Since Reading Part 2 of this series, I Now Know About Silicone; So from What Other Materials Are Sex Toys Made?

The main determining factor in what materials go into sex toy is PRICE. Though you'll see all sorts of claims about how this material or that is better for this type of stimulation or that kind of penetration, most times you can figure out what ingredients a sex toy contains just by looking at the price tag. The cheapest toys tend to be latex or plastic, with silicone edging the price up a bit, white glass, metal, and wood tend cost the most. We'll go into more details shortly, but don't be surprised when that $10.00 doesn't last very long or when the realistic feel of that bargain dildo soon turns to a gelatinous mess. You've been warned.

Latex- the Most common (and cheapest) Sex Toy Material

Most articles you will read on latex will lump a great many products in this category; however, it is very helpful to learn exactly what latex is, how it's made, what varieties exist, and how they're use in the production of such sex toys.

First latex is the milky sap contained in many plants, such as the Para Rubber tree (Hevea brasilensis), figs, and even dandelion and is used mostly for the production of rubber. Because of allergies to latex (resulting to anaphylactic shock to other maladies), synthetic versions  of latex have been developed from a process of polymerizing a monomer that has been emulsified by surfactants. This is all just complicated speak for taking monomer molecules and putting them together to form a latex- like substance (polymers), in many ways superior to natural latex. There are downsides, of course, which we'll discuss later, but suffice it to say latex has been around in various forms for hundreds of years and is one of the cheapest materials available to sex toys industry.

The most common sex production using latex are condoms, dildos, fake vaginas, dolls and fetish clothing. Because latex is very insular, it doesn't make the best materials for vibrators and latex sex products have a distinct smell of rubber that can bother some people (in addition to allergies mentioned above) Latex toys are, as mentioned previously, inexpensive, so don't expect them to last more than a year or two, even with the best of care. However, if price is a concern and you plan to upgrade your toys often, latex can be the best choice .Cleaning should be done with mild soap and water and NEVER use alcohol or household cleaners. Finally, latex sex toys should never be shared, due to their porous nature and ability to hold bacteria.

Cyberskin- Latex Meets Silicone

Cyberskin, which is actually a brand name from a company called Topco, is formed by combining silicone and latex to form a very natural  feeling material that mimics human flesh and is gaining in popularity. Because Cyberskin is also more durable than latex, it can be used in many more and interesting ways, such as cock rings, egg, and even human looking robots! other companies produce similar materials that go by the names Ultraskin, Eroskin, Softskin, Futurotic, UR3 and Cyber Jel-lee and they are all basically the same thing. That is, each has the texture and appearance of human skin and can be quite stimulating when used in certain sex toys.

If you decide to purchase a Cyberskin (or similar) product, it is important to stress the proper care of them. Cyberskin is VERY porous and tends to discolor  and tear easily. After use, clean your toy thoroughly  with a mild anti-bacterial sop and as with latex, do not use alcohol-based or household cleaners as they will damage the material. Once cleaned, allow your Cyberskin product to dry and apply a light coating  of either cornstarch or fine talcum powder. This will prevent discoloration and protect your toy when not in use.

One final precaution is to ONLY USE WATER BASED LUBRICANTS with Cybersikn sex toys! Silicone or any petroleum  or oil-based lubricant  will destroy Cyberskin.

Jelly- Beware the Phthalates!

Jelly sex toys are made from a mixture of PVC and rubber, resulting in a soft jelly like texture and feel. this material is used for many types of sex toys, such as vibrators, penile sleeve, dildos and cock rings and is one of the cheapest materials available. Jelly can have strong rubber odor can be manufactured to be translucent due to its porous nature. jelly is probably the cheapest material used in the manufacture of sex toys and you'll notice much lower price points for toys of this type.

One of the issues with Jelly sex toys is that are made with phthalates (pronounced "thaleights"), which are used as plastic softeners and /or solvents and which give jelly its unique properties. Studies have been conducted on the health risks of products containing phthalates, as children's teething rings and other household items and there are efforts to ban their use in such products. Though no conclusive studies on jelly sex toys have been done (that we could find), you should still be careful about what goes into your body. For peace of mind a condom can be placed over (or under, in the case of penile sleeve) the jelly sex toy in question for added protection.

Cleaning a jelly vibrator is similar to cyberskin, which is to say use a mild soap and warm water, taking care to dry the object and store it in a cool., dry place away from other objects-especially other jelly toys. Use only water-based lubricants.

Hard Plastic- Viberrific!

One of the least expensive and most common materials used in vibrators, good old-fashioned plastic (or PVC) continues o be reliable ingredient for sex toy manufacturers. Its benefits are many , including easy cleaning, lubrication-friendly, and great conductor of vibrations (resulting in the need for less expensive motors). In fact two of the most popular sex toys for years is Standard Vibe and Mini Mistic are made with plastic as their main ingredient. Plastic sex toys are great for their low cost as well and can be found for as little as $5.00.

Glass Sex Toys? WOW!

Well, not exactly glass as you may think, but rather Pyrex, which is borosilicate glass capable pf withstanding extremely high temperatures and can be shaped into all sorts of interesting things like sex toys, for example! Professional glass blowers, working with rod s of borosilicate glass, heat it to the point where they can twist and shape it into many interesting  phallic shapes, then allow them to cool before final drop-test.  Glass toys are probably the most costly sex toys, but never wear out, are beautiful to look at and hold and can provide some of the best play of any toys.

During use, glass toys can be warmed (dip them into warm water) or chilled for different sensations.

The great thing about these products is that they are non- porous, meaning they can be completely sterilized  for safety and peace of mind. In fact, we put ours into he dishwasher when we're feeling crazy. You can also use any kind of lubrication with them without fear of harming  the piece. After cleaning store in a padded pouch or towel or proudly display one or two on you night stand.

Wooden Sex Toys- Now THAT'S something I've never seen before!

It was only a matter of time before some enterprising craftsman would figure that hard woods could be used for, well, hard WOOD. Using woods such as cherry and oak, raw materials are turned and shaped on the lathe into spectacular designs then sanded and polished with multiple coats of food grade finish. the results are one of a kind sex toy that will last a lifetime.

From What Other materials Are Sex Toys Made

By no means are sex toys confined to the materials mentioned in this article! Innovative minds are constructing sex toys from metal, Lucite, leather, titanium and many other esoteric substances. What all this means is that our sex lives will constantly be filled with fun and sexy new things limited only by our imaginations.