a small thing, but simply writing “the clitoris” instead of “her clitoris” or “use it on your partner” rather than “use it on your man” makes sexuality product marketing so much more inclusive.

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex boxes

With the exception of the oral sex strips, all the Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex products I tried for this review have a strong and distinctive coconut aroma. I enjoy the smell and taste of coconut, so this was fine. But if you don’t, it’s something to be aware of. The scent is pretty noticeable and does tend to hang around after you’ve finished playing!

Everything in the Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex range is cruelty-free and vegan.

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Clitoral Balm Review

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex clit balm

The Slow Sex product I was most excited to try was the clitoral balm. So naturally that’s where I went first.

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Clitoral Balm comes in a little 10ml tube. This doesn’t seem like much, but you only need a tiny amount so this tube will last you a while.

Slow Sex Clitoral Balm contains a pretty long list of ingredients. Check it carefully before use if you’re allergic or sensitive to anything. There’s nothing in the ingredients that immediately strikes me as problematic. It does contain glycerin, but for an external-only product that you use in tiny amounts, I don’t really mind.

Honestly, I was underwhelmed by this product. I really wanted to love Bijoux Indiscrets’ clitoral balm, especially as I’ve reviewed and loved various similar products in the past, but it didn’t do much for me. I got a slight warming sensation, which was pleasant enough. But it didn’t really enhance sensitivity or give me any noticeable increase in pleasure. If you enjoy warming lubes, this is a slight step up from that, but it’s not much more. I’ll probably finish this tube, but I’m unlikely to buy it again.

Slow Sex Clitoral Balm retails for £15/$17. According to Bijoux, it’s compatible with all toy types and with latex barriers.

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Finger Play Gel Review

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex finger play gel

The Slow Sex Finger Play Gel is basically a water-based lube designed for external use, particularly for hand sex (i.e. fingering or hand-jobs.) It contains just a few ingredients, of which the main ones are glycerin, water, and aloe vera leaf juice. Given the high glycerin concentration, I won’t be using this one internally and I’d advise that you don’t either.

The Finger Play Gel is a gorgeously thick lubricant. It lasts well, and a little goes a long way. Its thick texture and slipperiness make it perfect for hand sex. It’s easy to clean up with warm water and soap, though it does get sticky after a while. After use, my skin felt soft and moisturised, probably thanks to the aloe. It has a pleasant, subtly sweet taste.

Slow Sex Finger Play Gel retails for £15/$17. With just 30ml in a tube, it’s pretty pricey, but it should last you a while. Slow Sex Finger Play Gel is condom-compatible and suitable to use with all toy materials.

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Nipple Play Gel

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex nipple play gel

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Nipple Play Gel comes in a little 10ml glass tube with a roller ball applicator. Simply apply a little to your nipples and then stimulate them as you normally would. The gel gives a subtle cooling, tingling sensation.

I found that the Nipple Play Gel slightly heightened sensitivity. When I applied it then went about my day, it made me more aware of my nipples—and particularly the feel of them against my clothing—than I’d normally be. Potentially fun if you want to heighten your arousal throughout the day. I found that one application lasted about an hour before the effect wore off.

It also increases sensitivity if you’re doing nipple play with hands, toys, or clamps. But this stuff really comes into its own when combined with oral nipple stimulation. The cool gel combined with a warm mouth makes everything feel much more intense. And since the gel has a sweet taste, it’s not unpleasant for the giver, either! (Assuming they like coconut.)

The Slow Sex Nipple Play Gel is water-based and does not contain any ingredients that are toxic or problematic for topical use. It’s easy to wash off when you’re done and leaves a gentle coconut scent on the skin.

Slow Sex Nipple Play Gel retails for £15/$17.

Slow Sex Oral Sex Balm

Slow Sex Oral Sex Balm

I was highly sceptical about the Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Oral Sex Balm, as was Mr C&K, but we kept an open mind and decided to give it a fair chance for this review. It comes in a 10ml tube and I was expecting a liquid or thin gel, but it’s really more of a thick paste. I had to massage it between my fingers to get it to melt enough to use.

The packaging suggests applying Slow Sex Oral Sex Balm to your lips right before giving a blow job, or applying it directly to the penis. To get the full effect, we did both. I’m not sure most people would feel much if you only did the former.

