Selecting a sex toy by its function is common practice, but have you ever chosen one purely based on how it feels? We’re not just referring to textures and ridges; the materials used in sex toys are equally significant, as they can greatly impact your overall experience. These materials can have a substantial effect on your pleasure, alongside the toy’s shape, size, and design.
As a company, we’ve encountered our fair share of toys, and our selection has always prioritized product quality. In niche categories like sex toys, the materials used can significantly influence the product’s longevity and, perhaps more importantly, its price. Given that these toys come into contact with some of the most sensitive areas of the body, it’s crucial to understand what they are made of and what you’re introducing into your intimate moments.
So, what are sex toys made of?
The options are vast, but the question is, what should they be made of? They should be crafted from body-safe materials. These materials should be durable, relatively inert, non-porous, and easy to clean and sanitize.
Notably, ISO has recently established standards to assist manufacturers in creating products that are less likely to cause skin irritations, cancer, or end up in places they shouldn’t. When searching for a sex toy, you want the assurance that it won’t deteriorate, peel, or pose any risks right when you’re reaching the most pleasurable part of your experience.
What kind of toy do you want?
When it comes to choosing a sex toy, the key is to ensure that you understand how to use it and what to use it with. That’s why you’ll often find us engaged in detailed discussions in-store, explaining the purpose of each toy, its composition, compatible lubes or accessories, and providing guidance on how to maximize your experience, including usage, cleaning, and storage. Here are some of the materials we prefer to see in a sex toy. We favor these materials because they are body-safe and deliver a truly sensational experience.
Regular Silicone
It’s not just any regular silicone; it’s the silky-smooth silicone rubber, which feels soft and suede-like to the touch. When selecting toys made from this material, always go for non-porous or medical-grade silicone. Some ambiguous types may incorporate plasticizers (additives that enhance material flexibility) or colorants that can affect the material’s reactivity.
Medical Grade Silicone
The term “medical grade” signifies that this material has been manufactured to meet stringent inertness standards, making it relatively unreactive. This type of silicone also resists the settlement of germs on its surface. Its satin-like finish makes medical-grade silicone ideal for intimate use and submersion without concerns about material leaching. A tip for your toy selection: All Inyarose toys are crafted with medical-grade non-porous silicones.
Medical Grade Stainless Steel
The name says it all. “Stainless” is an indication of how inert (non-reactive) this material is. Durable, long-lasting, and delightfully cool to the touch, stainless steel toys are easy to clean with soap and water (recommends sterilizing their wands using a steamer) and can be warmed or cooled for added sensory delight. Need we say more? When using this material, opt for silicone lube and steer clear of abrasive substances.
Borosilicate Glass
As safe as it is exquisite, borosilicate glass is clear, cool, and sturdy. These glass toys are both non-porous and inert, qualities we highly value in a sex toy. Always ensure the toy is well-constructed with no flimsy joints or narrow sections of glass that might be prone to break under pressure. Additionally, don’t hesitate to chill your toy before playtime; the sensation can be breathtaking in the best possible way.
ABS Plastic
Meet cool, shiny plastic. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a sturdy plastic that takes shape through heat during manufacturing. It’s tough, relatively unreactive, and provides a firm experience for those who appreciate rigid stimulation (yes, we’re talking about me). This material is a breeze to clean and works exceptionally well in vibrators because it doesn’t dampen the sensations.
Materials to avoid when it comes to sex toys
When it comes to pleasure, what feels good isn’t always good for you. Here are some materials we strongly recommend you avoid and the reasons why.
Porous materials: Think jelly textures, vinyl, Cyberskin, and low-quality silicone. These materials are notoriously difficult to clean and can harbor bacteria if not properly sanitized.
Phthalates: These are toxic chemicals used to make plastic more flexible. They can enter the body through inhalation, genital exposure, or ingestion, and their effects can be harmful to internal organs and have even been linked to cancer. Definitely not sexy or safe.
Allergens: If you or your partner have allergies to materials like latex or nickel, it’s best to avoid toys made from these substances. Keep in mind that stainless steel contains metal alloys, including nickel, so steer clear if nickel is a concern for you.
Remember, when it comes to materials:
- Always check the composition of your toys.
- Ensure that any silicone and glass used is of medical-grade quality to ensure your safety.
- Learn how to properly use a toy before getting started, both internally and externally.
- Check if a material is waterproof before introducing it to water play.
- Keep in mind that the more reactive a toy is, the riskier it can be in terms of bacterial contamination.
- Research which lubes work best with your toys before getting slick.
Now that you’ve had a closer look at what goes on and in your body, consider what temperatures, textures, and shapes you prefer, and then dive into the process of choosing and using a toy.