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Vibrators and other sex toys are made from a variety of materials. They can be made of plastic, silicone, rubber, jelly, TPR, TPE or combinations thereof.

What are the differences? What should you look out for? What are safe materials? And what about phthalates? How do you recognise and avoid toxic materials?

What it says on the label is not always what is inside

First of all, you should know that manufacturers of vibrators and other sex toys are subject to very little regulation. They do not have to disclose what materials their products are made from. They do not have to indicate that a sex toy contains harmful materials, such as phthalates. In fact, sex toy manufacturers are required to share very little and may claim a great deal, except that their products cure or help treat a disease or health condition.

So it is the case that companies are not always clear and honest about the materials they use in their products. If you want the assurance of safe intimacy, you should read on. We are happy to provide you with an explanation of the different materials, which are safe and how you can ensure you do not run any health risks.

Phthalates are often present, but you do not want them

What are phthalates?

Phthalates are chemical substances that are added to plastics, most commonly PVC, to make them more flexible. They are therefore often called plasticisers. They make plastic supple and pliable.

Dangerous? Toxic?

Various studies have shown that phthalates can be harmful to health. As early as 2005, a European ban on phthalates in children's toys was introduced.
Many people experience allergic and chemical reactions when they come into contact with phthalates. Phthalates have even been linked to diabetes, breast cancer, reduced sperm count, ADHD, liver damage, insulin resistance, metabolic interference (contributing to obesity), asthma and allergies, premature breast development in girls, abnormal genital development in boys (small penis, undescended testicles), autism and low birth weight in infants. The use of phthalates is banned in children's toys, but not in sex toys.

Illustratie bij artikel over materialen vibrators bij De Paarse Keizerin met tips en inspiratie

How do you recognise phthalates?

Phthalates can be recognised by a chemical smell. A smell that remains even after washing the toy. In addition, the toys are often made of transparent and brightly coloured material. The material can feel somewhat sticky and these toys are often very cheap.

Do you see a vibrator made of transparent pink material? And is it very cheap? And from an unknown brand?
Then there is a good chance that phthalates have been used in it.

Illustratie bij artikel over materialen vibrators bij De Paarse Keizerin met tips en inspiratie

Porous versus non-porous materials

It is therefore important to ensure that your toy does not contain phthalates. After all, why would you take risks? In addition, it is important to look at the level of porosity of the material from which the toy is made.
The materials used to make vibrators and sex toys can be broadly divided into two major categories: porous and non-porous.

The problem with porous material is that dirt and bacteria can virtually never be completely removed. Some body residue, lubricant, dust or dirt always remains on the toy. These substances (and odours) cannot be removed 100%. The bacteria can therefore multiply and mould can develop. This means that porous sex toys can infect you or your partner with a recurring bacterial infection. There is also a risk of STI transmission if the toy is shared between partners.

By using a condom, you can keep these toys reasonably clean, but the inability to thoroughly clean them remains a major disadvantage of porous material.
Porous toys should preferably not be shared between partners, and the same porous toy should not be used both vaginally and anally.

The less porous the material, the better.

Many porous materials contain toxic phthalates

All materials that contain phthalates fall under the porous category. Although not all porous materials contain phthalates, there is a high probability.

Non-porous is better but more expensive

Non-porous materials are generally of better quality, but also more expensive on average. However, because these materials are non-porous, no dirt or bacteria can get in, they can be thoroughly cleaned and the material lasts longer. Most non-porous materials are hard, but silicone (a soft material) is also a non-porous material.

Sex toy materials: which material is the best?

That is actually quite personal, because they all give a different feel and have different advantages and disadvantages. But there are clear differences. And there are also materials you should avoid or at least be very careful with. Below is an overview.

Silicone

Soft materials are usually porous, but silicone is not. Silicone adapts to body temperature. The material can transmit vibrations well and silicone can be thoroughly cleaned. A good silicone product will, with proper use and care, last a lifetime. A product made of 100% silicone is a 100% safe product.

