Home
Blog
The Guide to Sex Toy Safety: How to Stay Turned On

The Guide to Sex Toy Safety: How to Stay Turned On

6 octobre 2025

Sex toys have come a long way from the secret drawers of the past to the glamorous spotlight of modern pleasure culture. But with that freedom comes a question many people still overlook:

Are your toys actually safe for your body?

Not the most exciting part of self-pleasure to think about, but arguably the most important.

- Something may feel good, but it shouldn't cause side effects.

- Side effects can include rashes or irritation.

- It should also not expose you to harmful materials.

Let's discuss what makes a sex toy safe for your body. We will also cover how to clean and store it. Lastly, we will look at what science says about staying healthy while having fun.

1. Why Sex Toy Safety Matters

The sex toy industry is growing fast. It is worth over $36 billion worldwide in 2024.

However, it is still mostly unregulated in many countries. Most adult products do not need formal approval from agencies like the FDA. This is true unless marketers promote them for health or therapeutic purposes.

That means anyone can sell something called a “vibrator” or “massager” without verifying what’s in it. Researchers have found that some cheaper toys contain phthalates.

These are chemicals that can affect hormones. They may also contain latex allergens or dyes. These dyes should not touch mucous membranes.

A 2018 report from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency found something concerning. Some cheap "jelly" vibrators had phthalate levels that were over 30% by weight. A child’s toy would not allow this amount.

So yes, the phrase “treat your vulva like it’s a luxury item” isn’t just marketing, it’s chemistry.

2. Understanding “Body-Safe”: What It Actually Means

When a toy is labeled body-safe, it means it’s made from materials that are:

Non-toxic (no harmful chemicals or leaching substances)
Non-porous materials allow for complete cleaning, leaving no bacteria hiding inside.
Hypoallergenic (unlikely to trigger irritation or allergic reactions)
Biocompatible (safe for prolonged skin or mucous contact)

Unfortunately, no one regulates these claims. So the best defense is education and brand transparency. Look for products that list full material composition, have independent safety certifications, or follow medical-grade standards.

3. The Material Showdown: What’s Safe and What’s Not

Let’s get real, the materials that make up your toy matter the most. Below is a breakdown of common materials and how they affect safety, sensation, and durability.

Silicone (Medical-Grade or Platinum-Cured)

The gold standard for modern sex toys.

Why it rocks: Non-porous, flexible, hypoallergenic, odorless, and easy to sterilize.
Science check: Medical-grade silicone is inert and biocompatible, it won’t leach chemicals or degrade with normal use.
Cleaning: Wash with warm water and mild soap, or boil for 3 minutes if there are no electrical parts.

Pro tip: Real silicone has a velvety matte finish. If it feels sticky or smells like plastic, it’s likely mixed with TPE (and not truly body-safe).

TPE / TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomers or Rubbers)

Soft, squishy, and cheap, but that’s where the love affair ends.

Porous: Bacteria can live inside microscopic holes, even after washing.
Short lifespan: Degrades, becomes sticky, and attracts dust.
Some products may contain phthalates: Though manufacturers label some as “phthalate-free,” lab tests often find traces.

They feel good at first, but they’re one-night stands in the toy world. If you use TPE toys, use a condom over them and replace them frequently.

ABS Plastic

A hard, shiny plastic often used for bullet vibrators and remote controllers.

Non-porous & hypoallergenic.
Easy to clean.
Inexpensive and durable.
Great for firm stimulation or paired with silicone tips.

Stainless Steel, Glass, and Aluminum

Non-porous and ultra-durable.
You can sterilize it completely.
Perfect for temperature play, just warm or cool them safely (never extreme).
Require more care with insertion because they’re rigid, always use plenty of lube.

High-quality metal and glass toys (like borosilicate glass) are inert, safe, and can last a lifetime.

Jelly, PVC, and “Real Feel” Toys

Often marketed as “lifelike” or “skin-soft,” these toys are the most problematic.

Porous, sticky, and impossible to clean.
Phthalate risk: Multiple studies have confirmed high concentrations of these endocrine disruptors.
Odor alert: If a toy smells like a new car interior or plastic bag, it’s a red flag.

You wouldn’t eat off a plate made from toxic plastic, so don’t use one for your genitals.

4. Lube Compatibility: Mixing Matters

Lube isn’t optional; it’s essential. But some combos can ruin your toy or irritate your skin.

Toy Material	Compatible Lube Type	Avoid
Silicone	Water-based	Silicone-based
TPE / TPR	Water-based	Silicone or oil-based
Metal / Glass	Any (but test for skin comfort)	—
ABS Plastic	Any	—

Silicone + silicone = disaster. It’ll turn your toy’s surface into tacky goo.

Oil-based lubes (like coconut oil) are fine for solo play with metal or glass toys — but not with condoms or silicone.

Water-based lubes are the safest, most universal option. They’re gentle, easy to clean, and condom-compatible.

5. Cleaning: Where the Real Magic Happens

Good hygiene isn’t just about being neat, it’s literally how you prevent infections, bacterial vaginosis, or irritation.

Basic Routine

Rinse the toy in warm water immediately after use.
Use unscented soap or a dedicated toy cleaner (check for alcohol-free formulas).
Rinse again and pat dry with a clean towel.
Store only after it’s fully dry.

Deeper Cleaning for Non-Electronic Toys

Boil for 3-5 minutes
Wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol
Run through a dishwasher (top rack, no soap) if the toy’s label says it’s safe.

For Shared Toys

Use condoms over toys to reduce cross-contamination, especially if switching between anal and vaginal play. Bacteria like E. coli can cause infections when transferred between areas.

Pro tip: If you wouldn’t lick it, don’t put it back in your body until it’s clean.

6. Storage: Keep It Clean, Keep It Private

Your toys deserve better than a dusty drawer.

Rules of Thumb

Keep toys separate, silicone and jelly can melt together if stored touching.
Use cloth storage bags (often included) or wrap in clean microfiber cloths.
Avoid extreme heat and humidity.
Store in a cool, dark place, not next to your hairdryer.

And yes, cleaning before storage is as important as cleaning after use.

7. Recognizing Red Flags: When to Retire a Toy

Even the best materials have a lifespan. Replace your toy if:

It becomes sticky, tacky, or discolored.
You notice cracks or splits in the surface.
It smells bad, even after cleaning.
You experience irritation or burning after use.

If you use most toys frequently, you should replace them every 1-2 years. Think of it as sexual self-care maintenance.

8. Health and Safety: What the Experts Say

Studies show that most irritation or infection related to toy use comes from poor cleaning habits or porous materials. Research published in Sexual Health (2017) found that up to 25% of women reported minor infections. These issues linked to shared or poorly cleaned toys.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and FDA both emphasize material bio compatibility as critical for any device used internally, including non-medical ones.

Avoid Toxic Additives

Phthalates: Linked to hormonal disruption. (Ref: Hauser & Calafat, Environmental Health Perspectives, 2005)
Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in cheap plastics; may mimic estrogen.
Latex: Can cause allergic reactions, itching, or swelling.

Look for toys explicitly labeled: