Ready to heat things up? Then warming lube should be at the top of your list of must-try pleasure products. Warming lube not only adds wetness to partnered and solo play, it adds sizzle. Some lubes add a little, some add a lot, but all deliver a sensual zing of heat that can make sex even more fun.

Join me as I discuss what warming lube is made from, how to use it, and my top picks for steamy play of all kinds. 

For a complete guide to lubes of all kinds, including warming lube, check out How To Choose A Lube

What Is Warming Lube?

Warming lube is a type of personal lubricant that includes ingredients to make the skin feel warm and tingly. The sensation of heat can increase sensitivity, enhance arousal, and even make orgasms more intense. 

What Is Warming Lube Made From?

The active ingredients in warming lubricants are typically natural extracts like capsicum or menthol. Other warming ingredients might include cinnamon, ginger, and clove, which are known to increase blood flow to the genitals and create a pleasurable warming effect.

Let's take a closer look at the most common ingredients in warming lube, and discover how they give ordinary glides a sexy little kick.  

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is a compound found in chili peppers that is known for its spicy heat. Capsaicin is also popular as an ingredient in pain relief patches and personal warming lubricants. This is because it has a warming effect on the skin, which can enhance intimacy and pleasure during sex and masturbation.

Aside from its use in personal warming lubricants, capsaicin has a range of other benefits. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to relieve pain caused by conditions like arthritis and nerve damage. 

Menthol

Menthol creates a unique tingling sensation, which is why it's one of the most popular ingredients in warming lube. The menthol used in lube is typically derived from natural sources like peppermint and eucalyptus. When applied to the skin, menthol produces a cooling effect followed by a warming sensation.

One of the benefits of using menthol in personal lubricants is that it increases blood flow, which can heighten sensitivity and boost arousal. Menthol also has a natural analgesic effect, and can help dial down discomfort during masturbation or sex with a partner. 

For more: Sex Toys For Couples

Clove

Clove is derived from the dried flower buds of an evergreen tree, and is known for its warming and stimulating properties. Clove has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for health issues like toothaches, muscle pain, and bloating. When used in warming lube, clove can increase blood flow to the genitals, enhance arousal, and make sex smell deliciously fragrant.

Ginger

Ginger is a popular root vegetable with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also improve circulation, which makes it ideal for use in warming personal lubricants. Ginger can help to increase sensitivity and stimulate the nerve endings in the genital area, leading to a more intense and exciting sexual experience.

Browse all lubricants

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a common spice that comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree. Rich in antioxidants, cinnamon can help to reduce inflammation and protect against cellular damage. When used in warming lube, cinnamon adds a warm tingle that can amp up circulation. 

Peppermint

Peppermint is a popular natural stimulant found in products like toothpaste, gum, and breath mints. As an ingredient in warming lube, peppermint creates a tingly, invigorating sensation and can also act as a muscle relaxant.

Curious about what's in your lube? Read more about lube ingredients

Why Use Warming Lube? 

Now that you know what's in warming lube, why should you use it? It is really that different from regular lube? Here are some of my favorite reasons for keeping a bottle of warming lube in my nightstand drawer.  

It boosts blood flow

When you're aroused, circulation to erogenous zones increases, engorging sensittive tissues with blood. One of the key benefits of using a warming lube is that it can help increase blood flow to the genitals, which amps up arousal and pleasure. 

Learn more: 5 Facts About The Clitoris

It soothes discomfort

Warming lube not only reduces friction, it also brings warmth to sensitive areas.  The heat produced by the lubricant relaxes the muscles and creates a soothing sensation on the surface of the skin. Both the warming ingredients and slickness of warming lube can make sex more comfortable and arousing.

It creates new sensations

A dash of spices can bring play to a stimulating new level.  A quick squirt of warming lube can add novel new sensations to partnered sex and masturbation, give new life to a favorite toy, and make getting in the mood easier and more fun. 

Learn more: How To Use Lube 

Is Warming Lube Safe?

Warming lube is perfectly safe for the vast majority of us. Some people may be sensitive to menthol, ginger, or clove, or experience a burning sensation from lubes containing these ingredients. 

If you're sensitive or have never used warming lube before, test a small area of skin before using it on the genitals. Always avoid using warming lube around the eyes, nose, or mouth. 

Learn more: Sensitive Skin Lube

Best Warming Lubes 

Of all the warming lubes available, which stand out from the pack? Here are some of my favorite stimulating formulas. 

Best Water-Based Warming Lube

Sliquid Sizzle  This water-based warming lube from the pros at Sliquid is formulated with food-grade menthol and is safe to use with condoms and all sex toys, including those made from silicone. It's non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and a great budget-friendly option, too. 

Learn more: Water-based Vs. Silicone Lube

Best Arousal Serum

Intense Clitoral Arousal Serum If gentler serums leave you cold, check out Intense Clitoral Arousal Serum from Intimate Earth. Made with peppermint oil and L-arginine to increase circulation, this vegan, menthol-free formula brings the heat.

Best Silicone Warming Lube

Wicked Ultra Heat Warming Lube  On the hunt for both warmth and long-lasting glide? Look no further. Wicked Ultra Heat packs a sensual punch with a combination of cinnamon and coconut oils, clove extract, and premium silicone. I particularly love this smooth, fragrance-free formula for anal play. 

For more: How To Prepare For Anal Sex

Best Natural Warming Lube 

Sliquid Organics Sensation Lube This all-natural lube includes soothing botanicals like aloe vera, vitamin E, and green tea extract. Free from potential irritants like glycerin and parabens, Sensation is hypoallergenic and made in the good old US of A.