An insight into the health dangers of many sex toys, and options for toxic-free alternatives.
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Is your sex toy safe?
Have you considered checking if your sex toy is safe? We may often blindly trust stores to have tested our toys to ensure that they’re body safe. However, many countries do not require manufacturers to prove that adult toys are body-safe. For instance, the FDA doesn’t regulate the sex toy industry (because they are not considered to be medical devices). They currently categorise sex toys as ‘novelty items’ and therefore aren’t subject to mandated testing, despite them being used in one of the most absorbent parts of the body.
What toxins should you look out for?
The main (completely legal) toxic chemicals to look out for in sex toys include:
- Phthalates
- Admium
- Carbon disulfide
- Phenol
- Toluene
- Timethytin chloride
- Cadmium
Many of these chemicals have shown to be harmful to our health. One of the most alarming from the list is phthalates. Phthalatesis a chemical ingredient that has been linked to fertility issues, neurodevelopmental issues, and has been marked as a “possible human carcinogen“. It’s so toxic that it is banned in all children’s toys in the US, Japan, Canada and the EU. However, phthalates are still 100% legal in adult toys.
Many popular sex toys that you may see are made of polyvinyl chlorides (PVC), and then softened with phthalates. You may often find the chemical in the rubber of cheap toys – and when used, can leach into the body, even through the skin.
What toys should I be avoiding?
- Jelly: Although highly affordable, jelly toys can contain phthalates in order to make them feel somewhat more realistic.
- PVC and vinyl: Both materials contain phthalates to make them softer and more flexible.
- Rubber: This latex material is commonly used in dildos. It has quite a powerful odour and may cause allergic reactions.
Which toys are safe for my health?
According to experts, the safest materials for adult toys are glass and metal. Thankfully, there are brands who are focused on selling only body-safe toys. One of which is adult toy store Subana, who are on a mission to raise awareness on the dangers of these toxic ingredients. Subana’s online shop has an array of beautiful glass and metal toys, which are all natural, toxin free, and non-porous.
Glass sex toys
Glass toys are arguably the safest of the bunch, as they are non-toxic and non-porous. They are also hypoallergenic and completely safe for those with allergies or sensitivities. Finally, they’re incredibly easy to clean – which reduces the risk of unwanted bacteria.
Another benefit of glass toys is that they are wonderful for playing with different temperatures. They can be easily cooled and warmed in order to explore new and exciting sensations.
Metal sex toys
Metal is another safe material in sex toys. Metal, like stainless steel for example, is extremely durable, long lasting and easy to clean. Subana’s stainless steel sex toys can be used with water, oil, or silicone-based lubricant, as the stainless steel is non-porous and non-corrosive.
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