Shopping·13 min read

The Best Sexual Wellness Products To Help You Prioritize Your Pleasure

the best sexual wellness products
Design: theSkimm | Images: Maude, Dipsea
May 13, 2024

If we had a dollar for every question we came out of sex ed with, we’d have…a lot of dollars. That’s why we scoured the depths of the internet (and held way too many conversations at HQ’s kitchen) to find the best tools, toys, and sexual wellness products to make sex (with a partner or yourself) more pleasurable. We tested all of these products ourselves, took copious notes, and are bringing you the ones that actually work. All in the name of science, of course. 

Looking for more feel-good products? Check out our full list of Good For You Award winners here.

Toys

Small Bullet Vibrator
LOLA

Best Travel Vibrator: LOLA Small Bullet Vibrator

This mini bullet vibrator from LOLA is super-quiet and has 10 (yes, 10) unique settings. Its flexible head bends up to 90 degrees to follow your every move. But the best part is that the entire toy is a little over 4 inches long, so it won't take up much room in your bedside table or carry-on. Plus, it’s under $30.

$29 at LOLA
Maude Vibe
Maude

Best Vibrator for Beginners: Maude Vibe

PSA: this is the best vibrator we own. This cone-shaped, three-speed vibe runs for over an hour without needing a recharge, and it doesn't have a ton of bells and whistles, so it's accessible for beginners. It also features a helpful “travel mode” that prevents it from turning on (pun intended) at random. Don’t let its quirky shape fool you, this little guy is powerful. 

$49 at Maude
Dame Pom
Dame

Best Discreet Vibrator: Dame Pom

Not only can you not hear this vibrator, but you can barely see it too. It has five different intensity levels, five unique vibration patterns, and fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. Its soft silicone head is also waterproof and flexible, making it the perfect shower vibrator.

$99 at Dame
LELO Soraya 2
LELO

Best Splurge-Worthy Vibrator: LELO Soraya 2

Real talk: this luxe rabbit vibrator is worth the investment, thanks to its duo-tip design (one for clitoral, and one for G-spot stimulation). We especially love how its soft silicone material feels warm to the touch. If you’re looking for a vibe that’s here for a good time and a long time, look no further.

$183.20 at LELO
Vibes Only Rayna Two-in-One
Vibes Only

Best 2-in-1 Vibrator: Vibes Only Rayna Two-in-One

This vibe knows how to multitask. At one end, the suction tip creates air pulses for extra stimulation, while the other end operates as a traditional three-speed vibrator. If it sounds overwhelming, each tip has its own power button (though we rec using both at the same time). Plus, you can connect the vibrator to the Vibes Only app for long-distance fun, or connect it to your favorite erotic audio stories for a more immersive experience. 

$129 at Vibes Only

Tools

LOLA Personal Lubricant
LOLA

Best Lube: LOLA Personal Hypoallergenic Lube

A water-based lube that’s hypoallergenic, long-lasting, and gynecologist-approved? Nothing not to like. The formula uses natural ingredients without any potentially irritating additives or fragrances, and it's safe to use with latex condoms or toys. It gets extra points for its easy one-click pump that locks into place for leak-free travel. 

$14 at LOLA
Maude Soy Massage Candle Slow Burn
Maude

Best Massage Candle: Maude Soy Massage Oil Candle

Gone are the days of accidentally burning yourself in the name of pleasure thanks to this soy-based candle. The wax is formulated with skin-softening jojoba and warm notes of lemongrass, cedar leaf, and amber. The oil gets warm, not hot — making it perfect to drizzle or drip on your partner (or yourself).

$30 at Maude
Dame Dice
Dame

Best Game To Get You Going: Dame Dice

There are a lot of spicy games out there (trust us, we’ve tried them). But nothing quite kills the mood like a lengthy instructions manual. Luckily, this dice game is both intuitive and exhilarating. The red dice denotes the body part, while the blue dice indicates a corresponding action. Roll them both at the same time, and let the fun begin. 

$10 at Dame
Nixit Condoms
Nixit

Best Condoms: Nixit Condoms

When it comes to condoms, it’s all about barely-there materials that won’t irritate your skin. These vegan-friendly condoms from Nixit check both boxes. They’re made with a chemical-free latex and are free of parabens and fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin. We also give these bonus points since you can get them delivered right to your door, and save 10% when you subscribe. 

$4+ at Nixit
FORIA Arousal Oil
FORIA

Best All-Natural Arousal Oil & Lube: FORIA Awaken Arousal Oil with CBD

If you’ve never tried CBD in the bedroom, consider this your sign to start. This bestselling, all-natural arousal oil uses a blend of broad-spectrum CBD to promote increased blood flow, relax your muscles, and alleviate tension. We also love how the blend of organic botanical infusions and essential oils like cardamom and peppermint give it a nice, earthy scent. 

$48 at FORIA

Books & Audio

Come As You Are
Amazon

Best Book For Self-Discovery: “Come As You Are” by Emily Nagosaki

If we could have "New York Times"-bestselling author Emily Nagosaki go back in time and teach us sex ed, we would. But since we can’t, we rec picking up the latest edition of her book, “Come As You Are.” Her accessible guide is packed with advanced research and thoughtful advice on how to decode the science of sex and coming to terms with your own pleasure, at your own pace.

$15.71 at Amazon$20.46 at Bookshop
Dipsea Subscription
Dipsea

Best Audio Erotica: Dipsea

Female-founded Dipsea has a collection of over 1,000 erotic stories that will have you coming (get it?) back for more. Each story is written by professional writers and brought to life by top-tier narrators. Tap through their easily-navigable library to find your favorite tropes, characters, accents, and plot twists that will definitely have you feeling some type of way. 

