According to the Kinsey Institute, there are no safety regulations currently in place for the U.S. sex toy industry, which means that “phthalate-free” claims aren’t necessarily verified by an independent party, nor are companies held accountable for their claims. However, it is a good place to start.
● Stay away from certain materials.
Sex toys that are made from a jelly-like rubber, vinyl or PVC usually contain phthalates. They also tend to be more porous than other toys and are more prone to cracking, which gives bacteria and viruses places to hide. If the toy’s packaging does not include a list of materials, use the following rule of thumb: toys that are bendy or squishy typically contain plasticizers to give them those qualities, and unless they say “phthalate free,” they should be avoided.
● Silicone and glass toys reign supreme.
Sex toys made of stainless steel, medical-grade silicone, or Pyrex glass are non-porous and plasticizer-free. They also tend to be much firmer than your average rubber sex toy and are more expensive than products that contain phthalates.
● Beware the term “novelty toy.”
“For novelty use only” is a label that manufacturers use to get around certain standards of disclosure for personal products. These products tend to be the least expensive and frequently come from foreign markets, such as China, where 70 percent of the world’s sex toys are made.
● Use the smell test.
If you’ve ordered your toy online (or purchased it sealed from a store), and you open the package to find any sort of chemical, rubbery or “new car” smell, it is a sign that your purchase contains phthalates and may be risky to use.
● Shop online.
Online adult toy stores often contain detailed product descriptions, which include any products used in their manufacture. Many online stores only sell “phthalate-free” products, and those that don’t will at least be able to provide you with the information you need to make an educated purchase. They may allow you to open a second tab to research a particular product or model prior to purchase, rather than relying on a store clerk for information.