Sex toys have become increasingly popular over the past few years, with many individuals and couples embracing them to enhance their sexual pleasure. One significant aspect to consider when shopping for sex toys is the material they’re made from. Not all sex toy materials are created equal, and understanding the best material for sex toys can make all the difference in your experience. This guide delves into the vast world of sex toy materials, ensuring you make body safe sex toy material choices every time.
The Importance of Body Safe Materials
When you think about the personal and intimate nature of sex toys, it’s crucial to prioritize body safe materials over toxic sex toys. After all, these are items you’re introducing to the most delicate parts of your body. The sex toy industry, much like other sectors, has a variety of materials on offer. However, it’s paramount to differentiate between body safe sex toys and those that could potentially harm your body.
Silicone Toys: The Gold Standard
Medical grade silicone is one of the most recommended materials by sex toy manufacturers and users alike. Why? For starters, medical grade silicone is non-porous, which means it doesn’t harbor bacteria or microorganisms. Silicone toys are smooth to the touch and can be easily cleaned with warm water and mild soap. Plus, they are durable, providing value for money. It’s essential, however, to ensure that the toy you’re buying is indeed made of medical grade silicone, as some cheap sex toys can misrepresent their material composition.
Glass Toys: Elegance Meets Functionality
Glass toys, specifically those made from borosilicate glass, are another top choice in the world of body safe sex toys. These toys are incredibly smooth, hard, and perfect for temperature play since they can be cooled or warmed up. Like silicone toys, glass toys are non-porous, ensuring they don’t become breeding grounds for bacteria. They can also be cleaned easily using warm water.
Hard Plastic and ABS Plastic: Affordable and Body Safe
If you’re on a budget but still prioritize body safe sex toys, toys made from hard plastic or ABS plastic are a fantastic choice. These non-porous sex toy materials are solid, smooth, and can transmit vibrations exceptionally well, making them ideal for vibrating other toys with. Again, cleaning is straightforward with warm water and toy cleaner or mild soap.
Beware of Jelly Rubber Toys
The sex toy industry has been riddled with controversies over the years, particularly regarding the use of jelly rubber in making cheap sex toys. Jelly rubber sex toys are made mostly from porous sex toy materials that can harbor bacteria and may contain harmful chemicals, such as phthalates. These toxic materials are a significant concern, especially when used internally. It’s always best to avoid jelly rubber toys and opt for body safe materials.
The Downside of Porous Sex Toy Materials
Porous toys, such metal toys such as those made from certain types of thermoplastic rubber or jelly rubber, can be detrimental to your health. Their porous nature means they can soak up bacteria, bodily fluids, and even the soap you use to clean them. Over time, this accumulation can lead to bacterial infections or reactions, particularly if the toys are shared.
Moreover, porous sex toy materials can break down faster, meaning you’ll end up replacing your toys more frequently than if you had invested in more body safe silicone or toys made of non-porous materials like medical grade silicone, glass, or stainless steel.
When shopping for toys, particularly online, it’s essential to read product descriptions carefully, ensuring that your sex toy purchases prioritize safety. Be wary of descriptions that don’t specify the materials used. Remember, body safe sex begins with ensuring that all the materials that you introduce to your body are safe.
2. The Elite Lineup: Stainless Steel, Stone, and Ceramic Toys
As the sex toy industry evolves, there’s an ever-growing array of materials being used to craft the ultimate tools for pleasure. Beyond the commonly known silicone and glass toys, a few other materials stand out for being exceptionally body safe and offering unique experiences.
Stainless Steel Sex Toys: Strength and Sensation
Stainless steel toys are fast gaining popularity, and for a good reason. These toys are incredibly sturdy and provide a weighty sensation that many find pleasurable. They’re also non-porous, making them one of the most hygienic options available. . Stainless steel sex toy is also great for temperature play. Pop them in the freezer for a chilling touch or warm them up in warm water for a cozy sensation.
Why Choose Ceramic Toys?
Ceramic toys, while not as soft material commonly discussed, offer a smooth surface that many users find enjoyable. Like glass and stainless steel, ceramic is non-porous, ensuring that it won’t harbor bacteria. Furthermore, ceramic toys can retain temperature, allowing for creative play.
Stone Dildos and More: The Natural Choice
For those looking for something a little different, stone sex toys, specifically those made of polished, non-porous stones, can offer a unique aesthetic and feel. Like stainless steel and ceramic, stone toys can also be used for temperature play. However, always ensure the stone used is truly non-porous and properly polished to avoid any potential rough spots.
The Risk of Cheap Materials
While the allure of cheap sex toys can be tempting, it’s vital to recognize that sometimes, a lower price point may be indicative of compromised quality. Unsafe materials, sometimes found in certain cheap toys, can introduce harmful and dangerous chemicals back into your body. For instance, certain jelly toys may contain phthalates, which have been linked to various health concerns.
Always prioritize body safe sex by investing a bit more in toys made from verified, body safe materials. If the deal seems too good to be true, it’s essential to scrutinize the toy material, manufacturing process, and brand reputation.
Caring for Your Toys: The Hygiene Aspect
No matter how body safe your sex toy material is, proper cleaning is a non-negotiable aspect of safe sex toy usage. Non-porous toys, like those made from medical grade silicone, stainless steel, and borosilicate glass, can be cleaned effortlessly with warm water and a mild, unscented soap. For a more thorough cleaning, toys without electronic components can be boiled in boiling water for a few minutes.
Toys made from porous materials, like certain rubber variants, require more meticulous cleaning. Since porous toy materials can harbor bacteria, it’s crucial to clean them after every use and consider using a condom over the toy for an added layer of protection.
A Brief Look at Other Materials
While we’ve discussed a broad spectrum of materials, there are other less common materials available. Thermoplastic rubber, ABS plastic, and even certain soft materials are utilized in the creation of huge range of diverse sex toys. Each material offers a unique texture and sensation, but again, the key is ensuring they’re body safe.
FAQs on Best Materials for Sex Toys
1. Why is it important to select non-porous sex toys?
Non-porous sex toys, like those made from medical grade silicone, stainless steel, and borosilicate glass, don’t have tiny holes or pores in the material. This means they won’t harbor bacteria and are much easier to clean thoroughly, ensuring safer and more hygienic use.
2. How can I tell if a sex toy is made from body safe materials?
To ensure a toy is body safe, look for labels such as “medical grade silicone”, “phthalate free”, or “body safe”. Researching brands and reading product reviews can also provide insights. Always buy from reputable sex toy manufacturers and retailers.
3. Are hard plastic toys, like those made from ABS plastic, safe?
Yes, ABS plastic is a non-porous, hard plastic that is commonly used in both children’s toys and sex toys. It doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like phthalates. However, always ensure the toy is labeled as body safe and from a trustworthy manufacturer.
4. Why are jelly rubber toys often discouraged?
Jelly rubber toys, which are often transparent and brightly colored, can contain phthalates and other potentially harmful chemicals. They are also porous, which means they can harbor bacteria even with thorough cleaning. It’s always safer to opt for non-porous, body safe materials.
