Massage Gels
What are massage gels?
Massage gels are products designed to give you the glide of an oil but without the sticky residue on the skin. Most massage gels are water-based, although you can also find hybrid or silicone-based formulas.
The main advantage of these gels is that you can usually use them for sex – most types are compatible with condoms, but always read the label before use.
Are massage gels safe to use for sex?
Most massage gels are safe to use for sex – or at least safer than body lotions, massage creams, and body oils.
In fact, massage gels from sexual healthcare brands, such as Durex or SKYN, are designed with pleasure and sex in mind. Their main purpose is that of allowing you to give your partner a soothing massage, but these brands know that massages can often lead to more intense action. Thus, their gels contain edible ingredients and are typically safe to use on your intimate areas.
Whilst most body lotions and creams are also safe when ingested in small quantities, they may still feel gross in your mouth. Kissing your partner’s skin after applying a dollop of massage oil or body cream can feel awkward, mainly because cosmetic and skincare products have a nasty taste.
On the contrary, massage gels have an almost neutral taste and often smell nice, so kissing your partner all over won’t feel disgusting even if they are covered in the slippery substance.
Apart from the taste and feel considerations, there are more serious reasons you should avoid using common massage products for sexual activities. Here are some of the products you should never use as lube and why you should avoid them:
- Coconut oil: Included in numerous skincare and conventional massage products, coconut oil has a billion of uses but lube isn’t one of them. This substance has antibacterial properties and could upset the delicate balance of the vaginal area. It can also clog the pores and cause irritation down there, and it is not compatible with natural rubber latex and polyisoprene condoms.
- Conventional massage creams: These creams contain petroleum-based ingredients, the same type that can be found in Vaseline. They are ideal for relaxing massages and even to use for therapeutic or professional purposes, but they are not okay to use for any intimate activity. Petroleum-based ingredients can upset the vaginal flora, causing bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections, and it can also cause irritation or skin lacerations.
- Body lotions: Many people use body lotions for massage purposes, but they are not okay to use on your privates. Body lotions can contain a bunch of ingredients that can cause irritation or infections, and they are almost never compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms. Perfumes used in these lotions can also do a lot of harm when applied to your genitals.
- Baby oil: Have you ever used baby oil to give yourself or your partner a massage? The stuff should be hypoallergenic, shouldn’t it? Whilst this is true, the product shouldn’t be used as lube. Like nappy creams, baby oils are designed to moisturise and heal the delicate skin of babies. When used as lube, it carries the risk of infections, poisoning, and it can damage the barrier methods of contraception.
- Medical massage gels: These gels are designed to heal injuries, not to lubricate your intimate areas. You can find cooling and warming gels in this range, but they are different from cooling or warming lube. They won’t deliver any exciting sensations; on the contrary, they could damage the delicate skin on your genitals, cause irritation, lead to infections, and damage condoms.
Can I use massage gels as lubricants?
Yes, you can use massage gels as lubricants, as long as you’re using a massage gel designed for intimate use. The most popular condom brands, such as Durex, Pasante, SKYN, and EXS make numerous products you can use for sensual massages and lubrication alike.
Are massage gels safe to use with condoms?
Yes and no. To elaborate the answer, some massage gels are safe to use with condoms, but not with all condom types. Other gels are not safe to use with any type of condoms, but you can still use them to lubricate your privates if you’re not using condoms or to facilitate penetration or increase pleasure when using a sex toy.
At Condoms.uk, you can find numerous massage gels that are safe to use with condoms.
What brands make condom-friendly massage gels?
The main two brands that make condom-friendly massage gels are Durex and SKYN – however, check the label to see what condoms you can use with each type of gel, since none of their massage gels are compatible with all types of condoms. That said, here are some of the most popular massage gels on the market:
Durex Play Stimulating Massage 2 in 1
One of the most popular massage gels, this two-in-one product doubles as lube and is a fantastic choice if you want to heighten your partner’s senses and invigorate them after a difficult day.
Enriched with guarana extract, the water-based gel can increase the energy levels and make your partner feel more active after a particularly challenging day. As you’d expect, the gel is made with food-grade ingredients and is safe to use for oral, vaginal, and anal sex.
The slick texture doesn’t dry out fast, making each massage a sensual experience. This product is only compatible with natural rubber latex and polyisoprene condoms.
Durex Play Sensual Massage 2 in 1
Another two-in-one body massage gel and intimate lubricant from Durex, this water-based product has a smooth, soft texture and doesn’t feel greasy or sticky on the skin, yet it is thick enough to allow for a thorough body massage.
Enriched with ylang ylang, this massage gel and lube has a relaxing scent and delicate formula. It is suitable for people with sensitive skin and could become an important asset whenever you want to pamper your partner with a body massage and aromatherapy session.
This massage gel is compatible with natural rubber latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms only.
