Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Phthalates in Sex Toys

With all the recalls of many different products these days, it's hard to know what is safe for personal use and what may be potential harmful. When it comes to sex toys and adult related novelties, the harmful additives used are called “Phthalates”. Phthalates are used to soften otherwise harder and more uncomfortable materials. Each sex toy is different, and may or may not contain phthalates. If you are unsure about a particular item, contact the sex toy store you are wishing to purchase the toy from, and they will be able to tell you exactly which toys are safe and which toys are not.


Please note – This article is simply an outline, each sex toy manufacturer is different and have their own individual ways of creating the material mixes. As stated earlier, if unsure, contact the sex toy store you shop with, and they will contact the manufacturer on your behalf.


Glass, wood, plastic and metal sex toys are guaranteed to be phthalate free, as they are non porous and do not have any chemicals to soften them. These are the safest toys to purchase if you are concerned with harmful chemicals and wish to purchase a phthalate free sex toy.


These toys are very versatile, but can also be very expensive. As in many aspects of life, you get what you pay for, so dishing out a little extra dough for a high quality sex toy will usually mean you are going to be satisfied with your purchase. Glass sex toys in particular are a good buy for their price. These toys can be heated or cooled, and are almost all fracture resistant and very durable. Also, these toys will be easiest to clean.


Cyberskin sex toys are almost certain to be phthalate free, but it is best to check with the sex toy store if you are concerned. The toys are the life like toys in both look and feel. Special care is required for this material, as it may dry out and crack if not properly stored.


Pleasureskin is another realistic material, but has a higher chance of containing phthalates than Cyberskin. This material is much like a softened jelly/rubber material, and can also mimic realistic skin. These sex toys are good quality, and are easier to clean than Cyberskin.


Silicone and jelly sex toys vary from toy to toy. These materials may or may not contain phthalates, and you will have to contact the sex toy store for each individual product. Soft, squish and very comfortable, silicone sex toys can last a long time, but must never be mixed with a silicone based lubrication. Using a silicone based lube with a silicone sex toy may cause the toy to melt by chemical reaction. Use a water based lubricant with silicone sex toys. As for jelly, some variations of jelly sex toys also contain silicone, and some do not. Water based lubricant is recommended just in case it does contain some silicone.


Rubber sex toys may also contain phthalates. This material usually does, as it is most often softened by the manufacturer. Again, check with your sex toy store for individual product information.


Sex toys are perfect companions to any romantic evening or shameless self pleasure encounter, but can also contain some potentially harmful chemicals. Although extensive testing has not been conducted to know for sure if phthalates are harmful to people or not, if you are concerned, contact your sex toy store for information on this topic.

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