GUIDE TO SAFE MATERIALS
and what to do with them
Content Warning: Depiction of sex toys and genital prosthesis
English page made with the purpose to provide an italian translation. I advice strongly to check the creators listed.
Info put together in this page, edited and added by Mush.
Content creators: Phallophile Reviews | RedHeadBedHead | DangerousLilly | Lily O'Riley | HausGecko
INDEX
WHY A GUIDE?
The sex toy industry is unregulated. Items are actually sold as novelties (rare exceptions such Gendercat who refers to them as medical silicone prosthesis). There is no industry standard definition of body safe and the term is used in misleading ways or left unclear. Euphemistic terms are used to describe the material such skin like, ultraskin, soft plastic or even silicone regarless of the material being a blend and not 100% medical grade silicone (that is actually suited for intimate items), some companies even print on the box "silicone" while the listing online truthfully states PVC. People assume that they must be safe - they're sex toys or packers after all - without a clear understanding of actually what makes items safe for intimate and internal use.
The sex toy industry is unregulated. Items are actually sold as novelties (rare exceptions such Gendercat who refers to them as medical silicone prosthesis). There is no industry standard definition of body safe and the term is used in misleading ways or left unclear. Euphemistic terms are used to describe the material such skin like, ultraskin, soft plastic or even silicone regarless of the material being a blend and not 100% medical grade silicone (that is actually suited for intimate items), some companies even print on the box "silicone" while the listing online truthfully states PVC. People assume that they must be safe - they're sex toys or packers after all - without a clear understanding of actually what makes items safe for intimate and internal use.
THEN WHERE TO BUY?
Beside the ethical reasons that make preferable supporting local queer artisans and small co-ops, it's more likely that an indie maker has interest in making quality products. Some makers like Fuze Toys even offer a lifetime guarantee.
Picking a well established brand doesn't mean you don't have to do your researches. It's not uncommon that they make lines of both safe and unsafe toys. In case you're buying from a reseller. It's possible you will receive an item sent back or a counterfeit item. So, while they may offer better price, be careful who you're actually buying from, check reviews and check your box when it arrives.
What about all the new shops selling packers showing up lately? They are all very similar both in websites and products (probably they're replicating the same molds, often stolen by other makers). Check always the FAQ for product provenience and extra info on materials, be wary if you see the same pictures used for their artisan workshops section.
I'm filling out a list of shops that I or other reviewers had good experiences with in the LINK section. By no means that's a complete list and where there are reservations, it's indicated so. There is also an avoid list for shops with very questionable situations going on.
I remind to people living in the EU, that they can return unopened items within 14 days. It's not the case for custom made items.
Also Germany may cover expenses for silicone penis prosthesis.
You may still want to buy something inexpensive to try it out, but be warned.
Beside the ethical reasons that make preferable supporting local queer artisans and small co-ops, it's more likely that an indie maker has interest in making quality products. Some makers like Fuze Toys even offer a lifetime guarantee.
Picking a well established brand doesn't mean you don't have to do your researches. It's not uncommon that they make lines of both safe and unsafe toys. In case you're buying from a reseller. It's possible you will receive an item sent back or a counterfeit item. So, while they may offer better price, be careful who you're actually buying from, check reviews and check your box when it arrives.
What about all the new shops selling packers showing up lately? They are all very similar both in websites and products (probably they're replicating the same molds, often stolen by other makers). Check always the FAQ for product provenience and extra info on materials, be wary if you see the same pictures used for their artisan workshops section.
I'm filling out a list of shops that I or other reviewers had good experiences with in the LINK section. By no means that's a complete list and where there are reservations, it's indicated so. There is also an avoid list for shops with very questionable situations going on.
I remind to people living in the EU, that they can return unopened items within 14 days. It's not the case for custom made items.
Also Germany may cover expenses for silicone penis prosthesis.
You may still want to buy something inexpensive to try it out, but be warned.
BODY SAFE SEX TOY AND PROSTHESIS MATERIALS
The materials in this category are safe for internal and external use. They can be sanitized between uses and between partners.
- Silicone is is hydrophobic: its molecules repel water, which bacteria can thrive in. It is the only body safe material that can be soft and flexible, and it comes in all different firmnesses. There are also dual (or triple) density toys with a squishier outer layer of silicone poured over a firm inner core, so that the item feels soft externally but isn’t floppy in use. See Phallophile Reviews dildo firmness guide for more info.