SKYN Intimate Moments Sensual Massage Gel
Suitable to use on the body and intimate areas alike, this sensual massage gel has a neutral taste and pleasant vanilla scent. It is a hybrid product, part water-based and part silicone-based.
It doesn’t feel sticky on the skin and it doesn’t stain fabrics, but it lasts longer than Durex Play. It’s safe to ingest in small quantities, thus perfect for all kinds of sex.
This product is compatible with polyisoprene condoms only, and is not recommended to use with silicone sex toys either. The skin-friendly formula is dermatologically tested and the product complies with all British and European regulations.
Is Durex Intense Orgasmic Gel suitable for a full-body massage?
No. Durex Intense Orgasmic Gel is a speciality gel designed to enhance clitoral stimulation and help women reach vaginal and clitoral orgasm at the same time. This gel should only be used to massage the clitoris area – and in this sense, you can refer to it as a massage gel.
Whilst the product is edible, this gel is not a lubricant and should not be used with condoms or to facilitate penetration.
Do I have any alternatives to massage gels?
There are plenty of alternatives. The handiest one is using your favourite lube for full-body massages too.
The best lubes to use instead of a massage gel are the water-based ones. These lubes are slippery enough to administer a soothing massage, but they are very easy to clean with a damp cloth or in the shower. They are also compatible with all kinds of condoms, sex toys, and for all kinds of sexual activities. Here are some of the best lubes you can use instead of a massage gel:
Lubido Original Water Based Intimate Lubricant
The main reason people avoid using lube for full-body massages is because personal lube comes in small bottles and you’re risking of running out of product very fast. Lubido Original Water Based Intimate Lubricant, however, comes in bottles of up to 500ml and is very easy to apply thanks to the dispenser pump.
The lube is clear, odourless, and tasteless, but it is safe to use for all kinds of sex and with all types of condoms. Apply liberally for the best results.
Loving Joy Water-Based Lubricant
Another lube that comes in a big bottle, Loving Joy Water-Based lubricant is an excellent choice for sensual massages. The product is clear, odourless, and tasteless, but it is compatible with all condoms and sex toys. Despite its watery consistency, a small quantity goes a long way. Furthermore, the product is very easy to clean in the shower or with a damp towel. Like Lubido, this intimate lubricant is hypoallergenic and vegan-friendly.
Durex Naturals Intimate Gel Pure
If you need a lube that you can use as a massage gel and you happen to have sensitive skin, the Durex Naturals Intimate Gel Pure could be an excellent choice. This water-based lube has a natural formula and is very gentle on the skin.
It is ideal for people with sensitivities or allergies, its moisturising effect helping rejuvenate the skin on your body and intimate areas alike. This gel is not only a perfect lube and massage gel, but it can also help soothe the symptoms of vaginal dryness.
Pasante Fresh Mint Lube
Whenever you need an invigorating massage (and some exciting sensations down there), Pasante Fresh Mint Lube could be just right. This intimate lubricant has a fresh scent and peppermint taste. It is compatible with condoms and suitable to use for all types of sex. The mint extract could irritate the skin if you’re sensitive, but the gel is an excellent choice for people who like using cooling effect massage gels anyway.
Durex Cherry Pleasure Gel
With a fruity scent and taste, Durex Cherry Pleasure Gel is another water-based lube you can use instead of a massage gel.
This lube is compatible with all condoms and perfect for those moments when you want to use more than your hands and body to massage your partner. This personal lube is suitable for oral sex and safe to use for vaginal and anal intercourse, too.
Mates Aqua Aloe Sensitive Gel Lubricant
Another lube that doubles as a massage gel and suits people with sensitive skin comes from Mates. As its name suggests, this water-based lube is enriched with aloe vera extracts. It moisturises the skin and can soothe irritations.
You can use it for sensual massages, all kinds of sex, and with all types of condoms and sex toys. As you’d expect, the product is easy to clean, it isn’t sticky and doesn’t stain fabrics.
Pasante Sensual Strawberry Lube
If you like the idea of a flavoured lube instead of a massage gel, another one you can try is Pasante Sensual Strawberry Lube. This lubricant has a sweet flavour and fragrant strawberry scent. It is safe to use for all kinds of sex and compatible with all condoms and sex toys. Like all water-based lubes, it doesn’t leave stains, it isn’t sticky, and is very easy to clean when you’re done.
Where can I buy massage gels?
You can buy massage gels right here at Condoms.uk. We stock a range of massage gels that are safe to use for sensual massages and sex, alongside numerous water-based lubricants you can use as an alternative. All massage gels in our store are tested for safety and suitable to use with condoms (read the label before deciding which massage gel is right for you).
With discreet delivery on all orders, free nationwide delivery on orders above £25, and fast order processing, all you have to do is browse our range and find the best massage gels for you.
