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Sex Toys
Intro
So you’re curious about sex toys? They’re pretty great and this is a wonderful place to begin! This is a good starting guide to learning about and engaging in the wonderful world of sex toys. This should be taken as a jumping off point for doing more research about the materials or toys you are interested in.
This will go over materials available, what’s body safe, what’s not and why, choosing your sex toy, caring for your sex toy, and sex toy types that are available.
Materials
Body Safe Materials – This means that the material is non-porous ( It will not absorb fluids, or provide pockets for bacteria to grow that may make you sick) and non-reactive ( Made without chemicals that may cause irritation or interact with other materials they come into contact with, such as other sex toys).
Something can be listed as “Safe” And this is not the same as being body safe.
Platinum Cure or Medical Grade Silicone – Silicone is an incredibly safe and stable material when it is made with platinum/medical grade silicone. It is chemically stable, hypo-allergenic, and safe in temperature ranges of -60°F to 350°F. This is material is sometimes used for surgical implantations due to its non-reactivity. There is low grade silicone and silicone blends that are not body safe and there is no way to know what is in them. These are generally cheap, poorly labeled and have a chemical smell.
Silicone can come in Soft/Med/Hard firmness and is available in a wide variety of colors. Some toys can be duel density, with a softer layer outside and a firmer silicone inside.
Glass – Most glass toys are generally safe to use with proper care, but annealed is ideal. Annealing glass is a method of slowly cooling it from high temperatures to remove the internal stress that would otherwise form, making it more durable. Borosilicate/Pyrex has become a buzz word and does not always reflect the quality of the toy. Cheaper glass toys can be okay to use if they are uncolored (which can often be painted on and will rub off internally) but must be inspected before use for any cracks, chips, or breaks. You must also be mindful not to get a toy that is too thin that it may break off internally at the stem.
Metal – Steel is the most common, though you will sometimes see aluminum which is also body safe.
Non-Eroding Minerals – Such as Quartz, Rose Quartz and Amethyst.
External Use Plastic
Ceramics – An uncommon material, these can be fragile but are body safe if they are properly fired/glazed.
Caution Materials – These materials should be engaged with cautiously, as they may or may not be safe depending on quality, specific material types, sealant types or otherwise.
Latex – Latex can trigger allergies in many people, and depending on the quality may have blends of other materials in it.
Wood – Can be body safe if made with the correct medical grade sealing agent. Be VERY selective.
Minerals With Sealing Agents – Generally not recommended, but eroding materials can sometimes be made safer if sealed properly.
Hazardous Non-Body Safe Materials – These Materials can sometimes be used safely with a protective barrier such as a new condom every time they are used. Polyurethane condoms are recommended over latex because oils in the toys can break down the barrier or permeate through. Use at your own risk.
Jelly
TPR/TPE ( Thermoplastic Elastomer + Thermoplastic Rubber )
FantaFlesh/CyberSkin
Internal Use Plastic
PVC ( Polyvinyl Chloride )
Vinyl
Rubber
Silicone Blends / Low Grade Silicone
Tip – If It smells like chemicals, especially after washing and boiling it, don’t use it. Sex toys will sometimes smell like their packaging or like their mold release agent but if they put off a smell, it is most likely not body safe.
Choosing Your Sex Toys
When selecting a sex toy, look for brands that loudly and clearly promote the materials they use and the fact they are body safe. Good companies will BRAG. Price point is usually a great indicator of quality of the sex toy. Cheap toys are extremely likely to not be body safe especially with toys labeled as silicone.
Unfortunately, they don’t make it easy. Bad sex toy companies want your money and will do everything in their power to convince you that their toys are safe.
