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Sexual Wellness 101: Products That Actually Work
The sexual wellness market has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry, and with that growth has come an enormous amount of marketing noise. Products claiming to enhance libido, increase performance, tighten, enlarge, or otherwise transform sexual experience proliferate across every retail channel.
Some of these products have genuine merit. Most do not. Here is how to tell the difference.
Lubricants — The Most Underrated Wellness Product
Lubricant is the most evidence-backed sexual wellness product available. The evidence for its benefits is simple and not disputed: it reduces friction, increases comfort, and improves experience for most people across most sexual activities.
Despite this, many people do not use lubricant regularly or feel that needing it indicates a problem. Neither is true. Using lubricant is not a sign of insufficient arousal — it is a practical tool that improves physical comfort regardless of arousal level.
What to look for:
Water-based lubricants are the most versatile — compatible with all toy materials and condoms, easy to clean up, and available in a wide range of formulations. They dry out faster than silicone-based options and may need reapplication.
Silicone-based lubricants last significantly longer than water-based, require no reapplication during extended use, and feel more natural to many users. They are not compatible with silicone toys (they degrade the material) and are harder to clean from fabrics.
Brands worth using: Sliquid, Yes, Überlube (silicone), and Lovehoney's own-brand range offer quality products at various price points. Adam & Eve stocks a broad range with clear formulation information.
Avoid lubricants with glycerin if you are prone to yeast infections. Avoid parabens if you prefer paraben-free products. Avoid anything with numbing agents (benzocaine, lidocaine) — reducing sensation is not a benefit.
Supplements — What Has Evidence
L-arginine: an amino acid that the body converts to nitric oxide, which supports blood vessel dilation. There is genuine evidence for modest improvement in blood flow. Found in foods or as a supplement. Does not work as dramatically as pharmaceutical options but has real mechanism.
Zinc: essential for testosterone production. Deficiency is associated with reduced testosterone. Supplementing if you are deficient supports normal levels. If you are not deficient, supplementing beyond normal levels does not increase testosterone further.
Maca root: some studies show modest libido improvement in both men and women. The effect is not dramatic and the research is not conclusive, but the safety profile is good and the potential benefit is real enough to be worth trying.
What to avoid: proprietary blends with no disclosed ingredient amounts, anything claiming dramatic or rapid results, anything not third-party tested. The supplement industry in the sexual wellness space is particularly prone to exaggerated claims.
Sexual Health Products
Condoms, dental dams, and testing are foundational sexual wellness products that belong in this category.
Regular STI testing is a wellness practice, not a response to risk. Knowing your status and that of partners is part of responsible sexual health management regardless of relationship structure. Testing every 3–6 months is appropriate for sexually active adults with multiple partners.
Adam & Eve and Lovehoney both stock sexual health products alongside their broader wellness ranges. STDCheck (from our partner network) provides at-home STI testing with confidential results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What lubricant is safe to use with sex toys?
Water-based lubricants are safe with all toy materials including silicone. Silicone lubricants last longer and feel better but degrade silicone toys over time — avoid with silicone toys. Oil-based lubricants degrade latex condoms and are not recommended for internal use. For most situations, a quality water-based lubricant is the safest and most versatile choice.
Do sexual enhancement supplements actually work?
The evidence is mixed. Some supplements have genuine evidence — L-arginine for blood flow, maca root for libido in some studies, zinc for testosterone support. Many products sold as 'enhancement' supplements contain little more than vitamins at inflated prices. Look for products with third-party testing and peer-reviewed research backing specific ingredients.
What is the best lubricant for sensitive skin?
Look for lubricants that are free from glycerin (which can contribute to yeast infections in some people), parabens, and fragrances. Aloe-vera based lubricants tend to be well-tolerated by sensitive skin. Sliquid and Yes lubricants are specifically formulated for sensitive users.