Lidocaine vs. Benzocaine: Which Delay Spray Actually Delivers?

Premature ejaculation (PE) can feel like the universe’s cruel joke: all gas, no brakes. One minute you're revving up the pleasure highway, the next you're skidding into the finish line before the opening credits even roll.

Enter delay sprays: the unsung heroes of the bedroom pit crew. These topical numbing agents give you a chance to breathe, to impress, and maybe even earn a standing ovation. But not all sprays are created equal.

The two big contenders? Lidocaine and Benzocaine. Both numb the nerves, both end in "-caine," and both have their loyal fanbases. But if you’ve ever asked Google “lidocaine vs benzocaine” or "best spray for premature ejaculation," you know the real question is: which one gets the job done right without turning your penis into a popsicle? Let’s break it down.

What Exactly Is a Delay Spray?

Delay sprays are topical anesthetics that help men last longer in bed by desensitizing the penis. Think of them as the adult version of "counting backwards from 100"—except science-based and far more effective.

Most use either lidocaine or benzocaine as the active ingredient. Both are used in medical settings to numb pain—but in the bedroom, they’re the go-to for guys looking for a little more time on the clock.

Lidocaine vs Benzocaine, Chem Class Edition

• Chemical structure: Both are local anesthetics, but benzocaine has an ester bond which makes it less water-soluble.

• Potency: Lidocaine is 2 to 3 times more potent. Basically, it’s the heavyweight.

• Onset time: Lidocaine sprays work in 5 to 10 minutes. Benzocaine takes a more leisurely 15 to 30 minutes.

• Duration: Lidocaine lingers for 25 to 45 minutes. Benzocaine tends to clock out after 20 to 30.

Winner: Lidocaine—faster, stronger, longer. The Jason Momoa of delay sprays.

Both lidocaine and benzocaine work by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, which sounds nerdy but just means they tell your nerves to shut up for a bit.

Here’s how they differ on the skin:

• Absorption: Lidocaine slides into skin like it owns the place. Benzocaine? Not so much.

• Binding: Lidocaine clings to sodium channels like your ex clings to drama.

• Water solubility: Benzocaine’s low solubility slows it down. It’s not ideal if you need a spray that works now.

For premature ejaculation treatment, lidocaine is the clear favorite.

Lidocaine Delay Sprays

• Popstar Labs Delay Spray (lidocaine 10%) : The gold standard. No taste, no smell, strong as hell. If you're serious about PE, this is your VIP pass.

• Promescent Delay Spray (lidocaine 7%) : Metered pump, fast absorption, but a medicinal smell some folks can’t stand.

• Generic pharmacy sprays (4–10%) : Cheaper, but usually alcohol-based and poorly metered. Like buying sushi at a gas station—doable, but risky.

Benzocaine Delay Sprays

• K-Y Duration (benzocaine 7%) : Popular and easy to find. Works if you’ve got mild PE, but doesn’t hold up under pressure.

• Boutique blends (benzocaine 5–7%) : Usually mixed with herbs to seem natural. They’re fine if you like your climax control spray with a side of marketing buzzwords.

Lidocaine:

• Latency increase: 3 to 6 times longer. That’s huge if you usually finish in a minute.

• Absorption-enhanced formulas (like Popstar Labs) reduce partner numbness and outperform plain lidocaine.

Benzocaine:

• Latency bump: 2 to 4 times baseline.

• Sensation: Less risk of feeling too numb, which some men prefer.

TL;DR: Lidocaine = Power delay. Benzocaine = Gentle buffer.

• Skin irritation : Both can cause mild redness or tingling, especially with alcohol-based formulas.
• Partner transfer : Lidocaine absorbs better, meaning less transfer. Always wait 5–10 minutes and wipe off excess.
• Allergy risk : Benzocaine is tied to PABA and can cause rare allergic reactions like methemoglobinemia. Lidocaine allergies are uncommon.

And yes, "methemoglobinemia" is fun to say but less fun to get.

• Lidocaine delay sprays : $15 to $50. Widely available and trending up.
• Benzocaine delay sprays : $12 to $40. Still common but slightly less shelf presence.

Popstar Labs Delay Spray is premium for a reason: doctor-developed, doctor-backed , and no gimmicks. Just clean ingredients that actually work.

• Chronic speedsters (under 1 min) → Lidocaine 10% (Popstar Delay Spray)
• Occasional quick draw (2–3 mins) → Still lidocaine, but go light on the dose
• Sensitive to smells or alcohol → Go with Popstar Delay Spray
• Partner prone to oral activity → Lidocaine plus a good rinse = chef’s kiss
• Allergic to PABA? → Avoid benzocaine entirely
• More concerned about sensation than delay? → Try benzocaine but manage expectations

• Clean the canvas: Wash and dry thoroughly. Sweat is not sexy when it sabotages absorption.
• Use sparingly: One spray per 4 cm² is usually enough.
• Wait it out: 5 minutes for lidocaine, 10–15 for benzocaine. Then dab off any leftovers.
• Use condoms if you want: Helps contain numbing agents.
• Communicate: If your partner’s lips go numb, you overdid it.
• Patch-test first: Especially if you’ve got sensitive skin or allergies.

Want the full guide? Check out our blog on how to apply delay spray properly for max results.

Finding the right delay spray for men is a personal journey. Whether you’re racing to the finish line or just want to extend the highlight reel, lidocaine and benzocaine offer solid support. But if you’re looking for something that actually works, comes with no side-eye from your partner, and won’t leave you smelling like a clinic, Popstar Delay Spray might be your best wingman.

Looking for a backup that keeps you in the game longer? Shop our Delay Spray, or pair it with the Volume + Taste Supplement to really blow their mind.

Your pleasure, your pace, your spray.