What Promescent spray is
Promescent Delay Spray is an over-the-counter topical anesthetic sold by Absorption. Its label lists lidocaine (about 10 mg per spray) as the active ingredient, for "temporarily slowing the onset of ejaculation," and DailyMed lists it as an OTC monograph drug (Promescent lidocaine spray — DailyMed).
Directions on the label: apply 3 or more sprays, not more than 10, to the head and shaft of the penis 10 minutes before sex (recommended starting dose 3 sprays), rub in until absorbed, and wash off afterwards.
Evidence for lidocaine sprays
No randomized or placebo-controlled trial of Promescent itself has been published, so most of the evidence comes from lidocaine and other topical anesthetics. The one published study of the product was uncontrolled: 91 men with self-reported early ejaculation, recruited online, used the spray on some occasions and not others for 14 days and estimated their own timing; one of its two authors disclosed funding from Promescent's maker PMID: 27557610. An umbrella review of 44 meta-analyses rated the evidence that topical anesthetics lengthen time to ejaculation as moderate to high quality, while noting a higher rate of side effects than placebo and that only 6 of its 65 trials had a low risk of bias PMID: 40326158. In a small, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 150 men with lifelong premature ejaculation, a 5% lidocaine spray (DailyMed lists Promescent's lidocaine strength as 10 g per 100 g) improved ejaculatory latency and symptom scores over 8 weeks PMID: 31896832. In a randomized comparison of 273 men, lidocaine spray produced the largest gain in latency, ahead of lidocaine-prilocaine cream (a prescription cream, used off-label for PE) and benzocaine condoms, in a short-term study with no placebo group PMID: 41144023.
These results support the ingredient, not this exact formula, which is why Promescent gets an evidence grade of B rather than A.
Cautions for you and your partner
The label says not to use it if you or your partner are allergic to lidocaine or topical anesthetics, or if your partner is or may be pregnant; to ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you have liver problems; not to spray on broken, irritated or sensitive skin; and to stop if either partner develops a rash, burning or itching. Anesthetic can reach a partner: in a trial of a lidocaine-prilocaine spray (not FDA-approved in the US), 3.1% of partners reported local side effects PMID: 19245438.
The label says nothing about condoms. Its inactive ingredients include macadamia seed oil, and FDA's recommended latex condom labeling warns that oil-based lubricants "may damage the condom" (FDA latex condom labeling guidance). No study cited here has tested the spray with condoms, and rubbing it in until absorbed, as the label directs, does not establish condom safety.
For couples trying to conceive: in a laboratory study, Promescent reduced the motility and viability of human sperm samples PMID: 29307732.
Is Promescent spray right for you?
Consider Promescent if you want a non-prescription first option for premature ejaculation. If you prefer a wipe, compare the Promescent Delay Wipes, which use benzocaine and have less trial support. For how lidocaine works, the trial evidence and its limits, partner transfer, condoms and cost per use, see our in-depth Promescent review.
See a clinician if your timing has changed recently, you also have erection problems, or the spray does not help when used as directed; the label itself notes that premature ejaculation may need medical supervision. Our premature ejaculation guide covers behavioural techniques and prescription options.