Are you looking to give your sex life a boost with a brand-new toy? Knowing which materials to choose can be difficult with all the different materials available. Get the best bang for your buck (pun intended) with this guide to sex toy materials and the pros and cons of each one!
Silicone
Silicone has become an increasingly popular material choice for sex toys in recent years and for good reason! This material offers plenty of advantages, making it a great choice for your pleasure-solving needs. But even the best materials have downsides, and silicone is no exception.
Pros
Non-porous: Silicone toys are non-porous, which means that they don’t absorb bacteria and other substances. This makes them more hygienic and easier to clean than porous materials like rubber.
Hypoallergenic: Silicone toys are hypoallergenic, which means that they are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Realistic feel: Silicone toys can feel very realistic and soft, which can enhance the pleasure of using them.
Durability: Silicone toys are very durable and can last for a long time with proper care.
Compatibility: Silicone toys are compatible with water-based and some silicone-based lubricants.
Cons
Price: Silicone toys can be more expensive than other materials like plastic or rubber.
Not all lubes are compatible: Some silicone toys are not compatible with all types of silicone-based lubricants, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Cleaning: While silicone toys are easy to clean, they can be more difficult to sterilize than glass or metal toys.
Metal
Metal toys are often a premium choice for those seeking the most intense pleasure experiences, and it’s easy to see why. Metal toys offer plenty of advantages, making them a great choice for even the most demanding escapades. But every material has its downsides, and metal is no exception.
Pros
Temperature play: Metal toys can be heated or cooled for added sensation, which can be a unique and exciting experience.
Hygienic: Metal is non-porous, which means that it doesn’t absorb bacteria or other substances. This makes metal toys very hygienic and easy to clean.
Durable: Metal toys are very durable and can last for a long time with proper care.
Compatibility: Metal toys are compatible with all types of lubricants.
Cons
Price: Metal toys can be more expensive than other materials like plastic or rubber.
Heavy: Metal toys can be heavier than other materials, which may not be comfortable for everyone.
Hardness: Some people may find metal toys to be too hard or uncomfortable for their preferences.
Noise: Metal toys can be noisy during use, which may be a concern for people who want to maintain discretion.
Wood
Wood is a great option for those looking for an eco-friendly toy. Wood is renewable, and wooden toys can be quite lovely to look at. They offer plenty of advantages, making them a great choice for light, eco-friendly fun. But like any material, wooden toys also have their own set of drawbacks.
Pros
Unique and beautiful: Wood toys can be unique and beautiful, with natural variations in color and texture that make each toy one-of-a-kind.
Sustainable: Wood is a renewable resource, so wood toys can be a good choice for environmentally conscious people.
Temperature play: Wood toys can be heated or cooled for added sensation, which can be a unique and exciting experience.
Smooth: Wood toys are often very smooth and can feel great against the skin.
Cons
Porous: Wood is a porous material, which means that it can absorb bacteria and other substances. This makes wood toys more difficult to clean and less hygienic than non-porous materials like silicone or glass.
Durability: Wood toys may not be as durable as other materials and can sometimes crack or break with heavy use.
Splinters: Poorly made wood toys can sometimes splinter or have rough edges, which can be uncomfortable or even dangerous.
Maintenance: Wood toys require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition, including oiling and conditioning the wood.
Glass
Glass toys offer a unique sensation you won’t find with other materials. They are incredibly hard and can provide a sensation like no other, depending on the shape and texture of the toy. But is glass safe and comfortable? As with any sex toy material, it has its pros and cons. Read on to find out if glass is right for you!
Pros
Non-porous: Glass toys are non-porous, which means that they don’t absorb bacteria or other substances. This makes them very hygienic and easy to clean.
Temperature play: Glass toys can be heated or cooled for added sensation, which can be a unique and exciting experience.
Durable: Glass toys are very durable and can last for a long time with proper care.
Compatibility: Glass toys are compatible with all types of lubricants.
Cons
Price: Glass toys can be more expensive than other materials like plastic or rubber.
Fragility: Glass toys can break if dropped or mishandled, which can be a concern for some people.
Hardness: Some people may find glass toys too hard or uncomfortable for their preferences.
Temperature sensitivity: Glass toys can be sensitive to extreme temperature changes, so it’s important to be careful when heating or cooling them.
Plastic
Plastic toys are often affordable and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are also easy to clean and can be used with any type of lubricant. However, they may not feel as realistic as other materials and can sometimes be less durable.
Pros
Affordable: Plastic toys are often less expensive than other materials, making them a great option for people on a budget.
Variety: Plastic toys come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, so there’s something for everyone.
Compatibility: Plastic toys are compatible with all types of lubricants, so you don’t have to worry about using the wrong kind.
Easy to clean: Plastic toys are non-porous and easy to clean with soap and water or a toy cleaner.
Cons
Not as realistic: Plastic toys can sometimes feel less realistic than other materials like silicone or rubber.
Durability: Plastic toys may not be as durable as other materials and can sometimes break or crack with heavy use.
Chemicals: Some plastic toys may contain chemicals like phthalates, which can be harmful to your health. It’s important to choose toys that are labeled as phthalate-free.
Recycling: Plastic toys are not biodegradable and can be difficult to recycle, which can be a concern for environmentally conscious people.
Rubber
Rubber sex toys offer a unique sensation as they are typically softer than plastic toys yet still rigid enough to hold their shape. They can be a good option for people looking for a realistic feel at an affordable price. However, it’s important to choose high-quality toys that are free of harmful chemicals and to take care of them properly to ensure they last as long as possible.
Pros
Realistic feel: Rubber toys can feel very realistic and soft, which can enhance the pleasure of using them.
Affordable: Rubber toys are often less expensive than silicone or metal toys, making them a great option for people on a budget.
Variety: Rubber toys come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, so there’s something for everyone.
Compatibility: Rubber toys are compatible with most types of lubricants, so you don’t have to worry about using the wrong kind.
Cons
Porous: Rubber toys are porous, which means that they can absorb bacteria and other substances. This can make them more difficult to clean and less hygienic than other materials.
Durability: Rubber toys may not be as durable as other materials and can sometimes break or tear with heavy use.
Allergies: Some people may be allergic to the latex in rubber, which can cause irritation or other problems.
Chemicals: Some rubber toys may contain chemicals like phthalates, which can be harmful to your health. It’s important to choose toys that are labeled as phthalate-free.
Our Best Advice On Sex Toy Materials
Think about what kind of sensations you enjoy and what kind of texture and hardness you prefer. Then consider your budget. Different materials can vary greatly in price, so it’s important to consider how much you’re willing to spend on a sex toy.
Look for toys labeled as phthalate-free and choose hypoallergenic materials if you have sensitive skin. Different materials can have different cleaning and maintenance requirements, so choosing a material you’re comfortable taking care of is important.
Finally, consider what kind of experience you’re looking for and choose a material that will enhance that experience.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask our knowledgeable and friendly staff to help you make an informed decision. Come visit the Love Shack today!
P.S. Try our Universal Toy Cleaner!
Our universal spray toy cleaner is a great addition to any toy purchase you make. It helps to keep your toys clean and hygienic, which is important for your health and safety. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
The Love Shack — Your Premiere Adult Sex Toy Boutique — Has Proudly Served Norwalk, CT Since 1996