This post is sponsored by and contains affiliate links.
When it comes to buying sex toys, choosing body-safe sex toy materials is essential for your health and safety. You need to know what you're putting on and in the most sensitive areas of your body. You don't want harmful chemicals touching these areas.
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.
Body Safe Sex Toys: Non-Porous & Non-Toxic Guide
First, let’s talk about the best materials for sex toys. Most sex toys are made from non-toxic and non-porous materials that can be sterilized, which means they can be cleaned thoroughly and won’t harbor bacteria and other germs. They are the best sex toy material to use.
Understanding sex toy materials is crucial for ensuring safety and hygiene. Different materials, such as TPR and polyurethane, have varying implications on the toy's safety, porosity, and cleanliness. Proper sanitation is essential to prevent infections.
What are Sex Toys and Why are Materials Important?
Sex toys are objects designed to enhance pleasure and intimacy during sex or masturbation. With the vast array of sex toys available, it’s essential to understand the importance of materials in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
The materials used to make sex toys can significantly impact their safety, durability, and overall performance. Some materials can harbor harmful chemicals, while others may be prone to bacterial growth, posing a risk to sexual health.
Therefore, it’s crucial to choose sex toys made from body-safe, non-porous materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
Medical-Grade Silicone: Sex Toy Materials
Medical-grade silicone is one of the safest materials to use for sex toys. It is safe for direct contact with anyone's genitals, ensuring that sensitive body parts are not exposed to harmful substances. It is commonly used in medical devices. 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: 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.
These materials are suitable for people of various gender identities, ensuring inclusivity and comfort for all users.
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 of 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.
Glas is a brand that makes premium glass dildos, butt plugs, anal beads and more. This brand offers hand-blown glass sex toys with unique designs.
Pipedream also has a line of glass sex toys called Icicles. The Icicles collection includes beautiful glass dildos, plugs and vibrators.
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 plastic that is durable 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.
These materials can be particularly beneficial for individuals undergoing hormone therapy, as they may require different types of stimulation and increased lubrication.
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 a 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 & 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. It's also important to choose toys that accommodate a larger clitoris, as they often feature adjustable openings and enhanced usability for greater pleasure.
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 a 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 vagina, anus and mouth are very absorptive and the most sensitive areas in the body. Anything that you put there will get directly into your bloodstream.
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. Your sexual health is important.
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.
Sex Toy Safety Precautions
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with sex toys, it’s essential to follow some basic safety precautions. Always clean your sex toys before and after use with mild soap and warm water.
For toys made from porous materials, such as TPR, use a condom to eliminate the risk of infection. Avoid sharing sex toys with others, and if you do, make sure to clean and sanitize them thoroughly between uses.
Additionally, be mindful of the lubricants you use with your sex toys, as some materials, like silicone, can react negatively with certain lubricants. By following these simple precautions, you can minimize the risk of infection and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with your sex toys.
Choosing the Right Sex Toy
With the vast array of sex toys available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. When selecting a sex toy, consider the material, size, shape, and functionality.
Look for toys made from body-safe, non-porous materials, such as silicone, borosilicate glass, or solid silicone. These materials are easy to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and infection.
Consider your personal preferences, such as the type of stimulation you enjoy, and choose a toy that caters to your needs. If you’re new to sex toys, consider starting with a smaller, more discreet option and gradually exploring more advanced toys as you become more comfortable.
By choosing the right sex toy, you can enhance your pleasure and intimacy, while prioritizing your sexual health and well-being.
References:
- Brown University (n.d.). What's the best way to clean sex toys? BWell Health Promotion Health and Wellness. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://www.brown.edu/campus-life/health/services/promotion/content/whats-best-way-clean-sex-toys