Common tactics to look out for that bad companies may use –
– Outright avoid listing any materials used
– List the material, but declare it ambiguously “safe” or “healthy” (Different from body safe)
– Be intentionally vague
– “Intended for novelty use only” (Some reputable brands will still use this language depending on where it is being distributed)
– Use words like “Non Toxic” (Which can still irritate and hurt you, nontoxic =/= body safe) or are non-toxic for “intended novelty use”)
– Be brandless/untraceable
– Promote their texture/experience over their safety. “Silky” “Lifelike” “Soft” ect
Fortunately good companies do want to make it easy to identify them. Reputable companies will be openly transparent, easily locatable and will often brag about their quality. Look for –
– Clearly and loudly labeled materials
– Explicitly saying they are body safe, insertable, hypoallergenic, non-porous, medical grade.
– Be a well established and long standing company
– Has listed company values/commitments
– Provide clear care instructions
– Put together and consistent packaging
Sex toy distributors are not a reliable source
Sex toy distributors such as sex toy stores, sex toy websites (Such as AdamAndEve, LoveHoney + SheVibe), or novelty stores (Such as Spencers) who are selling wholesale stock are not a reliable source overall for safe toys. Some are better than others about providing clear information and stocking reputable brands, but ultimately storefronts are primarily committed to making money, not looking out for your best interest. (This likely includes that local sex shop that you love). Ultimately they will always stock what sells, not what is good for you.
You MUST do your own research on individual manufacturers. Safe choices are on the consumer.
Do you love supporting small businesses? Sex toys are a great place to do so!
Indie toys are generally made by small independent businesses who use high quality materials, generally at a lower price point then store brand sex toys. The biggest potential hazard is what pigments the indie toy maker may be utilizing. Try to avoid glitter (shimmer is fine, chunky glitters can cut into and damage the toy causing small holes) and look to see if they list their material sources. When in doubt, just ask. You are very likely to get a reply from small businesses.
Caring For Your Sex Toys
When caring for your sex toys, try to keep your toys clean, avoid reusing them without being washed off between uses or between partners that aren’t fluid bonded.
If you are using soap, either use designated toy cleaners or unscented plain soap. This is especially important for silicone, which can sometimes interact with low quality silicones in the soap and change the texture of your sex toy making it sticky. Do NOT use dish soap or shampoo.
Getting smells off of toys – If you are using toys in a way that may leave a scent on the surface (such as anally or with flavored lube), washing with soap wont always remove the smell. If it is silicone, you can try soaking it in vinegar, boiling it, or covering it in an oil (such as coconut oil) then washing it to help remove the smell.
Do NOT use silicone based lubricant with your silicone sex toys. Water based or oil based such as coconut oil are fine, though oil can wear through and break down protective barriers if they are in use. Pay attention to what type of lubricant is on condoms if you utilize them.
Sanitizing Toys
Silicone, steel, and annealed glass sex toys can be boiled to sanitize for three-ten minutes. Be sure the material is what you think it is, blends or plastics will melt.
Most body safe toys can be cleaned by soaking in a bleach solution with a ratio of five tablespoons (⅓ cup) per gallon of water. This can sometimes be an issue with plastics. Let the toys sit for a minimum of 10 minutes.
When in doubt, look up care instructions from the maker.
Damage To Toys
The easiest way to damage body safe toys is via nicks, scratches and abrasions which can create tiny pockets that fluids and bacteria can be trapped, or rough surfaces that can hurt you. It is recommended to discontinue use if this happens, or use a barrier.
If Glass or Stone chips, do not continue to use it.
Using incorrect lubricant or soap can additionally damage sex toys if attaches to the surface of a toy changing the texture of silicone. This does not mean the toy is unusable if it is 100% silicone but the texture will never be restored.
Storage bags are a great option for toys to avoid scratches, crumbs or other materials from getting stuck on or in your toys. In the absence of individual bags, keeping a plastic container with a lid and towel inside is a great option. Avoid storing your toys when they are damp.
Types Of Toys
Dildos – Dildos come in a huge variety – big, small, smooth, bumpy, penis shaped, fantasy, animalistic and more colors than you could ever imagine. There is never ending creativity available when it comes to dildos.
Dildo Types –
Realistic Penis Dildo – Extremely common and widely available, be cautious with materials. Can be single color, very realistic, cut or uncut as well as dual density.
