TBH, there are all kinds of products out there that can amp up your sex life nowadays. From innovative new vibrators that bring you all the ~pleasure~ to BDSM toys that help you explore your personal kinks, the sexual wellness industry has brought a lot to the table in terms of making you feel, well, good during intimacy.

That said, there’s one kind of sexual wellness item in particular that’s making its rounds and becoming an increasingly important part of people’s sexual repertoire: intimacy serum—a multi-purpose formula that serves all kinds of uses, including (but not limited to!) intimate body massage, personal lubricant, arousal oil, and more. 

While you’re probably pretty eager to learn more about intimacy serum and all the ways that you can incorporate it into your bedroom routine, you’re also probably wondering this: how is intimacy serum different from normal lube? And what are the key differences between arousal oil, lube, and intimacy serum in general? In short, these are all great questions, but the truth is they are all pretty similar with slight differences depending on the brand and product purpose. 

However, not all intimacy serums are made equal—and it helps to know what makes them different from other sexual wellness products available out there. The following is everything you need to know about the key differences between lube, arousal oil, and intimacy serum, including the pros and cons to using each kind of product. 

First, There’s Personal Lubricant (AKA, Lube!)

For starters you’re probably wondering about the most common kind of sexual wellness formula out there: personal lubricant, otherwise known as lube. Available in pharmacies, grocery stores, and corner stores alike, lube is the most well-known form of body product for the bedroom. 

The purpose of lube, you ask? For those who are unfamiliar, it’s pretty simple: lube is meant to be used inside of the body, and it’s typically a water, oil, or silicone-based formula that helps reduce friction during sex and thus makes it less painful for those involved. (Because ICYDK, friction can cause irritation, tears, and bleeding during penetration and the like.) (Not fun.) 

Specifically, “lubricants are meant to be used internally to promote the slip or mimic the natural wetness you feel during sex,” sexologist Rebecca Alvarez Story told Well + Good. “They're usually used during sex, especially penetrative sex, to get more glide.” Got that down? 

And yup: Lubes aren’t just for partnered sex. They can also be used during masturbation to reduce the friction and make it easy to ~pet your flower~ with your hands or favorite sex toys. (Win.) 

Next, There’s ~Arousal Oil~. 

Overall, arousal oil can be a big player when it comes to upping your intimacy game during partnered sex or masturbation. Why? “Arousal oils are meant to be used externally to help promote blood flow in the vulva tissue and clitoris so you get wet. Think of them as foreplay oil,”  Story told Well + Good. This means that you’re *not* supposed to use them internally but rather externally, as they’ll help you get in the mood but aren’t necessarily safe for insertion. 

And while most arousal oils are designed with using them on your vulva in mind, most arousal oils can also be used on your entire body for massage purposes during sex. For example, maybe you and your partner want to get in the mood by doing a little sexy massage before you get to work, yah know?

All in all, an arousal oil will basically act as your own personal aphrodisiac using natural ingredients to boost your circulation and get you hot and bothered. That said, they’re usually built for using on your skin alone, and not all are safe for using with your sex toys or even with condoms, so be sure you check the label first to ensure that you’re using them safely and as intended by the sexual wellness manufacturer, K?

Intimacy Serum For The Win, Baby. 

“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,” writes sexual wellness company Vella.  

Among other things, it’s kind of like a mix between both arousal oil and lubricant, meaning that you can use it all over your body to increase your overall ~sexual buildup~ and it’s safe for insertion, too. It’s also (typically) good to use with vibrators, condoms, and the like, so you’ll both reap the benefits of increased sexual arousal while also making any penetration or masturbation totally friction-free. (Which will only lead you to feeling your very best in the bedroom and beyond.) 

And Yep, Here’s what Makes Our Intimacy Serum *The Best*

Let’s be clear, at Beia, we’re a bit partial to all the benefits that incorporating intimacy serum specifically into your routine can provide. Why? We know what it takes to make all the good stuff, and we’ve basically developed a skin-safe, body-safe, sex-safe formula that will help you experience your best pleasure yet in the bedroom and beyond like no other. (Trust us.) 

For example, Beia’s Body & Intimacy Serum was formulated for all-purpose pleasure that you can use anywhere on your body. (Literally.) It’s a first-of-its-kind sexual wellness product that also acts as skincare, too, since it contains nourishing, sustainably-sourced ingredients like Squalane, Coconut, and Aloe Vera that naturally rejuvenate the skin as you use it. 

Plus, with sleek, eco-conscious packaging, this product will look so d*mn good on your nightstand snuggled next to your current paperback reads and trendy table lamp.