Sex Toy Materials: The Complete Guide

There is an incredible variety of materials used to make sex toys, and we at Betty's want you to be aware of what you are putting on, in, and around your body. To assist you in selecting the best option for your body, we have produced this thorough guide to sex toy materials.

Here are some crucial details regarding the materials used in sex toys:

  • Regarding the materials used in sex toys and what is safe for producers to utilize, there are no rules.
  • Because the sex toy market is self-regulated, it's critical to purchase from reliable companies and retailers (such as Betty's).
  • Reputable companies have a lot of knockoffs on sites like Amazon, where inferior parts or potentially dangerous materials are used. Buyer beware
  • Certain materials must be handled with more care and attention than others.

Here are some definitions to be aware of:

Porous: Certain toy materials include microscopic flaws that allow fluids to flow through and allow bacteria to grow. To keep these toys as clean as possible, we advise using a condom.

Non-Porous: These materials are ideal for body-safe sex toys because they lack pores that could harbour bacteria.

Phthalates: These dangerous substances can be added to plastics to make them more resilient, translucent, or soft and squishy.

Phthalate-Free: A sex toy that bears this label softens its polymers using techniques other than phthalates.

THE MOST POPULAR SEX TOY MATERIALS

SILICONE

Available in a wide variety of product types, this is the Cadillac of sex toy materials.

Perks

  • Easy to clean, phthalate-free, and non-porous
  • Silicone dildos can be boiled or cleaned in the top rack of the dishwasher.
  • They can be cleaned by soaking them in a bleach/water solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) for 10 to fifteen minutes.
  • Effective with the most widely used toy cleaners.
  • These days, you can find any silicone toy, from butt plugs to bunnies.
  • The anal play's the most excellent, safest, and gentler alternative.
  • To maintain hygiene between sexual encounters, silicone (together with metal and glass) is essential if you exchange toys with partners or use them both vaginally and anally.

Drawbacks

  • Although silicone is often more expensive, there are now more reasonably priced items than ever.
  • Certain silicone toy materials can be harmed by silicone lubricant. Although it's not a hard-and-fast rule, you should consult the manufacturer's instructions for safe lubricants for your silicone toy. Water hybrid and silicone lubricants are acceptable because they contain very little silicone.

ABS Plastic:

This is frequently a less expensive, body-safe substitute for silicone-coated vibrators and is more commonly seen in bullets and sure firm vibrators.

Perks

  • ABS plastic is non-porous and free of phthalates.
  • It may be thoroughly cleaned using warm water and soap.
  • Plastic is incredibly good at conducting vibrations and works with all lubricants.
  • If you're on a tight budget, several long-lasting and reasonably priced plastic toys are available.

Drawbacks

  • If you like your sex toys to have some "squish," you might want to stay away from this material because it is harsh and unforgiving.
  • Many plastic vibrators are battery-operated and may not be long-lasting.

Glass

Glass sex toys are exceptionally safe since they are composed of borosilicate glass, which is designed to endure high temperatures, pressures, and shocks.

Perks

  • For extreme stimulation, borosilicate glass is entirely hard.
  • Glass is easy to clean, entirely non-porous, and safe for the body.
  • Any lubricant can be used with glass.
  • Cool in ice or heat in warm water for excellent temperature play.
  • You can clean them with soap and water, bleach, or even put them in the dishwasher.

Drawbacks

  • Some people's bodies find the rigidity of glass uncomfortable.
  • Compared to their silicone counterparts, glass toys are heavier.
  • There aren't many vibrating glass sex toys available.

Metal / Stainless Steel / Aluminum

From butt plugs to dildos, metal sex toys are popular due to their glossy surface and substantial weight. In addition to lighter metals like polished aluminium, medical-grade stainless steel offers a wide range of alternatives.

Perks

  • Metal is entirely non-porous, safe for the human body, and easily cleaned.
  • Metal can be heated or chilled, just like glass, to create incredible sensory play.
  • Aluminum provides a metallic feel without adding undue weight.
  • You can use any lubricant on metals.

