Lubes, Oils and Pleasure Serum

Lube, Arousal Oil, and Pleasure Serum: What's the Difference?

Lubrication is a natural part of female arousal, but vaginal dryness can pump the pleasure brakes. Dating as far back as 350 B.C., sex scholars have found evidence of creative substance use for sexual lubricant, including olive oil, seaweed and yams.

Modern lube hit the market around the early 1900s, and that's been our option for a century. But there is a growing category of products called sex tech or femtech geared toward enhancing women's sexual wellness through science and technology. Research in this category has ushered in a new era of products that help increase lubrication, enhance sexual pleasure and more. We love a good lube, but there's more to the story now, so here's everything to know about lube, arousal oil and pleasure serum.

"Research in this category has ushered in a new era of products that help increase lubrication, enhance sexual pleasure and more. We love a good lube, but there's more to the story now."

Lubricants

There are three main categories: silicone-based, water-based and oil-based lubricants (also coconut oil, organic and vegan options). Women produce natural vaginal lubrication when aroused, but sometimes we need or want more. Vaginal dryness during sex is common, particularly during your period, when estrogen levels fluctuate, as is the case during menopause. Lack of foreplay causes dryness and certain medications also. Lube makes sex more comfortable. You typically apply it in the vagina and vaginal opening and on a penis or vibrator.

There are three lubricant categories:

Silicone-based: a popular option because it takes longer to evaporate, which is good for extended intercourse. It also works well in water and won't degrade latex condoms. Always check the ingredients to be sure. Silicone-based lubes can also leave you feeling sticky, though, and can also damage some sex toys.

Water-based: the more inexpensive option, it evaporates faster than other types, so you might end up re-applying during sex. Water-based lubricants also don't work as well in water (go figure) and many contain skin irritants glycerin and parabens. Again, check the labels.

Oil-based: these work better for women with sensitivities to additives or preservatives and are long lasting and naturally moisturizing. They hold up in water but break down latex condoms.

Arousal Oil

Different, but similar to lubricants, arousal oils is a topical aphrodisiac that stimulates the body's own natural response. Not all are oil-based so check for condom-compatibility before using. All arousal oils on the market are a little different in how they work, what ingredients they use, and what they claim to do. Most work topically and externally. Many use natural ingredients such as mint to produce a tingly feel. Others have botanical properties to boost circulation and increase wetness. While others use CBD to decrease vaginal tension.

Pleasure Serum

Not to be confused with lube and arousal oil, pleasure serum is like nothing else currently available on the market and marks the start of a new chapter in the female sexual wellness story, driven by science and prioritizing female pleasure. Vella Women's Pleasure Serum's proprietary formulation (designed by the same scientific team that developed Viagra® and Cialis®) not only makes sex more comfortable but also more pleasurable. It delivers nano-encapsulated CBD deep beyond the skin to reach and relax vaginal and clitoral smooth muscle tissue, encouraging arousal, increasing natural vaginal lubrication, and promoting more frequent, more intense and more satisfying orgasms. With three pumps applied topically, it works to increase blood flow and engorgement for natural lubrication making every cis-woman's body orgasm ready. Vella Women's Pleasure Serum supports safe sex and doesn't degrade latex or polyisoprene condoms.

"Everything is connected. Desire starts in the mind. Arousal is a physical response. And sometimes, you just need a little help."