Defining Sex toys: 

• Can be a lot of different things

• Focusing in on insertables and external stipulation devices: butt plugs, dildos, vibrators, pulsators, masturbation sleeves 

• Not talking about: homemade sex toys that you can get creative with, not talking about kink related toys, or pervertables

GLOSSARY OF OBJECTS

• Common sex toys and their definitions:

• Anal beads: small rounded beads attached to one another, made for insertion into the anus. Often are a single solid object rather than actual beads. 

• Butt plug: an object, usually rounded or phallic with a large flared base, designed for insertion into the anus. It has a flared base so that it does not get sucked up and lost in the rectum

• Chastity devices: Device meant to prevent intercourse or masturbation. These are often used in kink/orgasm denial.

• Cock rings: Rings that go onto the base of a penis/external genitalia. They restrict blood flow and increase sensation

• Dildo: a phallic object made for insertion into an orifice (mouth, vaginal canal/front hole, anus/back hole)

• Strap-on: a phallic object attached to somebody, usually by a strap or band of cloth, leather, velcro, etc. Some will fit over external genitalia. Many designs can be attached to the pelvis, but some can be attached to a hand or limb, which is awesome for folks with mobility issues.

• Stroker/sleeve: Also termed male masturbatory aid. I prefer the terms stroker or sleeve because it is gender neutral and more descriptive. These are often designed as a cylinder that encloses the external genitalia, but there are a variety of creative designs meant to provide differing experiences.

• Suction-based devices: There’s not really a good word for these yet, because they’re often marketed as vibrators. However, they do not actually vibrate; instead they produce suction. 

• Vibrator: a motorized object meant to provide intense mechanical stimulation. It may or may not be designed for insertion.

• Rabbit vibe: A subset of vibrator. They have an external arm that vibrates and an internal arm that often vibrates/pulses. 

• And more…

Common materials in sex toys

• ABS plastic: The same stuff as Legos. This is, in its long form, acryl-o-nitrile butadiene styrene. It’s a human-made plastic polymer that has a shiny surface that is often pigmented. ABS plastics are considered food-safe, but a concern for body safety is the pigment applied. This is most likely only an issue if you notice chipping. In terms of sex toys, ABS plastic is most often used in handles or in external vibrators.

• Silicone/Siloxane: This is a general name for polymers made from alternating silicon and oxygen atoms. Bakers love it, as food doesn’t stick as much to it and it can withstand high temperatures. Silicone can be made rubbery or even semi-liquid, as with silicone sealants. By itself, Silicone is considered to be nontoxic and non-porous, though it will hold onto smells sometimes. Silicone is used in lubricant as well, as an alternative to oil or water-based lubricants (which often have ingredients that are not good for the body).

• Ceramic: The same stuff as in mugs and vases! Clay, shaped and fired and glazed, this is one of humanity’s longest-used materials. Ceramics meant for sex toys should be glazed, with a glaze that is body safe, as any sort of leaching can be a concern for lead poisoning. As long as the glaze doesn’t leach and covers all areas that come in contact with the body, and there are no cracks, ceramics should be body safe. Ceramic should stand up to boiling and other forms of sanitizing, and some ceramic sex toys can be filled with hot or cold water to produce temperature effects.

• Glass: This is usually either borosilicate or soda lime glass; think about glass brownie pans or other thick glassware. These are heat resistant, nonporous, and usually fairly resilient. Another aspect to glass is the annealing process, where heated glass is allowed to cool slowly. This makes for an overall stronger glass object than quicker/cheaper cooling, and the only real impact is that poorly annealed glass is more liable to break if you drop it. 

• Latex: AKA natural rubber. This is used in all kinds of things, from latex gloves to condoms. Allergies to latex are super common, and while most folks might experience an itch or rash, it can be life threatening in some. While the layers of latex in a condom or glove make a barrier that infectious agents can’t cross, one reason such things are one use only is that bacteria love to chow down on latex, meaning that over long periods of time it can harbor and grow microbes. Latex is either derived from plants or is synthesized by humans. In plants, it looks like a milky, sticky, bitter liquid and is a complex mix of proteins, oils, sugars, resins, gums and other junk. The rubber is primarily a polymer of isoprene, usually subjected to a process called vulcanization.

