Understanding Sex Toy Materials

Sex Toys And Which One Is Best for You?

Understanding sex toy materials makes it easier for you to buy and care for the adult toy that suits you best. Over the last few years, Cherry Pink has witnessed a considerable expansion of new sex toys, and the different materials companies use in making them.

As a family-run company, we regularly seek new, safer materials from adult toy manufacturers. The material of a sex toy influences its sensations, longevity, ease of care, and, of course, safety for us, its customers.

This guide will examine the most popular materials: Rubber, Silicone, Metal, Glass, PVC, and more. We will explore the materials’ Pros and Cons and help you choose a sex toy that suits your needs.

• Silicone: The No.1 in safety and sexual sensation:

Silicone is a high-quality, non-porous material used in the medical profession and also in premium adult sex toys. It is hypoallergenic, easy to shape, super flexible, waterproof and long-lasting. The properties of silicone make it perfect for all sex toys. You will find silicone dildos, vibrators, butt plugs and anal beads among our top-selling adult toys.

Pros:

• Body-safe: Silicone is non-porous, which means it does not absorb body fluids or bacteria, making it a safer sex toy than others which use a porous material.
• Hypoallergenic: Silicone is perfect for sensitive skin as it does not contain Phthalates or other harmful chemicals in its makeup.
• Life-like feel: Mimicking the realistic feeling of a natural penis, it makes the ideal sex toy for safe, comfortable vaginal or anal play.
• Temperature play: Silicone is perfect to heat or cool in water. It also warms when you use it and brings a realistic feel to sex games.

Cons:

• Expensive: Silicone sex toys cost more than other toys. However, the long-lasting toy offsets the cost with its natural feel and safety.
• Lubricant drawbacks: You can only use water-based lubes with silicone sex toys. Other lubes or gels will damage the silicone.

Cleaning:

Silicone sex toys are easy to clean with warm, soapy water. You can also boil or place them in a dishwasher or use a sex toy cleaner. Cherry Pink recommends cleaning the toy before and after use, as it only takes a minute. But always check the manufacturer’s care and cleaning instructions. Understanding sex toy materials helps you keep them in top condition for safe, comfortable use.

• Glass: Smooth, Slippery and Temperature Friendly.

Glass sex toys might not be your first choice, but once you experience the fantastic slippery pleasure of Glass, it is hard to turn back. Made from the same material as the Pyrex dishes you use for cooking, also known as borosilicate glass, it is virtually indestructible during everyday use. These glass dildos offer a firm texture and are safe for anal or vaginal play.

Pros:

• Body-Safe: Glass dildos are non-porous, easy to clean, safe for vaginal or anal play and ideal for couples sharing sex toys.
• Smooth and Stiff: Glass sex toys are rigid and slick and offer a unique sexual sensation. It gives a comfortable experience with minimal friction.
• Last a lifetime: Borosilicate glass is shatterproof, durable, and safe for regular sexual play. Take good care, and glass sex toys will last for years.
• Ideal for temperature play: Glass is perfect for cooling or heating and is the ideal sex toy for couples looking for new sexual adventures.

Cons:

• Glass is Rigid: Glass is unyielding and might not suit beginners or those who enjoy a realistic feeling. However, if you use it once, you will be hooked.
• Risk of breakage: All Glass will break if put under enough pressure, but with careful use, it will last forever in your bedroom. However, it might crack if you drop it onto a tiled floor.

Cleaning:

Glass sex toys are easy to clean and keep in tip-top condition. Wash your glass dildo before and after use in hot, soapy water, or pop it into the dishwasher. But, of course, ensure you are the person who will empty it after use. You can also use a sex toy cleaner to keep it ready for use. Store your glass dildos and glass sex toys in a clean cloth to stop them from banging together.

• Rubber (PVC and TPE and Jelly) Cheap but Porous:

Rubber-based sex toys are among the cheapest. However, the material is porous and difficult to clean thoroughly. Rubber, including TPE ( thermoplastic elastomers) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), is a soft and flexible material that some find unbelievably lifelike. We don’t recommend rubber sex toys for sharing or switching from vaginal to anal use. However, use them with condoms if sharing and cleaning up is a cinch.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly Sex Toys: These sex toys are ideal for first-timers looking for fun without overspending. Pay extra care when cleaning:
• Lifelike and flexible:  Rubber sex toys offer a realistic feel and bend to suit your body’s natural shape for a comfortable experience.
• Large assortment: Rubber is affordable to produce, and companies mass-produce dildos, vibrators, butt plugs and prostate toys in various sizes.
• Different Shapes: The cheap cost of manufacturing rubber sex toys allows for a vast range of shapes and textures we see in shops today.

Cons:

• Hard to clean: Rubber sex toys take more time to clean, and you should use a sex toy cleaner as part of your cleaning routine.
• Odour and Chemicals: Some rubber sex toys have a strange odour. They might also contain Phthalates or other oil-based chemicals.
• Lasting concerns: Some rubber sex toys don’t last as long as other materials (if in doubt, look for Phthalates-free materials)

Care Tips:

Rubber sex toys need thorough cleaning before and after use. You should use antibacterial soap and warm water. After washing it, use a sex toy cleaner, rub it well into the toy, and leave it on for a couple of minutes before rinsing it off. Using condoms is the safest way to keep your sex toys clean and free from germs. Understanding sex toy materials helps you and your partner play better safely.

• Metal or Stainless steel:

Metal is a common material used in the sex toy industry. Steel is heavy with a smooth surface, and it is also long-lasting and unbreakable. Manufacturers use medical-grade steel because it is safe and hypoallergenic. However, it is a bit heavy for some to use comfortably.

Pros:

• Durable and lasts forever: Stainless steel is a beautiful material for sex toys. It is slick, non-porous, cleans easily and ideal for sharing.
• Temperature play: Steel heats or cools in water to bring exciting sexual sensations. It is perfect for anal beads, butt plugs, penis rings and dildos.
• Steel is Weighty: The first thing you notice about stainless steel is its weight. These toys add extra sensations and feel amazing when used.
• Body-Safe: Steel is the ultimate body-safe material which hospitals use during surgery. Experienced players enjoy its lasting properties.

Cons:

• Higher Cost: Stainless steel is more expensive to make, and the cost of metal sex toys reflects this. However, it lasts forever.
• Steel is Heavy: Steel sex toys are not for everyone, especially beginners looking for a more realistic adventure.

Cleaning:

Cleaning a stainless steel sex toy is a doddle. Wash it with warm, soapy water or pop it into the dishwasher. Of course, you can also use a sex toy cleaner. We recommend cleaning all sex toys, no matter the material, before and after use.

Understanding Sex Toy Materials Better:

We hope you enjoyed this blog on understanding sex toy materials and that you know a bit more about the sex toys you want. To sum it up, let’s have a quick recap. Silicone is an excellent all-around sex toy and perfect for solo or couples play. Rubber is affordable but more challenging to keep clean and is ideal for a first-time sex toy. Glass is a smooth and sexy toy that feels exciting and very daring. Finally, stainless steel is cold, firm and perfect for anal and vaginal play and ideal for temperature play.

Using sex toys is a natural and enjoyable experience, and keeping your toys clean and safe is essential. But never forget all sex toys are better when you use lots of slippery lubricants. Cherry Pink is looking forward to hearing from you soon.

About Us:

• We are a family-run business that started in 2014. Cherry Pink’s office and shop are in Arklow, Co. Wicklow.
• We ship all packages from Arklow, so there are no English customs charges or opened packages.
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