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Sex Toy Materials: What's Body-Safe & What's Toxic

This post is sponsored by Fleshlight and contains affiliate links.

When it comes to buying sex toys, choosing a body-safe material is essential for your health and safety. Unfortunately, not all sex toys are made equal, and some materials can be harmful to your body. That's why it's essential to know which materials are safe and which ones to avoid.

Body-safe sex toys are non-porous, latex-free, phthalate-free and hypoallergenic. These toys may cost a bit more but are definitely worth the investment.

Non-Porous & Non-Toxic

First, let's talk about the best materials for sex toys. These materials are non-toxic, non-porous, and can be sterilized, which means they can be cleaned thoroughly and won't harbor bacteria.

Medical-Grade Silicone:

Medical-grade silicone is one of the safest materials to use for sex toys. However, not all medical-grade silicone will look the same, act the same or have the same way of stimulating the body. Some silicone can be a lube eater and attract dust and hair. It is a good idea to use a lot of lube and you should always store your silicone toys somewhere they will not get dusty and rinse or clean them off before using them.

Silicone with a matte finish tends to be a bit smoother and has a more skin like feel. Matte finish silicone also attracts less dust and hair. Dual-density silicone usually has a firm inner core and more flexible silicone on the outside, giving it a more life-like feeling.

Stainless Steel & Borosilicate Glass: 

Stainless steel and borosilicate glass are also great options for sex toys. They're non-toxic, non-porous, and can be sterilized. Plus, they're incredibly durable and long-lasting, making them an excellent investment for anyone who wants a toy that will last for years. Combining stainless steel with a silicone lube makes it almost frictionless. 

Borosilicate glass, which is what Pyrex used to be made of, is tempered. Most sex toy companies do a drop test to test the shatter for their toys. Borosilicate glass is similar to stainless steel when it comes to friction. A lot of g-spot and anal toys are made of stainless steel and borosilicate glass because it is an easy material to insert and remove. Glass is also great for temperature play.

Borosilicate glass sex toys

Elastomed (Medical-Grade Plastic) & ABS Plastic:

Elastomed (not to be confused with elastomer) is medical-grade plastic. ABS plastic is another safe material for sex toys. It's hard and inflexible, making it perfect for basic vibrators. Like the other materials mentioned, both of these are non-toxic, non-porous, phthalates-free and easy to clean.

Sex toys can be sterilized by boiling them or running them through the dishwasher. Toys that have motors should not be boiled or run through a dishwasher. They can be sterilized using a 10% bleach solution.

Porous & Non-Toxic

Some sex toys are porous and non-toxic. These toys can be disinfected but can't be sterilized. The difference between disinfecting and sterilizing is that sterilizing removes all traces of any bacteria or microbes that might be living in a sex toy and disinfecting only cleans the surface.

Now let's talk about porous and non-toxic materials. These materials are not as safe as the ones mentioned above, but they can still be used safely with proper precautions. Elastomer and TPR are two common porous materials used for sex toys. While they're non-toxic, they have pores that can harbor bacteria, so they can't be sterilized. It's essential to clean them thoroughly and use a barrier method like a condom to reduce the risk of infection.

Elastomer:

A lot of stroking toys are made of elastomer. Generally, internal toys don't use this material often. It is important to know that elastomer toys can transfer bacteria and STIs to other people if they are present.

TPR (Thermoplasticized Rubber):

TPR is thermoplasticized rubber. It is rubber that has materials added to make it softer and squishier. Like elastomer, TPR has pores and can't be sterilized. TPR and elastomer toys should be used with barrier methods or only for yourself. With porous toys, anything that has touched that toy before can be re-introduced to your body.

Porous & Toxic

Jelly latex is a porous and toxic material used for sex toys. It contains latex and plasticized rubber. Chemicals have been added to these toys for a specific reason but they can be harmful when they come in contact with our bodies.

If a toy has a strong scent like a shower curtain, that scent is usually chemicals being off-gassed by the toy. These toys are usually less expensive but are not the safest option. I strongly suggest using barrier methods like condoms with these toys to reduce the number of chemicals that get into your body. These toys are generally not safe for long-term use. The butt and vagina are very absorbative places in the body. Anything that you put there will get directly into your bloodstream.

In conclusion, choosing a body-safe material is crucial when it comes to sex toys. Stick with medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, borosilicate glass, or ABS plastic for the safest and most durable options. If you choose to use a porous material like elastomer or TPR, make sure to clean them thoroughly and use a barrier method to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid jelly latex toys altogether to keep your body safe and healthy.

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