• Metal: Usually aluminum or steel. Some people do have metal allergies. There are also different grades of metal, which are often related to their alloy composition (mostly relevant to those with allergies). Words like “surgical steel” refer to the metal’s general suitability for biomedical applications, not specific alloys or allergenic properties. These are cleanable and, like glass, easily sanitized. 

• Phthalates: These are not technically a material, but they are a component. Phthalates are a group of molecules that are diesters of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid. They have different molecular sequences in their arms/side chains, but the core shape of the molecule is similar. These are used as plasticizers in PVC/silicone/abs plastics, and are generally considered toxic, although there is disagreement about safe levels. The U.S. currently bans it in children’s toys, while the E.U. bans phthalates altogether. Unfortunately not all manufacturers abide by these rules. It is hard to tell exactly how much product containing phthalates gets distributed because of manufacturing practices and lack of regulation on sex toys. 

• PVC: Short for polyvinyl chloride. Without plasticizers, PVC is a hard, brittle substance. The PVC that gets sold in various forms (from pipes to dildos!) is kind of like fudge: when you make fudge, the sugar (a hard, brittle substance) makes a microscopic crystal cage that holds all the soft ingredients and makes everything solid, but the ingredients are not chemically bonded to each other. PVC holds the plasticizers in, without being chemically bonded to them; this is a big source of concern, as these chemicals leach out. Some plasticizers used are more harmful than others. On top of that, as these chemicals leach out they make the plastic melt into other plastics

• TPR/TPE: Thermoplastic Rubber/Elastomer. This is a hugely broad term, because all it means is that it is a) a polymer that will melt and reform (thermoplastic) that b) also stretches and returns to its previous shape (elastomer/rubber). There are a variety of TPR/TPE processes, with a load of different applications, byproducts, and properties, but they use non-covalent bonding. Some types are approved for medical usages, including uses that require sterilization, but cheaper TPR/TPE is less likely to adhere to these standards. In a study on HPV and sex toys, HPV DNA was detectable on  TPR/TPE toys but not silicone after washing and drying, so there is definitely an issue with germs on at least some TPR/TPE.

• Materials to look out for since they hurt the human body: TPR/TPE, ABS plastic, LAtex, Polyvinyl chloride, Phthalates, Jelly Rubber 

Populations of Concern: 

Recent research shows that

• 82% of women overall (in the US) use sex toys

• 79.7 of bisexual women use sex toys

• 70.6% of lesbians use sex toys

• 78.5% of gay and bisexual men use sex toys

• 78% of Americans over 18 own at least one sex toy as of 2022, which has increased from 65% in 2017 (bedibble, 2022)

• Half of Americans over 18 have used a sex toy during the last week (bedibble, 2022)

• No info on straight men

• Non specific info on use among trans and gender diverse community 

• This is a large portion of women who are impacted as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ community 

Health concerns and sexual pleasure

• There should not be concern around exposure to chemicals or safety of sex toys when finding pleasure by one self or with a partner 

Why talking about sex toys is important: 

• Dildo market/sales/revenue is estimated to be 2.5 billion USD globally

• Vibrator market/sales/revenue is estimated to be 3.5 billion USD globally

• 40% of people in the US over 18 have spent over $100 on sex toys in the last 12 months

• 78% of all Americans over 18 years old own at least 1 sex toy, while 27% in the US own more than 5 sex toys

• 1,765,000,000 (over 1.7 billion) sex toys are estimated to be made this year

Regulations: 

FDA

• 3 sex toys that fall under the FDA

• These are all medical devices that involve needing a prescription for them and are focused on sexual rehabilitation 

CSPSC

• No specific category for sex toys, but when categorizing under the CPSC, listed as “massagers” or novelty items”

• Issue for massagers: Meant for external use, not thought of as products near mucus membranes or or encapsulated by an orifice of the body