First, the good: it definitely had an effect! My partner described it as a cooling sensation, which is likely caused by the menthol it contains. When you’re doing oral sex, the contrast between this cooling and the warmth of a mouth can be very interesting. He also reported that it did increase sensitivity slightly, and that it felt like sensation continued after the point of orgasm.

Then the less-good: Since Slow Sex Oral Sex Balm is an oil-based product, it’s not suitable for use with any latex barriers. And given that I wouldn’t want several of the ingredients in my vagina, it also means it’s not really possible to go from oral to vaginal sex without cleaning up in between. I really dislike the sensation of anything oily or sticky on my hands, so I had to wipe this off with a tissue immediately after applying it.

Also worth noting: the coconutty/minty smell and taste is VERY potent. It’s not unpleasant but if, like me, you like to experience the scent and taste of your partner’s body, this is definitely going to mask that.

Overall, a mixed experience but definitely more positive than we were expecting.

Slow Sex Oral Sex Balm retails for £15/$17.

Slow Sex Oil Based Full Body Massage Gel

Slow Sex massage gel

The Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Full Body Massage Gel comes in an attractive glass bottle. With 50ml in the bottle, it definitely feels like one of the more substantial Slow Sex products. Slow Sex Massage Gel is oil-based and designed for all-over massage.

The packaging says you can use it “anywhere and everywhere” and the website describes it as genital-compatible, so if your massage turns erotic you’re good to go. Again, I’d recommend that you keep it external only. This massage gel is also suitable for use in water and is compatible with silicone sex toys and latex barriers.

This is probably my favourite product in the entire Slow Sex range. It is slick without being sticky, and does not leave any nasty residue behind. As a bonus, it leaves my skin feeling lovely and moisturised (and coconut scented!) It also lasts ages, as a little bit goes a long way once it’s on the skin.

I also like that Slow Sex Massage Gel comes in a pump bottle, which is much more user-friendly and less spillage-prone than the bottles massage oils usually come in.

Slow Sex Full Body Massage Gel retails for £18/$23.

Slow Sex Oral Sex Strips

Bijoux Indiscrets oral sex strips

If you’re asking “what on earth is an oral sex strip?”, well, so was I! Turns out they’re little paper-thin minty strips that are designed to go on your tongue and then melt while you’re performing oral sex. Like the Oral Sex Balm, the Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Oral Sex Strips have a strong minty flavour (spearmint oil is one of the main ingredients.) They taste like something you’d use to brush your teeth or freshen your breath.

The sensation is… interesting. Much like the Slow Sex Oral Sex Balm, the main appeal of these strips is that they provide a contrast between the cooling sensation and the warmth of a mouth. However, they melt very quickly so the intense effect only lasts for maybe a minute or so. You do get some of the effect for a while afterwards as the mint lingers on your body, but you only get maybe a maximum of 5 minutes out of each strip.

These were fine, but I wasn’t blown away. They heightened sensitivity somewhat, but not to such an extent that they can make or break the experience. And to be honest, I’m going to repeat something I said above. If I’m going down on a lover, I want to taste them, not a mouthful of mint.

Slow Sex Oral Sex Strips retail for £6/$7 for a pack of 7.

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Massage Candle

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex massage candle in box

The Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Massage Candle comes in a little tin. It is made of body-safe, skin-friendly, and plant-based ingredients. The main ingredients include Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis oil, Cocos Nucifera (coconut) oil, and Shea butter.

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex massage candle in its box

The Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Massage Candle melts quickly once you light it. I had plenty of usable oil within less than a minute after lighting. When I wanted to top up on oil mid-massage, it took no more than 10-15 seconds of the candle being lit to get the amount I needed. The box says to light it for 15 minutes but honestly, unless you want the entire thing melted, that’s not even close to necessary. Any oil you don’t use will just harden again as it cools, ready for next time.

Both my girlfriend and I loved the subtle coconut scent of this candle. It’s distinctive without being obtrusive or overpowering, and helps to create a lovely romantic, relaxed vibe as it permeates your space. Our skin felt wonderfully soft and moisturised after trading massages, and I still kept catching little whiffs of the scent hours later.

