When it comes to having a little adult fun time, it’s fair to assume that sex toys are safe to use on and in your body. But did you know that the FDA classifies sex toys as novelty items and doesn’t actually regulate the industry? This is why plastic free and eco sex toys are so important! Here’s what you need to know about the materials used in making sex toys and the great alternatives on the market right now.
Why Choose Toys Without Harmful Plastic?
Phthalates are chemicals that we use to make bind things as well as make them more flexible. You can find these chemicals in cheaper, rubber sex toys. Yet these chemicals are dangerous – they’ve been linked to asthma, neurodevelopmental issues, obesity, and male fertility issues.
You should also be aware of other dangerous chemicals and materials often used in sex toys, including phenol, carbon disulfide, timethytin chloride, cadmium, and toluene. These chemicals can cause more minor symptoms, like itching or burning, and more severe issues, like tissue damage and rashes. They may also cause harmful effects to the central nervous system and, for pregnant or breastfeeding people, these chemicals can even negatively affect fetuses.
Anytime you’re shopping for a sex toy, be sure to read the materials list and look for any of these dangerous chemicals. You should avoid any sex toys that have strong smells, like a cheap plastic-y smell.
The Best Plastic Free and Eco Sex Toys
1. Stainless Steel Sex Toys
Stainless steel sex toys can last you a lifetime. They require less maintenance than other sex toys. Since you use them just as they are, there’s no need to recharge or separate parts to prolong battery life. Moreover, you can use stainless steel toys with any lube, and they are easy to clean, sanitise and store. The extra weight of these toys means you can use gravity to your advantage – plus, you can have great fun with temperature play by placing them in the fridge or freezer – a nice advantage to this material.
2. Borsilicate glass dildos
Though it might seem delicate, borosilicate glass is solid and strong. It’s nontoxic and isn’t porous, it doesn\’t change form in high temperatures making it a great material for sex toys. It’s easy to clean. You can also choose to place it under hot water to warm it up or in the freezer to cool it down. You can find raised spiral, ribbed, and hollow options.
3. Bamboo and wood dildos
Wood is a natural material with no nasty chemicals that can be sustainably grown and composted at end of life. If you choose a bamboo or natural wood dildo, make sure it’s treated with something natural – for example, this one is treated with food-grade silicone oil. You can find them made of different types of wood and in different shapes. You may also want to use the dildo with a condom, as wood is naturally porous, which means it absorbs moisture which can make it easy for bacteria to grow.
4. Bioplastic sex toys
If you’re looking for an option that more closely resembles “normal” sex toys, this vibrator has a starch-based, body-safe bioplastic exterior with a silicone interior. You can compost or recycle all parts of the vibrator, so there’s no waste at the end of life.
Remember here are the sex toy materials to check for and avoid:
- Jelly: A cheaper material used to make sex toys feel more realistic. Jellies contain dangerous phthalates.
- Rubber: This material is commonly used to make dildos. It has a pungent chemical odor and can cause allergic reactions. If you own one, you can use it with a condom because it is porous.
- PVC and vinyl: These are both cheap materials that contain phthalates.
Which plastic free and eco sex toys would you try? Are there any others that you recommend? Let me know in the comments!
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