Not only is cleaning important for your sex toys but the material that they are made from can also affect how you personally respond to each toy. It could mean the difference between an average or earth shattering orgasm!
If you suffer from allergies, it is best to stick to hypoallergenic materials like silicone.
So with this guide be assured that you can find the best material for you, the one that fits in with your budget and the one that you feel is safest overall.
Acrylic
A firm texture material perfect for PC muscle-strengthening toys.
Advantages: Similar to Pyrex in texture. Nearly non-porous and indestructible. Hypoallergenic. Easy to keep clean via microwave or dishwasher.
Lucite
A hard material which provides firm pressure making it ideal for prostrate and G-spot stimulation.
Advantages: Strong and has definite staying power.
Disadvantages: If they crack or break, you will have to replace them.
Silicone
The most popular material for sex toys as silicone is almost hypoallergenic and easy to keep clean. It also retains the heat from the body and is extremely durable. It is very lifelike and it has a smooth, soft feel. Do not use with silicone based lubrication as it was destroy your sex toy. Transmits vibrations extremely well, too.
Disadvantages: The price as they are often hand crafted.
Rubber
Made from a simple latex rubber these toys are firmer than silicone but still soft and flexible. They are also available in a vast range of colours which include black, the most popular choice. A condom is recommended for use with rubber and latex toys as the material is so porous.
Advantages: Cheapest to make and buy.
Disadvantages: Possible chance of reacting to the latex used, they’re not as long lasting as say silicone or jelly and they more difficult to keep clean.
Elastomer
A durable and safe material that feels sensuous to the touch. No need to use condoms to play safely. Often used in place of jelly. They are porous so tend to pick up dirt very easily.
Advantages: Phthalate free so no horrible chemical smell and they don’t feel sticky to the touch.
Plastic
As they are so unforgiving they are a good choice for clitoral stimulation rather than thrusting. Chemical and smell free.
Advantages: They often come with good vibration!
Disadvantages: Hard, cold and very stiff.
Stainless Steel
Generally safe and they warm to the body’s temperature. They are also beautiful to look at but as most of the time you will be pleasuring yourself with them not looking at them, aesthetics are not really that important! Widely used in the S&M market.
One warning though: Be careful from whom you purchase your metal toys from as some can be potentially harmful.
Leather
Ideal for use as harnesses and restraints. Expensive but easy to keep clean and care for.
Nylon
Very durable and mainly used for harnesses. Easy to clean and keep in good condition.
Cyberskin
Cyberskin toys are also known as realistics or thermal plastic toys. They can be found under many different brand names e.g. Ultraskin™ or Fauxskin™. They usually come with special powder and lubricant designed to be used with them.
Advantages: Retains heat from the body and they are the closest thing to skin as you’re ever going to get.
Disadvantages: Can be more expensive than most other toys. Also porous so use a condom.
Glass
Pyrex is stronger than regular glass and therefore makes a good material to use for sex toys. The texture is hard and solid but is smooth to the touch.
Disadvantages: Expensive to make. If they crack or break, you will have to replace them.
Jelly
Jelly toys are available in lots of different bright colours making them fun to use. To enhance pleasure use lots of lubrication. Jelly toys are made from a thick, translucent, flexible rubber. They also contain phthalates to make the toy more flexible it’s best to use a condom with these toys. They are also very porous.
Advantages: Reasonably cheap to manufacture.
Lubrications:
Silicone-based lube
Retains lubrication longer than water based lubricants and can be used with latex condoms. Made on a base of oil, silicone based lubrications shouldn’t be used with silicone sex toys. Also lubricated condoms usually use a silicone base so do not use these with silicone toys either.
Water-based lube
Soluble in water these lubricants are generally less irritant to the body. They may dry out during use but just add water to re-lubricate. Ineffective for use in the bath or shower as they will dissolve.
Petroleum-based lube
Can weaken latex sex toys and can render latex condoms useless for protection. It can also coat the lining of the vagina or anus causing irritation and infection more likely. Although it is cheap to buy and available in most chemists and shops, it is difficult to clean off as it is insoluble in water.
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