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Beginner's Guide To Sex Toy Materials


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Want a sex toy that you can always rely on? Well, for a buddy that is ready to play every time you come-a-knocking, you will find everything you need to know in this informative guide. Whether you want to experience solid solo satisfaction, life-like loving, or beautiful back door gratification, this guide promises to assist you in choosing the perfect accompaniment to your naughty sex play.

 
safety

Safety First!

It’s safe to say that this is mostly common sense. However, there are certainly some extremely important points worth mentioning!


Size matters (of course), but that’s not to say bigger is always better. Choose a product that you are comfortable with and take things slowly. Never make unrealistic demands of your body; otherwise it could lead to injury. If in doubt, and particularly if you’re new to sex toys, start small.


Before using any toy, it is important to check for any damage, faults, or special instructions. Additionally, make sure there are no sharp edges and ensure that battery operated functions are all in working order.

Sex toys are available in a variety of different materials, some safer than others. We recommend that you choose a non porous toy, which is free from latex and phthalates where possible. For more information regarding this, please take a look at our Beginner’s Guide to Sex Toy Materials.


We love to play with sex toys as much (more) than the next person, but remember; safety is no game! We’re not playing around when we say that your safety is our number 1 priority! That’s why it is essential to consider everything when choosing your new playmate. The first thing you need to take into account is the ingredients that go into your toy. It’s difficult to determine how much of what we put in our bodies is actually absorbed, but we generally advise against toys that contain phthalates and latex where possible;

Phthalates - the jury is out on how harmful phthalates are, but it is reported that they can be toxic in high quantities. They have been linked to hormone imbalance, fertility issues, reduced sperm count, and even breast cancer.

Latex - latex has tiny microscopic pores which means it is difficult to clean and can harbour bacteria.

safety

Do

  • Use a condom if your toy contains latex or is porous. If unsure keep it covered!
  • Clean your toy after every use
safety

Don't

  • Share porous toys with multiple partners
 
types

Which Material Should I Choose?

With so many to choose from, picking out your tantalising toy can be quite an overwhelming prospect. So as always UberKinky has come to rescue! The first thing you need to think about is the material of your new toy. Sex toys come in many shapes and sizes and are made from various different materials, each quite unique in its offering. Check out this list of pros and cons to get you started with your decision making process;

silicone
1.

Silicone

For life-like play, fantastic feel and incredible durability, it is easy to see why silicone is the most popular choice when it comes to sex toys. Not only do they look and feel fantastic, they are non toxic and can last you a lifetime with minimal care.


Pros

  • Non porous and therefore won’t harbour any bacteria
  • Can be either flexible or rigid
  • Phthalates free
  • Latex free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Odourless and tasteless

Cons

  • Cannot be stored together unless individually wrapped; silicone toys will melt one another
  • Not compatible with silicone lubricant
  • Must be stored in a toy bag to prevent lint accumulation
 

Safety Rating: 5/5


Recommended Lubricant: Smooth Move or any other of our water based lubricants


Cleaning Method: Use soap and water or antibacterial toy cleaner for a quick clean. alternatively your silicone toy can be boiled for up to five minutes, sterilised in a 10% bleach water solution, or rinsed through in the dishwasher (check that it is waterproof first!)

plastic
2.

Plastic (including ABS)

If you like it HARD, plastic is the ideal choice for you. Plastic toys are rigid and firm offering intensified stimulation. They are also body safe and easily cleaned, so you can be sure you are in good hands with your arousing ally.


Pros

  • Compatible with both silicone and water based lubricants
  • Odourless and tasteless
  • Phthalates free
  • Latex free
  • Non porous and therefore won’t harbour any bacteria

Cons

  • Overtime the plastic may crack, degrade or become quite brittle
  • Not at all life-like
 

Safety Rating: 4/5


Recommended Lubricant: SPUNK Lube Hybrid or any of our other silicone based lubricants


Cleaning Method: Use hot soapy water or antibacterial toy cleaner to keep your plastic pal spic and span.

glass
3.

Glass

For sex play with an added sparkle, a glass toy is the perfect choice. Not only will your glass toy turn that body into a work of art, it is long lasting and durable. Commonly made from borosilicate (also known as Pyrex) these toys are completely non toxic and easily sterilised. For beauty and brawn a glass toy is a ‘must’.


Pros

  • Can be easily warmed up or cooled down (use a warm glass of water, or cool in the fridge)
  • Non porous and will not harbour bacteria
  • Phthalates and latex free
  • Firm and rigid, enhancing sensual pleasure
  • Compatible with both silicone and water based lubricant
  • Completely tasteless and odourless

Cons

  • Relatively expensive
  • Not at all life-like
 

Safety Rating: 5/5


Recommended Lubricant: Gun Oil Silicone Based or any of our other silicone based lubricants


Cleaning Method: Wash with hot soapy water or antibacterial toy cleaner.

jelly
4.

Jelly

This is jelly we recommend you don’t eat! Jelly toys have seen a decrease in popularity as the controversy surrounding phthalates grows. Phthalates are added to a combination of PVC and rubber during the production process to make it pliable and soft. UberKinky recommends that you use a condom with your jelly toy as it can transmit germs, and absolutely do not share and share alike!


Pros

  • Soft jelly-like texture is relatively life-like
  • Compatible with silicone and water based lubricant

Cons

  • Contains phthalates
  • Porous and therefore likely to harbour bacteria
  • Rubber smell
  • Chemical taste
  • May cause an allergic reaction
  • Cannot be stored together unless individually wrapped; jelly toys will melt one another
 

Safety Rating: 1/5


Recommended Lubricant: ID Glide or another of our water based lubricants


Cleaning Method: Spray with antibacterial toy cleaner and wipe clean.

latex
5.