I often struggle with oily sensations for sensory reasons, but the Bijoux Indiscrets Massage Candle’s oil doesn’t leave my skin feeling unpleasantly greasy because it soaks in so well. An oil-based product that doesn’t have me running to wash it off my hands? That’s an achievement in itself.

Because there’s no wax in this candle, you can also use it as a moisturiser or as a fragrant addition to a bath if you like.

For the avoidance of doubt, this is not the same as a wax play candle. The melting point of the oils is much lower than that of paraffin or even soy wax, meaning that—even if you drip it from very close to your partner’s skin—you’ll get a pleasant warmth rather than an “ouch.”

The oil will start to harden again as it hits the body, but as soon as you run your hands over it, it’ll melt again and start to be absorbed into the skin as you massage. This means that, unlike with wax play, there’s little to no cleanup afterwards.

Due to the oils it contains, this massage candle is not compatible with latex or polyisoprene (though it’s okay with polyurethane.) This means you’ll need to be careful if you’re using barriers such as condoms or dams.

I also didn’t love the slight black residue you get on the inside of the tin and across the top of the candle when it’s been burning a few minutes. It doesn’t really get on your skin in any noticeable way, but it looks a bit yuck.

Depending on how generous you like to go with your oil, you’ll probably get 4-5 massages out of one candle. You could make it last a little longer by going lighter on your coverage, but more is definitely more here in my experience!

The Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Massage Candle retails for £18/$22.

Thanks to Bijoux Indiscrets for sending me these Slow Sex products to test in exchange for an honest review.

Header image for post on CBD lube and how Dani Pepper O improved her sex life by Hattie Gladwell

[Guest Post] How CBD Lube Changed My Sex Life When My Body Forgot How to Orgasm by Hattie Gladwell

Published on by Amy

Today’s guest post comes from Hattie Gladwell (she/her,) a freelance journalist whose work I have been reading and enjoying for a while. This piece on how Dani Pepper O CBD lube was a game-changer for her is her first post for C&K.

I loved this story because struggles with orgasm are so, so common, especially for cis women and other people with vulvas. The limited cultural narratives around sex can make us feel that we should all be having the most amazing sex, all the time and without ever talking about it.

Those same narratives push the idea that if we’re with the right partner, sex and orgasm will be easy and effortless, and that any use of additional tools (such as toys or lube) indicate failure. But as we can see from Hattie’s story, those things can be game changers in the best possible way.

Enjoy!

Amy x

Dani Pepper O: How This CBD Lube Changed My Sex Life When My Body Forgot How to Orgasm

I was in a sexless relationship for almost six years. It was difficult not just physically, but mentally, too. I wanted an intimate relationship, but sadly he wasn’t interested. Of course, I thought it was me. That something was wrong with me. I changed how I looked constantly to see if maybe he’d start loving me again, but the relationship had been dead for years. 

When we first got together, I was able to orgasm easily and quickly. Multiple times. Having an orgasm wasn’t something I’d ever struggled with. I’d always had a good sex life before the relationship, and during the first year. But everything changed, and I don’t know why. 

When we finally broke up and I walked away from the stale relationship, I met somebody new quickly. My family and friends warned me that it was too early, that I needed to heal. But I had already done my healing over the last six months of the relationship—because I knew it was coming to an end. 

It was incredible to have sex with someone new. I mean, it was incredible just to have sex again. But, I couldn’t orgasm. It made me feel bad because I didn’t want my new partner to think it was him. My body just forgot what an orgasm felt like, and I couldn’t do it anymore. 

When I tried to get there, it was even more impossible, because I was putting myself under too much pressure. It wasn’t until I decided to “re-discover myself” alone, learning what I liked and didn’t like, and what made me tick, that finally (with a little help from Dani Pepper O CBD lube) I came to climax again. 

I decided to show my partner what I liked, and it worked—but it still took me up to an hour to get there, and sometimes I couldn’t at all. It was frustrating and I felt resentment towards my ex because I felt like I had no control over my body.

I could only come during mutual masturbation. Never during sex. Which is annoying, because I want to reach orgasm when my partner does. It feels more intimate. It makes me feel closer. 

That’s where the Dani Pepper CBD lube comes in. 

