Sex toys are a great source of pleasure for individuals and couples. However, the sex toy industry isn’t regulated because the Food and Drink Association (FDA) classifies them as novelty items. So, how do you identify body-safe sex toys?
The easiest way to identify a body-safe sex toy is by checking the material they’re made from. Safe sex toys should be made from acrylic, metal, rigid plastic, or silicone.
In the same way, you’re careful about choosing what goes into your body or the cosmetics you put on your skin; you must be cautious about sex toys.
These objects are used during sex solo or by a couple for more pleasure. But sometimes, sex toys can be used for medical purposes by people with sexual dysfunction.
Using sex toys is 100% normal, and not using them is also expected because it’s a personal decision. Safe use of adult toys like you see on cam sites is possible when choosing the right size made from a safe material. As it’s commonly put, with great pleasure comes great responsibility.
What’s undeniable is the fact that sex toys are fantastic in enhancing sexual pleasure. The market is flooded with millions of sex toys to choose from, but we’ll tell you which toys are body-safe and which ones to avoid.
Let’s jump to explore body-safe sex toys.
How to Identify and Choose Body-Safe Sex Toys
It can be lonely and depressing when you can’t get the juices flowing down there, especially when age catches up. The joy of intimacy is crowned by maximum pleasure. But if you’re on a low, you can easily rekindle pleasure with a sex toy.
Lack of explosive sex worsens if you can’t talk about it with your partner, let alone find a solution.
However, you can scavenge the internet and try to find a solution to your problem. If this is your current situation, we got your back. Find a body-safe sex toy to help solve the issue and also uplift the spirits in your relationship to enjoy optimal pleasure anytime.
What Materials Make Body-Safe Sex Toys
If you’ve been around sex toys, body-safe is a term you must have come across. The interpretation of this terminology by brands is different because they aren’t under FDA regulations, leaving questions on the sex toys labeled as such.
However, we want to shed light on what body-safe sex toys mean and what are the suitable materials to help you make informed decisions when purchasing a pleasure partner.
Medical-Grade Silicone
The SHE is sensitive, then you must treat it as such, regardless of prevailing situations. Silicone is soft, pleasing to the touch and safe. Its little bounce makes it ideal to feel against sensitive areas of the body. The material is non-porous, meaning nothing will penetrate or hide within. It’s odorless and has been around for a long time.
Medical-grade silicone toys are perfect for oil or water-based and are 100% pure lubricant. Therefore, it’s entirely safe for SHE down there. The only downside is that sex toys from medical-grade silicone are more expensive than others, but you’ll be proud of what you take home.
Be careful not to fall victim to fake silicone toys made from phthalate-leaching vinyl (PVC), Thermoplastics (TPR and TPE), or “jelly silicone.” These materials are mostly referred to as silicone, and they’re cheap. If the label does not say “medical-grade silicone,” assume it’s cheap silicone, which can cause problems.
Borosilicate (Stainless Steel, Glass)
Stainless steel and glass are attractive, non-porous, and easy to clean; you can even wash them in the top rack of your dishwasher. These toys are ideal for people who love to explore temperature play; you can heat or cool glass, while steel is naturally relaxed. Unlike their silicone counterparts, borosilicate sex toys can be used with any lube without damaging them.
Sex Toys to Avoid
Some materials used to make toys have chemical combinations that can harm the body.
Using toys made from these chemicals can cause burning sensations, itching, rashes, or tissue damage. One such chemical is phthalates, which bind things and make plastic more flexible.
Phthalates are present in the rubber of cheap sex toys, and in the past two decades, they’ve been a significant concern to public health. Exposure to phthalates is linked to male fertility problems, type 2 diabetes, obesity, asthma, and neurodevelopmental issues. Avoid sex toys made from these materials:
- Jelly – The material is affordable and is used to make sex toys feel realistic, but they contain phthalates.
- Rubber—Dildos are mainly made from latex, which has a pungent odor. Rubber dildos can cause allergic reactions, so if you have one, ensure you use it with a condom. Condoms are non-porous, meaning nothing can penetrate your body and cause problems.
- PVC and Vinyl – These materials contain phthalates and are cheap. They’re used to make sex toys soft and more affordable.
Common Sex Toys
When you go shopping for sex toys (male or female), you’ll find millions to choose from. Here are some of the most popular sex toys out there:
- Vibrators or personal massagers
- Dildos
- Anal toys (But plugs, anal balls)
- Sleeves (strokers, masturbation sleeves, penis sleeves)
- Penis rings
- Pumps
- Ben Wa Balls (vagina balls, kegel balls)
- Packers
- Harnesses (strapon)
How to Use Sex Toys Safely
Besides purchasing suitable sex toys, you must also use them safely for optimal pleasure. Here’s how to ensure safe use of sex toys:
- Avoid sharing sex toys like you see on adult cam sites as it can spread diseases like STDs or STIs
- Use mild soap to wash them after use
- Before using a toy on a different person, ensure you use a condom. If it had a condom on, change it.
- Ensure you use anal toys with lots of lube because the anus isn’t self-lubricating like the vagina.
- Buy anal toys with a large base to prevent them from going all the way.
- Silicone toys should not be used with silicone lube unless there’s a condom.
FAQs
How do I know if my toy is made from TPE or silicone?
You’ll know if your toy is made from silicone if it’s highly heat-resistant and has no melting point. TPE has a melting point of 260-320°C, meaning it is less resistant to heat.
How do I classify TPE? Rubber or Plastic?
Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) and Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) are classified as copolymers or a mix of polymers (plastic and rubber). Both have thermoplastic and elastomeric properties.
How can I tell if silicone is body-safe?
You’ll know if silicone is body-safe if labeled as medical-grade silicone. The material goes white when stretched, it contains filler, and it’s not biocompatible, meaning it can harm the vaginal microbiome.
Are there materials similar to TPE?
Thermoplastic Elastomer and silicone are similar in that they are rubber-like materials with multiple advantages. Both materials are used in injection molding.
Choose Body-Safe Sex Toys and Have Fun!
Sex tech has come a long way. But, how do you identify and choose body-safe sex toys?
When shopping for sex toys, don’t be shy but ask as many questions as you can before purchasing.
Whatever you choose to include in your sex life, ensure it’s body, and don’t forget to lube with a product that favors your SHE or HE.
Now that you know more about body-safe sex toys, purchase the suitable size material and have fun.
Do you have sex toys? Are they safe? If you wish to get in touch with us, please leave a comment and your contact (email address) below.
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