When it comes to male sex toys nowadays, you will find they come in an extensive range of styles and finishes. This can soon become quiet daunting when looking to purchase a new toy, as you might not fully understand the different materials and what they are? or even know what the abbreviations stand for!
We Have decided to put together a materials guide, to help you acquire a better understanding of each of the materials commonly used in the sex toy industry.
Although it is usually personal preference when it comes to choosing which sex toy material is for you, having the different materials outlined for you to understand better can often be a massive help when it comes to making the decision.
ABS
ABS is a long-lasting, hard plastic, which is incredibly strong. Some may be put off thinking its plastic surely that won’t feel nice, well in fact ABS plastic feels smooth against the skin.
ABS is the strong plastic, which is generally used to make Lego bricks, giving you an idea of how resistant ABS can be. ABS is a fantastic all-round material as I tis compatible with water, silicone or oil-based lubricants. Also, as it is a plastic, it is very easy to clean with warm soapy water.
You will find that ABS is generally used in bullet vibrators, lipstick vibrators and the handles of some silicone vibrators.
Silicone
Silicone is a smooth tough rubber, which is skin-safe and soft to touch. Silicone can withstand a great deal of stress; this allows it to be flexible when needed. Silicone is also incredibly resistant to high temperatures.
Silicone is very often regarded as one of the best sex toy materials and you will find that many of the ‘top end of the line’ dildos and massagers will often be made from the silicone or even have a silicone coating over ABS.
When it comes to using lube with silicone toys, it is advised to only use water-based lubricants, as silicone or oil-based lubes will damage the surface of your silicone toy.
TPE/TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomer or Thermoplastic Rubber)
TPE/TPR are often used for lifelike dildos or male masturbators, the blends are flexible rubber and skin safe.
TPE/TPR do not contain phthalates to soften the material, so all products made from TPE/TPR are phthalate free. They also have an incredibly high tear strength, which allows them to be made very soft without the risk of breaking down.
PVC
PVC is a very versatile material; it comes in various levels of hardness and can be found in more than just fetish clothing. PVC is also be used to make dildos or vibrators and is available in a wide range of colours.
Make sure you always check PVC product descriptions carefully before purchasing, you will notice that all non-phthalate products are labelled carefully. This is simply due to some PVC containing phthalates, however increasingly within the adult industry other plastic softeners are now generally used.
Latex
Latex is naturally produced by some plants, starting as a milky, white fluid before it gets turned into adult products. Latex is often used for latex gloves, condoms and some fetish clothes. Beware that even though latex is safe to use, some people are sensitive or allergic to latex, so unable to use products containing it.
Whilst using latex products, if you experience any soreness, tingling, a rash or another unpleasant sensation, make sure you stop and discard the product immediately and seek medical advice.
PU-Coating
PU or Polyurethane coating is starting to become increasingly popular within the sex toy production. PU is a liquid produced to be sprayed over a solid body (often made of ABS), giving it a silky texture, which can look shiny or matte depending on the spray process. PU can often be found on smaller dildos.
Glass
You will find that mainly dildos and butt plugs will be made from a smooth, yet tough glass, which is safe for intermate use. Borosilicate glass is the most common glass used, when it comes to producing sex toys, it is chemically reinforced during manufacturing, making it very strong and resistant.
Glass dildos could still be broken or even damaged, when dropped or after being hit against a hard surface, but the unique formula used to produce them means that they won’t break into sharp shards like normal glass. If you notice any damage on your glass dildo, make sure you discard it and don’t attempt to use it again.