There are lots of CBD lubes out there, even though not that many people know about them. Of course, most people have heard about CBD and the common belief that it helps with chronic pain. But it can also help with sensitivity of the vulva, as it is absorbed through the tissues.

I was sceptical, but decided to try Dani Pepper’s “O” orgasm enhancer.

It comes in a bottle that looks just like regular, non-CBD lube, and is transparent. It’s made using organic and natural ingredients, and is water-based, meaning it’s okay to use with latex. 

I sat down with my partner and talked about using the lube, and he agreed. He was just as adamant about getting my orgasms back on track as I was. 

That night, we had sex. But before we did, we did what we usually do, and he tried to get me off. I decided to do it during mutual masturbation because I wanted my body to get used to the CBD lube in a way that I knew might just make me come. 

He put the lube on me, and within 15 minutes I started to feel more relaxed. I wasn’t worried about climaxing. I decided that it didn’t matter if I didn’t orgasm this time—I could always try again. 

But I did come. Quickly. Intensely. The most extraordinary orgasm I have ever had. 

It lasted for at least 10 seconds, and afterwards, my legs were shaking and I couldn’t speak through breathlessness. 

What I also loved is how calm I felt afterwards. I continued to feel this really relaxing sensation. Sex afterwards was amazing because, even though I can’t come through penetration still, it made us both feel accomplished. Knowing I’d “got there” meant there were no frustrated vibes after having sex—or masturbating for an hour. 

I always use the Dani Pepper O lube every time we have sex now. It’s my go-to, and I of course have more than one bottle at a time so that I can keep myself stocked up. 

CBD lube has been a game-changer for me. Not just because of the incredibly intense orgasms, but because it has brought me closer to my partner sexually. I feel like our sex life is way more intimate now, and I never feel like I’m missing out. And I won’t ever again.

About the Author

Hattie Gladwell is a journalist and editor from Sussex. She is passionate about raising awareness of mental health issues, and mainly writes about sex, relationships, parenting and mental illness.

Product recommendation is the writer’s own and is not sponsored.

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[Lube Review] Promescent Personal Lubricants

Published on by Amy

I’m picky about lube. Like, super picky. This is for a good reason; there are a lot of ingredients that my body simply does not like or get along with. Having to stop sex because your vulva is burning as a result of some random lube you grabbed? Do not recommend. As a result, I tend to stick to a couple of favourite brands. When companies offer me lubes for review, I often either just say no or end up hating the product. However, I was intrigued enough by Promescent’s water-based, silicone-based, and organic aloe lube products to give it a go.

Couple in bed with lubes in foreground

Who Is Promescent?

Promescent is a company dedicated to closing the orgasm gap (a term for the fact that on average, cis men and other people with penises experience orgasm more frequently and more quickly than cis women and other people with vulvas during partnered sex.)

Promescent started out making an orgasm delay product for penis owners, but has now branched out into other lines including lube, condoms, massage oils, and arousal gels for vulva owners.

Promescent works with a medical advisory team including urologists and sexual medicine experts, and is additionally supported by a medical review team featuring names you may know, including Dr Justin Lehmiller and Dr Laura Berman, and a team of non-medical sexuality experts.

Promescent’s Lube Line

The Promescent team were kind enough to send me three of their lubes to try. I received the water-based lube, organic aloe-based lube, and silicone lube. I’m going to start by talking about the ingredients, then look at my experience with each product in turn.

Promescent organic and body safe lubes

Each lube comes in a 4fl oz (118ml) disk-cap bottle. You can also get larger 8fl oz bottles, or subscribe for regular deliveries and save 7%.

Ingredients and Safety

With such a large team of sexuality professionals and medical experts on board, one would expect Promescent to be using body-safe ingredients in their lubes. I looked closely at each label and did a deep dive on the internet to learn about them.

My main resources for this research were Condom Depot’s What’s In My Lube? guide, Incidecoder, and SkinCarisma’s ingredients analyser. After looking up every ingredient name I didn’t recognise, I feel safe in saying that these lubes do not contain any toxic ingredients and will be safe for anyone to use as long as you don’t have a specific allergy or sensitivity.

