Pharmacy Products

Each lube base suits a different need. Water-based feels natural, works with every toy and condom and rinses off easily, but dries faster and needs reapplying. Silicone-based is thicker, lasts much longer and is great in water, though it shouldn't touch silicone toys. Hybrid blends a smooth feel with longer staying power at a higher price. As a rule, pick water-based for everyday use and silicone for prolonged or in-water play.

Compatibility is a safety issue. Water-based, silicone and hybrid lubes are all safe with every condom type. Oil-based products such as baby oil or petroleum jelly are the exception: they break down latex and leave it unable to protect. Oils are fine only with polyurethane. The key rule is never to use kitchen oils or cosmetic creams as lube with a latex condom. Branded lubricants state their compatibility right on the packaging.

It depends on the toy's material. On silicone toys use only water-based or hybrid lube, since silicone-on-silicone wears down the surface and causes it to wrinkle. TPE and TPR take water or silicone. Stainless steel and glass work with everything. Latex items prefer water-based. If you're unsure, test a little on a hidden spot and check for damage after 24 hours. Water-based remains the safest choice across all materials.

Many lubes market themselves as natural, so it helps to read the label. Aloe vera is a gentle natural lubricant for sensitive skin, and carrageenan is a thick plant-based gel. Glycerine, common in water-based lubes, can trigger yeast infections in some people, and parabens are best avoided when skin is sensitive. Look for organic, vegan or paraben-free certifications. Brands like Sliquid, Good Clean Love and Yes focus on natural formulas.

Staying power varies by base. Water-based lasts 5-15 minutes before drying and needs a top-up or a spritz of water; long-lasting versions with hyaluronic acid stretch to 20-30 minutes. Silicone-based is the most durable at 30-60 minutes or more. Hybrid sits in between at 20-40 minutes. For water play or prolonged anal use, choose silicone. As for shelf life, an opened bottle keeps for 12-24 months and a sealed one for 2-3 years.

Arousal stimulants are gels, creams or sprays with active ingredients that boost blood flow and sensitivity in erogenous zones. There are versions for the clitoris, the penis, the breasts and universal ones. Common ingredients include menthol for a cooling effect, capsaicin for warming, L-arginine to improve circulation and essential oils. The result is a cold or warm sensation, mild swelling and heightened sensitivity that typically lasts 30-60 minutes.

Apply them like normal perfumes. Put them on clean skin, at pulse points such as the wrist, neck and behind the ears, with 1-2 sprays. Don't rub them in, as that changes the chemistry, and wait 30 seconds before dressing. Reapply pheromones every 4-6 hours, since they fade faster than the fragrance ingredients. On a hot day they mix more with sweat.

Poppers are aromatic leather cleaner liquids in small bottles, with a strong characteristic scent. On the market they are widely known and searched for by the name poppers, and they are used as care and freshening products for leather goods.

Poppers are sold as leather cleaner and aroma products. They are used to clean and freshen leather items and surfaces. On the market they are often searched for by the name poppers, which is why that word usually accompanies leather cleaner products.

They work, with caveats. L-arginine raises nitric oxide and improves circulation, while menthol and capsaicin create cooling or warming sensations that locally heighten sensitivity. These effects are reasonably documented. Herbal aphrodisiac extracts such as damiana, maca and ginseng have far thinner evidence. None of these replace medical treatment for erectile dysfunction or low libido; they are a supplement to the experience, not a cure for a medical problem.

With normal use, side effects are mild. A light tingling or warmth on application is expected for cooling and warming products. An allergic reaction with redness, itching or flaking is rare, but means you should stop. Too large an amount can cause intense burning, which you rinse off with water. Avoid them during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice, on broken or problem skin, or if you're allergic to botanical ingredients. Always do a patch test 24 hours before first use.

Start with the target zone: a clitoral formula, a penis formula, or a universal one for breasts or lips. Then pick the effect you want, cooling with menthol, warming with capsaicin, or a tingling combination. For sensitive skin, favour formulas without glycerine or parabens. Check compatibility too: if used with a condom, it shouldn't contain oils. Trusted brands include Pjur, Sensuva, Doc Johnson and Lelo. A small size is ideal for a first trial, with prices around 15-50 euros.

Apply correctly for the best result. Clean the area, then start with a tiny amount, a single drop, and add more only if needed. Massage gently for even coverage and wait 2-5 minutes for it to activate. Keep it away from the mouth and eyes. If it's followed by oral contact, wash the area fully with soap and water first. If the sensation is overwhelming, rinse with milk or oil rather than water, since menthol and capsaicin dissolve in fat, not water. Respect your body's signals.

Anal relaxers are gels or sprays whose active ingredients briefly reduce sphincter sensitivity. They aim to ease insertion for beginners and lower discomfort with larger toys. Typical ingredients are the local anaesthetics lidocaine or benzocaine, sometimes with botanical extracts like chamomile or lavender, often combined with silicone lubricant. The effect starts 5-15 minutes after applying and lasts 30-60 minutes. They are a helper, not a replacement for proper gradual preparation.

Used correctly, yes. Lidocaine is a medically approved local anaesthetic used daily in clinical procedures. In excess it can cause nausea, dizziness or mouth numbness if absorbed. The real danger is over-numbing: you may not feel an injury caused by forceful use. So use a small amount, treat it as a complement to gradual familiarisation rather than a shortcut, and stop and see a doctor for unusual symptoms. Avoid it during pregnancy or with an allergy to amide anaesthetics.

In the poppers category you'll find different types of leather cleaner and aroma products, in a variety of sizes, scents and brands. They are all widely available under the common name poppers, which helps you find the right leather cleaner.

Store poppers upright, in a cool and dark place, tightly closed and away from children, like any cleaning product. This way the leather cleaner keeps its scent and properties for longer. Poppers bottles close tightly so they don't evaporate.

Choose poppers by brand, packaging size and scent, just as you would any leather cleaner. Favour reputable sources and checked, sealed packaging. The name poppers helps you quickly find the right leather cleaner product for you.

Apply in steps. Clean the anal area, then put a pea-sized amount on your finger. Spread it gently around the sphincter and ease it into the first 1-2 cm for internal coverage. Wait 5-10 minutes for full effect, then add plenty of lubricant before inserting a toy. Don't use too much, don't apply it on a fissure or any bleeding, and don't combine it with other topical anaesthetics. With a partner who isn't aware, they may not register strain, so communicate first.

Yes, and it matters. The anaesthetic transfers: on a penetrating partner's penis a large amount can cause reduced sensation or numbness, and on fingers that later touch lips or mouth it causes numbness too. Direct oral contact isn't recommended. A condom creates a barrier during penetration, and washing the partner's hands after preparation helps. If the partner doesn't want reduced sensitivity, a condom during penetration is the simplest solution.