Note: It is not always 100% silicone

There are also products, often from cheaper shops, that are made from a mix of silicone with other substances. You can usually test this by twisting the product; if it is made of 100% silicone, the colour and structure remain the same everywhere. If it is made from a mix of materials, the material is not the same everywhere and you may see, for example, whitish streaks in it.

Keep in mind that many companies claim their product is made of silicone, but this is not always the case. It may be that a product is made from a mix of elastomer and thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and the manufacturer claims it is made of silicone. This means the product is more porous than you might assume.

Also, not all silicone is the same and there are significant differences in the way the material is processed.
A safe choice, even for a silicone product, is a reputable, trustworthy brand.

Advantages and disadvantages of silicone, and care

Advantages of silicone

  • Hypoallergenic and safe
  • It is a non-porous material and therefore very hygienic
  • A silicone product lasts a very long time
  • Odourless and colourfast
  • Silicone adapts to body temperature, providing extra comfort
  • Silicone is an excellent material for penetration
  • It is a dense material that conducts vibrations well
  • It can withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees, making it easy to clean

Disadvantages of silicone

  • Silicone lubricant can affect the texture of silicone toys (but it does not have to)
  • Because it is such a good material, silicone toys are more expensive

Care

  • Clean your toy before first use and after each subsequent use
  • Clean your silicone toy by washing it with mild unscented soap or toy cleaner
  • You can also boil the toy (three minutes) or run it in the top rack of your dishwasher. (But only if it contains no electrical components! This is not possible with vibrators.)
  • If you want to use silicone lubricant, first do a test on the underside of your toy
  • If your toy contains batteries, you can extend its lifespan by removing the batteries after use and storing them outside the toy
  • Silicone toys can last for years, but they can tear. So keep them away from sharp objects

Other safe materials

Hard plastic ABS

ABS is a non-porous hard plastic that is widely used. It is affordable, easy to clean, conducts vibrations well and is generally smooth. Although some lower-quality toys may have seams.

Advantages and disadvantages of ABS, and care

Advantages of ABS

  • Affordable
  • Hard plastic is very durable
  • It is non-porous and therefore hygienic and easy to clean
  • Can conduct powerful vibrations very well
  • Can be used with all lubricants

Disadvantages of ABS

  • The vibrations of hard plastic vibrators can feel too intense
  • Hard plastic toys can produce more noise
  • Weather conditions such as moisture, oxygen, UV light and heat affect the quality of ABS
  • Can feel hard and cold (not natural)
  • If it is not made of ABS plastic but of another type of plastic, there is a good chance it contains toxic substances

Care

  • Your vibrator/toy will last longer if you remove the batteries after each use
  • Wash your hard plastic toy before first use and after each subsequent use with water and mild unscented soap or a toy cleaner

Glass

Glass is hard, smooth and non-porous. Within the category of glass sex toys, there are different types of glass products: Pyrex, Lucite and acrylic. Pyrex is the best quality of these.
Glass toys are easy to clean thoroughly and they can handle temperature differences very well.
You can submerge them in warm or cool water for warm and cold sensations. (Never make them extremely hot or cold; this can damage the glass).

Metal

Metal toys are hard, smooth and heavy. Like glass, they can be easily cleaned and can be used for temperature play.
Most of these toys are made of stainless steel or aluminium, but they are also available in silver and gold.

Materials with risks

TPR / TPE

You will regularly see TPR/TPE in sex toys. It has properties similar to silicone. TPR / TPE is hypoallergenic, phthalate-free (usually contains no toxic substances), and is therefore safe and skin-friendly. The material feels soft and lasts quite a long time. TPR is also used for toothbrushes and children's toys.

TPR / TPE can have different textures. It can be soft in texture, but also hard and firm. Each manufacturer creates their own blend for specific products. Sometimes manufacturers indicate that their product is a mix of TPR and silicone. This is not possible. Silicone and TPR cannot be mixed. The product is then most likely made exclusively of TPR.

