Cooling lubricants are a great way to bring a new set of erotic sensations into your bedroom. Still, they're not all the same - different products use different concentrations of their active ingredients, and some lubes have more of a cooling effect than others.
Before you buy a cooling lube, make sure you know what you're buying. Here's a quick primer on different types of ingredients and how they can affect your experience.
Peppermint Oil
Often listed as Mentha Piperita extract, peppermint is one of the most popular cooling agents available. It's naturally-derived directly from the same minty plant as your favorite chewing gums and teas. Peppermint oil works immediately, creating a powerful cooling sensation on contact.
While Mentha Piperita extract can make your skin sensitive to the touch, it can also relieve mild muscle soreness and other minor aches and pains. Peppermint oil also has a host of other potential health benefits, and it's both safe and affordable.
Menthol
While peppermint oil comes directly from the Mentha piperita plant, menthol can be synthesized (made in a laboratory). It's the actual cooling element found in many members of the mint family. Pure menthol is relatively powerful, and some users may find it distracting or even painful in large amounts. It can also have a strong aroma that some people find overwhelming.
Of course, this depends on the amount of menthol used in the lubricant's formula; menthol isn't necessarily an irritant, and it's considered safe. With that being said, people with mint allergies should avoid both peppermint and menthol.
Vanillyl Butyl Ether
This chemical creates more of a warming sensation than a cooling sensation. Still, your body's not that great at telling the difference between hot and cold (well, at least when you're using chemicals to simulate extreme temperatures). Some manufacturers will use vanillyl butyl ether in their cooling lubricants, particularly when marketing products for sensitive skin people.
Vanillyl butyl ether is relatively gentle and hypoallergenic. It is often combined with small amounts of peppermint oil to enhance the cooling, tingling sensation. Some lubricants use other common warming ingredients such as capsaicin (the same spicy substance found in hot peppers) to enhance sensation; however, a lubricant is marketed as a "cooling" lube, it will typically contain some amount of peppermint or menthol.
What Should I Know When Choosing a Cooling Lube?
We recommend starting with a water-based cooling lubricant. Water-based lubricants are safe for all types of sex, and if the cooling sensations are too powerful, you can easily wash off the lube with soap and water. On average, they're also much less expensive than silicone lubricants.
If you have skin sensitivities, look for products with real peppermint oil, not menthol, and avoid potentially harsh ingredients like capsaicin. On the other hand, if you want an intense experience, look for a product with menthol. Vanillyl butyl ether is safe for all skin types.
Before using your new lubricant on intimate areas, test out a small amount on your forearm or another patch of non-sensitive skin. If the cooling effect is too powerful, you can combine some of the cooling lube with a standard water-based lubricant to prevent over-stimulation.
While many lubricants are edible, make sure to keep the cooling agents away from your nose and eyes. Cooling lubricants can be a great way to enhance your sex life, and they're generally very safe. They're entertaining when paired with warming lubes, so pick up a few and experiment to find your favorite combinations.