A small disclaimer here: the water-based lube does contain glycerin. This isn’t a toxic ingredient, but it is a form of sugar and can be problematic to people who are prone to yeast infections. Personally, I prefer not to use lubes with glycerin as they can have an unpleasant sticky feel and tend to leave my vulva feeling unhappy.

None of the Promescent lubes contain parabens (harmful chemicals that pop up distressingly often in lubricants and cosmetics and have been linked to hormone disruption, fertility issues, and even cancer.) All the lubes are also pH balanced, meaning they won’t have a negative impact on your vaginal health.

Let’s dive in one at a time and talk about how I got on with them!

Promescent Water-Based Lube

Promescent water-based lube

I always tell my readers that if they’re going to buy one type of lube, make it a quality water-based lube. That’s because water-based is the most versatile type of lube you can get, compatible with all toy materials and with both latex and non-latex barriers.

The Promescent water-based lube has a light, natural scent and a slight tangy taste. It’s very runny and slippery, and you only need a little bit to go a long way. This lube is quick-drying and did not leave any unwanted residue on either my body or my sheets. Due to the glycerin, though, it’s a little sticky.

A 4oz bottle of Promescent water-based lube retails for $8.99, making it the cheapest of the bunch. You can use it with any type of barrier and any sex toy material.

Use it for: oral sex, since it has the lightest taste, or playing with silicone toys.

Promescent Organic Aloe-Based Lube

Promescent organic aloe-based lube

I’ve never tried an aloe-based lube before, so this was a new one to me. I’ve been sniffing it and trying to work out what the scent reminds me of. It’s very botanical. Basically, if “green” had a smell, it would be this. The aloe lube has a stronger taste than the water-based, though it’s still pretty mild and not unpleasant.

Texture-wise, the aloe lube is about the same thickness and consistency as the water-based. However, I found that it absorbed into my skin more slowly, meaning that it lasted longer. This makes it perfect for lube-heavy activities such as anal play!

It’s got a lovely, slippery feel that is the closest of the three to natural lubrication. It left my skin feeling soft and non-sticky, and did not stain my sheets.

FYI: the aloe lube isn’t safe for use with polyurethane condoms, but latex and polyisoprene are fine. It pairs well with all body-safe sex toy materials.

A 4oz bottle of Promescent organic aloe lube retails for $9.49.

Use it for: anal sex, vaginal penetration with a penis or toy.

Promescent Silicone Lube

Promescent silicone lube

Silicone lube is divisive in the sex-geek world. Some people love it, others hate it. I love it in the right contexts, but in practice I don’t use it very often. That’s because silicone lube can sometimes damage silicone toys (though it doesn’t always) and a large percentage of my toy collection consists of silicone products.

Silicone also requires more clean-up, since it can stain certain fabrics and is harder to get off your skin. I recommend putting a towel down for easy clean up when you’re done. With that said, silicone lube also has a lot of advantages and I enjoyed getting a chance to experiment with it.

Promescent’s silicone lube contains just four ingredients. It is thinner and runnier than many other silicone lubricants I’ve encountered. Again, you really only need a little bit and it goes a long way. It did leave my skin slightly sticky, but washed away easily with my usual soap.

The texture of this lube is super slick and silky, which makes it absolutely perfect for hand sex. Clitoral stimulation is a lot more comfortable and pleasurable when there’s sufficient lubrication, and Promescent’s silicone lube is an excellent choice for this purpose. It’s also ideal for bath and shower sex, since it isn’t water-soluble.

A 4oz bottle of Promescent silicone lube retails for $12.99.

Use it for: hand sex (on yourself or a partner), playing with non-silicone toys.

So Which Promescent Lube is My Favourite?

It’s a tough call, but the organic aloe-based lube is a surprising winner for me! The slick, moisturising feel and the pleasant natural scent just clinch it. But honestly they’re all great products that absolutely deserve a place on your nightstand.

FYI: this review was sponsored, which means Promescent paid me to test their products and write an honest review. Images are courtesy of Promescent and used with permission. All views are, as always, my own.

Header image for caramel latte lube review

[Lube Review] Lovehoney Caramel Latte Flavoured Lube

Published on by Amy

It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed a lube, and I’ve certainly never tried a caramel and coffee flavored lube until today. But ’tis the season, and I do love coffee, so let’s looking at Lovehoney’s new festive caramel latte lubricant.

