Erotic Cosmetics

What are erotic cosmetics?

These are products you apply to your skin or use in the bath to stretch out foreplay, set the mood or change how things feel. There are massage oils, including edible ones and ones with a warming effect, massage candles, gels that give warmth, cold or tingling, delay sprays and creams, and perfumes with pheromones. You will also find enhancers and aphrodisiacs here, many of them as capsules. Oils are for massage, not for lubricating: for penetration there is lubricant.

Types of erotic cosmetics

Each type has its own section, depending on what you want to achieve.

• Massage oils: for massaging the whole body; there are unscented, scented, edible and warming ones.
• Sensitivity stimulators: gels and sprays with a warming, cooling or tingling effect for the clitoris, nipples or penis.
• Pheromones: perfumes and roll-ons with pheromones that you wear like any other perfume.
• Massage candles: candles whose wax melts into a warm oil for massage.
• Erotic bath salts and gels: for a bath or shower before play, alone or with a partner.
• Erotic creams and powders: stimulating creams, body powders and creams for intimate skin.
• Edible erotic paints: for painting on the skin and kissing off afterwards.
• Aphrodisiacs: products you take or apply with desire in mind.
• Female orgasm enhancers: gels and serums for the clitoris that aim to increase sensitivity.
• Male enhancers: creams, gels and capsules sold for erections and performance.
• Delay products: sprays and creams to delay ejaculation.

What the studies say

The studies we cite here do not prove any product works: they deal with massage and touch between partners, which is what a good part of this section is used for.

In a study of fifty carers and 49 patients with cancer, a short massage workshop led to massage being given more often (from 1.2 to 2.7 times a week) and for longer (from 4.7 to 12.2 minutes), and the change was still there at three months (Collinge et al., 2007, J Soc Integr Oncol).

In three studies of couples, physical touch was associated with greater psychological wellbeing, whatever each person's level of attachment avoidance (Debrot et al., 2021, Pers Soc Psychol Bull). And in two studies with 7,880 participants, love for one's partner was associated with more affectionate touch (Sorokowska et al., 2023, Sci Rep).

Safety

If it is your first time using a product, put a little on your forearm and wait a while to see whether it irritates you. Use oils on the outside only: inside the body they can cause irritation. Use warming or cooling gels in small amounts, and if something stings or burns more than it should, wash it off with water. With capsules and supplements, if you take medication or have heart or blood pressure problems, ask your doctor first.

How to choose

• For a massage: an oil or a massage candle, whose wax melts into a warm oil. If oral sex is on the cards, choose one that the product page says is edible.
• To feel more: stimulating gels, with a warming or cooling effect, are applied in a small amount to the clitoris or penis. The product page tells you what effect it has and where it is used.
• To last longer: delay products numb the skin of the penis a little. Only one in seven product pages says whether it contains a numbing agent or is a formula without one, so if yours does not say, check the ingredients on the packaging. Apply them a few minutes beforehand and wipe off any excess so it does not reach your partner.
• Condoms: check on the product page whether the product is latex-compatible. Products containing oil are not.
• Ingredients: read the list if you have allergies or sensitive skin, especially with scented and warming products.

Erotic Cosmetics: frequently asked questions

Can a massage oil be used as a lubricant?

It is not recommended: inside the body it can cause irritation and it weakens latex condoms. For penetration, use a water-based lubricant or a silicone-based one.

What is the difference between an edible oil and a massage oil?

An edible oil is made so you can kiss and lick the skin where it has been applied; an ordinary massage oil is not meant to be eaten. Both are for use on the skin.

How do you use a massage candle?

You light it for a few minutes until a little liquid wax forms, blow it out and pour the wax into your hand or onto the skin from a low height. Test the temperature on your wrist first.

Do pheromones work?

There is little scientific evidence of an effect in humans. Treat them as a perfume for the moment, not as something that will change how your partner reacts.

Can my partner feel the delay product?

If it contains a numbing agent, yes: product left on the skin can numb them too. That is why you apply it a few minutes beforehand and wipe off the excess. The ones whose product page lists them as free of lidocaine and benzocaine are the sprays Joydivision Ironman, Pjur Superhero Ultimate, Tauro Extra, Intimateline T5 and Time Lag by Orgie.

Do enhancers increase penis size?

We cannot promise that: we do not know of any study that supports it, and what the product page says is what the manufacturer claims. If you are worried about size or erections, talk to a doctor.

How long does a massage oil last once opened?

Check the packaging: it usually carries an open-jar symbol with a number of months or, failing that, an expiry date. Keep it tightly closed, away from heat and light.

Do oils stain sheets?

They can, like any oil. Put a towel underneath and wash your bedding as soon as possible.

Browse by brand

• RUF
• PHEROSTRONG
• SHUNGA
• ORGIE
• COBECO PHARMA
• EROS