Whether you're looking for a great gift for your friend or a fun way to have an intimate session with yourself, there are some important things to keep in mind when choosing a sex toy. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the things you'll want to know about, including material types, tips for choosing safe toys and ways to maintain your toy's quality.

Jelly rubber

Using jelly rubber is a great way to enjoy your sex, but there are some precautions to follow to ensure your safety. The first is to be sure your jelly toy is free of phthalates. If it isn't, you may be exposing yourself to harmful chemicals that have been linked to cancer, headaches, and chemical burns.

Another thing to look for is the lubricant. Waterbased lubricants are best. You don't want to use glycerin-based lubricants because they can affect the vaginal microbiome. You also don't want to use silicone or oil-based lubricants because they can damage the rubber.

You should also avoid toys with porous materials. Toys that are made of these materials can pick up bacteria and dyes from other materials. It's also possible to catch an infection when switching between anal and vaginal play.

To keep your toys sanitary, use a condom. This can protect you from exposure to phthalates and prevent transmission of viral STIs.

If your toy is porous, it's also best to throw it away after six months or so. Toys with porous material can pick up fungus and bacteria. They can also break down and leach oily residue.

You can also find body-safe toys made from silicone, latex, and other materials. Some companies call their toys elastomer or silicone rubber. These are better options than the rubber toy.

If you decide to go with a non-porous toy, make sure to check the product's label for a list of phthalates and other hazardous substances. Some sex toy retailers don't warn consumers about these potentially harmful substances.

If you choose to use a silicone or latex sex toy, be sure to use a condom to protect yourself from phthalates.

TPE

Whether you are buying a new sex toy or you are planning to upgrade your current collection, it is important to know what to look for when shopping. Some sex toys are made from materials that may be dangerous. They can cause minor infections or leave a residue after you use them.

Porous sex toys can harbor bacteria, fungus, and yeast. The pores are microscopic and allow bacteria to grow and reproduce. The best type of sex toy is made from a non-porous material.

Stainless steel is a non-porous material. Unlike porous toys, stainless steel cannot absorb bacteria or fungus. It can be cleaned in the dishwasher with mild soap and water. However, be careful to avoid using jewelry cleaners on metal toys.

Rubber/jelly products are also porous and are difficult to clean. This makes them more likely to break down over time. You should also avoid purchasing toys made from plain rubber.

Some of the best toys for sex shop are made from a combination of body-safe materials. If you are not sure what material is used on the toys you are considering, you should check the ingredients list.

Some sex toy manufacturers label their products as hypoallergenic. This term is not regulated by the FDA, so you should be careful.

Some sex toys are made from materials like PVC or vinyl that contain phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals that make plastics soft and flexible. They have been linked to cancer, headaches, and chemical burns. They can be found in a variety of consumer products, including pacifiers.

Silicone is another body-safe material. Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is a water-based lubricant. It is also hypoallergenic and latex-free.

ABS plastic

Whether you're a seasoned sex toy lover or just getting into the game, you'll need a guide to sex toy safety. There are many different materials that are commonly used to make sex toys, but not all are safe.

If you have allergies to latex, you'll want to avoid using toys that are made of plain rubber. This material tends to contain substances that are unpleasant and may cause rashes and burns.

Another option is to buy sex toys that are made from hypoallergenic materials. These materials don't contain common allergens, making them easier to clean. However, they can be more expensive than regular sex toys. You'll need to be careful with toys that claim to be hypoallergenic.

Stainless steel is another hypoallergenic material that can be easily cleaned. You can clean it with bleach or in a dishwasher. The advantage of this material is that it has no pores, so it's hard for bacteria to live in it.

Plastic is another popular material for sex toys. There are two types: nonporous and porous. The porous type has small holes or ridges along its surface. These can make it easy for bacteria to grow.

Stainless steel is also hard, but it cannot absorb bacteria. It is easy to clean and will last a long time.

Another type of sex toy material is silicone. This is often used to add a realistic feel to sex toys. You can use a lubricant with silicone toys. However, the lubricant can also deform the toy, leading to a tacky or sticky feeling.

Lastly, you should buy sex toys that are made from medical grade materials. This is important because some cheap sex toys are made from chemicals that are not body-safe.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is a safe material to use in sexual toys. This metal is not only hypoallergenic, it is also resistant to bacteria, fungus, and heat.

Stainless steel can be cleaned with soap and water or in a dishwasher. However, you should be careful to use a gentle dishwashing agent. If the toy is very dirty, you may want to clean it with a 10% bleach solution for 3-5 minutes. Then, rinse it thoroughly with water.

Some sex toys are made of lucite, which is a cheap, yet highly versatile material. Lucite is nontoxic in its natural form, and is also used to construct commercial aquariums and motorcycle helmet visors.

Lucite can be cleaned in a dishwasher, but should never be exposed to high temperature. If your sex toy has cracks, it may need to be cleaned with a toothbrush.

To prevent bacteria from entering a sex toy, you should avoid using it during anal play. Porous sex toys have microscopic holes that allow bacteria and fungus to flourish.

Toys made from non-porous materials such as glass are safe to clean. They can be wiped down with rubbing alcohol, or placed in a dishwasher. It is advisable to buy toys from reputable brands.

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a synthetic plastic polymer. It is often paired with phthalates. Besides being toxic, phthalates have been linked to cancer, male fertility problems, and neurological disorders.

Silicone is a popular choice for making sex toys more realistic. It's inexpensive and easy to clean, but it is not as durable as PVC or stainless steel.

Chrome alloy is another common material for sex toys. It is hypoallergenic and does not contain any pores.

Latex

Luckily, there are more than a few quality sex toys out there. However, not all of them are made of the same caliber material. The best way to make sure you're nipping the sex bug in the bud is to educate yourself on the various materials and brands out there. It is also a good idea to know if you're buying a novelty item from a reputable manufacturer. For instance, some companies print a "novelty" message on the packaging, meaning that they can bypass more stringent regulations.

One thing you should avoid is plain rubber sex toys, as they contain undesirable substances, such as latex and silicone. Thankfully, there are several sex toy companies out there that pride themselves on making the best sex toys on the market. Some manufacturers actually offer money back guarantees, so don't be afraid to shop around.

In addition, you should consider sex toy safety in the context of the entire experience, not just the time spent inside. When you consider the many different types of products available, it's important to find the most comfortable, safe and fun toy for you and your partner. For instance, if you're a heavyweight, you may want to steer clear of sexy sex toys that are too heavy for your partner's tastes. Toys made of plastic, rubber, and silicone can easily degrade over time. Therefore, be sure to choose a toy that's durable enough to last the distance. It's also a good idea to choose a sex toy that's waterproof, if you're taking your sex out on the town. Having a waterproof toy can also save you from a flooded abomination, as a last resort.