Most reliable tags are medical grade silicone and platinum cured silicone. There are cheap silicone products, while they may still be safe-ish, they have a bad taste/smell and may expand when in contact with other silicone pieces. They're likely to be a blend. Silicone toys don’t usually have a smell, at least not in the strong way that porous PVC toys do. Anyone with a sensitive nose may notice a slight smell on a new toy (especially if it’s been sitting in its plastic packaging for a while). If there is a smell, it should fade when the toy is sanitized and left to dry.
- ABS plastic is a type of hard plastic that’s very chemically stable. It’s commonly used in body-safe vibrating toys, often together with silicone.
- Metal toys can be safe when they’re made of high-quality, properly finished metals, like Njoy’s medical-grade-stainless-steel dildos and plugs. Keep in mind that steel is relatively expensive: If the price on a "stainless steel" toy seems too good to be true, it probably isn't what is advertised.
- Glass sex toys are nonporous, easy to clean, and can be heated in warm water or cooled for temperature play. Borosilicate glass, which has been engineered to be resistant to pressure, thermal shock, and acidic conditions, is the type most commonly used in sex toy manufacturing. However, some independent brands also use “soda-lime” glass, which is treated to make the glass resistant to pressure, more heat-resistant, and less likely to break. It is very important to note that once a glass toy has been chipped, it should no longer be used as a sex toy, as its structure has been compromised.
- Ceramic is not that commonly used, but toys made from it (usually dildos) are safe and lovely. Ceramic toys are great for playing with temperature; some can even be filled with water of varying temperatures to change the sensation! As with glass, carefully examine ceramic toys for chips and/or cracks before each use.
- Stone dildos are made of semi-precious stones that are smoothed and finished so as to be functionally nonporous.
- Wood toys are safe if they’re coated in multiple layers of body-safe varnish, like Nobessence toys are.
POROUS MATERIALS
Materials below are classified as unsafe because they’re porous and also because—in certain cases—they may be toxic.
Porous toys are unsuited for long-term use because the materials they’re made from will harbor bacteria, mold, and other harmful microorganisms. Antibacterial wipes and cleaners only clean the “absolute surface” of a toy; they can’t penetrate deeper into the material. These toys can’t be sanitized, so these microorganisms continue to grow, no matter whether or not you use antibacterial toy cleaners or wipes. You can still use condoms for some of them, but we advice to opt for safe materials instead. Some items may be handy for trying out packing when you're still unsure and have no budget, but remember that you will have to toss them sooner than later.
All the materials listed later in this section are porous, but, not all porous toys are toxic.
Materials below are classified as unsafe because they’re porous and also because—in certain cases—they may be toxic.
Porous toys are unsuited for long-term use because the materials they’re made from will harbor bacteria, mold, and other harmful microorganisms. Antibacterial wipes and cleaners only clean the “absolute surface” of a toy; they can’t penetrate deeper into the material. These toys can’t be sanitized, so these microorganisms continue to grow, no matter whether or not you use antibacterial toy cleaners or wipes. You can still use condoms for some of them, but we advice to opt for safe materials instead. Some items may be handy for trying out packing when you're still unsure and have no budget, but remember that you will have to toss them sooner than later.
All the materials listed later in this section are porous, but, not all porous toys are toxic.
- TPR, TPE, and elastomer: TPR is a synthetic rubber, while TPE is an elastomer (a stretchy polymer). These materials are commonly used in masturbators, cock rings, and inexpensive packers and dildos. Though chemically different, both TPR and TPE are both porous enough that mold and bacteria can flourish in toys made from them within a short period of time, especially if the toys aren’t dried properly and are exposed to warmth (like from sunlight). Though porous, TPR and TPE aren’t toxic like many of the materials further down this list.
- “Realistic-feel” products: Often found in canister masturbators (sleeves), these materials are mysterious, in that they made be made up of multiple other porous materials in this list (like rubber, PVC, and TPR) as well as mineral oils - we just don’t know. Some of these materials can’t even be cleaned with soap because this causes their material to begin to break down - so forget trying to sanitize them without using harsh chemicals. Over time, realistic-feel products begin to exude oils (and other microorganisms hiding inside) and often become very sticky.
- Rubber: This is another porous material that often contains phthalates; there’s no way to tell for sure what’s in it without chemical analysis. Note that though body-safe silicone is technically “silicone rubber,” toys labeled as simply “rubber” are most definitely not silicone and are not body-safe.
