What To Know

If you’ve delved into the exciting world of sex toys, you’ve likely encountered the term “body-safe” plastered across websites, product descriptions, and reviews. It’s a term that’s not just ubiquitous but profoundly important. However, the concept of “safe” varies significantly among different brands in the unregulated landscape of the sex toy industry.

Unlike pharmaceuticals or medical devices, sex toys do not fall under the purview of the FDA, leaving consumers to navigate a murky sea of materials and claims. Reputable brands like Dame, Lelo, Maude, and our own DLS (That’s Us) have made it their mission to create pleasure products that prioritize both physical and emotional well-being. They pledge to use only non-toxic, body-safe materials in their creations because they see masturbation as an integral aspect of a holistic and healthy life. However, it’s essential to be an informed consumer to decipher the various “body-safe” claims and make choices that align with your comfort level.

DLS: www.daddylittlesecret.com

Activist and sex educator Sarah Brynn Holliday aptly sums it up when she states, “Without comprehensive education about the materials that are going on or inside our bodies, we can’t make informed decisions about our sexual lives.” So, whether you’re purchasing your first sex toy or simply seeking to expand your knowledge of product safety, read on to discover everything you need to know about body-safe materials.

She states: https://www.vice.com/en/article/bj5bqv/how-to-tell-if-your-sex-toy-is-toxic

How to avoid toxic toys

1. Phthalates

Phthalates, those challenging-to-pronounce chemicals, are frequently employed to soften and add flexibility to materials. You might encounter them in low concentrations in everyday items like shower curtains or footwear. However, low-quality sex toys often incorporate these chemicals in alarmingly high quantities, and unlike those shower curtains or shoes, they get up close and personal with your most intimate areas.

Phthalates are, in essence, bad news in sex toys. They’ve earned the dubious distinction of being labeled “possible human carcinogens” by the EPA, meaning they are potentially toxic. Even worse, phthalates can leach out of these toys, potentially disrupting your hormonal balance, leading to cancer, or affecting your reproductive health.

When shopping for body-safe sex toys, look for the reassuring label “Phthalate-Free.” Be cautious with hard plastic toys, as they are less likely to be made from high-quality, body-safe materials. If this term is conspicuously absent from packaging or product descriptions, don’t hesitate to contact the brand directly for clarification. If they skirt the issue, it’s likely they’re avoiding it because their toys contain phthalates.

2. Jelly toys

In your quest for body-safe sex toys, steer clear of jelly options. These toys are crafted from porous materials, making them breeding grounds for bacteria. They use rubber as a base, a porous material, and compound the issue by incorporating phthalates (which, as we’ve established, are far from safe).

Porous materials like those used in jelly toys are practically impossible to clean thoroughly due to the tiny pores that trap bacteria. Their sticky surfaces make them magnets for dirt, lint, and crumbs. Non-reputable companies may opt for this material due to its affordability and versatility, but this choice comes at the cost of users’ health and safety.

3. Beware of items listed as “novelty items”.

Some low-credibility companies may market their products as “sold for novelty use only,” a label that allows them to peddle cheap and potentially hazardous materials. You’ll often find this designation with single-use cock rings or bullet vibrators, which frequently incorporate toxic materials like jelly rubber or polyvinyl chloride. Exercise caution when encountering such products.

4. Misconception of “Food-grade” silicone

While silicone is a commonly praised material for sex toys, the label “food grade” doesn’t hold much weight in this context. Food-grade silicone is designed for kitchen items like baking trays or spatulas, ensuring they don’t transfer chemicals when in contact with hot or cooled food. For sex toys, you should seek out medical-grade silicone, which meets the highest safety standards and is suitable for intimate use.

What sex toy materials are body-safe?

While comprehensive guides on body-safe materials exist, the three most commonly recommended options are non-porous: silicone, stainless steel, and glass. These materials eliminate the risk of harboring bacteria, making cleaning a breeze.

1. Silicone (Medical-Grade):

Considered one of the safest options for intimate use, medical-grade silicone offers a pleasing tactile experience, with its soft and slightly resilient texture. It’s non-porous, leaving no hiding spots for harmful bacteria, and tends to be odorless and exceptionally durable. Though silicone sex toys may be pricier than alternatives, their safety and longevity make them a worthwhile investment.

2. Stainless Steel and Glass (Borosilicate):

Both stainless steel and borosilicate glass share the benefits of a sleek appearance and easy cleanability due to their non-porous nature. They are also dishwasher-safe (on the top rack). These materials are particularly appealing for those interested in temperature play, as glass can be easily heated or cooled, while stainless steel naturally maintains a cool temperature. Moreover, these materials are compatible with all types of lubricants, ensuring a versatile and safe experience.

Tips:

Lisa Hochberger of mindbodygreen has a handy trick for quickly getting a sense if a sex toy is body-safe or not: smell it.

Handy Trick: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/sex-toy-safety-tips

If it has a strong smell, that’s a good indicator that cheap and unsafe materials were used to make it. That said, you should still always check labels and/or product pages to confirm a toy is body-safe and when in doubt (but still horny), you can always use a condom over it.

Conclusion

when navigating the realm of sex toys, prioritize your health and well-being by choosing body-safe materials. Remember that education is your greatest ally in making informed decisions about what goes on or inside your body; by avoiding toxic materials and selecting non-porous materials.