TPR is less porous than Cyberskin but more porous than silicone. That is why TPR/TPE is also cheaper than silicone and you often see this material in less expensive sex toys.
It is also used for the interior of masturbators because silicone is not suitable for that purpose.
For an insertable toy, using a condom is recommended.

Cyberskin or other realistic materials

This material is known for producing realistic-looking and feeling toys. The material is soft, smooth and flexible, just like human skin. However, the material is very porous and difficult to clean and keep hygienic. And just like jelly toys, they can contain harmful phthalates. If you use these toys, it is best to use a condom.
Other disadvantages: The material often has a strong rubbery smell and does not last as long.
It is advisable to replace toys made of this material after a year.

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Jelly, PVC and Sil-A-Gel

Jelly, PVC and/or Rubber

Jelly is a mixture of PVC and rubber. You see it everywhere because it is a cheap material that can easily be moulded into almost any shape. Jelly toys come in an enormous range of shapes, sizes and colours. Jelly and PVC plastic toys are very soft and flexible, but can be quite rigid during use.

Jelly toys are porous and difficult to clean properly. They cannot be sterilised like silicone. And they often contain phthalates.
Research by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority has shown that many erotic toys made of jelly contain high levels of plasticisers. These have been found to cause health problems and hormonal disruptions and are therefore absolutely unsafe.

However, for completeness: there are also jelly and plastic products that do not contain plasticisers and are not toxic.
Do you have a vibrator or toy made of Jelly / PVC plastic? And you are not sure whether it contains phthalates? Then use a condom when using the toy.
Do you have a vibrator or toy made of Jelly / PVC plastic? And you are sure it does not contain phthalates? Then still use a condom. Due to the porous material, you can easily get an infection, or worse.

Other disadvantages: jelly rubber often has a strong rubbery smell; the toys should be stored properly, in a cool place and separately from other toys after use.

Sil-A-Gel

Silagel or Sil-A-Gel, however you spell it, is NOT silicone. The name sounds like it, and that makes it confusing. It is also not a "silicone mix".
It is an additive to other materials to make them softer. It looks somewhat "gel-like" and feels that way. It is considerably cheaper than silicone, and that is reflected in the price of sex toys made from this material.
The use of Sil-A-Gel is often debated. While some claim it has antibacterial properties, others claim it is a toxic material, often containing phthalates.
Unfortunately, there are few regulations regarding sex toys, and whether and how toxic this material is remains unknown.
What we do know is that Sil-A-Gel is a porous material that cannot be properly cleaned and therefore is potentially a source of infections.

How do you ensure you buy a safe toy?

There is still a lot of research to be done, and better regulations around sex toys to be made. There is still much uncertainty. Nevertheless, you can ensure that you buy a good and safe toy.

  • For example, by buying from a reputable brand and a reliable manufacturer. These include Lelo, Je Joue, Svakom, Dorr, Swan, Fun Factory and Rocks-Off. And there are many other good manufacturers. In our shop, you will find exclusively safe vibrators and toys. These brands do not cut corners with information, use the best quality silicone and you will buy a product that will bring you years of enjoyment.
  • Choose a silicone toy. That way you are always safe.
  • Be critical when you see a cheap product.
  • Are you unsure about the quality of the material of the product you own? Then use a condom over your vibrator, dildo or other toy.
  • Is the material discolouring? Do you see stains on it? Has the material changed? Is the material starting to feel greasy? Do not take any risks and dispose of the toy immediately!

What should definitely NOT be in your toy!

  • Phthalates (also called plasticisers)
    Recognisable by:
    - the chemical smell (even after washing)
    But unfortunately, phthalates can also be odourless.
    - Transparent toys
    - The low price
  • Toluene
  • Cyclohexanone
  • Tetrahydrofuran
  • Diethylhexyl phthalates
  • 1-methyl-2-Pyrrolidinone
  • Phenol
  • Dimethylformamide
  • Dimethyl phosphite

100% safe choices

View all

Not sure which vibrator suits you best? Take our vibrator quiz and discover in just a few questions which vibrator matches your wishes and situation.