- Latex: Latex is best known for its use in condoms. Assuming the user and their partner don’t have latex allergies, latex condoms are safe. However, latex condoms do have a limited shelf life because they degrade over time. Due to this lack of chemical stability, latex sex toys are generally unsafe.
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Jars with jelly pieces, melting on the left and silicone, unaltered on the right.
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TOXIC MATERIALS
Toxic toys leach harmful byproducts into your body, including unknown chemical additives and phthalates. Phthalates are a special cause for concern because these plasticizers (additives that make PVC and other rubbers softer and more flexible) have been associated with—but not directly linked to—cancer and numerous other health problems Some types of phthalates have affected the reproductive system in animals. Human health effects from exposure to low levels of phthalates are not as clear. More research is needed to assess the human health effects of exposure to phthalates. See also Phthalates Factsheet.
Though not all phthalates are the same, at least one, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” from a report by the US Department of Health and Human Services’ National Toxicology Program.
Here is a list:
1-Methyl-2 Pyrrolidinone,
Dimethy lphosphite,
Phenol, Phthalates,
Toluene. Tetrahydrofuran,
Dimethylformamide,
Cyclohexanone,
Diethylhexyl Phthalates.
They have been banned from children’s toys and other child-care products that might be sucked on or eaten, but so far, they could still end up in your vibrator. Keep in mind that they're still in a lot of other products too, such as perfume and makeup.
See this page on the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website for more details about the law.
Toxic toys leach harmful byproducts into your body, including unknown chemical additives and phthalates. Phthalates are a special cause for concern because these plasticizers (additives that make PVC and other rubbers softer and more flexible) have been associated with—but not directly linked to—cancer and numerous other health problems Some types of phthalates have affected the reproductive system in animals. Human health effects from exposure to low levels of phthalates are not as clear. More research is needed to assess the human health effects of exposure to phthalates. See also Phthalates Factsheet.
Though not all phthalates are the same, at least one, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” from a report by the US Department of Health and Human Services’ National Toxicology Program.
Here is a list:
1-Methyl-2 Pyrrolidinone,
Dimethy lphosphite,
Phenol, Phthalates,
Toluene. Tetrahydrofuran,
Dimethylformamide,
Cyclohexanone,
Diethylhexyl Phthalates.
They have been banned from children’s toys and other child-care products that might be sucked on or eaten, but so far, they could still end up in your vibrator. Keep in mind that they're still in a lot of other products too, such as perfume and makeup.
See this page on the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website for more details about the law.
LUBE AND CONDOMS
Shop Phthalates-free lube. Water-based lube is generally preferable because you'll avoid weird interactions with condoms (resulting in breaking), with silicone toys - especially if not sure of their composition - and soft toys that aren't silicone.
When using condoms on sex toys buy non-lubricated condoms, or condoms that specifically say that they use water-based lube. They may infact may use cheap silicone lube that will damage your toy or prosthesis. For silicone or hard materials, you can use a latex condom if you don’t have latex allergies. For porous materials it is probably best to use polyurethane condoms – many porous materials have oil in the material as a softener, and oil is not compatible with latex. See dedicated page [link page]
Shop Phthalates-free lube. Water-based lube is generally preferable because you'll avoid weird interactions with condoms (resulting in breaking), with silicone toys - especially if not sure of their composition - and soft toys that aren't silicone.
When using condoms on sex toys buy non-lubricated condoms, or condoms that specifically say that they use water-based lube. They may infact may use cheap silicone lube that will damage your toy or prosthesis. For silicone or hard materials, you can use a latex condom if you don’t have latex allergies. For porous materials it is probably best to use polyurethane condoms – many porous materials have oil in the material as a softener, and oil is not compatible with latex. See dedicated page [link page]
CLEANING YOUR BODY SAFE ITEMS
Wash your items with soap and hot water before and after each use, no need of specific cleaning products. For low effort masturbating sessions, that's likely to be enough. If some parts are hard to reach, use a clean toothbrush.
Body-safe toys should be sanitized when you first purchase them, between vaginal and anal use, between ses by non-fluid-bonded partners, and after each use if you have an active yeast or bacterial infection. Remember you can also use a condom for them if the shape allows it!
Wash your items with soap and hot water before and after each use, no need of specific cleaning products. For low effort masturbating sessions, that's likely to be enough. If some parts are hard to reach, use a clean toothbrush.
