Safe Sex Toys: Are There Toxins In Your Dildo?

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Today, consumers demand to know what’s in just about everything, from their cleaning products to their makeup to their potato chips. But when it comes to something that arguably comes in the closest contact with our bodies, we may not be asking as many questions.

We’re talking about safe sex toys. Since the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate them, these products deserve far more scrutiny than they get. Many sex toys on the market aren’t just naughty in a fun way – they contain naughty ingredients that should be banned, but aren’t. If you demand that your sexual partners present clean STD results, use condoms and take other precautions, then you should demand that your sex toys be clean, too. Here’s what you need to know about toxins in sex toys.

Why Aren’t Sex Toys Regulated?

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It might seem shocking that the FDA wouldn’t want to know what’s inside of the things we put, well, inside of us (sometimes). But, as The Columbia Chronicle explains, the FDA does not regulate these products because they aren’t considered “medical devices.” Only select sex toys (like vibrators made for “therapeutic use”) that are used to treat sexual disorders are regulated by the FDA. But most sex toys that you encounter in your favorite adult shop or online won’t fall under this category.

Some experts in the sex toy, public health and policy-making realms also speculate that it’s best the FDA not get involved. Here’s why: the moment the FDA gets involved, the federal government can get involved, too. Translation: certain sex toys could be straight-up criminalized.

What Toxins Are Hiding In Your Sex Toys?

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If you are looking for safe sex toys, then there are some ingredients you should steer clear of entirely. These include:

• Phthalates. These make sex toys flexible and are one of the most common toxins found in things like dildos. However, they’ve been linked to a slew of issues by the National Library of Medicine including birth defects and sperm damage.
• Polyvinyl Chlorine. Also known as PVC, this stuff is used in the manufacturing of many sex toys. It’s used to sterilize items, but it can cause irritation in sensitive areas.
• Trimethyltin Chloride. This is another ingredient used in the manufacturing of sex toys. It has been known to cause reproductive damage and learning impairments. To give some idea of how dangerous it is, it’s listed as a hazardous substance by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.
• Toluene. Toluene is a phytochemical solvent that’s been linked to reproductive issues. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment lists it as a reproductive hazard.

How To Identify Safe Sex Toys

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Look for sex toys that are labeled as “Phthalate-free” and made with “body-safe materials.” These body-safe materials include:

• Pure silicone
• Medical-grade stainless steel
• Borosilicate glass
• Hard plastic
• Polished natural stone (like quartz)

To be extra safe, shop from companies that are known for making non-toxic, body-safe sex toys and who take a tremendous amount of pride in making clean products. Funkit Toys, Happy Valley Silicone, We-Vibe, Fun Factory, New York Toy Collective, Tantus, Jimmyjane and Vixen Creations are some – but there are many others. Do your research, and read reviews about the companies and their products.

Additional Tips For Finding Safe Sex Toys:

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There are a few more tips that can help you determine if a sex toy is body-safe. Even if a company says that it is, you must be an advocate for yourself and arm yourself with knowledge. So keep these in mind:

• Real silicone is opaque. Real silicone will not be see-through, so avoid transparent dildos.
• Residue-free is the way to be. When you touch real silicone, you should not see any residue left behind.
• If it doesn’t smell clean, it probably isn’t. Toys made with body-safe materials and nothing else shouldn’t have any smell. If you smell something “chemically,” then it probably is not a clean toy.
• Say “No” to novelties. If it is labeled “for novelty use only,” skip it. That’s the company’s way of avoiding liabilities when their products are not entirely clean.

How To Safely Clean Your Sex Toys

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There’s no use in finding safe sex toys if you clean them with toxins. When choosing sex toy cleaners, avoid anything containing:

• Isothiazolinone Preservatives: These are irritants that can cause allergic reactions and possible endocrine disruptions.
• Triclosan: This is an antibacterial ingredient that can cause endocrine disruptions.
• Parabens. These can disrupt hormones and lead to fertility and reproductive issues.
• Fragrances. These can cause allergic reactions.

It’s best to simply clean your sex toys with water and castile soap. Avoid fragranced soaps. Dry them with a clean washcloth.

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