How Safe Are Sex Toy Materials?
Sex toy manufacturing is a dynamic aspect of the broader adult entertainment industry. Between the retail components of the business to its strength in the overall market moving forward, sex toys are viable products to earn a consistent return on investment. In fact, some in the industry believe that sex toy retail is much more stable than adult content creation and a traditional porn film production company. Combining the decentralized nature of the internet and the growth of the multi-trillion-dollar global e-commerce industry, there is ample opportunity for an enterprising adult industry entrepreneur looking to secure their own share of that revenue. A crucial aspect of any retail operation requires an understanding of the manufacturing process and the sort of materials used in producing a product that would be used in an intimate and sexual manner. In this blog post, Adult Site Broker will discuss the safety of sex toys based on their materials, how they are manufactured, and design specifications that pleasure products are produced to meet.
Existing Safety Standards
In recent years, the adult toy industry has experienced significant growth and popularity. As a result, business owners should find it essential to prioritize the safety of the materials used in the manufacturing of sex toys. Sex toys and other pleasure products come into close contact with sensitive areas of the human body, and therefore, it’s crucial to maintain extremely high safety standards during their production. Regulatory bodies and industry organizations have developed guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers. These standards cover aspects such as material composition, durability, and potential health risks. One of the more notable design standards is ISO 3533:2021. This standard specifies safety and user requirements relating to the materials and designs for products intended for sexual uses. It was adopted in 2021 as a safety standard and requirement for sex toys that are used for sexual stimulation as a means to enhance sexual pleasure through the stimulation of one’s genital and anus through direct contact. Note that this design standard does not cover designs for medical devices or sexually related assistive products, including personal lubricants and massage oils.
When it comes to regulation of manufacturing and materials safety, the United States federal government has the authority to cover the necessary functions of an industry regulator in the space of sex toys. In the U.S., the Consumer Product Safety Commission oversees general safety for consumer products sold within the world’s largest economy. It additionally develops and enforces safety standards and manufacturing regulations for all consumer products sold within the United States. CPSC additionally conducts research on hazards tied to particular goods used in the process of manufacture. While CPSC doesn’t have clear standards for sex toys, the commission often refers back to ISO standards and other universal design standards.
International Design Standards
The ISO, or International Organization for Standardization, is a non-governmental organization made up of national standards organizations as members, and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. Whether it is manufacturing standards for electronic cigarettes or occupational health and safety standards in the workplace, ISO standards are benchmarks for design and so much more. If a product fails to meet the standards of a regulator or an organization such as the International Organization for Standardization, a sex toy that is considered to be unsafe for use is subject to a recall for reconsideration of safety standards and materials. People’s Daily, a state-owned news organization covering Communist China, reported in 2010 the largest export economy was also the largest producer of sex toys. The market in China exploded during the global pandemic with the majority of all sex toy products shipping through modern Silk Road and Pacific Ocean trade routes. The State Administration for Market Regulation handles most product safety standards in China, including the enforcement of materials that are safe for human use internally and at the touch of genitals and the anus. Even though the vast majority of those reading this blog post aren’t manufacturers, it’s important to understand the legal and regulatory environment for safe sex toy materials. Since you’re likely reading this because you want to purchase a dropshipping listing we may have or you’re looking to start your own e-commerce pleasure products outlet, a scope of understanding on all fronts is required. This includes materials safe for sexual arousal.
Sex toys should be non-toxic. Safe sex toy materials are traditionally non-toxic, meaning they do not contain any harmful substances that can pose certain public health risks. The highest quality sex toy materials undergo aggressive testing to ensure they are free of chemicals that are risky to human health, including when used on genitalia and inserted into an orifice for sexual activity.
These chemicals include phthalates, parabens, and heavy metals. Non-toxic materials happen to be risk-averse to allergic reactions, carcinogenic exposure, and long-term health issues. The other component is to ensure that the composition of materials used to manufacture the specific product is compatible with the human body. Medical-grade silicone is a widely used body-safe material known for its hypoallergenic properties. It is non-porous, which means it does not trap bacteria, making it easy to clean and maintain hygiene. Stainless steel and borosilicate glass are other examples of body-safe materials known for their durability, non-reactivity, and ease of cleaning. In addition to the element of cleaning and ensuring a product remains hygienic, safe materials should be non-porous and easy to clean and sterilize after use. This means a variety of characteristics including that sex toys and pleasure products should not have blemishes like microscopic openings or pores that can harbor bacteria, viruses, or pathogens. Non-porous materials are easy to clean and sterilize, reducing the risk of infections or other health issues. They also prevent the accumulation of bodily fluids, personal lubricants, hygiene, and longevity.
Product Designs
Products should also be as hypoallergenic as possible. People have varying sensitivities and allergies to certain materials. Allergic reactions to materials like latex, including on sensitive areas like genitals, could be extremely painful and would require medical attention. Most of the industry’s leading manufacturers strive to use materials that are less likely to cause allergic and anaphylaxis reactions. This includes silicone, certain plastics, and chemicals that are used to treat materials like these, among other elements to a potential allergic reaction by a toy user. A final element of safety, especially if there is a power function to a sex toy, is that the electrical characteristics meet product safety standards for power sources. The vast majority of vibrators produced these days are manufactured with lithium-ion cells that are rechargeable with a USB cord or others with particular dongles attached to them. Lithium-ion batteries are regulated to ensure that these power sources don’t break through their built-in regulators and eventually blow up due to overuse. A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery commonly used in electronic devices, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage systems. It operates based on the movement of lithium ions between two electrodes—an anode (negative electrode) and a cathode (positive electrode)—through an electrolyte. This produces lithium-based power.
Other power functions that need safety standards include whether sex toys have IoT (internet of things) functions. Also known as smart sex toys or teledildonic devices, these are sex toys that integrate with a mobile phone or laptop for remote sexual activity. We’ve covered teledildonic devices before. These safety standards need to include cybersecurity functionality and countermeasures to try and block a hacker’s potential illicit use of biofeedback information, including data to related orgasms and sexual pleasure when used. This needs to be top-of-mind, and many smart toy manufacturers consider this data security and assurance requirement during manufacturing.
Durability and Longevity
The last aspect to consider is durability and longevity. Not everyone has the same pleasure settings. Some need more, some just need a little. As it relates to sex toy materials, some of the best are chosen for durability and the ability to withstand regular and, occasionally depending on the consumer, extraordinary use. The best sex toys are designed to maintain their structural integrity over time, ensuring that the toy remains safe and functional throughout its lifespan. This durability prevents the risk of product breakage, which could potentially cause harm during use.
It is important for consumers to research and purchase sex toys from reputable manufacturers who prioritize safety, adhere to industry standards, and provide transparent information about the materials used. Reading product descriptions, checking safety certifications, and consulting user reviews can help individuals make informed decisions and choose sex toys produced by materials that meet their personal safety preferences. Some websites offer in-depth reviews and analyses on sex toys, materials, brands, and entire product lines. One of the most authoritative websites is Princess Previews, which is managed by an Australian inclusive sex toy reviewer named Grace. Princess Previews is affiliated with the Alliance of Independent Sex Toy Testers, a collective of adult product reviewers and bloggers producing authentic and inclusive reviews. More good information on sex toys can be found on our podcast, Adult Site Broker Talk. We’ve interviewed Kim Airs, a sex toy expert.
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