Bodysafe S-toys



Adult toys made with jelly and certain materials can contain toxic substances. Did you know that silicone toys require water-based lubricants, as oil-based ones can break down and damage the material? Let´s go through how to find bodysafe materials and how to care for your sex toys to ensure their long-lasting durability.


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Toxic materials



When choosing adult toys, it's wise to opt for body-friendly and safe materials. Many toys, especially cheaper ones may contain potentially harmful chemicals. One chemical to watch out for is phthalates, which are often used to soften plastics. Over time, they can leak microparticles, especially if the toy is old. These can irritate or harm the body and have been linked to allergies and endocrine issues.


Some sex toys are made from porous materials that feel soft and pleasant but unfortunately tend to collect bacteria easily. Porous materials don't last long, so non-porous materials are a better choice.





Conscious choice



To avoid harmful materials and risks, it's recommended to choose sex toys made from non-porous and toxin-free materials such as silicone, glass, or stainless steel. These materials are easy to clean and free from harmful chemicals. 100% medical-grade silicone can withstand high temperatures and can be boiled for sterilization.

Manufacturers sometimes mix materials to make the product cheaper or fail to disclose the content on the product packaging, especially if they are made in countries with less stringent manufacturing standards. Therefore, it can be helpful to check which brand the product is produced by. Does their profile focus on being as cheap as possible, or do they care about creating quality and durability? Is the material really what they say it is?

*Ref: 1. Li, W., Huang, Y., et. al., (2021), 2. Oehlmann, J., Wagner, M., et al., (2017)


List of materials

Good vs bad materials



Porous materials have small microscopic holes or folds that make the material soft, where bacteria can accumulate. Even if you clean these toys thoroughly, it is impossible to get them completely clean. Therefore, this can pose an increased risk for itching, irritation, and infection.


Keep in mind that suppliers do not always fully disclose the material on the packaging, as the sex toy industry is unregulated in many areas, so be mindful of the brand you choose.


Also, remember that different sex toys require different lubricants and cleaning agents. Using the wrong ones can damage the material and cause the surface to break down (read more below).



Cleaning



Lubricants



Some lubricants can cause damage. Do not use oil-based lubricants, including coconut oil, on silicone or plastic sex toys. These can break down the outer surface of the material, leading to irritation and bacterial growth. The same applies to silicone-based lubricants, which should not be used with silicone toys.


Always check which lubricant is recommended for your product, it is usually listed on the product page. If it's not listed – choose another store!



Cleaning products



Sex toys made of silicone, metal, and glass, etc., can be washed with soap and water.


Anal sex toys should be cleaned with antibacterial toy cleaners that are available for purchase, & preferrably boiled for sterilization.


Silicone-based lubricants are generally criticized for being worse for both the body and the environment compared to water-based and oil-based lubricants.



Elastomer



Elastomer is not body-safe. If you still use them, keep in mind that elastomer should only be used with water-based lubricants, and stored separately from other sex toys to avoid chemical reactions in the material.


Testing silicone if it is 100%



Some toys are marketed as genuine silicone, but they are not. You can test if a silicone toy is 100% silicone by holding it over a burning flame, such as from a candle. If it melts, it's fake silicone or a blended material. If it only gets sooty, it’s real silicone. The soot is usually washable! Choose a spot to burn, such as the edge or underside of the toy, in case a mark is left. Silicone sex toys are also never transparent, so that’s an indication of whether it’s silicone or not.


Toys with unpleasant smell



New toys may have a strange or unpleasant smell, like plastic or strong chemicals. This can come from the factory and usually fades within a few days. If the smell persists, contact the manufacturer or store to return the product. The smell doesn't necessarily indicate something harmful if it fades after a few days once the toy is out of the packaging.


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