There’s nothing quite like the excitement of exploring new sexual experiences. The rush of finding unique new ways to love yourself and others is exhilarating!

But don’t get too wrapped up in the moment! When shopping for sex toys, safety should always be paramount.

Over the years the outdated stigma surrounding sex toy use and ownership has begun to clear as more information has become available to the public. Through the rise of online shopping, this burgeoning sex toy boom has been a liberating opportunity for consumers to explore fantasies that were previously out of reach! With increased costumer scrutiny have come higher expectations, and concerns over unsafe sex toy materials. What is your sex toy made of? Is the material safe? Did you check up on the company and their practices before purchase? 

When shopping for a new friend, it’s vital to know how to find and identify a safe sex toy!

Understanding Sex Toy Materials: What to Look For 

Have you ever experienced the horror of returning to your toy drawer for a fun night in, only to find your sex toy has melted into an unrecognizable, sticky mess?

Not all sex toys are created equal! Before buying a new sex toy, it’s important to understand the materials your toy is made from. 

Many popular materials, such as toys containing PVC, “jelly,” or “cyberskin” are generally not considered body safe. These materials are porous and can harbor harmful bacteria, may cause burning or itching sensations due to unstable chemicals emanating from them, and may even degrade into goop over time. These materials don’t tend to play well with each other, and storing them together may result in even more rapid degradation.

Household items are also a no-go. While an item may be safe to use in your home, that does not mean it is safe to use in your body.

Use of unsafe materials may lead to skin irritation, bacterial infections, internal injuries, and other unpleasant side effects.

The safest materials to put in and around your body are non-toxic, non-porous sex toys such as silicone, stainless steel, and glass. These materials are considered body-safe and will not leach harmful chemicals into your body, will not harbor bacteria, and are easy to clean and sterilize. They also don’t mind sharing a home and can be safely stored together!

Glass is a non-porous sex toy material that is easy to clean and sterilize. It is hypoallergenic and compatible with nearly all lubricants. Glass toys can be incredibly beautiful and luxurious, however they may be more fragile than other materials, in addition to being completely rigid.

Metal, particularly stainless steel, is another great choice for a durable, body-safe sex toy. Like glass, metal is non-porous, easy to clean, and compatible with most lubes. Metal toys can, however, be quite heavy and expensive, and, again, lack any kind of flexibility.

Silicone has become an increasingly popular material for sex toys in recent years. Silicone toys are also non-porous- hypoallergenic, and easily cleaned. They are durable when used responsibly, and offer a delectable squishability that is absent in their metal and glass counterparts.

Silicone is compatible with water based lubricants and some natural oils (we recommend coconut oil!). Silicone toys are not compatible with silicone based lubes or latex condoms, so opt for silicone- and latex-free accessories.

Buyer beware though! 

Not all silicone toys are body safe!

Some companies use cheaper materials such as tin cured silicone or other unsafe derivatives. When buying a silicone sex toy, make sure it is made with 100% platinum cured silicone (which is sometimes referred to as “medical grade” silicone). Platinum silicone is completely body safe and stabilized, meaning it will not leach chemicals into your body or degrade over time when used and stored correctly.

Trustworthy Sources: Where to Buy Safe Sex Toys 

When shopping for an erotic toy, purchasing from a reliable and trustworthy source is key. 

• Look for companies that use quality materials and have a good reputation.
• Shop with online retailers that have been in business for a while, have high customer satisfaction, and make mention of their materials.
• Pay attention to how retailers list and describe their products.
• Read online reviews, ask friends for recommendations, and look for products that are made with care!
• When shopping online, stick to websites that are secure and well-constructed.
• Do some research and avoid purchasing from random ads or unknown sellers before vetting their products.

Engaging with topics concerning sex and sexuality can be a delicate matter.

However, you may be surprised to find that doing so opens up a world of possibilities! There is a robust, flourishing online sex toy community that is more than willing to share their opinions and point you in the right direction.

Safe Sex Toy Use: Mindful Masturbation and Finding What Works for You

When it comes to sex toys, your health is literally on the line. It’s important to do some research before purchasing a sex toy, and to test the waters before committing to regular use. Be smart about your sex toy use! Practice mindful masturbation and prioritize your health and comfort when exploring new avenues for pleasure.

Sex toys should be safe and reliable products which make your body feel good! You should not feel pain or experience any kind of skin reaction when using your toy. Here are some tips on how to ensure your toy is right for you!

• Shop for shapes and sizes that appeal to you, but don’t get carried away! There can be a sense of pressure to go for the biggest, most imposing toy around, which can lead to discomfort and disappointment if your body isn’t ready. Start small and simple! Get to know your body’s wants and needs, and explore more exotic options from there.
• Choose toys with bases. A flared base (such as those with testicles or other outward reaching details) will naturally prevent themselves from going too far into your body. Toys without sound bases run the risk of being enveloped completely in the heat of the moment, which can be extremely dangerous for the user. Stick to anal-safe toys with flared bases.
• When you receive a new toy, inspect it for damage or tampering before taking it out of the packaging. If you notice a defect or suspect the material may not be safe, contact the maker as soon as possible!
• If everything looks good, unpackage your toy and give it a good cleaning with warm water and dish soap (or toy cleaner, if you have it handy!). Make sure to dry your toy completely before storage or use.
• When you’re feeling frisky, go slow until you know your body’s limits! Start with a small amount of lubricant on your body and/or the toy, and take your time. Not all play sessions need to end asap with an earth-shattering orgasm. It’s okay to take some time to explore your body and find what works best for you! Then you can get on those toe-curling, eye rolling sessions with confidence.
•  If you feel any pain or discomfort, stop! Do not try to “power through” the discomfort. Your body is telling you that something is not quite right, so listen up! If you are really set on your activity, back off, warm-up a bit more, and try again with the understanding that you may need to change your expectations. Never push yourself past comfortable limits!
•  After you’ve had your fun, make sure to properly wash and store your sex toys. It may seem fine to just toss them in the Rubbermaid under the bed and clean them up later, but take that extra step and get those squishy friends squeaky clean! Your body will thank you.

HPE: Body Safe, Squishy Sex Toys since 2018!

If you’re looking for unique, body safe sex toys, you’re in the right place! Welcome to Hodge Podge Entourage!

We’re passionate about fantasy, fun, and safety, and have been serving up deliciously squishy erotic silicone goods for men, women, and nonbinary friends since 2018. 

Our toys are handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces constructed from platinum cured silicone and deluxe, body safe pigments.

We specialize in intricate, artisan designs and offer a huge variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. From 4.5” petites to 14” behemoths, and everything in between, our lineup showcases a huge selection of fantasy-inspired insertable and penetrable models.

Check out what the Entourage has in store for you!