Is My Sex Toy Body Safe, A Comprehensive List!
Is My Sex Toy Body Safe? Learn About the Importance of Body-Safe Materials in Adult Products. Discover the potential risks associated with unsafe sex toy materials and the importance of choosing body-safe options. Our comprehensive guide provides insights into the materials used in sex toys and the potential health impacts. Prioritize your sexual health and well-being by learning how to identify and select body-safe sex toys. Read on to learn more about the importance of safe and healthy intimate products.
TL;DR:
- Sex toys are made from various materials, each with its unique properties and safety concerns.
- Not all sex toy materials are body-safe, and some can cause allergic reactions, infections, or even toxicity.
- Body-safe materials include silicone, glass, stainless steel, and certain types of plastic, such as ABS and medical-grade materials.
- To identify body-safe materials, look for products labelled as “phthalate-free,” “non-porous,” “hypoallergenic,” or “body-safe.”
- Proper cleaning and maintenance of sex toys are essential to prevent the buildup of bacteria and other harmful organisms.
- this industry is currently unregulated and you can't always trust the packaging, ask a staff member at your local sex shop for help if you are concerned
Chemicals:
Are you aware that some adult toys can contain harmful chemicals and materials? One such chemical is phthalates, which are plasticizers used to make plastics softer and less prone to breaking. However, they have been linked to neurological and reproductive issues, leading to bans in some areas. Cheaply-made products usually have a strong odour, indicating high levels of phthalates. These products are often marketed for novelty use only and should not be used with sensitive areas.
Avoid phthalates and other harmful materials by choosing well-made, body-safe products. Click here for more information on phthalates, as they not only pose health risks but also have shorter lifespans compared to higher-quality products.
Click here for more info on Phthalates, not only are these products not good for you, they will not last anywhere near as long as more “well-made” products.
Porosity:
Porosity refers to how absorbent a product or surface is, and less porous adult products are better for cleanliness and hygiene. To ensure safety and hygiene, it’s crucial to wash your products before and after use with the right cleaning products. Buuuut, overly porous surfaces can’t be cleaned even with medical-grade cleaners, and using detergents can be harmful to pleasure items.
For low-porous, high-quality products, look for materials like stainless steel, borosilicates, and medical-grade silicone. However, marketing terms can be deceiving, and it’s important to be thorough when checking product materials. Companies may claim to use 100% medical-grade silicone, but this can mean different things, such as a small percentage of the overall material or just one part of the product. It’s vital to trust your local adult store or research the products to avoid deception in the unregulated industry.
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
TPE, also known as Thermoplastic Rubber, is a copolymer or a physical mixture of polymers, consisting of thermoplastics that become pliable with heat and harden in the cold. This rubber is used in the sleeve of rabbit vibrators like Shane’s World Jack Rabbit, while the controller base is typically made of ABS plastic. TPE is great for cock rings due to its stretchiness and ability to return to its original shape, making it longer-lasting and less likely to snap. It is hypoallergenic, phthalate-free, and contains no solvents or latex, making it ideal for people with sensitivities. We always recommend cleaning TPE with a body-safe toy cleaner instead of soaps or detergents, as they can be difficult to remove from porous surfaces.
TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber)
TPR is a polymer blend that becomes pliable or moldable above a certain temperature. It is also hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and phthalate-free. TPR is less porous than CyberSkin but more porous than silicone, making it safe when cleaned properly before and after use. It is recommended to use a fresh condom between partners when sharing a TPR sex toy and to wash it thoroughly with a toy cleaner. TPR is not chemically reactive to temperature and can be used with water-based or silicone-based lubricants.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is another common thermoplastic that is hypoallergenic and phthalate-free. It is often a hard plastic and can be used with any type of lubricant. ABS is commonly used in the design of high-frequency bullets because it transfers “buzzy” vibrations effectively. It is often found on remotes for toys or at the base of vibrators. However, ABS plastic is not recyclable and takes a long time to decompose in a temperature-stable environment. Its most common use is in Lego blocks.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride, aka Food grade Vinyl)
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a material commonly used in sex toys. An important thing to note is that there are two types of PVC: high quality (food grade) and low quality. High-quality PVC is phthalate-free, but both types are porous and require careful cleaning to avoid skin reactions. Water-based lubricants work best with PVC, but it’s generally recommended to avoid this material due to its potential health risks.
Silicone and Medical Grade Silicone:
Silicone is a great alternative to PVC. It’s phthalate-free, non-toxic, non-porous, and easy to clean. However, be careful not to use silicone lubricant with silicone toys. Look for products made with medical-grade silicone, such as those from Fun Factory or Tantus.
UR3 (Ultra Realistic 3.0)
UR3 and Cyberskin are both trademarked names for TPE silicone mixtures. While they’re phthalate-free and hypoallergenic, they’re extremely porous and cannot be sterilized. It’s recommended to clean these toys thoroughly and use a condom with them.
Elastomer:
Elastomer is another phthalate-free and hypoallergenic material often used in sex toys, such as jelly dildos and super stretchy cock rings. It’s silicone-friendly and can be cleaned with a toy cleaner.
Metal
Metal is a hypoallergenic and phthalate-free material that can be easily sterilized in boiling water, making it a great option for sex toys. It is non-porous and can be heated or cooled to suit your preferences. Additionally, metal can be used with any type of lubricant and is recyclable.
Stainless Steel: (medical grade stainless steel)
As seen in the Rose Bud Stainless Steel Collection<<
Stainless steel, specifically medical-grade stainless steel, is a recommended alloy for sex toys. It is hypoallergenic, non-porous, non-toxic, and chemically stable, making it unable to transmit disease or infection. Stainless steel can be easily cleaned with various methods, including soap detergent and toy cleaner, and retains temperature well for temperature play. Quality stainless steel is also compatible with any type of lubricant and can be recycled.
Pyrex Glass: (Borosilicate Glass)
As used in the Glas Dildo rang<<
Pyrex glass, or borosilicate glass, is a hypoallergenic and phthalate-free material that is less dense than normal glass, making it more resistant to breaking. It has a smooth texture and can be cleaned with various methods, including putting it in the dishwasher. Pyrex glass can be heated or cooled slightly and is compatible with water or silicone-based lubricants. Additionally, it can be recycled.
So that’s the basics!
The one thing that is worth pointing out is that it’s not easy to tell just by looking at a product what it's made from. For example, a lot of people refer to soft clear products as “Jelly” This jelly effect can be replicated with PVC, TPE, and Elastomer Plastics, they all look very similar but have very different chemical compositions and some of them are extremely unstable if not made with care. If they come in contact with other chemicals and or high temperatures. It is always recommended to purchase silicone and preferably Pure and/or Medical silicone products. It's the best option above all other materials!