• Issue for novelty items: is meant to serve no practical purpose 

• Both of these are exempt from regulation at this time

• This means No policy or mandates about what can and cannot go into a sex toy

• This means No policy or mandates about labeling/advertising of toys

Pthalates

• Restrictions in childrens toys

  • banned them in children’s toys at a concentration of above 0.1%

• Children’s toys have these regulations because they are often placed near mucous membranes in the mouth

• sex toys still contain phthalates ranging from a 24% to 49% concentration when measured from total weight of the toy

• phthalates being exposed to mucous membranes in the mouth, anus, and vaginal canal through sex toy usage, similar precautions need to be considered for sex toys

Reproductive health concerns

• phthalates exposures and adverse reproductive outcomes in both women and men

• Laboratory animal studies have reported the endocrine-disrupting and reproductive effects of phthalates

• Human exposure to phthalates occurs through dietary sources, dermal absorption, and air inhalation. Phthalates are excreted as conjugated monoesters in urine, and some phthalates, such as di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), undergo secondary metabolism, including oxidative transformation, prior to urinary excretion. The occurrence of phthalates and their metabolites in urine, serum, breast milk, and semen has been widely reported.

Additional health concerns

• Weight and height

• Type II diabetes and insulin resistance

• Theyroid function and thyroid cancer

• Higher systolic blood pressure

• Semen quality

• Pregnancy loss

• Preterm birth

• Low birth weight

• Reproductive hormones

• Allergies/asthma 

How pthalates work with other materials

• Makes them more flexible and tender

• To do this, creates microporous holes in the material by breaking down the material it is in

• This is leaching the material into the body when used

• Mold, mildew, bacteria, etc can grow in these holes…

• STIs can stay in these areas and can be a concern if the toys are being shared

The use of condoms to protect ourselves and our toys 

Why not just wash your toys?

• 14% have never cleaned their vibrator

• 22% only clean their vibrator after use

• 4.6% only clean their vibrator before use

• 7% have tried putting a condom over their vibrator

Washing vs. bioling vs. toy cleaner 

• Antibaterial Soap and water does not clean microporous holes effectively, there still might be mildew, mold, or bateria living on/in the toy

• Boiling will kill the mold, mildew, and bateria, however this is not always the appropriate method depending on the toy

• Things that viibrate, pullsate, or have any electronics or hard plastics are/may not be suitable for boiling

• Recomended boiling time for toys is 5-10 minutes

• Toy cleaner only works for nonporous materials 

Why use pthalates at all?

• Makes sex toys flexible and pliable

• This translates into “more pleasurable” for some people

• Tends to be cheaper product wise, which increases access and potential pleasure

The indeed for reclassification

• The CPSC needs to reclassify sex toys and add a new category that allows to look at the toxicity/materials that go into sex toys, but also looks at the manufacturing process, safety of the shape/build, advertising, and include user instructions

Prop 65 in California

• The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), which administers California Proposition 65, updates periodically, usually once a year, the list of chemicals that can cause the following health issues to humans:

  • Cancer

  • Developmental diseases

  • Female or male reproductive problems

This list currently has over 1000 chemicals on it and continues to grow.

• Proposition 65 makes no effort to distinguish the types of chemicals found in the product, or even where they are located in the product which creates consumer confusion. 

Proposition 65 excludes: 

• Businesses with fewer than 10 employees

• Governmental agencies

• Public water systems

• Products manufactured in China, Vietnam, and other countries

Denmark

• In 2006-2010 the Danish environment minister declared that sex toys are potentially hazardous, and that steps should be taken to reduce the level of dangerous chemicals in the products.Karen Ellemann’s proposal for safer sex toys follows reports from the National Board of Health that sex toys contain hormone disrupting phthalates and linked phthalate exposure to advanced puberty in teenage girls, as well as genital deformation and reduced fertility in young males.

• In their analysis, they found that 2/3rds of the sex toys they looked into contained pthalates at the time. 

