Entering the world of sex toys can be a scary thing (especially if you’re a beginner). Which ones are legit? Which ones are fake? And which materials are safe for sex? These could be some of the thoughts lingering in your mind.
We get it. That’s why we’ve put together an all-you-need-to-know when it comes to safe sex toy materials. You may have heard of some, but we’re sure some details may be new to you, so staying prepared before your pleasure adventures is key.
So, let’s look into what type of sex toy materials are available in the market and some of their main characteristics so you can decide for yourself which sex toys and which materials are suitable for you or both you and your partner.
Different Types of Sex Toy Materials
As the sex toy industry evolves, so does the innovation and creativity that goes with every toy, more specifically, its materials. There’s a lot to unpack when it comes to the production of sex toys, so let’s discover each material and find the safe sex toys that you desire.
- Silicone
- ABS plastic
- Borosilicate glass
- Lucite
The above-mentioned materials are the safest and most popular choices when it comes to choosing safe sex toys. However, there are other sex toys made from other materials that are less common on the market: stainless steel, chlorine-free vinyl, gold, and silver.
A Deeper Understanding of Sex Toy Materials
Silicone
It’s no surprise that silicone reigns supreme in the world of sex toys. It’s known for its luxurious touch and feel, body-safe properties, medical-grade qualities, and durability.
According to Lisa Hochberger, LMSW, MEd, silicone sex toys are considered safe sex toys and are realistic, bendy, and more durable. Silicone is also regarded as one of the best materials for sex toys.
ABS Plastic
When you’re thinking, “What material is safe for sex toys?” plastic does not come to mind. But you should know that ABS plastic is different from regular plastic.
Known as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, ABS plastic is a body-safe non-porous thermoplastic that’s used in a wide range of consumer products, including sex toys. Texture-wise, it’s hard and not everyone’s cup of tea, but some sex toys have a blend of materials that make them more pleasurable for sex use.
Borosilicate Glass
Another perfect choice for safe sex toys is borosilicate glass. This non-porous and toxic-free material is made from silica and boron oxide and doesn’t change its form in high temperatures. Sex toys such as glass dildos and glass butt plugs are popular choices and go great with any lubrication.
Word of caution: if the packaging doesn’t say it’s borosilicate glass, it’s best to steer clear. That being said, it’s one of the very few sex toys that can be sanitised in boiling water, making sure it’s absolutely safe. And don’t let the word “glass” fool you; this is a sturdy material that will not (by any means) shatter when you’re using it.
Lucite
This one’s a member of the plastic family. Based on looks alone, sex toys that are made of lucite might look similar to borosilicate glass because of its crystal-like transparency.
While lucite isn’t a name many have heard of, its trade name is for an acrylic polymer made from polymethyl methacrylate, and sometimes known as plexiglass, acrylic, or acrylic glass. It’s body-safe and has a similar glassy finish just like borosilicate glass.
Which Sex Toy Material Should You Choose
Like, everything else — safety first. You should be making this choice on how safe the sex toy is, but also the texture and sensation you (or your partner) will enjoy. Some like it smooth, and some like it bumpy, so it’s best to identify these traits first.
It’s clear the most popular choice of sex toys these days are silicone ones. They are cute, colourful, and generally comfortable to hold or use for everyone. As far as the safest goes, there appears to be some debate.
The same article by Hochberger cited that within the silicone family, its different grade is something essential to note. Many brands use terms like “body-safe”, “medical grade”, and “body friendly” loosely without clearly defining their products’ specifications.
According to research, there are two types of silicone that are regarded as the golden rule of safe sex toy materials — platinum-cured silicone and food-grade silicone.
Platinum-cured silicone: Safer than standard (peroxide-cured) silicone due to its chemicals being completely consumed in the process, leaving nothing left to leach into the body.
Food-grade silicone: Regulated by the FDA ensuring it doesn’t leach harmful chemicals into food.
At Douxy, we believe it’s important to match you to the perfect sex toy; that’s why we’ve put together a simple quiz that will help you identify your preferences, and which toy will whisk you away to Pleasure Island.
That being said, if there are any doubts, you should always contact the sex toy company you’re interested in and express your concerns. If they respond favourably, great. But if they don’t, it’s best to avoid it, because again, your safety comes first. If the company does not reply at all, that is also a red flag.
Conclusion on Sex Toy Materials
If you want to take your pleasure journeys to the next level, choosing safe sex toys is a non-negotiable. We know the process can be daunting, especially if you’re new or especially if you’re new or heard rumours.
Our team here at Douxy understands. While some feelings may hold you back, we believe that when you open yourself up to new experiences, it will take you to new heights. Our selection of sex toys, masturbators, dildos, and more will leave you feeling satisfied and so glad you took the first step and explored more of yourself.