Veelgestelde vragen

Zijn alle siliconen speeltjes automatisch veilig?+

Nee. Sommige fabrikanten mengen siliconen met goedkopere stoffen. Kies voor 100% siliconen van een betrouwbaar merk en controleer of de textuur en kleur overal gelijk zijn.

Hoe herkent u een speeltje met ftalaten?+

Let op een chemische geur die blijft hangen, felgekleurde of doorzichtige materialen en extreem lage prijzen. Soms zijn ftalaten reukloos, dus bij twijfel: gebruik een condoom.

Hoe onderhoudt u uw seksspeeltjes goed?+

Reinig altijd vóór en na gebruik met milde zeep of een toy cleaner. Speeltjes zonder elektronica kunt u soms koken of in de vaatwasser zetten (bovenste rek). Bewaar ze apart van elkaar, droog en uit de zon.

Hoe kunt u zeker weten dat uw speeltje veilig is?+

Koop bij betrouwbare merken en webshops, controleer de materiaalomschrijving en wees kritisch bij opvallend goedkope producten. Als u het niet vertrouwt, gebruik altijd een condoom.

Wat is het verschil tussen poreuze en niet-poreuze materialen?+

Poreuze materialen nemen bacteriën, vocht en vuil op. Ze zijn moeilijk grondig schoon te maken en verhogen het risico op infecties. Niet-poreuze materialen zijn hygiënischer, beter te reinigen en veiliger in gebruik.

Wat zijn ftalaten precies en waarom zijn ze schadelijk?+

Ftalaten zijn weekmakers die plastic flexibel maken. Ze worden in verband gebracht met gezondheidsproblemen zoals hormoonverstoringen, kanker, verminderde vruchtbaarheid en allergieën. Bij kinderspeelgoed zijn ze verboden, maar bij seksspeeltjes helaas niet.

Welk materiaal vibrator is het beste voor beginners?+

Siliconen is het beste materiaal voor beginners: zacht, flexibel, hypoallergeen en makkelijk te reinigen. Het voelt aangenaam aan en is verkrijgbaar in diverse stevigheden van ultrasoft tot stevig.

Sources

  1. RIVM. Endocrine disrupting substances. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-(edcs)
  2. Textile Lab. Toxic substances: plasticisers phthalates. https://www.textilelab.nl/informatie/publicaties/giftige-stoffen/weekmakers-ftalaten.html

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12 comments

Dank voor de duidelijke uitleg over dit onderwerp! Ik heb heb er hiervoor nooit veel bij stilgestaan
Ik vroeg me af, ik heb een prostaat vibrator van het merk Sono. Er staat op dat het ftalaten vrij is, maar qua materiaal staat er ‘silicone & abs’
Is zo’n combinatie silicone en abs te vertrouwen?

Anoniem

Bedankt voor de vriendelijke woorden. Dat is fijn om te lezen.
Als u PVC bent gewend zult u zeker blij zijn met een vibrator van siliconen. Siliconen voelt veel zachter aan en neemt de lichaamstemperatuur van het lichaam aan.

Anoniem

Wat een mooi en overzichtelijk artikel! Hier ben ik blij mee. Heel veel wist ik ook nog niet.
Wat ik nog wilde weten: is siliconen het zachtste materiaal? Ik heb nu namelijk een speeltje van PVC, maar die wil ik vervangen. Maar ik vind de meeste speeltjes zo hard en onnatuurlijk aanvoelen.

Anoniem

Ja, het is veilig voor mensen met latexallergieën om siliconen producten en ook siliconen vibrators te gebruiken. Siliconen levert vrijwel geen allergische reacties op, het is een door de mens gemaakt materiaal. Siliconen bevat geen latex.

Anoniem

ik heb een latex allergie, mag ik dan een silleconen vibro gebruiken?

Anoniem

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