• Chemical substances indirectly determined by elements analysis  

  • Tin 

• Chemical substances identified in the headspace-analysis 

  • 2-Butanone 

  • Carbon disulfide

  • Cyclohexanone 

  • Heptane 

  • 2-Hexanone 

  • Phenol 

  • Tetrahydrofuran 

  • Toluene 

• Chemical substances identified in dichloromethane extraction 

  • Bisphenol-A 

  • Trimethyltin chloride 

  • 2-Ethylhexanoic acid 

  • DEHP, Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate 

  • DINP, Di-iso-nonylphthalate 

  • DNOP, Di-n-octylphthalate 

European Union General Product Safety Directive

• Product safety (e.g. risk and conformity assessment, testing)

• Promotion (e.g. Product instruction information, marketing information)

• Market supervision (e.g. Communicate and report to the authority, recall, withdrawal)

• Importers and manufacturers should prepare documents such as the following:

  • Risk assessment report

  • User manual

  • Technical file

  • Test reports

  • Product traceability labeling

European Union and REACH

• REACH restricts chemicals, heavy metals, and other harmful substances in consumer products sold in the European Union. While the REACH regulation does apply to all consumer products, there are categories for which there are higher risks or specific bans or substance restrictions in place.

• Sex toys tend to be covered by REACH’s Substances of Very High Concern or Annex XVII. Some examples include: 

  • Silicone (might contain phthalates)

  • PVC Plastic (might contain phthalates, or BPA)

  • Thermoplastic rubber (might contain BPA)

  • Metal (might contain lead, cadmium, or chromium)

  • Ceramic (might contain lead, cadmium, or chromium)

• Importers or manufacturers of sex toys must make sure that their products comply with relevant regulations in the destined markets. Oftentimes, the only way to assess compliance is to arrange lab testing, such as substance testing, mechanical testing, electrical safety testing, or other tests. For sex toys, this might include substance testing, mechanical and electrical safety testing, and more.

ISO 3533: 2021

• International Organization for Standardization came out with a sex toy product requirement standards in 2021 

• Referred to as: Sex toys — Design and safety requirements for products in direct contact with genitalia, the anus, or both

• Covers specifications such as design requirements and considerations, material safety, user instructions and safety, and risk management for sex toys. 

• It doesn’t cover products that are classified as medical devices or assistive products, including lubricants and massage oil.

• Can be an organization and document that CPSC looks to in developing guidelines for reclassification 

• Excludes: Lubricants, Massage oil, Intimate gels/sprays

• Electrical safety requirements

  • It requires manufacturers to consider the electrical safety of the product during usage and charging conditions. The electrical safety requirements also cover the product charger.

• Mechanical safety requirements

  • The requirements concern the safety of sex toys from the following aspects:

    • Prevention of retention

    • Products for genital enclosure

    • Moving and removable parts

• It provides instructions on the dimensions and design features from an ergonomic standpoint so that it does not harm the users.

• Labeling requirements

  • The standard provides the labeling instructions for sex toys manufacturers. It states that the product and/or the packaging should contain information such as:

    • Product description

    • Product traceability (e.g. batch number)

    • Company information

    • Symbols and markings, if relevant

    • User instructions

Where to buy toys

• Feminist sex toy stores

  • Tends to have body safe products and toys

  • Education focused

  • Pleasure oriented

  • Diverse population catered to

  • Online Examples: Pleasure chest, Smitten Kitten, Good vibrations, Babeland, Betty’s toy box, SheVibe, 

*Notice that LoveHoney is not on that list because they do sell unsafe toys

• Standard sex toy stores

  • There are a lot of them and you need to be careful about what you are buying

  • Doing research about the toys you are intending to purchase is important 

• Amazon

  • Lots of knock offs and cheaply made remakes of reputable brands (so something that is supposed to be silicone is not or a mixture)

  • Used sex toys (gotta love their return policy concerning this - you do not find this with other sex toy retailers)

  • Glass and metal toys off of amazon are safer than silicone ones, but they could still be used and still be fakes