Sex Toy Material

Different sex toy materials and why they matter

There are a variety of sex toy materials available, and many people find that the material they choose has an impact on their overall enjoyment of the toy they purchase. It's important to select a sex toy that's made from a material that will bring you pleasure, as well as be consistent with how you use it. The right material has the power to enhance your overall experience while the wrong material might leave you feeling dissatisfied with the toy's performance. The trick to finding the right material is as simple as getting in touch with your needs and knowing what type of stimulation brings you pleasure, and understanding why sex toys are made from different materials and how each of those materials perform. If you have questions after reading this section please feel free to contact us Click Here.

Cyberskin and other realistic materials:

Realistic materials, including Cyberskin, are intended to mimic the feel of skin. Sex toys made from realistic materials such as Cyberskin, UR3, NewSkin, Ultraskin and others warm quickly and retain body heat which increases the realistic feel. They are a good choice if you're looking for something that feels soft like skin. The realistic materials are also porous and generally difficult if not impossible to disinfect - making them less than ideal for sharing with a partner unless you've both been tested for sexually transmitted diseases, require care when cleaning, and need an occasional dusting of corn starch or Cyberskin Renew, which is basically talc powder and is included with most realistic sex toys. You must also use a water-based lubricant because silicone lubes will damage the outer surface.

Glass:

Glass vibrators and glass dildos are made from chip-resistant Pyrex glass. Despite sounding dangerous they are safe for use. Glass is non-pourous and easy to disinfect, extremely hard and smooth, and can be boiled or run through the dishwasher without any adverse effects. Glass and other hard materials transfer vibrations very well and are a good choice if you want powerful vibrations and/or you like the feeling of hardness.

Jelly:

Sex toys made from jelly are soft, sometimes squishy, and are a good choice if you prefer a feel that's softer than materials like metal, glass or hard plastic. Jelly is relatively porous and cannot be disinfected, but general care and cleaning is easier than it is with most of the realistic materials. Sex toys made from jelly should be stored in a cool place with good circulation as they can be damaged by prolonged, excessive heat. We also recommend using a condom with your jelly toys.

Latex:

Latex is one of the original lifelike sex toy materials. It lost its place as a realistic material with the invention of Cyberskin, but latex sex toys are still popular. Latex is relatively inexpensive and easy to work with, and this is reflected in the price of most latex toys. Latex is porous and cannot be disinfected, so it may be a good idea to use a condom if you plan on sharing, or if you are concerned with germs. Some people are allergic to latex and cannot use latex sex toys. If you're concerned about allergies you may want to read our Q&A Article: "Do I have allergies to sex toys?" before buying a latex sex toy.

Plastic:

Plastic sex toys have been around for a long time. Plastic is hard and inflexible which transfers vibrations very well, and it's relatively non-pourous and can be disinfected to prevent infection. Plastic may be a good material if you like your sex toys to have a solid, hard feel to them.

Silicone:
Silicone is a popular material because it combines the best of both worlds. It's soft and supple like some of the realistic materials but it's also very durable. Silicone can be subjected to temperatures up to about 400 degrees before it will melt and silicone sex toys do not degrade over time. Silicone is a very stable material that can be disinfected if you're considering sharing your sex toys with a partner. The downside of silicone is that the raw material is expensive and that expense is reflected in the price of silicone toys.

Material Care and Cleaning

Sex toys should be cleaned before and after each use. Different sex toy materials require different care and cleaning methods, as listed below.

Plastic - soap and water, rubbing alcohol, sex toy cleaner

Silicone - soap and water, boiling water, sex toy cleaner

Jelly - mild soap and water, sex toy cleaner

Latex- mild soap and water, sex toy cleaner

Cyberskin - mild soap and water, Cyberskin cleansing solution, sex toy cleaner.

UR3 - mild soap and water, Cyberskin cleansing solution, sex toy cleaner.

Lubrication

Different materials have different lubrication requirements. If you're ever in doubt, use a water-based lubricant with your sex toys. Water-based lubes are the preferred method to lubricate adult toys, but other options are available. If you decide to go with any of the other options, be sure the lubrication is compatible with your sex toys.

Water-Based Lubrication:

This is the most common form of lubrication used today. Containing mostly water, water-based lubes will not stain your clothes or sheets, are safe with all sex toys, and are often pleasant tasting. Available in both flavored and non-flavored varieties, they are long lasting and easy to clean.

Silicone-Based Lubrication:

Silicone-based lubes are a high-tech version of water-based lube. All of the ingredients are the same, except that silicone lubes do not contain any water and are completely waterproof. They also don't dry out like water-based lubes do so they tend to last longer. Silicone lubricant is safe to use with all sex toys except those made of silicone or Cyberskin. You will likely ruin a silicone or Cyberskin toy if it comes in contact with silicone-based lubricant.

Oil-Based Lubrication:

Oil-based lubes consist of common oils such as vegetable oil and is not recommended for use with sex toys. Oil-based lubes are OK for masturbation and generally considered safe for consumption, but they often leave an oily residue, can be difficult to wash off your body parts, may stain clothing and have been known to cause infection if allowed to stay in the vagina. Oil-based lubes are not compatible with latex based sex toys, condoms and some latex-based birth control devices.

Petroleum-Based Lubrication:

Petroleum-based lubes are made with mineral oil or petroleum jelly. As their name implies, petroleum-based lubes contain primarily petroleum products. While they are commonly used for masturbation and anal play, petroleum-based lubes tend to stain sheets and clothing and are not easy to wash off hands and other body parts. Petroleum-based lubes include Vaseline, baby oil and K-Y Jelly. It is important to know that Petroleum will dissolve latex, and should not be used with latex toys.