With all the sex toys on the market and the intimate nature of the product, it would be wise to know exactly what your sex toys are made of.  Here are some of the basic types of materials that sex toys are made of.

Silicone (Medical Grade) :  Silicone is made up of man-made compounds (synthetic polymer) that are frequently used in sex toys and other household products.  Medical grade silicone or 100% silicone is non-porous, therefore making it hygienic and easy to clean as the bacteria cannot hide within the pores of the product.  Silicone can also withstand high temperatures and is dishwasher safe, can be boiled, and is also bleachable.   Before you put your silicone toy in the dishwasher, make sure the entire toy including the controls are waterproof.  Silicone sex toys are ideal as it warms to your body temperature, feels realistic and is flexible.  Medical Grade Silicone does not contain phthalates, which is a plasticizer that is added to rubber to make the toys softer.   Use a water based lubricant for your silicone toys.

Examples of 100% Medical Grade Silicone Sex Toys:  Couture Collection Rhythm, Fun Factory Delight, Laya Spot, Tender Touch Spiral

Phthalates – Made up of a family of compounds, phthalates are added to plastics to make them softer and more flexible.  Certain studies have shown that exposure to phthalates can have negative affect your respiratory system, cause cancer, and lead to liver problems.  However, there are also studies that do not show conclusive evidence between the link of phthalates and certain medical conditions.  As of now, phthalates are still legal, and is used in sex toys as it is cost effective to manufacturers, making toys with phthalates cheaper to the consumer.    

View all phthalate free sex toys

Jelly is a very soft material but is porous.  Therefore, sex toys that are made of jelly cannot be disinfected.   If you plan on sharing your jelly toy with your partner, condoms should be used.  Jelly toys can be cleaned with mild soap and water.   Jelly sex toys often contain phthalates as well as latex.  Therefore, if you are sensitive to latex, you should not use products made of jelly.

Examples of Jelly Sex Toys:  Jelly Rapture Pink, Night Rider Stud, Meteorite

Elastomer – Elastomer is a latex free and  phthalate free rubber.  Elastomer sex toys are also hypoallergenic, but are porous.  Therefore, it cannot be disinfected.  Sex toys that are made of elastomer are durable.  Use a condom if sharing an elastomer toy.  Clean your elastomer sex toys with mild soap and water.  Water based and silicone lubricants can be used with elastomer toys.

Examples of Sex Toys made of Elastomer:  Elastomer Rabbit Habit, Vibratex Rabbit Pearl, Vibratex Rock Your World

TPE – Stand for Thermoplastic Elastomer – does not contain phthalates and is hypoallergenic.  This material is soft, latex free and does not contain any chemical solvents, which is great for people who are sensitive to certain chemicals and latex.   TPE is slightly porous, which means it can still hold some of the bacteria even after cleaning.  Condom use is recommended if sharing a product made of TPE.  Use only waterbased lubricants with TPE toys. 

Examples of Sex Toys made of TPE – The Kisser, I Vibe Rabbit Wireless

Hard Plastic – Hard Plastic Sex Toys are phthalate free, hypoallergenic, and are non porous, which makes these products easy to clean.  Any bacteria will not be absorbed into these toys.  The drawback of the Hard Plastic Toys is comfort, potentially breakage if dropped, and non realistic feel.  Many of the hard plastic vibrators are powerful, as the lack of the soft texture in the hard plastic allows the vibrations to be more powerful.   Water-based and silicone based lubricants can be used with the hard plastic toys.

Examples of sex toys made of Hard Plastic:  Hot and Smooth Vibe, Inked Vibe, Lightning Rod

Metal and Glass – Sex toys that are made up of metal or glass are very durable and non porous, which makes them easy to clean.  Many of the dildos (non vibrating) are made up of glass or metal.  These toys are compatible with all types of lubricants and can be boiled for cleaning or cooled to enhance the experience

Examples of Metal and Glass Sex Toys:  Don Wands Glass Wand Blue White Helix Plug, njoy pure plug small, Glass Gem Ruby

CyberSkin – Many of the sex toys for men such as the realistic vaginas are made of CyberSkin.  CyberSkin looks and feels like real skin.  It is made from FDA approved lists and does not contain any phthalates, PVC, or latex.  It is not recommended to use oil based lubricants with CyberSkin.  Water-based and silicone based lubricants are recommended.   CyberSkin is porous, and can be cleaned with gentle soap and water.  Pat dry and allow to air dry.

Examples of CyberSkin products:  Tera Patrick Realistic Love Doll, Soft Touch Cyber Skin Vibrators, Salsa Shaker Booty