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How to Choose The Right Material For Your Sex Toy

How to Choose The Right Material For Your Sex Toy

Sex Toy Materials (Part 1)

By Ekaterina Mironova

Often overlooked it really is worth considering what the sex toy is made from to avoid allergic reactions, avoid phthalates and find something that’s feels great for you. Here is our guide on materials used to make sex toys.

You will normally find what the product is made from on our additional information product page; some of these are referred to as the supplier’s material such as UR3 or Cyberskin. These materials are closely-guarded secrets but made to feel as realistic as possible.

Glass

The beautiful appearance and versatility of glass sex toys have seen a rapid rise in their popularity, they can be heated or cooled down and offer a firm and rigid feel similar to metal. They are incredibly durable, shatter proof and easy to keep clean. They can be used with water and silicone based lubricants.

Jelly Rubber

Considered one of the cheapest materials it’s easy to colour and shape. It has become less popular due to certain chemicals added that may not be phthalate free. Always check the product specifications as not all jelly rubber toys contain phthalates some also contain latex. Regularly skin-safe rubber is replacing jelly rubber, always use them with a condom and never store them together as the materials react and can cause them to melt! They can be used with silicone or water-based lubricants.

Latex

Due to its flexibility latex is regularly used in inflatable sex toys. If you use a silicone lube to polish your latex clothing it gives it a glossy super shiny finish. All latex products require cleaning with an antibacterial toy cleaner before drying thoroughly. Then apply a renewer powder to ensure it stays supple, soft and flexible. They can be used with water and silicone based lubricants.

Metal

Metal’s waterproof, non-porous, skin-safe, incredibly durable and compatible with any lubricant making it possibly the perfect material. The only downside is they’re very heavy and possibly a little rigid for some, whereas others love the way the weight and firm pressure affects their sexiest spots. Phthalate and latex free.

Sex Toy Materials (Part 2)

Often overlooked it really is worth considering what the sex toy is made from to avoid allergic reactions, avoid phthalates and find something that’s feels great for you. Here is our guide on materials used to make sex toys.

You will normally find what the product is made from on our additional information product page; some of these are referred to as the supplier’s material such as UR3 or Cyberskin. These materials are closely-guarded secrets but made to feel as realistic as possible.

Plastic

Made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS Plastic) it’s hard, hygienic and often used to make classic vibrators and vibrating bullets. Plastic is known to create great stimulation as it can transfer vibrations very well, it can also be used with all lubes. Smooth coated plastic will offer a more velvety feel and this is plastic which is given a polyurethane or smooth rubber coating. Latex and phthalate free.

Realistic Feel

This term covers a wide range of sex toys made from materials such as Fanta Flesh, UR3, Cyberskin, Futurotic and Sensafirm. All are made from an elastomer based material designed to feel and look as lifelike as possible, they will even warm to your body temperature. It’s important to take extra care with these products as they are porous, having cleaned them allow to thoroughly dry before using a revive powder or corn flour to keep them in good condition. They should only be used with a water-based lubricant.

Silicone

The hypoallergenic and non-porous properties make silicone popular for use in designer sex toys. Incredibly long lasting, easy to clean and feeling fantastic silicone is regularly used by luxury brands such as Lelo. A word of warning, never use a silicone lubricant with silicone sex toys as they will cause significant damage to the toy, only use a water-based lube. Phthalate and latex free.

Skin-Safe Rubber

This phthalate free material is also free from latex, it’s non-porous making it simple to clean. The technical name is TPE/TPR or thermoplastic elastomer/rubber. Skin-safe rubber is popular for use in rabbit vibes as the firmness creates the perfect level of stimulation for G-Spot orgasms, compatible with water-based lubricants.

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