Latex

The one and only choice for you latex fetishists out there! Latex toys look and feel superb, but they contain phthalates and may not be the perfect choice for you sensitive souls.


Pros

  • Extremely pliable
  • Can be polished with silicone lubricant of latex shiner for glossy exterior
  • Lightweight
  • Compatible with both water and silicone based lubricants

Cons

  • Can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction
  • May contain phthalates
  • Porous and is likely to harbour bacteria
  • Has a rubbery taste and smell
 

Safety Rating: 2/5


Recommended Lubricant: Str8cam or any of our other silicone based lubricants


Cleaning Method: Clean thoroughly with hot soapy water or spray with antibacterial toy cleaner and wipe down.

TPR
7.

TPR & TPE

TPR and TPE toys mimic silicone and cyberskin toys in many ways. So, if you want life-like play and perfect pleasure, a toy made from this material could be the answer for you. Remember TPE/TPR toys are porous, so keep it/yourself covered if you want to share the fun!


Pros

  • Retains heat to stay at body temperature
  • Phthalates free
  • TPR is hypoallergenic
  • Pliable
  • Durable
  • Latex free

Cons

  • Only compatible with water based lubricant
  • Porous and therefore may harbour bacteria
  • Strong rubbery smell and taste
  • Can discolour and tear over time
  • Cannot be stored together or with silicone toys, as they may react with one another
 

Safety Rating: 3/5


Recommended Lubricant: Astroglide Liquid Gyycerine/Paraben Free or another of our water based lubricants


Cleaning Method: Treat your toy with care by washing with warm soapy water or spraying with antibacterial toy cleaner.

aluminium
8.

Aluminium

A lightweight aluminium toy will have you experiencing elevated sexual pleasure for years to come. Body safe and non porous, this is an experience that can be shared!


Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Compatible with silicone and water based lubricants
  • Great for thermal play
  • Can be easily warmed to body temperature
  • Non porous and therefore won’t harbour bacteria
  • Phthalates free
  • Latex free

Cons

  • Can be quite expensive
  • Need to take extra care when storing as it can be damaged fairly easily
 

Safety Rating: 4/5


Recommended Lubricant: ID Millennium Silicone or any of our other silicone based lubricants


Cleaning Method: Wash with hot soapy water and dry with a fine cotton cloth. Aluminium toys can also be sterilised in an autoclave or wiped down with alcohol.

stainless steel
9.

Stainless Steel

Your stainless steel toy may remain stain-free, but we can’t promise the area in which you were playing with it will! Stainless steel toys can last indefinitely and are easy to care for. Great for thermal play, they remain a popular choice amongst those who enjoy some extreme fun.


Pros

  • Compatible with both silicone and water based lubricants
  • Easily warmed in a glass of water or cooled in the fridge
  • Durable
  • Long lasting
  • Phthalates free
  • Latex free

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Relatively expensive
  • May contain nickel – we advise against stainless steel if you have a nickel allergy
 

Safety Rating: 5/5


Recommended Lubricant: Mr B Load Hybrid or any of our other silicone based lubricants


Cleaning Method: Wash with hot soapy water or spray with antibacterial toy cleaner and wipe down. It is possible to boil some metal toys, but we recommend that you check with the manufacturer if you’re unsure. They are also dishwasher and autoclave compatible, and can be wiped down with alcohol to disinfect.

vinyl
10.

Vinyl

We’re here to set the record straight about vinyl sex toys! Vinyl is soft and pliable, yet hard enough to offer intensified stimulation. although it is body safe, we recommend that you don’t share your toy between multiple partners unless you are keeping it completely covered.


Pros

  • Phthalates free
  • Compatible with both silicone and water based lubricants
  • Soft and pliable

Cons

  • They can be porous and therefore harbour bacteria
  • Do not last as long as other materials
 

Safety Rating: 1/5


Recommended Lubricant: SPUNK Lube Pure Silicone or any of our other silicone based lubricants


Cleaning Method: Washing with hot soapy water will keep that vinyl looking impeccable.

PVC
11.

PVC

PVC is a FIRM favourite amongst sex toys. Soft and flexible yet rigid for heightened stimulation a PVC toy is long lasting but can retain germs, so play safely!


Pros

  • Latex free
  • Soft and pliable

Cons

  • Only compatible with water based lubricant
  • May contain phthalates
  • May be porous – they can therefore harbour bacteria
 

Safety Rating: 2/5


Recommended Lubricant: Eden Silk Water Based or any other of our water based lubricants


Cleaning Method: Wash with warm soapy water or spray with antibacterial toy cleaner to keep that PVC looking perfect.

Rubber
12.

Rubber

A rubber toy could help you bounce back from inferior sex play. although free from phthalates, rubber toys can be porous and should not be shared unless using a condom.


Pros

  • Smooth and firm
  • Tasteless and odourless
  • Does not contain phthalates
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • May contain latex
  • Porous and may harbour bacteria
  • Only compatible with water based lubricant

Safety Rating: 3/5


Recommended Lubricant: Gun Oil H20 Water Based or another of our water based lubricants


Cleaning Method: Clean with hot soapy water or spray with antibacterial toy cleaner and wipe to remove the residue.

 
What Next

What Next?

So you’ve established the perfect material for your new toy, but you’re not sure what to do next? Well browse the UberKinky collection to choose your comely companion today!


BE SAFE & ENJOY