LOS ANGELES – A new massage gel to be available in stores and online by Valentine’s Day was designed to awaken female orgasms by heightening clitoral sensitivity and enhancing the libido — hence the product’s name: Awaken.

Developed by Wicked Sensual Care, Awaken is a blend of botanicals and aphrodisiacs “that will stimulate and enhance the sexual experience. Whether used alone or with a partner, Awaken provides intense sensation resulting in heightened sexual feelings,” according to Carrie Smith, head of product development.

“We wanted to create a product with great sensation that was not too intense,” Smith said. “The goal was for Awaken to actually help build and enhance libido and increase desire — not just in the moment, but going forward as well.

“We also decided to make it a massage gel, so the texture had to be perfect,” she continued. “This little difference adds so much to the overall effect of Awaken. Psychologically, it gives women, or their partners, ‘permission’ to go ahead and give a little self-massage to enhance absorption and start stimulation.”

The vegan, paraben-free, glycerin- and L-arginine-free formula is infused with natural extracts and herbal remedies that are centuries old and backed by scientific research, Smith said. Awaken is safe for use with toys and latex and is pH-balanced.

“Upon application, Awaken starts out cool and then begins to warm and finally a fullness and plumping effect can be felt,” Smith noted. “The sensation lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, while adding more will increase the intensity of sensation and longevity.”

According to Wicked Sensual Care Marketing Director Cassie Pendleton, the product received an enthusiastic response during the Adult Novelty Manufacturers Expo Jan. 11-12 in Burbank, California.

“We’re very pleased with the overwhelming positive reception Awaken received at ANME,” she said. “It’s a great feeling whenever retail buyers are genuinely excited to stock a product for their customers. Creating an effective product from natural sources was a challenge that we gladly took on, and the result is an amazing product meeting the market demand for improved female arousal and orgasms.”