Vibrators 101: Vibrator materials

Silicone

This is an ideal material for sex toys. Why?!? Because it allows for a realistic experience, it can reach and maintain body temperature, and it is soft and smooth-textured like skin. Silicone is non-porous, hygienic and hypo-allergenic for those who are extra sensitive. These types of toys can be cleaned with soap and water. They can also be boiled or placed in the dishwasher if there is no vibrator unit inside.

Usually Silicone sex toys are more expensive than jelly or rubber toys. This is because they are usually hand-cast by smaller companies. I do believe you will find them worth the investment since silicone toys have a longer life span and are easily disinfected.

Elastomer

This is a soft durable material that is phthalate-free( Phthalates are rubber softeners that have been associated with negative health consequences). It is porous, which means unlike silicone, it cannot be disinfected.

Jelly Rubber

These sex toys are perfect if you prefer soft materials over hard or even if you don't want to spend too much money. Jelly rubber is composed of a porous material that can include ingredients such as latex and phthaltes. Jelly toys tend to have a shorter life span and it is recommended that you use condoms with them because of their ingredients.

Silicone/Rubber Mixes

These are sex toys that are composed of silicone and some other material. Laws require sex toys to be composed of only 10% a material to be named said material. Therefore, some sex toy manufacturers have taken advantage of Silicone's popularity and package materials as silicone. Since, this is an issue of concern, I want you to be an informed decision maker. Please check out all the ingredients in a said silicone toy. Silicone mixes will most likely last longer, however, if silicone is one of several ingredients you should treat your toy like that of a jelly rubber material.

Cyberskin

Toys of this material have a flesh-like texture. Cyberskin products (Futurotic, futurotic plus, Soft Touch, UR3, Jel-Lee, New Supersoft, SoftSkins) often look and feel like the real thing! Cyberskin toys are great if you are looking to experience something that feels real. Toys made of cyberskin can be less expensive than silcone, however, again cyberskin is made from a porous material that cannot be disinfected. Some of these toys can also contain rubber-softening phtalates, so you really should use them with a condom.

Hard Materials

Sex toys made of hard materials are most often one of hard plastic, acrylic, glass, metal, and pure latex. These toys are firm, smooth and phthalate-free. They can also be less expensive than silicone toys.