That's What It's Made Of: The World of Sex Toy Materials

Here at No Inhibitions, we pride ourselves in providing you with products that are crafted with body safe materials. Our top value is in taking care of you. Making sure your pleasure doesn't come at the expense of your heath or wellness, because true pleasure is not separate from wellness.

Although, our special collection consists of body safe material, such as silicone and stainless steel, there is a widespread of material available on the market. So, we have offered to you this list of the most commonly used materials for sex toys and other sexual wellness products. Don’t forget to check out our The How to: For Toy Hygiene! (noinhibitions.xyz) for the best practices in caring for your toys.

Silicone

Silicone sex toys offer remarkable versatility, are heat-resistant, nonstick, and nonporous, showcasing a rubber-like texture while being completely free of toxins. They require little maintenance and are built to last a lifetime. Silicone is an excellent choice for sex toys! It is durable, holds body heat well, and its non-porous nature makes cleaning a breeze.

Medical-grade silicones are tested to be used for medical purposes and is regulated by the FDA. To be classified as medical-grade silicone, it must consist of a higher purity level. On the other hand, sex toys are generally not made from medical-grade silicone due to the addition of pigments and other factors.

Silicone is known for its exceptional durability and does not degrade with regular use. However, it is prone to tearing, so it's crucial to keep sharp edges away from your silicone toys. Furthermore, silicone can be compromised if it comes into contact with silicone-based lubricants, so it's advisable to steer clear of using such lubricants on silicone toys. Water-based lubes are recommended for your silicone products.

Be mindful that when shopping for silicone products as there can be some deception in advertising. Be sure that the manufacturer and retailer are reputable, and the product is created with 100% silicone. Silicone blends are not considered to possess the same quality of safety and may contain plastics that are toxic to the body.

Acrylic

Acrylic is strong and resilient, and its transparent nature allows it to mimic the appearance of glass. Acrylic, also known as acrylic fiber, may additionally refer to polymers or copolymers that include polyacrylonitrile.

Acrylic can show up in your local sex toy shop as dildos or anal plugs. These products are phthalate-free (see are library entry "Pleasure is Never Toxic" for more information) and hypoallergenic. The non-porosity of these toys allows for a smooth and easy clean up with mild soap and water. Sex toys created with acrylic are compatible with lubrication based out of water or silicone.

Stainless Steel/Metals

Metal toys possess a smooth texture, is sturdy, and can endure over time when properly maintained. It can also be easily heated or cooled. Stainless steel toys are an excellent option for those who are worried about reactions to dyes or unknown rubber materials. With easy maintenance and proper cleaning, they can provide an extended pleasure life for you.

Metal toys are perfect for temperature play! You can easily warm or cool them using water or ice. Unlike other materials, metal remains unaffected by contact with water or fluctuations in temperature.

Stainless steel is both hypoallergenic and non-toxic. This material features a smooth surface without pores, making it incapable of absorbing bacteria. When properly sanitized, it does not transmit infections, diseases, or odors. Compatible with water based and silicone lubricants.

Glass

Glass toys are sleek and elegant. These toys are non-porous and simple to clean. They can offer various sensations due to their temperature play capabilities. Glass toys can be warmed up or cooled down using warm or cool water. Never boil or freeze your toy as this can cause cracking.

Glass toys are firm and sturdy which allows them a long-lasting pleasure life but should be handled with care. If they are dropped onto a hard surface, they may chip or crack and will need to be discarded. Using a chip or cracked item can cause internal damage that can lead to pain, discomfort, or infection. Always do a quick "intact" check of your glass toy by running your hands on the surface to feel for any cracks or defects.

Plastics

Many adult toys are formed from plastics. This material can be categorized in various ways; polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, along with other acrylics, silicones, and polyurethanes. Because of the many types of plastics that can be used to create your personal product, it is vital to know which one was used to craft it.

While most sex toys made from plastics have no to low porosity are hypoallergenic and phthalate-free, plastics with additives that aid in creating a softer feel and flexibility can become higher on the harmful scale.

Water based lubricants are a go to for these types of sexy items. Some plastic types are also compatible with silicone lube. For more details of the different types of plastics, cleaning instructions and compatible, visit out article "Plastic Pleasure".

Cyberskin

Cyberskin is like the 3D effect of your pleasure experience. Cyberskin is the flesh like material that is actually a blend of silicone, plastics, and softening agents. This material is hypoallergenic and nontoxic, however just as your smooth sensual skin contains pores, so does this lifelike blend.

It's porosity and texture can create some difficulty in keeping these toys clean. It is recommended when using cyberskin toys to do so with a condom. They also need powder to keep them dry when not in use. Many sex toy retailers offer this powder but, essentially it is simply cornstarch, which can be found at your local grocery store.

Using water-based lubes and toy cleaners are a few ways to care for this type of material, but even then, these toys will have a pleasure life of only a few years. Because of the blends and additives used to create this realistic material, these toys will eventually begin to break down on its own after some time.

Jelly Rubber

You will primarily spot jelly rubber on the dildo aisle. This material allows for the more visual appeal for its ability to exude fun colors and different levels of opacity. But even all that is see through is not truly transparent. Jelly rubber's true composition is unknown and contains the harmful phthalates that we make our mission to stay away from.

Jelly rubber is also porous, which means warding off bacteria and reducing infection becomes more of a task. Seek to use toy cleaner specifically created for jelly rubber for cleaning these types of toys. Using nonlubricated condoms and water-based lubes can also prolong its pleasure life. Store these toys separate from your other sensual selections to reduce the chance of transmitting bacteria.

Wood

Here's to another way nature can deliver pleasure. Wood crafted toys are recommended for those who may be allergic to plastic or rubber materials. These carefully created sculptures should be purchased with care. So, no running to your local wood shop to perform a DIY dildo project! A reliable wooden sex toy will be made with waterproof sealant that has no scent in order to make the wood's surface smooth and non-porous. Sealants ensure no loose splinters are present and aid in creating a more durable toy for your collection. Although, these toys are sturdy for long lasting, they are still susceptible to damage if dropped on a hard surface.

Cleaning is a breeze with a simple mild soap and water wash, or with the use of a toy cleaner. Always check for damage before use and pair with a water, oil, or silicone-based lube for increase pleasure.

Material matters

There is a vast world of sex toy materials. Learning about these most commonly used materials merely scratches the surface but will give you more wisdom while shopping for your next orgasmic venture. Knowing what your toy is created from will allow for better care, safety and maintenance, ultimately making your investment worth the purchase!!

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