Nobody tells you that the most important part of buying a toy is the bit you cannot see on the packaging. Not the colour, not the number of speeds, but what the thing is actually made of.
The good news is that body safe sex toys are easier to spot than you would think, and looking after your skin and enjoying yourself are not at odds. A few simple habits keep play comfy, and most take less time than choosing something to watch. Great play starts with happy skin, so here are the myths that float around most, and what I do instead.
What Body Safe Sex Toys Actually Look Like?
Sadly, not every toy on the shelf is made from anything lovely. Plenty of cheap ones are mystery plastics, and the packet will not always tell you. Silicone, glass and stainless steel are my go-tos, because they are smooth, non-porous and easy to keep clean.
I steer clear of jelly, rubbery and vinyl toys. They are harder to clean properly, and they are the usual suspects when skin starts to object. If you are shopping for a vibrator, look for clearly labelled, body safe silicone vibrators from a shop you trust.
My other trick is the smell test. If a toy smells strongly of chemicals, trust your nose and skip it. Good silicone and glass should not smell like a brand new shower curtain.
Want something fuss-free? Glass toys are smooth, beautiful and a doddle to clean, which makes them a favourite of mine when my skin is feeling fussy.
Spotting a Dodgy Toy Before You Buy
You do not need a chemistry degree for this. A quick once-over in the shop, or on the listing, tells you most of what you need to know.
- Clear material names. If the listing says silicone, glass or stainless steel, great. If it says something vague like soft-touch material and nothing else, I walk away.
- Real care instructions. A decent toy tells you how to charge it, how waterproof it is and how to clean it. No details usually means no care.
- A price that makes sense. If it is far cheaper than similar toys, ask yourself why. A sale price on a good toy is lovely. A bargain on a mystery plastic is not.
- A fresh-out-of-the-box sniff. Smell is a surprisingly good guide. Trust your nose.
Myth: a little tingle is part of the fun
It is not. Itching, burning or a rash after play is your body saying not for me, and you do not need to push through it. Stop, rinse and give your skin a break.
Next time, change one thing at a time. Swap the lube, or the toy, or the material, so you can work out what the culprit was. If you know you react to latex, say so when you shop and look for toys and condoms made without it.
If it sticks around, have a chat with your GP. They have heard it all, and there is nothing to be embarrassed about.
Myth: any lube works with any toy
A good water-based lube is the safest all-rounder, and it plays nicely with just about every toy. It is the one I reach for whenever I am trying something new.
Silicone lube is lovely and long-lasting, but silicone lube and silicone toys can be hit and miss together. Save it for glass, steel or skin on skin, and check your toy's care instructions if you are unsure.
Trying a flavoured or warming lube? Patch test it first. A small dab on your inner forearm and a bit of patience (ideally a day) will tell you whether your skin is happy before it goes anywhere more delicate.
Same goes for scented or tingly products in general. If something promises a buzz or a warm glow, give it a small test first and enjoy it properly once you know it agrees with you.
Myth: sensitive skin means missing out
Not at all. It just means shopping a little more carefully. Start with smooth materials like silicone or glass, choose a fragrance-free lube, and keep your first session short and sweet. Notice how your skin feels the next day, then build up from there.
Sensitive skin is also a good excuse to buy fewer, better toys instead of a drawer full of mystery plastic. One lovely piece you trust beats five you are wary of.
How to clean sex toys (and which sex toy cleaner to use)
Nobody loves this part, but it is quick, and it makes a huge difference to how comfy your next session feels.
- Clean after every use. Do it soon after play, not next week when you finally remember.
- Use a proper toy cleaner. A gentle sex toy cleaner is made for the job. Warm water and mild, unscented soap work for most toys too, as long as yours is waterproof.
- Dry it fully. Pat it dry with a clean towel, or let it air dry, before it goes back in the drawer.
- Give each toy its own home. A little pouch or box for each one keeps dust and fluff away.
- Mind the order. If you are sharing a toy, or moving from anal to vaginal play, clean it in between or pop on a fresh condom.
For the full rundown on what belongs in a well-stocked bedside drawer, our beginner's guide to sexual wellness essentials covers it.
Do all of that and you will keep your toys in good nick for years. It is five minutes of effort that protects every minute of fun that follows.
Myth: toys last forever
Even the best toys retire eventually. If one turns sticky, cracked or torn, or starts to smell off even after a proper clean, say thank you and let it go. Your skin will thank you too.
Final thoughts
Enjoying your toys and looking after your skin go hand in hand. Choose body safe materials, match your lube to your toy, tidy up after play, and listen when your body says stop. Your skin will always tell you what it thinks, and it is worth paying attention.
Your pleasure deserves comfort as well as fun. Browse ClubX online or pop into your nearest store, and find something that feels as good as it looks.
