Sex Toys 101 - Materials:
The Good, the Bad and Phthalates
I decided to give my readers a little end-of-the-year special. While it's entertaining to read about my exploits and consider acquiring some of these toys yourself (or just imagining me with them), I'm realizing people might not understand the variety of materials that combine to create a sex toy. Why should you care if something is made out of a high-quality silicone versus rubber? And what the hell is a phthalate? This month, I provide you with a breakdown of the different types of materials an adult toy might contain ranked from hazardous waste to gift of the gods. I hope this will educate you and arm you with an arsenal of understanding the next time you want to add to or start your own collection.
Before we begin our list, here are a few important things to consider: The porosity of a toy will tell you right away whether the material is body-safe or not. If a toy is more porous, it is much harder to clean. Porous toys cannot be sterilized whether that involves boiling or high steam because the heat causes the material to melt and disintegrate. Because you can't clean it properly, bacteria grow and flourish on and in the toy. The next time you have some alone time, you're exposing your body to these bacteria, and if you cross-contaminate orally, vaginally or anally, or if you share the toy with someone else, you or they have a higher chance of suffering from an infection. Porous toys also tend to have more flexibility because they are treated with chemical softeners that can leak out of the toy and into you over time.
In the sex toy industry, materials are not regulated. There isn't an FDA for dildos so cheap toys can be chalk full of harmful chemicals. This brings us to phthalates (tha-lates). Phthalates are a common chemical plasticizer combined into numerous base materials like plastic to make them stay squishy. While very cheap to manufacture, phthalates are a known carcinogen and can cause neurological and reproductive harm. This is exceptionally alarming if you're a woman exposing your vagina and uterus to these destructive chemicals. This is why it's so important to avoid any toy that may contain phthalates. Even toys that claim to be phthalate-free may not actually be, so be very careful about what you put inside your body.
There are a handful of telltale signs in a toy that should raise some red flags. Extremely bendy or squishy toys, especially if they are partially or fully translucent, most likely contain some sort of softening agent to give them that flexibility. Toys like this should be avoided or used sparingly and with a condom to avoid absorbing any harmful chemicals. Strong rubbery or unpleasant smells may also indicate poor chemical bonding that will eventually break down over time. When you take a toy out of the package for the first time, it's understandable if it may smell funny for a little while. But if it persists especially after you've washed it several times, this is a good indicator of poor-quality materials. Oily surface build-up or discharge is also an excellent warning that the toy is degrading and releasing chemicals, usually the phthalates I mentioned. Also check for discoloration as another sign. But enough fine print and warning labels, we proceed to the list itself!
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Jelly
Porousness: ★☆☆☆☆
Cleanliness: ★☆☆☆☆
Odor & Taste: ★☆☆☆☆
Cost: ★★★★★
Longevity: ★☆☆☆☆
Overall rating: ★☆☆☆☆
Possibly the absolute worst thing to put inside you, jelly toys are made from the cheapest materials available in the adult toy industry and are formed from an unstable blend of rubber and plastic. Because this chemical concoction is so easy to produce, the resulting toys come with a super cheap price tag that lures inexperienced buyers into snagging one or two to experiment with as their first toy, and the infinite array of colors, shapes and sizes also make them an even more appealing buy; but it's best to save up a little extra in the piggy bank for a much higher quality toy. Jellies always contain phthalates giving them their telltale softness and flexibility. These toys are extremely porous and cannot be sterilized which leads to bacteria build-up and degradation over time. They give off a pronounced rubbery smell and taste and are best avoided entirely. But if you truly have your heart set on one, it's advised you use it with a condom. Or use it for a very short period of time before disposing of it completely (a feasible option at such a bargain). You must also be aware of how you store jellies because they interact with other jellies and rubber + plastic blend toys by "melting" together due to their unstable chemical compounds. Use water or silicone-based lubrication with jelly toys but avoid anything oil-based as it causes the phthalates to leech out more readily.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Porousness: ★☆☆☆☆
Cleanliness: ★☆☆☆☆
Odor & Taste: ★☆☆☆☆
Cost: ★★★★★
Longevity: ★☆☆☆☆
Overall rating: ★☆☆☆☆