Smooth, Non-Realistic Dildos – Second most widely available. Also be mindful of materials.
Textured, Non Realistic Dildos
Rabbit Vibrating Dildos
G-Spot Stimulating Dildos
Prostate Stimulating Dildos
Double Ended Dildos
Internal Strapless Strap-On Dildos
Fantasy Dildos (realistic and nonrealistic)
Vibrators – Vibrators come in a large variety of shapes as well as power and motor functions. There are a variety of vibration patterns, focus points, and uses available. Some people find constant stimulation to be great, others like intermittent use.
Sound – Sometimes higher quality motors are noisier. Sometimes very low quality toys are loud because they are poorly made. Look up reviews if volume is a concern.
Vibrator Types –
External Vibrators – Often made of plastic
Internal Vibrators – Can be dildos or egg shaped
Rabbit Vibrating Dildos
Anal Vibrators
Cock Ring Vibrators
Remote Control Vibrators
Clitoral Suction Vibrators
Magic Wand Vibrators – Can be corded or cordless, some with silicone heads some with plastic. LOTS OF KNOCK OFFS.
Underwear Vibrators
Butt Plugs – Intended to be inserted anally, some people will use them for vaginal insertion as well. Some varieties are targeted more towards individuals with prostates, and there are many many different types for a variety of play and sensation.
Butt Plug Types –
Classic Cone Shaped Butt Plug
Vibrating + Remote Controlled
Prostate Stimulating Plugs
Inflatable Butt Plugs – Material Warning!
Expanding/Anchor Butt Plugs
Hollow Butt Plugs
Long Term Wear Butt Plugs
Anal Beads
Novelty Butt Plugs – Electrostim, Rotating, Locking, Tails
BASE SAFETY WARNING – Make SURE your anal toy has a flared end that is wide enough it will not slip in. It will disappear and it will be a very unpleasant hospital trip.
Use EXTREME CAUTION with glass toys in particular if the stem is narrow. They can and will snap especially if they are curved.
Masturbator Sleeves/Strokers -These are made of a variety of materials, most single use strokers are made of questionable materials. You can get these for long term use out of body safe materials (like silicone) just be mindful to clean well before and after use. These are not just for those with penises, there are a variety of strokers available for different anatomy types such as clitoral strokers, and strokers designed for individuals with clitoral growth.
Masturbator Sleeve / Stroker Types –
Single use strokers
Long term use strokers
Vibrating Strokers
Mechanical Strokers
Trans + Clitoral Strokers.
Grinders – Textured grinding matts are becoming more popular though are primarily distributed through indie sex toy makers. Suitable for all anatomy types these come in a variety of textures and shapes for grinding against to achieve pleasurable sensations. Most often made of silicone.
Cock Rings – Cock rings go around the scrotum and/or penis when erect to increase sensation, hardness, and/or to extend sex. They should not be worn longer than 30 minutes and should be removed immediately if they cause the wearer significant pain or discomfort.
These can be made of silicone, metal, and leather.
Cock Extenders / Sheaths – Cock extenders and sheaths usually loop around the balls and go over top of the penis to extend or modify the shape of the penis to add textures, or for roleplay such as having a knot.
Sometimes can be used to make a person more well endowed or as a form of sensation control. Generally utilized during partnered sex.
Sex Machines – Intended to vibrate, suck, or thrust to simulate sex or provide a hands free experience. There is a huge variety of types and price points available. People will sometimes modify power tools. You probably shouldn’t as it can be difficult to regulate the intensity and there are many reports of people getting hurt as a result of these modifications.
Thrust Bumpers – Intended to limit the depth a sex toy or partner can penetrate with. Can be very useful for preventing over insertion of length which can cause discomfort or pain.
Note: I have not seen any manufactured with silicone yet.
Double Ended Suction Cups –Intended to make a non-suction cupped dildo with a flat base able to be stuck to surfaces or another dildo. Can be very useful with the integration of sex machines.
