Spray, cream or gel: it's a bit like choosing between a roll-on and a spray deodorant. The three formats in the not yet. range differ in texture and in how you apply them, so the choice comes down to what you find easiest.
How do intimate spray, cream and gel compare?
| Spray | Cream | Gel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texture | Light, fine mist | Smooth cream | Smooth gel |
| How you apply it | One or two sprays from about 10cm | A pea-sized amount, massaged in gently | A pea-sized amount, spread gently |
| Do you touch it? | No | Yes, with a fingertip | Yes, with a fingertip |
| Sizes | 35ml bottle | 10g or 30g tube | 35ml |
| Choose it if | You would rather not touch | You like to place it exactly | You prefer a gel |
All three are for external use only, for adults 18+, and with any of them you may notice a gentle cooling or tingling feel on the skin. Patch test 24 hours before first use.
What is an intimate spray?
A light, fine mist for the outer skin of the intimate area. Hold the bottle about 10cm away, apply one or two sprays, and let it absorb: there's no need to rub it in, so you don't need to touch it at all. It's the quickest of the three. See the not yet. Intimate Skin Care Spray (35ml).
What is an intimate cream?
A smooth cream you can place exactly where you want it. Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto your fingertip, apply it to the outer skin, and massage in gently until it's absorbed. The not yet. Intimate Skin Care Cream comes in a pocket-sized 10g tube, a good way to try it, and a 30g tube that holds three times as much.
What is an intimate gel?
A smooth gel that spreads easily. Apply a pea-sized amount to the outer skin and spread it gently until it's absorbed. See the not yet. Intimate Skin Care Gel (35ml).
Which one should you choose?
- Choose the spray if you would rather not touch, or want the quickest option.
- Choose the cream if you like to place a small amount exactly where you want it, or want a tube that fits in a pocket.
- Choose the gel if you simply prefer a gel texture.
Not sure? The 10g cream is the smallest size in the range, or answer one question in our product finder.
Will I notice a cooling or tingling feel?
You may notice a gentle cooling or tingling feel on the skin. Everyone's skin is different, so start small: one spray, or a pea-sized amount of cream or gel. You can add a little more next time if you want.
How do you use an intimate spray, cream or gel safely?
- For external use only, and for adults aged 18 and over.
- Patch test before first use: apply a little to the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours. Our guide to how to patch test takes you through it step by step.
- Clean, dry, unbroken skin only. Not on broken, irritated or sunburnt skin, or within 24 hours of shaving, trimming or waxing.
- Keep it away from the eyes and the opening at the tip of the penis.
- Before skin-to-skin contact, let it absorb, then wipe off any excess with a damp cloth: it can pass to a partner through skin contact, and they may notice a gentle cooling or tingling feel on the skin too. Wash your hands afterwards.
- Check the ingredients, and don't use it if you're allergic to any of them.
- Stop using it if redness, burning, itching or a rash develops. Rinse with water, and speak to a pharmacist or doctor if it carries on.
New to all this? Start with what is men's intimate skin care?
Common questions
Is an intimate spray or cream better?
Neither is better: they differ in texture and how you apply them. The spray needs no touching; the cream lets you place a small amount exactly where you want it.
How much intimate cream should I use?
A pea-sized amount is enough to start with. You can add a little more next time if you want.
How many sprays should I use?
Start with one or two, from about 10cm away. You can add a little more next time if you want.
Can it pass to a partner?
Yes, it can pass to a partner through skin contact, and they may notice a gentle cooling or tingling feel on the skin too. To reduce the chance of this, let it absorb, then wipe off any excess with a damp cloth before skin-to-skin contact.
Are they for internal use?
No. All three are for external use only, on the outer skin of the intimate area. Keep them away from the eyes and the opening at the tip of the penis.
General information for adults 18+, not medical advice. If a skin problem doesn't settle, or you're worried, speak to a pharmacist or GP.
