Understanding What Makes a Sex Toy Body-Safe
When navigating the world of sex toys, you’ll often come across terms like toxic, non-toxic, body-safe, skin-safe, and non-porous. While many of these are straightforward, "body-safe" is a term that often sparks debate and requires a deeper understanding.
Today, we’ll explore what makes a sex toy truly body-safe, but first, let's clarify some of the other terms you might encounter.
Toxic Sex Toys
The term "toxic" refers to materials that contain harmful or poisonous substances capable of causing serious injury. While no sex toy material has been proven to be deadly, certain toys do contain chemicals that can have adverse effects on the body. Although the presence of chemicals in sex toys is on the decline, thanks to increased awareness and testing, the industry is still largely unregulated. This means that materials like PVC, which can contain irritants like chlorine, may still be in circulation, particularly among lesser-known brands found on some selling platforms. The risk of encountering toxic substances is real, but thanks to more informed consumers, these dangers are becoming less common.
Non-Toxic Definition
Non-toxic materials, while not entirely free from risks, are generally considered safer. These are typically porous materials like TPR/TPE or certain "flesh-like" materials used in products like Fleshlights. While they may not contain harmful chemicals, their porous nature makes them susceptible to bacteria and yeast buildup.
Over time, these materials can break down, leading to potential health risks like vaginal infections. Thus, while non-toxic materials are less likely to cause immediate harm, they require careful maintenance and should be replaced regularly.
Skin-Safe Definition
The term "skin-safe" is often used by retailers to describe materials that are porous but claimed to be free from harmful chemicals. However, this term can be misleading. Porous materials like PVC can still cause skin irritation or burns, especially if they contain chlorine. Therefore, while "skin-safe" may sound reassuring, it doesn't necessarily mean the material is free from risks.
Body-Safe Sex Toy Definitions
A truly body-safe sex toy is one that is both non-toxic and non-porous. This means it won't harbor bacteria or break down over time, reducing the risk of infections or other health issues. Materials like medical-grade silicone, high-quality stainless steel, and properly treated glass and wood fall into this category. However, identifying truly body-safe products can be challenging, especially with the abundance of white-label brands and unregulated products on the market. To ensure your safety, it's best to buy from trusted brands and retailers that are endorsed by reputable sex toy reviewers.
Exceptions to Body-Safe Sex Toy Materials
For certain materials like metal, glass, and wood, additional considerations are necessary. Metal toys should be made from surgical-grade alloys, like njoy’s 316 grade stainless steel, and shouldn’t be highly magnetic. Glass toys should use non-toxic pigments, and wood toys should be sealed with food-grade or medical-grade sealants. Given the complexities of these materials, it's crucial to purchase from brands with transparent manufacturing processes and to rely on trusted reviews.
In conclusion, while the term "body-safe" is often used loosely in the sex toy industry, a truly body-safe toy is non-toxic, non-porous, and made from high-quality materials. By being informed and cautious in your purchases, you can enjoy your toys with confidence and peace of mind.