Gel Retardant vs Excitant: Which One Do You Need?
By Love to Love® | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Buying Guides
Compare delay gel and stimulating gel: Take It Slow vs Thrill Delight. Learn the key difference and choose the right Love to Love gel for your goal.
Quick answer
Choose a gel retardant like Take It Slow if you want to last longer during intercourse. Choose a gel excitant like Thrill Delight if you want to heighten sensitivity and arousal.
The core difference: delaying versus stimulating
Gel retardants work by slightly desensitizing the penis to reduce sensitivity and delay ejaculation. They are typically applied a few minutes before intercourse. Gel excitants do the opposite: they create a cooling or warming sensation that increases blood flow and nerve sensitivity, making every touch feel more intense.
Because their goals are opposite, choosing the wrong one can ruin the experience. A retardant on a partner who wants more sensation will feel numb. An excitant on someone who already struggles with control can make things worse.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Goal: last longer: Choose a gel retardant. It reduces penile sensitivity so you can maintain an erection longer before ejaculation. Apply 5-10 minutes before intercourse for best results.
- Goal: increase arousal: Choose a gel excitant. It creates a cooling or warming sensation that heightens nerve response and makes touch feel more intense. Blow gently on the area after application to amplify the fresh effect.
- Shared limitation: Both gels are single-purpose. A retardant won't boost your partner's pleasure, and an excitant won't help with control. If you want both effects, consider using separate products for each person.
Products at a glance
- Take It slow - Gel Retardant: Take It Slow is a gel retardant with a delicate Monoï scent, designed for application on the penis to prolong intimacy slowly and softly. If your goal is lasting longer without losing all sensation, the Monoï scent adds a pleasant touch while the gel works to reduce sensitivity.
Take It slow - Gel Retardant - Thrill Delight - Elixir de Plaisir: Thrill Delight is a gel excitant with a coconut taste and a fresh effect that intensifies when you blow on the applied area. The roll-on applicator makes it easy to target erogenous zones, and the cooling effect builds arousal gradually, perfect for foreplay.
Thrill Delight - Elixir de Plaisir
Which one fits your needs?
Best for
- People who want to prolong intercourse and gain better control over ejaculation
- Couples where one partner wants to last longer without stopping
Not for
- People who want to increase sensitivity or arousal (choose an excitant instead)
- Anyone looking for a lubricant that does both jobs at once