PVC toys are as inexpensive and readily available as jellies and as equally bad for your body. They are made from the same material as plastic PVC piping but infused with phthalates to keep the toy soft and pliable. And also like jellies, they are porous and cannot be sterilized and usually have an unpleasant odor and taste. These toys are best avoided as well and must be stored among other plastic toys with caution to avoid the same "melting" effect as mentioned before. Unlike with jellies, PVC toys can only use water-based lube because silicone and oil may break down the plastic over time.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Skin-Like Silicone
Porousness: ★★☆☆☆
Cleanliness: ★☆☆☆☆
Odor & Taste: ★★★★☆
Cost: ★★★★★
Longevity: ★★☆☆☆
Overall rating: ★★☆☆☆
Skin-like silicone is typically found in male masturbators and include brands like RealSkin, CyberSkin and SoftTouch. They intend to replicate a life-like sensation as closely as possible and rely on a number of chemicals to maintain its trademark silky softness. However, we do not know exactly what goes into these toys because the actual compounds are a closely kept industry secret. These toys are still porous so they cannot be completely sterilized but are generally odorless with a mild taste and are easy to get your hands on without breaking the bank. Unfortunately, since we cannot vouch for the nature of this silicone, the toys may or may not contain phthalates and do degrade over time in part from how delicate the material is to begin with. Like other low-end toys, skin-like silicone must be stored carefully because they stick to rubber and jelly like glue. It's recommended to use only water-based lube because oil will break down the material faster and silicone can cause abrasions to the surface.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Gel
Porousness: ★★☆☆☆
Cleanliness: ★★☆☆☆
Odor & Taste: ★★☆☆☆
Cost: ★★★★☆
Longevity: ★★☆☆☆
Overall rating: ★★☆☆☆
Gel toys vary slightly from jelly because they contain a blend of silicone and jelly rather than plastic and rubber making them more structurally sound though still not of the best quality. Some gel toys like the Sil-a-Gel brand advertise their products as latex free and antibacterial, though because gel is still porous and cannot be sterilized, it's recommended to use with a condom if possible just for good measure. Gel toys may or may not contain phthalates depending on the company and usually have a slight odor and lingering taste. They should be used with water-based lubricants because silicone can damage the surface and oil may cause chemicals to leech out depending on the quality of the toy.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Latex
Porousness: ★★★☆☆
Cleanliness: ★★★☆☆
Odor & Taste: ★★☆☆☆
Cost: ★★★☆☆
Longevity: ★★★☆☆
Overall rating: ★★★☆☆
Latex toys are less common and usually associated with fetish items and inflatable toys due to their naturally flexible nature. Although still bordering on the low-end spectrum of sex toys because of their porosity and inability to be sterilized, latex toys are actually fairly safe as long as you don't have an allergy and usually do not contain phthalates. However, they can still potentially leak chemical compounds over time from improper care and stick to other toys when poorly stored. They also have a significant smell and taste which can be off-putting. Water and silicone lubes work great but avoid oil-based ones as they can break down the material faster.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
Porousness: ★★★☆☆
Cleanliness: ★★★☆☆
Odor & Taste: ★★★★★
Cost: ★★★☆☆
Longevity: ★★★☆☆
Overall rating: ★★★☆☆
Also known as nitrile rubber or silicone rubber, TPE is sometimes confused with TPR. Both are rubber-based materials that branch off into different categories during the manufacturing process. TPE has a less stable bond structure and doesn't require curing which makes it generally less expensive and more flexible, but is instead treated with a softening agent that can be potentially harmful down the road. TPE-based toys are still porous so they cannot be sterilized, but they are usually phthalate-free as well as odorless and tasteless. However, some cheaper toys are laced with filler compounds so always double check the packaging and take care when using them. Use water or silicone-based lubrication with TPE toys and avoid oil-based ones to prevent negative reactions with the materials.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber)
Porousness: ★★★☆☆
Cleanliness: ★★★★☆
Odor & Taste: ★★★★★
Cost: ★★★☆☆
Longevity: ★★★★☆
Overall rating: ★★★★☆
TPR toys are flexible yet soft while still retaining their overall shape. Because TPR is not treated with a softening agent like TPE, it contains more stable chemical compounds and is considered much more body-safe. Although still slightly porous so it cannot be completely sterilized, the material's compounds prevent bacteria from building up as readily as long as it is properly cleaned and maintained. These toys are also generally odorless and tasteless. Like TPE, toys make from TPR cannot be combined with oil-based lubes to prevent the break-down of materials.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
