Sex Toy Materials
*This page is a work in progess. More info to come*
Its easy to assume that sex toys are always safe. Unfortunately, the government does not monitor the materials used to create sex toys and many contain phthalates or other potentially harmful chemicals. The best way to ensure your toys are safe is to buy from reputable manufacturers and read the contents for material information.
Its easy to assume that sex toys are always safe. Unfortunately, the government does not monitor the materials used to create sex toys and many contain phthalates or other potentially harmful chemicals. The best way to ensure your toys are safe is to buy from reputable manufacturers and read the contents for material information.
I have provided some basic cleaning information of different materials. Most toys can safely be cleansed with toy cleaner and/or mild soap and warm water. However, for more specific instructions, refer to the toys manufacturer’s directions.
SILICONE: Medical-grade silicone toys are non-toxic, phthalates-free and hypo-allergenic. Furthermore, they are non-porous, which means bacteria or other microbes cannot penetrate the surface. They can be completely disinfected by wiping with a 10% bleach solution or rubbing alcohol, boiling for 10 minutes or washed in the dishwasher sans soap, if there is no internal motor. Silicone toys should be used only with water-based lubes (avoid silicone lubes as they may create a melting reaction) then be stored away from jelly or skin-like materials. Silicone is a very versatile material that carries vibrations very well and may range in texture from matte velvety-soft like a rose petal, to shiny and silky-soft. Their cost often reflects their high quality, but with adequate maintenance, they will last a life-time. One significant thing to note concerning silicone toys is that it is legal for a manufacturer to label toys “silicone” when they contain as little as 10% silicone. Be sure to look for the 100% silicone guarantee.
METAL: Metal toys may be made from surgical stainless steel, aluminum, gold or other precious metals. They are body-safe and phthalates-free. However, few people may have reactions to components of precious metals. If you have a history of sensitivities to metals, it is best to avoid them. They are non-porous and can be disinfected by wiping with a 10% bleach solution or rubbing alcohol, boiling for 10 minutes or washed in the dishwasher sans soap. Metal toys are completely firm and care should always be taken
CERAMIC: Ceramic is made from clay that has been fired in a kiln. It is body-safe and hypo-allergenic. When it is coated with a glaze, it is also non-porous and can be disinfected by wiping with a 10% bleach solution or rubbing alcohol. Some ceramic toys may be boiled for 10 minutes or washed in the dishwasher sans soap, but be sure to check with the manufacturer as some toys may not be able to withstand these high temperatures. . Always be sure to carefully inspect for cracks or chips. Many times these toys are whimsical in design and often feel larger than its actual size due to it being completely firm, and care should always be taken while thrusting to ensure the cervix is not bruised, especially if used during partner play.
STONE: Stones are naturally occurring organic composites that may consist of calcite, quartz, etc. They are body-safe and hypo-allergenic. Some stones may have a glossy finish. They are non-porous and can be disinfected by wiping with a 10% bleach solution or rubbing alcohol, boiling for 10 minutes or washed in the dishwasher sans soap. Stones are typically used for massage purposes and hold temperatures very well. Usually very discreet in nature, they are often able to sit out unnoticed and require no special storage.
WOOD: Wooden toys are organic in nature and may or may not have a chemical finish. Either way, they are sanded so finely that there is virtually no risk of slivers. Wood is a slightly porous material (often protected by a finish) that is best cleansed with mild soap and warm water or toy cleaner. Wood toys may be hand carved and are usually very whimsical or artistic in design. Wood toys are known to date back to Egyptian times over 2,500 years ago. That said, they may last a lifetime (or longer) with proper care.
ACRYLIC: Designed as a less expensive alternative for glass toys, acrylic toys are body-safe and hypo-allergenic. They are non-porous and can be disinfected by wiping with a 10% bleach solution or rubbing alcohol, boiling for 10 minutes or washed in the dishwasher sans soap. Be sure to carefully inspect for cracks or chips before use. Acrylic toys are usually transparent and may be whimsical in design and have multiple textures such as nubs or swirls. Like glass, they often feel larger than its actual size due to it being completely firm, and care should always be taken while thrusting to ensure the cervix is not bruised, especially if used during partner play.
NON-POROUS TPR: Non-porous TPR are high quality, medical grade thermoplastic rubbers. They are non-porous, phthalate and latex free. They can be disinfected by wiping with a 10% bleach solution or rubbing alcohol, boiling for 10 minutes or washed in the dishwasher sans soap, if there is no internal motor. These materials can be safely used with water based and silicone lubricants. Storage in a pouch to protect the material may be necessary. They are usually very firm but not hard and have smooth velvety surface.
