/Advice

When I shop for sex toys, I keep seeing phthalate-free. What is that? And what else should I be avoiding?


Phthalates are used to soften plastic - in the sex toy world, it gives plastic a flexible, rubbery feel. They seem to be in everything, from hairspray to wood finish to the 'new car smell,' though over the past decade (well, over just the past few years). Phthalates used to be extremely common in dildos and vibrators, especially those 'jelly' types (elastomer has a similar feel, but with no phthalates). You'll definitely find them in cheap sex toys, particularly toys marketed as a 'novelty.' There are no outside regulations, so the sex toy industry regulates itself. Jimmyjane, for example, has held themselves to exceptionally high health standards from the beginning, and Babeland was one of the first shops to call attention to dangerous materials and make safety and health a real priority. We favor these companies, and this is why.

The problem with phthalates is that they break down easily, and when they do, they're released into the air (or into the vagina) and seem to be readily absorbed by the body. We don't know the full effect of phthalates on the body, though recent research has suggested that it affects child development, causing premature breast development in girls and impeded genital development in boys. Studies on animals, in high doses, suggest a connection between phthalates and damage to the liver, lungs, and kidneys, as well as the endocrine system. Does it have a similar effect on the human body? We don't know yet. But we do know that exposure to phthalates lead to a presence of phthalates in the body.

Given a choice, and the choice is there, it's best to avoid phthalates.

When you're shopping for sex toys, you should also factor in latex. If you're allergic to latex, and many people are, then you'll need to check the materials to ensure that it's latex-free. Silicone is a safe latex-free material to consider.

Avoid anything that's scented. It probably won't hurt you, but it can cause irritation. And while cheap sex toys are great on the wallet, you want to be careful. Sometimes