Body-safe sex toy materials

Embarking on the journey of exploring pleasure with sex toys is an exciting adventure, and choosing body-safe materials is a crucial aspect of this exploration. As awareness grows about the potential health risks associated with certain materials, consumers are becoming more discerning about the products they bring into their intimate spaces. In this guide, we'll delve into the world of body-safe sex toy materials, providing you with the information needed to make informed and responsible choices.

Silicone

One of the most popular and widely recommended materials for sex toys is silicone. It is non-porous, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean. Silicone toys have a smooth texture, making them comfortable for use, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes to cater to different preferences.

Cleaning recommendation: For cleaning waterproof silicone sex toys, start by using soap and water. Thoroughly lather the toy for 30 seconds, rinse it off, and allow it to air dry before storing. While optional, you can enhance disinfection by using a sex toy cleaner, although it's typically unnecessary for proper cleaning.

For silicone toys without mechanical components, sterilisation can be achieved by boiling them on the stove for 3 minutes. Additionally, they can be sanitised in the dishwasher on the sanitise setting without detergent, using water only.

Lubricant compatibility: Stick to water-based lubricants exclusively with this material. Silicone lubricants can potentially harm it. The rationale behind avoiding silicone lubricants on silicone sex toys is their tendency to bond with the toy, potentially causing damage. However, it's essential to note that not all silicone sex toys are susceptible to this issue; compatibility depends on the purity of both the toy and the lubricant. To patch test your silicone sex toy with silicone lubricant, apply a small amount to the base or bottom and observe for any adverse reactions. If the toy becomes sticky, it is not compatible with the silicone lubricant.

ABS Plastic

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic is a hard, non-porous material that is commonly used in the production of body-safe sex toys. It is phthalate-free and easy to clean. Many bullet vibrators and external stimulators are made from ABS plastic as it transfers vibrations better than softer materials.

Cleaning recommendation: To clean waterproof ABS plastic sex toys, use mild soap and water. Alternatively, you can spray ABS plastic toys with a sex toy cleaner and rinse them off. For items with electrical components that aren't waterproof, wipe them clean. Be cautious when cleaning a toy with polyurethane (PU) coating if cleaning with rubbing alcohol–it may cause discolouration and harm PU coatings.

Lubricant compatibility: An advantage of ABS plastic sex toys is their compatibility with all types of lubricants. It's important to note that toys made from a blend of silicone and ABS plastic should not be paired with silicone lubricants as silicone lubes can degrade silicone toys.

Glass

Renowned for its nonporous nature and exceptionally smooth surface, borosilicate glass (Pyrex glass) is distinguished by its durability. Unlike regular glass, Pyrex Glass possesses a lower density, rendering it significantly more resistant to breakage and shattering. In the rare event of a break, it tends to fracture into larger pieces rather than scattering into tiny shards, further enhancing its safety and longevity. Glass toys are resistant to temperature change and can be heated or cooled for temperature play.

Cleaning recommendation: Glass is highly straightforward to clean and can be washed using soap and water, a sex toy cleaner or by placing it in the dishwasher. However, avoid using any abrasive cleaners to prevent scratching the surface. Additionally, ensure that the water temperature remains consistent with the room temperature when handling glass items, as sudden and extreme temperature changes may, albeit rarely, lead to cracking.

Lubricant compatibility: Glass toys are compatible with all lubricants, however they get extremely slippery when lubed. Therefore we recommend to be even more careful when handling lubricated glass toys to prevent them from falling on hard surfaces.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a body-safe and non-porous material that offers a unique weight and temperature play experience. It boasts exceptional durability and longevity when properly maintained. Renowned for its smooth and robust properties, this metal is highly versatile, capable of being efficiently heated or cooled to suit personal preferences.

Stainless steel sex toys crafted from 316-grade stainless steel are considered superior grade not only providing remarkable corrosion resistance but also delivering enhanced strength and resilience.

Cleaning recommendation: Stainless steel sex toys can be easily cleaned with mild soap and water, a sex toy cleaner or by boiling them for 3 minutes. When heating a metal sex toy through boiling, always perform a temperature check before handling or engaging in sexual activities, as metal retains heat exceptionally well and may cause burns if too hot.

Lubricant compatibility: Just like glass, stainless steel sex toys are compatible with all lubricants.

TPE/TPR

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and thermoplastic rubber (TPR) are porous materials that can trap bacteria. While some products labeled as TPE/TPR are phthalate-free, it's essential to prioritise non-porous options for easier cleaning and maintenance. Toys made from TPE/TPR for external use (such as cock rings, masturbators and penis sleeves) are considered body-safe, but should be changed more often.

Cleaning recommendation: You can clean a sex toy made from elastomer, using mild soap and water. As the material is porous, it can trap some soap in its pores, so make sure to rinse thoroughly. We strongly advise using sex toy cleaners for these products. Begin by rinsing the toy with water, then apply the sex toy cleaner as instructed. Afterward, ensure thorough rinsing to remove any residue and allow the toys to air dry completely. When storing them, opt for a breathable bag or container to prevent the accumulation of residual moisture, which could potentially foster the growth of bacteria, mold, or fungus.

Lubricant compatibility: Sex toys made from elastomers are compatible with water-based lubricants.

What to Avoid:

Phthalates

Phthalates are chemicals used to soften plastics and have been linked to potential health risks. Opt for products labeled as phthalate-free to minimise exposure to these substances.

PVC and Jelly Rubber

These materials are porous and can harbor bacteria, making them difficult to clean thoroughly. They may also contain phthalates, so it's best to choose alternatives like silicone or glass.

Whether you prefer the smoothness of silicone, the elegance of glass, or the weight of stainless steel, there are plenty of options to suit your preferences. By being informed about the materials used in sex toys and avoiding potentially harmful substances, you can confidently explore pleasure while maintaining a focus on safety and enjoyment.