PLASTIC: Typically, toys that are plastic are completely firm. They are slightly porous, but phthalate-free and hypo-allergenic. They can be surface sanitized by wiping with a 10% bleach solution or rubbing alcohol, boiling for 10 minutes or washed in the dishwasher sans soap, if there is no internal motor. If sharing between partners or orifices, be sure to use a condom. Many times they are used in conjunction with other materials, especially silicone, as they carry vibration very well, are inexpensive, and often colorful. They are typically smooth, but may also be textured.
ELASTOMER: A safer alternative to jelly toys, elastomer is phthalate-free and hypo-allergenic. It is slightly porous, and can be surface sanitized by wiping with a 10% bleach solution or rubbing alcohol, boiling for 10 minutes or washed in the dishwasher sans soap, if there is no internal motor. If sharing between partners or orifices, be sure to use a condom. Elastomer is soft and pliable, its surface is usually smooth with a moderate amount of drag. It is safe for use with water and silicone-based lubes.
LEATHER: Leather toys are body-safe and phthalate-free. They are most typically used for fetish play, as in bondage/restraints and harnesses. To cleanse, simply wipe with warm water, or use a specialty leather cleaner available at leather stores. These products are typically very strong and are long-lasting. Their designs may be handcrafted and can be costly.
SILICONE MIX: A mixture of at least 10% silicone and various other chemicals, these products are phthalate-free and only slightly porous. They should be used only with water-based lubes, and can be surface sanitized by wiping with a 10% bleach solution or rubbing alcohol, boiling for 10 minutes or washed in the dishwasher sans soap, if there is no internal motor. These silicone mixes often feel rubbery in texture and may vary in density from very soft to firm. They are often more affordable than pure silicone and carry vibrations well. Caution to buyers, these products are sometimes marketed as “silicone”, implying that they are pure silicone when they may contain as little as 10% silicone. The most important difference is that pure silicone is medical-grade and non-porous, rendering it capable of being sterilized. Silicone mixes are slightly porous and can only be surface sanitized.
TPR: TPR products are very cost effective, but their safety varies widely from product to product. They may or may not contain phthalates or other concerning chemicals, so be sure to buy from only reputable manufacturers and read the package carefully for more information. They can be slightly to moderately porous, and cannot be fully sanitized. Cleansing should be done with warm water and mild soap or toy cleaner. Please use a condom if sharing with a partner or between orifices. TPR products may have a slight rubbery smell that may or may not dissipate. They vary in density from firm to plush, and tend to have a velvety-smooth texture that closely mimics human skin.
RUBBER: Rubber toys may be contrived of natural or artificial rubber. They are often controversial as sex toy materials because they often contain latex, phthalates, or other concerning chemicals. They should not be used by those who are allergic to latex. Furthermore, rubber toys are very porous. If you do buy a rubber toy, it is recommended you use it with a condom. Cleaning should be done with mild soap and warm water, or toy cleaner. Avoid sharing these toys with partners, or sharing between orifices. Rubber toys typically do not last long, and often emit strong to moderate rubber smell and taste. These products tend to be realistic toys, as rubber can vary from being firm to soft. Its texture is usually velvety-soft and mimics the feel of human skin very closely.
JELLY: Once one of the most popular toy materials, jelly toys are losing favor in the toy community due to their lack of standardized ingredients. They often contain harmful chemicals, such as phthalates that are used to soften the plastic. They are very porous and are not considered sanitizable. They are compatible with water-based and silicone lubes (avoid oil-based lubes) and should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, or toy cleaner. Added protection via a condom is recommended. Do not share with partners or between orifices. Do not store jelly toys with silicone toys, as they could create a melting reaction, ruining both toys. Jelly toys are typically used because they are cost effective, easily colored, and carry vibration well. Unfortunately, the sometimes emit a mild to strong chemical odor and are not considered long-lasting.
SKIN-LIKE: Skin-like toys are made from plastic materials, and may or may not contain chemicals such as phthalates. They are the most porous of sex toy materials, rendering them unsanitizable. Do not share between partners or orifices, and use with a condom is recommended. They are compatible with water-based lubes and should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, or toy cleaner. Careful drying and coating with renewing powder or cornstarch is required to maintain its skin-like look and feel. Do not store with other toys as they could create a chemical melting reaction. Skin-like toys the most realistic of materials and are often very plush and velvety, and may or may not have a solid core affecting their flexibility.