Body-safe toys should be sanitized when you first purchase them, between vaginal and anal use, between ses by non-fluid-bonded partners, and after each use if you have an active yeast or bacterial infection. Remember you can also use a condom for them if the shape allows it!
How to sanitize your toy depends on which materials it’s made of. For all methods, wash the toy with soap and water after sanitizing (and after the toy has cooled down, in the case of boiling and baking).
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- Vibrators are often waterproof and can be washed under running water with soap. Alternatively wet the vibrator and a cloth with warm water, apply soap to the damp cloth, and gently wash the toy with the soapy washcloth for 20 seconds. Then rinse it quickly under warm running water and dry thoroughly with a clean towel. For vibrators that have a seam between the ABS plastic and silicone sections, it’s important to pay special attention to this crack. An unused toothbrush may be useful in cleaning the area. They can't be boiled or backed due the electronic parts.
- All toys can be wiped down with rubbing alcohol (and of course thoroughly washed afterward).
- Nearly all body-safe toys can be soaked in a 10%-bleach solution: the exception is some types of wooden dildos. Immediately after removing your toys from the bleach solution, be sure to thoroughly wash them with soap and water. Remember to never boil bleach. For vibrators that have a seam between the ABS plastic and silicone sections, it’s important to pay special attention to this crack. An unused toothbrush may be useful in cleaning the area.
- Silicone toys can also be baked at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes. This is helpful in removing butt odors. Temperature and timing taken from How Can I Remove Butt Odors by Dangerous Lilly.
- Silicone (nonvibrating), wood, and metal toys can be put through the “sanitize” cycle in a dishwasher (without detergent). If your dishwasher doesn’t have a sanitize cycle, consider boiling or bleaching instead.
STORING AND MAINTENANCE
When not in use put your items in a dedicate storage, like a box or a drawer. You can separate the items with cloths bags, storage tubes and boxes. Good quality silicone items can stay together (and you can live your fantasy of having a box full of dicks). If your items are made with unstable blends (unfortunately called silicone by their sellers) they may start to break down, release oils and possibly melt, stain and damage your good toys. |
Put together only toys that you know they come from reliable makers. It's telling if they are also displayed all together, touching. Porous materials must be separated, they are likely to break down on their own after some time. Don't leave them in the open and under direct sunlight. Be sure they're dry or they will start to grow mold (that you won't be able to remove from inside the toy).
If you're displaying your silicone toys on glass shelves, be careful, some glass has an anti-shatter film and it can be reactive to silicone. Sometimes it can take days/weeks for a noticeable reaction to occurs.
If you're displaying your silicone toys on glass shelves, be careful, some glass has an anti-shatter film and it can be reactive to silicone. Sometimes it can take days/weeks for a noticeable reaction to occurs.
Softer silicone or porous materials used for cheap packers benefit from a light application of corn starch after cleaning and drying. It keeps the surface smooth avoiding tackiness. Corn starch is used in cooking and can be applied on the skin, it's generally safe to use, but people may be allergic too or get sensitive over time with exposure! Stop using it if you get skin rashes.
Apply the powder by hand on your packer, or use a piece of cloth, or a beauty brush. Don't dampen it, put it away or pack with it. When applying to STP or multifunctions, do it only on the outside. They need to be washed if you applied cornstarch inside. |
SELLING YOUR ITEMS
Only real body safe items can reasonably be sold (or unopened ones of course). There are some dedicated space such:
Only real body safe items can reasonably be sold (or unopened ones of course). There are some dedicated space such:
- Reddit r/UsedSexToys
- Reddit r/FTM look for the monthly recurring thread
- FTM Garage Sale blog
DISPOSING OF YOUR ITEMS
Most of the safe materials can be recycled. Check your city guidelines to be sure of what you can bring to their recycle centers or what they collect. Toys with electic part don't go in the regular trash, they're usually taken aparts in the recycle centers to separate the materials. Remove batteries from the toys when possible.
The materials in the unsafe list can't be recycled.
There are shops who have a recycling program, regardless of where you bought the item from and other websites:
Most of the safe materials can be recycled. Check your city guidelines to be sure of what you can bring to their recycle centers or what they collect. Toys with electic part don't go in the regular trash, they're usually taken aparts in the recycle centers to separate the materials. Remove batteries from the toys when possible.
The materials in the unsafe list can't be recycled.
There are shops who have a recycling program, regardless of where you bought the item from and other websites:
- Lovehoney (UK)
- Come as you are (Canada)
- Terra Cycle