$69.99/year at Dipsea
"Where Should We Begin?"
Apple Podcasts

Best Relationships Podcast: “Where Should We Begin?”

If you’ve read our guides, you know we’re big fans of Esther Perel’s conversation-starting “Where Should We Begin?” card game. This is the podcast that started it all. In each episode, the renowned psychotherapist and relationship expert chats with real couples about topics ranging from open relationships to family conflicts. All while sparking a convo you can bring to your next date night. 

Listen on Esther Perel's Site
Fight Right
Amazon, The Gottman Institute

Best Book For Conflict Resolution: “Fight Right: How Successful Couples Turn Conflict Into Connection” by Julie Schwartz Gottman, PhD and John Gottman, PhD

From the two doctors that founded the world-famous Love Lab, this book helps you understand not just how to approach relationship conflicts, but also your own unique conflict culture. The Gottmans go through the five common mistakes people make when they’re at odds, along with five secrets to get you both back on track. It’s a great read whether you’re in a romantic relationship or just looking to make any connection stronger and more authentic.

$18.69 at Amazon$27.90 at Bookshop
Vibes Only App
Vibes Only

Best App For Long-Distance Partners: Vibes Only App

For anyone who’s over those multi-hour video calls but still wants to feel connected to their partner miles away, this app is a must. It works as a custom controller that lets you adjust the intensity and vibration pattern of any of their corresponding vibrators from afar. The app also includes spicy stories to help you get in the mood.

Download at Vibes Only

Menstruation

HUM SOS PMS Gummies
HUM

Best Supplement For PMS Support: HUM SOS PMS Gummies

One of our editors swears by these gummies to help with mood regulation during her period. They combine clinically tested chasteberry extract with vitamin B6 and cranberry to help support a healthy hormonal balance and support your overall mood. Plus, they actually taste good. 

$26 at HUM
Knix Period Underwear
Knix

Best Period Underwear: Knix Period Underwear

We asked one editor who claims to have “the heaviest of heavy flows” to put Knix’s Super Leakproof No-Show underwear to the test. Spoiler alert: It works. This seamless underwear hugs the body in all the right ways, creating light compression that soothes but isn’t uncomfortable. There was zero leakage after sleeping with day-one flow, and feels comfortable under any piece of clothing. Every style and cut is machine-washable.

$14+ at Knix
Rael Organic Cotton Cover Pads
Rael

Best Pads: Rael Organic Cotton Cover Pads

These pads have three layers of soft, hypoallergenic, organic cotton, and are designed to prevent overflows or leaks while remaining breathable. While they are fragrance-free, they still help alleviate unpleasant odors or irritation. And they come in sizes ranging from “Petite” to “Extra Long Overnight” for the right amount of coverage every time. 

$13.98+ at Amazon
Foria CBD Salve
FORIA

Best Topical Relief For Cramps: FORIA Relief Salve With CBD and Kava

CBD isn’t just great in the bedroom, it’s also great for PMS support. This CBD salve uses 100% organically-grown kava, ginger, and full-spectrum extract from USDA organic-certified hemp to help ease cramps naturally. We also love how this fast-absorbing balm gently moisturizes your skin while relieving discomfort. Pro tip: We use this on all kinds of muscle aches and pains, not just of the menstrual variety.

$48 at FORIA
Clue App
Clue

Best Period Tracker App: Clue Period Tracker and Calculator

Clue makes it easy to track each day of your cycle, and includes areas for you to input your moods, energy levels, sleep quality, exercise, and more. All while giving you details on how each can affect your cycle, and what sorts of patterns to look out for. We also appreciate that they don't share or sell your health data with advertisers.

Download at Clue

Postpartum

Yarlap Kegel Kit
Yarlap®

Best Tool For Pelvic Floor Support: The Yarlap® Kegel Exercise Kit and System

This tool is great for postpartum, but we've found it works well for all kinds of pelvic floor issues. Our tester has overly tight pelvic floor muscles (which cause nerve pain and pain during sex) and noticed a significant difference in the loosening of her muscles after using this tool — in fact, she said it worked better than physical therapy and dilators. The all-in-one kit includes an award-winning medical device that does the exercises for you, plus a lubricating gel, user manual, and a carrying case.

$339.95 at Yarlap®
Earth Mama Herbal Spray
Earth Mama

Best Perineal Spray: Earth Mama Organics Herbal Perineal Spray

Our postpartum testers love this topical cooling spray, but it can work for anyone in need of temporary relief. The touch-free herbal mist uses cucumber, organic witch hazel (which can help reduce inflammation) and essential oils to help you feel your best. Pro tip: Store the spray in your refrigerator for an extra soothing experience. 

$13.69 at Amazon
Frida Mom Peri Bottle
Amazon

Best Peri Bottle: Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle

This upside-down bottle is basically a bidet you can carry anywhere. The ergonomic design makes it easy to squeeze and handle when you want to gently freshen up during postpartum recovery or periods, without spraying water everywhere.

$11.49 at Amazon
Frida Mom Pads
Amazon

Best Postpartum Pads: Frida Mom 2-in-1 Postpartum Pads

Not only does this pad offer full coverage, it also has an ice pack insert that helps reduce swelling and speed up healing. It’s also designed to absorb over a cup of liquid, so you know it’ll last you a good chunk of the day or through the night. We also gave it bonus points for excluding any harsh chemicals, fragrances, or dyes. 

$15.19 at Amazon
Thayers
Amazon

Best Botanical Treatment: Thayers Witch Hazel

We like this Thayers witch hazel as an all-natural postpartum treatment after vaginal delivery (you can douse your pads with it). It's gentle, alcohol-free, and made with 98% botanically-derived ingredients, including organic witch hazel and soothing aloe vera. If you have any left over after postpartum healing, you can also use it as a gentle face toner.  

$11.25 at Amazon

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