Body Safe Sex Toys: How to Choose a Body Safe Sex Toy

Sex toys have been around for a very long time. In 2005, German scientists discovered a stone dildo dating back to up to 30,000 years. It is not possible to say for sure whether the stone dildo was used for masturbation or for play with a partner. And one can argue both ways about whether a stone dildo is truly “body safe.”

What we do know is that sex toys are still a fantastic way to enhance sexual pleasure today. But with great pleasure comes great responsibility, and knowing how to find body-safe products is an important part of having the best time possible with your toy friend.

Less Stigma, More Sex Toys

Sex toys may have a long history, but they’ve really taken off in the last decade. Despite battles with censorship and a society still struggling to understand its relationship with sex, the introduction of sexual wellness products into the sex toy space is becoming more and more common.

The rise of sex-positive brands and sex-tech has paved the way for the sexual empowerment revolution, bringing sex toys out of the dingy backrooms and into the open. The quality of sex toys and the people selling them has increased dramatically. And, fuelled by pandemic lockdowns, we’ve seen a massive surge in sex toy sales over the last two years – a trend that shows no signs of slowing down now, even as we’re able to go out again.

As we continue to talk about it, share our positive experiences with our lovers and friends, and explore our own bodies with the technology we have today, the stigma around sex toy use is slowly but surely dissipating. Owning your pleasure is the new normal.

Not all sex toys are created equal

Despite this growing popularity and greater acceptance, there are still risks involved in purchasing sex toys. Some toys aren’t even safe for their intended use. Toxic or non-toxic. Porous or non-porous. Medical grade and body safe. You’ll often see these words used to sell sex toys.

Given the nature of these products, it’s important to be discerning and knowledgeable about what we’re putting into our most sensitive parts. Whether you’re buying a sex toy for the first time or want to learn more about the ones you already have in your drawer, knowing how to determine which O-inducing products are safest to use makes a huge difference to your well-being.

What does “body safe” actually mean?

If you’ve been around a sex toy store in the past few years, you’ve probably seen the “body-safe” label plastered all over the place. And for good reason. These products are meant to be used around and inside your most sensitive areas. Just like the cosmetics you use and the food you eat, it’s important to be able to make informed choices about what you consume.

The problem with the sex toy industry is that it is not yet regulated by the FDA. This means that there is no standard for what “body-safe” means and there is no guarantee that the product you are buying is, in fact, safe for your body. Reputable sex toy sellers are looking to distinguish themselves from shady dildo sellers who are taking advantage of the current industry anarchy.

We achieve this by sourcing, manufacturing, and selling products made exclusively from non-toxic, body-safe materials and ingredients. Your physical health is as important to us as your pleasure. There should be no doubt when purchasing sex toys that they are not body-safe. That is why 100% of the products in Bellesa’s BBoutique are 100% non-toxic and body-safe.

What are phthalates and why are they important?

Phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates), also known as plasticizers, are a group of chemicals. These chemicals are commonly used as additives to make materials more durable or flexible. They are found in many products, from plastic water bottles and garden hoses to lubricants and shampoos.

Phthalates are now known to be potentially carcinogenic and therefore toxic to humans. When used in sex toys, they can leach out of the toy material and damage your internal organs and have significant negative effects on your health. In other words, you should never use a sex toy that contains phthalates.

How to Avoid Toxic Sex Toys

Sex toys are made from all sorts of materials that fall into two main groups: porous and non-porous. You should be able to find the material your toy is made from on the packaging or the manufacturer’s website. If they avoid listing materials or ingredients, that’s your first clue that it’s probably best to avoid that product.

Porous sex toys

Porous materials are more likely to be made with phthalates to make them stretchier or have more “realistic” textures. They are often stretchy, transparent, sticky to the touch, and have a strong synthetic or rubbery smell. They exist because they are cheaper to produce, and as we already know, there is nothing stopping anyone from making toxic sex toys.

While harmful chemicals like phthalates are certainly something to be wary of, you’re much more likely to be prone to infections when using a porous toy. As the name suggests, they have pores along their sticky, grippy surfaces where microorganisms like bacteria, fungus, mold, and other dust and debris can get trapped. Not only is it difficult to clean, but it’s impossible to completely disinfect a porous toy.

Porous Doesn’t Always Mean Toxic

Although in most cases we recommend avoiding porous materials, they are not inherently dangerous. Elastomers, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), TPR (thermoplastic rubber) and TPS (thermosetting elastomer) can be phthalate-free and therefore non-toxic.

Penis rings are often made with these materials because of the elasticity they offer. And the world’s first infamous sex toy, the Original Magic Wand as well as the classic Doxy Classic Magic Wand Both have heads made of porous materials (TPR and PVC respectively). It is not dangerous to use phthalate-free porous toys on yourself; it is important to know what your toys are made of so that you can take care of them and yourself properly.

Porous sex toy materials to avoid for internal use include:

-Cyberskin

– Jelly

– PVC

– Rubber (including anything marked “skin safe”)

– UR3

– Vinyl

Your relationship with a porous sex toy should be exclusive and monogamous. But if you share your partner, cover it with a non-lubricated polyurethane condom between each partner. This does not guarantee your safety, but it is the only way to reduce the risk of infection.

Non-porous sex toys

Non-porous materials don’t hold onto microorganisms and particles, meaning they can be fully sterilized between uses. As a result, they’re a much safer option when it comes to your sex toy. They may be a little more expensive up front compared to cheaper porous toys, but the investment in your well-being is well worth it. Not to mention, they tend to have a longer lifespan, making them a better value in the long run.

While there are many impressive non-porous materials on the market, there are a few that stand out from the rest in terms of popularity: 100% pure silicone is by far one of the safest and most popular materials for sex toys today.

Not only is silicone easy to clean and maintain, it is also durable and pleasant to the touch. Its price may be higher than those questionable jellies, but medical grade silicone is regulated by the FDA and adheres to a certain health and safety standard, giving you the greatest peace of mind possible under current systems.

Other safe, non-porous materials include:

– ABS plastic

– Acrylic

– Ceramics

– Glass

– Drink

– Metal

The specificities of cleaning and maintaining your toy will depend on its material and whether or not it vibratesBut overall, these non-porous sex toy materials are 100% body-safe and easy to clean.

How can I ensure my sex toy is 100% body safe?

In short, it’s impossible. Since there are no regulations governing how sex toys should be made, there is nothing but the seller’s moral compass to stop them from selling toxic products.

Some people swear by the odor control method as an indicator of the quality of a toy’s material. While it is true that cheap and toxic materials can give off a strong synthetic odor, this is not always a reliable test. In particular, silicone, while considered non-porous for these purposes, is not 100% non-porous. Toys made with Body-safe silicone can also retain odors during the packaging and shipping processes. They simply require ventilation and a good cleaning before use.

The best way to avoid toxic materials is to shop with brands like Bellesa, who make a point of only offering body-safe toys and products and sticking to non-porous materials, especially for toys you plan to use internally or share with a partner. Shop Bellesa’s line of 100% body-safe toys here!