Drawbacks

  • Items made of stainless steel are heavy and challenging to handle.
  • Some people find their stiffness off-putting.
  • Toys made of pure stainless steel are pricey.
  • Some people may be allergic to nickel, which is in some aluminium.

TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) and TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) 

Synthetic materials called TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) and TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) are common in less expensive toys like cock rings, penis masturbators, and dildos because of their lifelike feel and elasticity. The materials are permeable.

Perks

  • TPE, in particular, can be elastic and supple, simulating the texture and appearance of real skin.
  • These materials are used to create realistic and flexible penis strokers and sleeves.
  • In general, less expensive than silicone
  • Nowadays, many manufacturers produce TPR and TPE free of latex and phthalates (Betty's does not carry any toys that contain phthalates, but if you're shopping somewhere else, make sure by looking at the product listings).

 

Drawbacks

  • Because TPE and TPR are porous materials, cleaning alone cannot remove bacteria, mildew, fungus, and germs.
  • Since the oils in TPR and TPE are incompatible with latex condoms and can deteriorate or damage them, Betty advises using a non-latex condom with these toys.
  • Always use a new non-latex condom before using them for anal play or switching between vaginal and anal play.
  • Before and after each usage, apply an antimicrobial cleaning solution or antimicrobial soap and water.
  • This material cannot be bleached or boiled.
  • To preserve the integrity of the material, let it completely dry before storing it away from other toys.
  • These materials may have a strong chemical or rubbery scent that doesn't usually go away over time.
  • Over time, these materials will deteriorate and may tear or break.

Cyberskin, Fanta Flesh, Real Skin, , Ultraskin, UR3, and other Realistic Materials:

Manufacturers use these terms to describe their squishy, soft TPR and TPE-based materials, which are typically used in realistic dildos.

Perks

  • Similar to TPR and TPE, these materials can have a realistic appearance and feel.
  • They are a popular material for sleeves and penis masturbators because of their exceptional flexibility.
  • Betty exclusively stocks versions of these products from reliable producers free of phthalates.

Drawbacks

  • Because of their porosity, these materials may host mould, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
  • Every type of material has a unique formula developed by the manufacturer. This formula typically consists of a mix of elements that may aggravate sensitive people.
  • There is no scientific proof that using a non-latex condom to try to prevent bacteria from getting to your skin is helpful because the oils in TPR and TPE can shred or damage latex condoms.
  • Always use a new non-latex condom before using them for anal play or switching between vaginal and anal play.
  • Certain materials require further maintenance, such as dusting them with corn starch or specialized renewing powders to retain the toy's integrity.
  • After each usage, properly clean them using the manufacturer's recommended procedure.
  • It needs to be kept apart from other toys. If the substance comes into contact with different materials, it will decompose (crack or change shape).
  • These materials may have a strong chemical or rubbery scent that doesn't usually go away over time.
  • Several producers infuse their materials with aroma to counteract the stench of plastic.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Plasticizers make this polyvinyl chloride more malleable. Depending on the recipe, it might be soft or quite stiff.

Perks

  • Only phthalate-free PVC toys from reliable manufacturers are available at Betty's. PVC makes fantastic, reasonably priced fetish products like floggers, spankers, and hollow dildos.
  • Strap-on harnesses made of softer PVC can be more reasonably priced than leather ones.

Drawbacks

  • Since PVC is permeable, it cannot be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
  • Because the oils in PVC are incompatible with latex condoms and might cause them to deteriorate or rip, Betty advises using a non-latex condom on these toys.
  • Always use a new non-latex condom before using them for anal play or switching between vaginal and anal play.
  • Some PVC is chemically softened even though it might not contain phthalates.
  • Many PVC toys have an unpleasant, persistent plastic odor.
  • It needs to be kept apart from other toys. If the substance comes into contact with different materials, it will decompose (crack or change shape).

Jelly

Rubber is commonly referred to as jelly. Although it has numerous disadvantages, it can be incredibly colorful and pliable. If you look around our website, you'll see that we don't carry jelly toys. This is due to a number of factors.

  • Jelly can include phthalates, is permeable, and is frequently of poor quality.
  • Jelly substances can melt or split and decompose quickly.
  • Many leading manufacturers no longer use jelly materials.