Intimacy, empowerment, and everyday care.
As we look ahead to 2025, the world of sexual wellness is evolving in exciting ways! From redefining intimacy to embracing self-care as a daily habit, these trends are reshaping how we think about pleasure, health, and connection. Let’s dive into the highlights and discover how these shifts are making wellness more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
1. Intimate longevity and preventative care.
Taking care of your intimate health isn’t just for today—it’s about setting yourself up for a lifetime of wellness. From pelvic floor exercises to pH-balanced care, the focus is shifting to proactive steps that “future-proof” pleasure at every life stage, whether it’s navigating motherhood, menopause, or recovery after surgery.
What’s exciting is how this trend blends physical, mental, and emotional health into one holistic approach. It’s about understanding your body, embracing your autonomy, and prioritizing intimate health as a part of your overall self-care routine.
Smile Makers tip: Taking a free sex ed course, like Vulva Talks, will equip you with all the fun facts and ways to instigate conversations that you need.
'I’m all about taking preventative steps rather than just fixing a problem once it’s here. Intimate health isn’t just for those who’ve experienced birth or menopause—it’s for everyone. The more we learn about our bodies, the more empowered we feel to take control of our wellness.' Samantha Marshall, Head of Brand.
Silky Swipes make a point of pushing more awareness of the difference between the vulva and the vagina.
2. Pop culture’s role in destigmatizing intimacy.
Sexual wellness is breaking out of the shadows, thanks to pop culture moments that spark open conversations. From Billie Eilish redefining identity to Sabrina Carpenter’s concert sex positions, these cultural icons are making it okay to talk about desire, intimacy, and what brings us joy.
We’re moving away from outdated, “naughty” narratives and embracing playfulness and empowerment instead. Samantha highlights the importance of this shift:
'The words we use and the ways we talk about sex and pleasure matter. We’re moving from a ‘tehe’ reaction to innuendos to more of a 'f*ck yeah!'—it feels celebratory. Even small conversations can start a domino effect of knowledge-sharing and help us learn more about our bodies and pleasure.'
Smile Makers tip: Explore conversations about sexual fantasies with our vibrators, like The Surfer and The Firefighter, inspired by real fantasies. They’re a playful way to normalize talking about and celebrating desire.
3. The normalization of anal play.
Anal play is stepping into the spotlight, moving past taboos to become a natural part of sexual exploration. Products like Smile Makers’ The Neighbor butt plug have shown how curiosity and education can open up new ways to experience pleasure safely and comfortably.
Smile Makers tip: Pair anal play with generous amounts of lubricant to maximize comfort and enjoyment. Our Generous Gel lube is now double the size for better value—because your intimate health essentials should be as accessible as they are effective.
'The narrative around anal sex has been so heteronormative and partner-centric. By talking about anal play alongside other types of solo stimulation, like clitoral or vaginal touch, we’re encouraging people to see it as a form of self-exploration too.' Samantha.
4. Self-pleasure as the new sexual wellness standard.
Reports suggest people are having less partnered sex, but self-pleasure is taking center stage as a deeply personal and empowering way to connect with yourself. It’s not just an alternative; it’s a vital part of sexual wellness, helping us learn about our bodies and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of solo exploration.
Smile Makers tip: Our curated Vibes of the Week box includes inspiring techniques to explore new sensations and mix up your solo routine—perfect for making self-pleasure a healthy habit.
'Our sex life doesn’t start or stop with a partner—it starts with ourselves. Self-pleasure is becoming mundane—and that’s exactly how it should be. By making vibes and lube accessible in mainstream spaces like beauty stores, we’re helping normalize it as an everyday act of self-care.' Samantha.
5. Intimate health habit setting.
It’s time to treat intimate care like brushing your teeth or washing your face—an everyday act of wellness. From pH-balanced washes to hydrating lubricants, intimate care products are becoming staples in our routines.
With rising healthcare costs and doctor waiting lists, more people are becoming proactive about their wellness, building habits that keep them in tune with their bodies. Samantha sums it up perfectly:
'Intimate health deserves the same attention as skincare or fitness. By normalizing these habits, we’re empowering people to look after themselves without embarrassment or shame.'
Smile Makers tip: Our NEW foaming Vibe Wash is enriched with Japanese persimmon extract, renowned for its antibacterial and deodorizing properties, to keep toys fresh and your body safe. Cleaning sex toys regularly is essential, as unclean toys can lead to bacterial overgrowth. Incorporating a dedicated toy cleaner into your routine ensures hygiene while supporting your intimate health.
Intimate wellness, your way.
These trends all point toward one thing: intimacy is a lifelong journey. Whether through self-care, connecting with others, or embracing new ideas, 2025 is shaping up to be the year we prioritize ourselves in ways that feel authentic, exciting, and completely our own.
