Body safe sex toy materials and why they're awesome

There are lots of toys out there available for your pleasure, but some are not safe to put in your body. They may be made of toxic materials or are not durable enough to stand the test of time.

Luckily, there are tons of toys made with materials that will not introduce harmful substances or chemicals in your body. Here are five of the most body-safe sex toy materials on the market.

Ceramic

Fired at temperatures as high as 1,600 C when being produced, ceramic is a highly durable and strong material made from a clay-like mineral called kaolinite. The smooth surface of ceramic sex toys is achieved in a cooling process called vitrification. Glass toys also go through this process. Ceramic toys are non-porous (don’t let in air or liquid) and are great for withstanding different external temperatures. This makes it great for temperature play.

To clean, simply use soap, boil it in water or throw it in the dishwasher. Do not use harsh scrubbing agents on it or it could disrupt the surface of the toy.

Use silicone or water-based lubricant on these types of toys.

Glass

Glass toys are known for their thermal resistance, texture and cosmetic appeal. Often manufactured under the name borosilicate glass (brand name Pyrex), the toys come in a variety of shapes, sizes and types.

This non-porous material is crafted by melting a mixture of sand and other minerals that are cooled before the point of crystallization, unlike ceramic. Pyrex is simply a less dense alternative that is achieved by adding boron to the mixture. As a result, it's less likely to shatter when dropped.

Cleaning techniques include boiling it in water, throwing it in the dishwasher or simply cleaning it with a disinfectant.

All types of lube can be used on glass toys.

Hard plastic

If you've purchased a sex toy or two made of hard plastic, you've made a good decision. Hard plastic is a great material for intimate use because it’s phthalate-free, non-porous and easy to clean.

Hard plastic toys often are made from synthetic and organic materials that are moldable when produced. Although you should not put it in the dishwasher or boil it, you still can clean plastic toys with a soap and water mixture or a 10 percent bleach solution for a deeper clean. Make sure you try not to drop it, as it has the potential to break if dropped with force or from a considerable height.

You can use water, oil or silicone-based lubes.

Metal

Two of the most popular types of metal toys on the market are aluminum and stainless steel.

Aluminum, which is one of the most abundant materials on the planet, is notable because it is lightweight, non-porous and will not rust due to contact with body fluid. It also retains temperature very well.

Stainless steel, another popular metal, is a low-maintenance material that also is corrosion-resistant. The highest body-safe quality sold is surgical grade because of its essentially non-porous and sleek texture. It has the ability to be sanitized at high temperatures, making it safe to put in the dishwasher or boiled for a deep clean.

Both of these high-value toy materials can be used with water, oil or silicone-based lubes for play. Aluminum can be put on the top rack and boiled as well.

Silicone

Toys made of 100 percent silicone are soft, have a skin-like texture and are 100 percent safe for your body. They are made from synthetic polymers, which are semi-manmade, similar to plastic. They are phthalate-free and very durable.

Silicone often is used for waterproof toys because the structure is not porous, despite its soft texture. Great for temperature play as well, silicone withstands high-friction environments. Since lint and hair is attracted to this material, make sure you store it in a pouch or plastic case.

Never use silicone-based lubricants with silicone toys because it will break down the material. Water-based lubes are highly recommended. It also is dishwasher safe and can be sterilized with a quick bath in boiling water.

Toys made from the above materials can be purchased with any budget. As with all sex toys, make sure you pay attention to what type of lubricant you use and your toy will go the distance. Your body and your partner will thank you for not exposing them to potentially harmful chemicals.