Sex Toy Materials 4: Elastomer

What are elastomers sex toys made of?:

• In response to concerns about phthalates some manufacturers have started using elastomers to make soft rubber like sex toys.


• Elastomers are very different from the inexpensive PVC used for most sex toys. They contain no phthalates, are hypoallergenic and durable. No solvents are used in the process of manufacturing.


• Elastomers are usually suitable for people concerned with allergic reactions or chemical sensitivities.

Taking care of elastomers sex toys:

• Elastomers are slightly porous so care should be taken to clean them properly.


• They can be cleaned with mild soap and water.


• Only use a water based personal lubricant with silicone and rubber mixed sex toys.

Safer sex and elastomer sex toys:

• It is possible to transmit infections on sex toys that have not been sterilized.


• Because elastomer sex toys cannot be boiled (like silicone sex toys ) use a condom to keep them clean and free of bacteria.


• If you are going to share a sex toy with a partner use a condom on the toy to prevent transmission of bodily fluids.


• While it is not recommended, if you are going to use a toy both vaginally and anally use a condom to prevent transmission of bacteria.

Sex Toy Materials 3: Silicone/Rubber Mixes

• Pure silicone toys are non-porous, but when silicone is only one of many ingredients, you should treat them like jelly rubber toys.



• The benefit of having a silicone mix is that the material will last longer without breaking down or tearing.



• They may contain rubber softeners such as phthalates, which have been associated with negative health effects.



• Use with condoms for safety and to aid in cleanup.
  Do not use silicone lube with silicone/rubber mix toys as it can melt the toy. Be sure to use a condom over the toy if you want to use silicone lube.

Silicone is such a popular sex toy material that manufacturers of less-expensive sex toy options have realized that it can increase their sales to have the packaging say that the toy is silicone. By law, it only has to have 10% of a material to be called that material (just like with 10% fruit juices).

Because we want our customers to make informed decisions, we hope that you will check before buying something labeled silicone. You should be able to trust that the product is truly capable of being disinfected.