Festive Flavors: Coffee & Caramel Flavored Lube

Lovehoney’s caramel latte coffee flavored lube is a water-based formula that comes in a 100ml (3.4 fl oz) pump bottle. It is the latest edition to Lovehoney’s growing flavoured lubes line.

Lovehoney caramel latte flavoured lube

The bottle bears the signature bubbles design that features on various Lovehoney lubes. In this case, the bubbles and product name are… well, caramel coloured.

Caramel Latte Coffee Flavored Lube: Ingredients

This is a water-based lube, and so it is unsurprising that water is the first ingredient on the list. Let’s take a quick look at the other main ingredients:

  • Sorbitol. This is a sugar alcohol which is generally recognised as safe (including for consumption) in small quantities. However, it’s worth being aware that sugar can increase the risk of yeast infections for some users, so exercise caution and maybe avoid this lube if you’re prone to them.
  • Potassium sorbate. This is a preservative that is generally considered safe and is a much better alternative to parabens.
  • Polysorbate 20. This is a non-toxic emulsifier that is added to many water-based cosmetics and skincare products.
  • Diazolidinyl urea. This is an antimicrobial preservative used in many cosmetics. It is considered safe in concentrations up to 0.5%, but can release small amounts of formaldehyde which can occasionally cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
  • Citric acid. This natural preservative is extremely common and is safe, especially in the minuscule quantities it’s used here.
  • Sucralose. This common artificial sweetener is essentially a form of sugar, helping to give this coffee caramel flavored lube its taste. It could be another potential risk for yeast infections if you’re prone to them. However, it’s also used in tiny quantities here.

So what’s the verdict? There’s nothing in this coffee caramel flavored lube that makes me go “oh hell no!” off the bat, but I’d recommend exercising caution if you have allergies, sensitivities, or are prone to infections.

To be fair, the bottle does specify that the lube is for external use only. For that reason, I recommend keeping it for oral sex or external hand sex only, and keeping it away from any internal areas. Switch to a gentle water-based lube for anything involving penetration.

Lovehoney Caramel Latte lube

By the way: this lube is also vegan, containing no animal-derived or animal-tested ingredients.

How Does It Taste?

Honestly? Not as bad as I expected.

I wasn’t at all convinced I’d like caramel and coffee flavored lube, and I confess I rolled my eyes at the concept. Admittedly, I’m kinda against flavoured lube on principle. I don’t generally get on well with anything with artificial flavourings and I find a lot of fruity flavored lubes are either too sickly sweet or just taste like chemicals.

But this one was a not-unpleasant surprise, considering my low expectations. It’s sweet but not overly sickly, and you only need a little bit to get the flavour. It also actually tastes like caramel and coffee. Kind of.

Ultimately, though, I don’t think I’ll have much use for this. Call me old-fashioned but I want my coffee to taste like coffee and my genitals to taste like, well, genitals.

Feel and Clean-Up

The Lovehoney coffee caramel flavored lube can get a little sticky if you leave it for too long. I guess that’s due to the sugar-based ingredients. However, it lasts fairly well and I didn’t need to keep re-applying it, which I appreciated.

Hand with caramel latte lube on fingers

As it’s water-based, the caramel latte lube is a breeze to clean up. Just rinse off with some warm water. It also won’t stain your sheets. Water-based lube is compatible with all body-safe sex toy materials including silicone, glass, ABS plastic, stainless steel, and wood.

So Do I Recommend Trying Coffee Flavored Lube?

I wouldn’t suggest caramel latte lube as a bedside staple. For the reasons I’ve mentioned, it’s really only suitable for external use (though oral sex is kind of the entire point of flavoured lubes anyway.) But if you’re not sensitive to any of the ingredients and enjoy a sweet, slightly coffee-ish flavour, it can be a playful stocking stuffer or a fun way to change up your oral sex routine once in a while.

For general use, a gentle unflavoured water-based or silicone-based lube is a better choice.

The Lovehoney caramel latte coffee flavored lube retails for £8.99 from Lovehoney UK.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this product to review! Views are, as always, my own. Affiliate links appear in this post.