Materials that Sex Toys are made of
…and how to take care of them

Jelly is one of the most popular materials for sex toys.  It is pliable and a little squishy, but still firm.  Jelly toys come in an assortment of colors and are a bit more affordable than other materials but their lifespan is shorter than that of Silicone or Glass.  Jelly, Rubber, & Vinyl toys are soft and porous, can harbor bacteria, and are generally less hygienic than silicone toys.  They cannot be completely disinfected, and should not be shared between partners.  
A commercial, anti-bacterial cleaner like our "Toy Cleaner" is necessary before and after use.  Jelly, Rubber, & Vinyl toys often contain Latex which is an ingredient some people are allergic to.  When used internally, the use of a condom is highly recommended in order to avoid possible health risks.

 

Silicone products are non-porous and hygienic which means bacteria cannot hide inside.  Silicone is pliable and comes in many vivid colors.  It warms to the body, retains heat, and is extremely durable.  Toys made of Silicone will clean easily and thoroughly disinfect making them perfect for sharing between partners.  To clean – wash with soap and water.  To completely disinfect – soak in boiling water or place in the top rack of your dishwasher (with the exception of those containing electronic components).  They may be shared safely only after disinfection.  NEVER use silicone based lube with silicone toys…it WILL melt your toy.

 

Cyberskin is the newest technological advancement in sex toy materials.  Often more realistic in their look and feel, the Cyberskin boasts a remarkably flesh-like texture.  It is the closest you can get to absolute real skin.  Like Jelly Rubber, Cyberskin cannot be completely disinfected and should not be shared between partners.  The use of a condom is highly recommended in order to avoid possible health risks.  Being that it is an extremely porous material, it does require some extra special care, but it is certainly worth it.

• A good cleaning before and after use with a commercial, anti-bacterial cleaner like our "Toy Cleaner" is necessary.
• Make sure your toy is completely dry before storing it and it must be stored separately from your other toys as they will eat into the porous material.
• Cyberskin toys should be powdered with corn starch after cleaning to prevent stickiness.  DO NOT use talcum powder, as it has been associated with cervical cancer in women.
• Only use water-based lube with Cyberskin
  
   

Glass is an exciting new material that has hit the market.  Breathtakingly smooth and silky, it is incredibly soft and forgiving.   Along with being gorgeous, these toys are true works of art.  They will never break and they should last you a lifetime.  Glass cleans easily and can be thoroughly disinfected, making them perfect for sharing between partners.  To clean – wash with soap and water.  To completely disinfect – soak in boiling water or place in the top rack of your dishwasher (with the exception of those containing electronic components).  If you want to turn up the heat, simply hold the toy under warm tap water for a few minutes or microwave it in short 5-10 second intervals.  If it’s sexy shivers you desire, place it in icy water or your freezer for a few minutes and enjoy.

Handcrafted by the ever revolutionizing Vixen Creations, VixSkin is nothing less than a major innovation in sex toy design.  These toys have all the superior hygienic qualities of Silicone while retaining the realistic look and feel of Cyberskin.  Because they are made of 100% Silicone, they will clean easily and thoroughly disinfect.  Silicone warms to the body, retains heat, and is extremely durable.  On top of that, VixSkin toys are backed by an unbeatable lifetime warranty from Vixen Creations.

 

Pure Silicone toys are non-porous, but when Silicone is only one of many ingredients, you should treat them like Jelly, Rubber, & Vinyl toys.  NEVER use silicone based lube with silicone toys…it WILL melt your toy.

 

Elastomer is being used in sex toys as a soft material that is phthalate-free and is a good alternative for people who are concerned with coming into contact with plastic and rubber softeners.  While Elastomer is phthalate-free and hypoallergenic it is porous and cannot be completely disinfected and should be treated like Jelly, Rubber, & Vinyl toys.

 

Phthalates are a family of compounds made from alcohols and phthalic anhydride.  They are mainly used as "plasticizers" which are used to soften PVC vinyls.  If vinyls don't have any softeners they are basically very hard PVC plastic.

The wide range in which "plasticizers" are used includes medical devices to toys to cars to homes.  Phthalates are also a key ingredient frequently found in fragrances, nail polish, adhesives, caulk, paint pigments, and sex toys that are made of Jelly, Rubber, & Vinyl.

You can tell the grade of the Jelly Rubber and quantity of "plasticizers" (phthalates) used by the smell. The more you smell, the lower the grade and the more phthalates used.  So giving your new toys a good whiff can quickly reveal the quality.


FULL FLEDGED SOLUTION
If you are indeed concerned about possible health risks, the only absolute remedy in regards to sex toy use is to cover your toy with a "Non-Latex Condom" during use. 


GENERAL TIPS

• Always remove the batteries before storing your toy.
• Using a condom with any toys made out of porous material will help prevent the transfer of body fluids and increase the toy’s lifespan.
• Before using a waterproof toy, make sure the rubber O-ring is tight around the battery connection points.  If it isn’t tight, it is no longer safe to use in the water.
• For toys that come with an insertable vibrating bullet, applying the tiniest amount of lube to the tip of the bullet will help to ensure its removal.  Be careful not to apply too much lube as you don’t want to affect the integrity of the batteries.
• As odd as this may sound, if you have fallen in love with a toy that has a strong plastic or rubber scent, sit it in a bowl of clay cat litter overnight.  Yes, we said cat litter and it must be the clay kind.  It will absorb any lingering scent off your toy for good...voila!!!