What Kind of Sex Toy is Considered Safe for The Body?
Are you aware that sex toys in the US are mostly not regulated?
You might have noticed that sex toys are usually marketed as 'adult novelties'. This softer term isn't just used to avoid offending sensitive individuals (although that's part of it). It's also because it allows manufacturers to conceal potential risks behind the word 'novelty'. If a product is labeled as a novelty, the manufacturer can argue that it wasn't meant for sexual purposes - 'it's just a funny gift! Really! We didn't think anyone would actually use it sexually!' This loophole enables them to use any materials they want, regardless of the impact on people's health. Consequently, adult novelties aren't subject to the same regulations and safety checks as, say, medical implants, even though it's widely known that people do use them for sexual activities.
What causes some toys to be unsafe?
Toxic toys
To grasp why sex toy safety is crucial, we need to understand a bit about the body. Many parts of the human body are lined with mucous membranes, which produce mucus, a fluid that protects and moistens the tissue. These membranes are also adept at absorbing chemicals, making them susceptible to toxin exposure as they absorb more toxins than regular skin would.
Mucous membranes are present in various body parts used during sexual activity, such as the vulva, vagina, penis glans, rectum, and mouth. Therefore, it's vital for sex toys to be free from toxic substances that could be absorbed through these membranes.
Common toxins found in sex toys include phthalates, which disrupt hormones and can harm the liver, kidneys, and respiratory system; BPA, another hormone disruptor and carcinogen; cadmium, a heavy metal that can damage the lungs, kidneys, and bones; chloride, a neurotoxin; and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), responsible for the plastic smell of some toys, which can harm the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
Porous toys
Another safety concern with sex toys is their level of porosity. Why does this matter? Porous materials have tiny ridges or holes that absorb moisture and other substances, making it nearly impossible to thoroughly clean them. Bacteria and fungi can hide beneath the surface, increasing the risk of yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or the transmission/reinfection of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Although some toys made of porous materials may claim to be 'body safe' because they lack toxins, we wouldn't classify them as truly safe due to the aforementioned risks. Therefore, it's important to approach toys advertised as 'body safe' with skepticism and critical thinking.
Materials to avoid
Several sex toy materials are either toxic, porous, or both. Here are the most common ones you should avoid:
Jelly rubber: Recognizable by its rubbery texture, bright colors, and often transparent appearance, jelly rubber was once popular before the silicone era. Unfortunately, many jelly toys still flood the market today. They often contain harmful chemicals like phthalates and VOCs, emit a plastic-like smell, and are difficult to clean due to their porosity.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Serving as an alternative to rubber, PVC also comes in vibrant, sometimes see-through colors, and can be rigid or flexible. It's often infused with significant amounts of phthalates and chloride, and the flexible type can be porous. PVC toys may exhibit a glossy appearance.
Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) & Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE): These materials are common and cost-effective substitutes for silicone. They feel soft, warm, and stretchy, making them popular for 'real feel' toys like masturbation sleeves and cock rings. While generally non-toxic, TPE/TPR is highly porous.
'Mystery meats': Some manufacturers use undisclosed material blends with acronyms or abbreviations like SEBS or Sil-A-Gel. Since these ingredients remain secret, it's best to avoid them. Given the limited options for body-safe materials, there's no excuse for not disclosing a toy's composition if it's genuinely safe for the body.
Natural porous materials like stone and crystal: Despite their appearance, many stones and crystals are porous, and even those considered non-porous can develop microfissures during manufacturing, providing a breeding ground for germs.
What sex toys can I use safely?
Various materials can be used to make body-safe sex toys:
Silicone: A popular choice, silicone is inert, non-porous, easy to clean, and free from harmful chemicals like phthalates. Although it's pricier than materials like TPE, it's still affordable compared to other body-safe options. Silicone toys often have a silky texture and may vary in firmness and density. Some are 'dual density,' with a firmer core and softer exterior for a realistic feel. Quality silicone is platinum cured and may be advertised as medical grade or body-safe, although the term 'body-safe' lacks a legal definition.
Glass: Glass toys look stunning, feel luxurious, and require less lube than silicone toys due to their low friction surface. Annealed, borosilicate glass is strong, non-porous, and easily cleaned. Colored glass is fine, but avoid toys with a colored coating, as it could be toxic and flake off over time.
Metal: Solid metal toys provide a satisfying weight and glide smoothly like glass toys. Stainless steel, gold, and silver are all body-safe, inert, and non-porous. Steel toys are exceptionally durable, but those with metal allergies should opt for nickel-free options.
Wood: Don't worry about splinters! Wood toys are sanded and polished to a smooth finish. They can be visually stunning and feel like a work of art. However, wood is porous and absorbs moisture, so choose toys with a medical grade polymer finish to ensure hypoallergenic and moisture-resistant properties.
ABS plastic: A hard, non-toxic, non-porous thermoplastic often used for buttons or handles on toys. Check the materials list to ensure it's ABS, as it can be difficult to distinguish from potentially toxic plastics.
Other safety considerations
- Toy design matters for safety too. Ensure toys used anally have a flared base to prevent them from getting pulled into the rectum.
- Use safe lubricants with body-safe toys to avoid irritation.
- Even with body-safe materials, allergic reactions are possible, so stop using any toy that causes irritation.
- Using a condom on a toy may not make it safe, especially for toys made of toxic materials like jelly rubber. There's anecdotal evidence suggesting that oils in these toys can degrade condoms quickly, exposing users to toxins. It's best to avoid toxic toys altogether.
Checklist for Buying Body-Safe Toys
Follow these tips to ensure you're purchasing body-safe toys:
- Shop from reputable stores and trusted brands. Avoid buying toys from sites like Amazon, as they don't vet products for safety and may mix genuine items with counterfeits. It's best to buy directly from trusted brands or big sex toy manufacturers.
- Get familiar with different materials by visiting sex stores, examining toys, and asking staff about materials. The more examples you see of safe and unsafe toys, the easier it becomes to identify safe options.
- Perform the smell test: Body-safe materials are chemically inert and don't typically have a strong odor. If your toy smells strongly out of the box, it's best to discard it.
- Choose toys that explicitly state what they don't contain, such as phthalates, BPA, chloride, and other harmful substances. This indicates a commitment to safety by the manufacturer.
- Remember: Quality sex toys aren't cheap. While budget options exist, excessively low prices may indicate poor quality or counterfeit products. Be skeptical and use your judgment.
Resources
Dangerous Lilly (a.k.a. The Dildo Burner) - An informative blog discussing the sex toy industry, safe materials, and reputable brands.
Women's Health Guide to Sex Toy Materials - A detailed resource on harmful chemicals and materials, along with safer alternatives, supported by peer-reviewed references.