Most people make the assumption that sex toys are safe for use. After all, they are for use on or in your body, so surely they would be made of safe materials? The truth is that a number of popular sex toys aren’t as safe as you might think. So how do you know if you have a toxic sex toy sitting in your drawer?
There are a few signs that your toys might not be as ‘body-safe’ as you think that they are. Not sure what they are, or left wondering how you can ensure your toys are safe? This guide will tell you what you need to know about toxic toys to keep your fun in the bedroom safe.
Research is important
It was over ten years ago that I bought my first sex toy. Having recently gone through a break-up, my friend had suggested we visit a local sex shop and look for something to “cheer me up”. While shopping, one of the shop assistants had taken pity on me, clearly recognising that my deer in headlights look for the utter confusion that it was.
It was completely overwhelming to face a wall of vibrators with absolutely no idea of what I was looking for. Back then my main questions were “how much is it?” and “what can it do?”. I didn’t even think about the materials that the toys were made from. In my mind, sex toys would have to be ‘body-safe’ in order to be sold, and I relied on my ignorance.
I ended up walking out with a toy I was happy with, but now, over a decade later, I know that I should have done more research. Even now I have absolutely no idea what the toy was made of. Now I take much more care when buying toys, but what exactly should we be looking out for?
The toxic sex toy
Back when I bought my first sex toy, I was under the illusion that sex toys would have to be free from certain chemicals and materials in order to be sold. I now know that this isn’t the case. While there are restrictions in place for children and pets’ toys, there aren’t for the adult industry.
The Rooster points out a number of the issues with the numerous chemicals that could be present in your sex toys. They discuss the numerous chemicals that are used in some sex toys, highlighting the fact that there are plenty of health risks associated with them. You can read more about these risks on their site.
If you aren’t sure about whether you could own a toxic sex toy, The Rooster does also list some factors to think about. They say that your toy might smell or feel greasy to the touch. This is usually as a result of the material the toy is made from breaking down. If your toy was cheap to buy, this can also be a sign. Another big factor is that there are often warnings on the packaging advising you to keep this toy and others separate. A toxic sex toy might ‘melt’ and stick to other toys if they are kept in close contact for too long.
Porous materials
You might have checked the packaging on your toy carefully and found that none of the chemicals listed by The Rooster are present. This can make you feel a little better, but it does not always mean that your sex toy is safe.
A number of sex toys are made from porous materials. Porous material tends to trap things such as bacteria, which means that cleaning your toy is a challenge. No matter how much you try to disinfect and clean your toy, it will still pose a risk to you.
Not sure which sex toy materials are porous? Avoid things such as jelly toys, PVC, rubber, and ‘realskin’ products. They might feel good, but the fact that the are porous means that they aren’t safe for prolonged use. Buy these toys with caution.
Safe materials for toys
This might feel very limiting when you start looking around for the perfect sex toy to buy, but there are plenty of safe sex toys out there made with different material. Silicone is a popular option, though this can really bump up the price of your toy. If you want a safe toy, you might have to pay a little more.
Glass and metal also tend to be safe, as does ABS hard plastic. Believe it or not, stone and wooden sex toys can also be safe if they have been treated in the right way. Make sure you do your research on the company to make sure they are suitable for your needs.
Your best bet is to take a good hard look at the description and information on a product. If you are at all unsure, talk to someone about it. If you are in a sex shop, the staff there will be more than happy to help find the right product for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, as they are there to help.
How to buy safe toys
It feels like a minefield trying to buy toys lately. The chances of buying a toxic sex toy are pretty high, especially if you don’t take the time to do your research beforehand. Now when I buy toys I take the time to look them up and find out exactly what is in them before I buy.
I have found reviewer Dangerous Lilly to be incredibly helpful. Not only does she review toys but she also tests toys for safety. If she does not believe that a sex toy is made from silicone as it claims to be, she will burn it. The flame test can help to indicate which toys are not silicone, so you know if you are being ripped off.
If you are hoping to buy safe toys, your best bet is to do your research. Take a look at a few reviews from sex toy reviewers before you buy. This can help you see a toxic sex toy for what it is and also see how good it will be to use.
Since then she has gained a fine reputation with her blogs on sex advice, sexual health and amusing news stories from around the globe. She is also a campaigner for the rights of sex workers from all over the world.
In her spare time, Lara keeps herself active by going running, and is something of a film buff. She also loves to go travelling.
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