ABS Plastic (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Porousness: ★★★★☆
Cleanliness: ★★★★★
Odor & Taste: ★★★★★
Cost: ★★★☆☆
Longevity: ★★★★☆
Overall rating: ★★★★☆
ABS plastic is an excellent material and usually found in toy handles and vibrating bullets as well as providing a sturdy base for silicone to wrap around (or simply as the whole toy itself!). It is easy to find and fairly inexpensive though higher-end elaborate toys can start to pinch your pockets. This is especially true when it comes to vibrators and wands because the rigid structure of the plastic provides a long-lasting toy while also distributing strong vibrations throughout it. Generally non-porous and phthalate-free, it is tasteless and odor-free and can be sterilized as long as any inner electronics are not at risk. Take care to monitor your toy to ensure no cracks or chips develop which could compromise the structure and make it more difficult to clean and use. ABS toys are compatible with any type of lubrication though water-based is recommended for the easiest clean-up.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Medical-Grade Silicone
Porousness: ★★★★★
Cleanliness: ★★★★★
Odor & Taste: ★★★★★
Cost: ★☆☆☆☆
Longevity: ★★★★★
Overall rating: ★★★★★
Now we finally make it to the best of the best! Medical-grade silicone is one of the highest-quality materials for sex toys, though unfortunately, this also makes them some of the most expensive toys on the market. However, you can feel confident knowing the money you spend is most certainly money well-spent as you will most likely have this toy for years to come. Non-porous and hypoallergenic, they come with little to no taste and no odor and can be fully sterilized (again, as long as no electronics are at risk). True silicone is phthalate-free and long-lasting with proper care and the best option if you are looking for something soft and flexible without the chemical garbage. Do not use silicone-based lube with silicone toys because it is abrasive and may damage the surface of the toy over time.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Borosilicate Glass
Porousness: ★★★★★
Cleanliness: ★★★★★
Odor & Taste: ★★★★★
Cost: ★★★★★
Longevity: ★★★★★
Overall rating: ★★★★★
Glass is fantastic in all aspects except for its rigidity which can be uncomfortable and a turn-off for some. But in terms of quality, it is arguably tip of the top, cream of the crop. Borosilicate glass is structurally stronger than regular glass because it does not expand as it cools which allows it to absorb shockwaves that normally shatter ordinary glass. Non-porous, hypoallergenic, phthalate-free, eco-friendly, odorless, tasteless, the list goes on and on. You can sterilize it with no worry, and it will never degrade. Very easy to shop for and generally inexpensive, glass toys are also very decorative and aesthetically pleasing beyond just a pleasure item. Glass is one of the cleanest and safest materials alongside stainless steel, but as mentioned, the rigidity is less body-friendly in terms of use, so medical-grade silicone is the alternate route for those who need some flexibility in their toy. Feel free to use any type of lube also!
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Stainless Steel
Porousness: ★★★★★
Cleanliness: ★★★★★
Odor & Taste: ★★★★★
Cost: ★★☆☆☆
Longevity: ★★★★★
Overall rating: ★★★★★
Stainless steel shares every feature with borosilicate glass except it is much harder to find and is generally more expensive. Like latex, it is usually considered and found as a fetish item and is typically manufactured as anal toys due to its sterile nature. However, it still makes a great everyday toy if you get your hands on one.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
In closing, here are some thoughts to keep in mind as you start shopping with your newfound knowledge: Read the packaging to find out what kind of material you are dealing with, but also realize not all companies will tell you outright what their products are made of. You may have to dig around online to find the answers you need. Also, research the company to evaluate their trustworthiness. Do the appearance of their toys match up to their descriptions? Have people complained about the quality of their toys despite the company's promises? Remember not to trust everything a mass-marketer claims and take what they say with a grain of salt. Monitor your toys for signs of degradation or discoloration and know the right time to throw in the towel and throw it out. Always keep your toys clean and avoid cross-contamination between entrances and partners without sterilizing it first or using a condom. And above all else, trust your instincts! If you know something isn't quite right, it probably isn't.
For more info:
Want to help contribute to the cause? Check out the blog wish list on Amazon!
Want to be a guest reviewer on the blog?
Send an email to missannabellehawkins !at gmail.com and we can set up an interview! Guests also receive a hi-res file of their toy illustration.
No comments:
Post a Comment