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When you go grocery shopping and pick up a product, you usually look at the ingredients label to see what it is made from. Why? Because it is important to you what you put into your body. So, why not do the same thing with your sex toys! Here is a list of some of the most common materials used in sex toys, what those materials are made from, and which lubricants are safe for those materials.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a clear, hard material made from the synthetic polymer of methyl methacrylate. This material is easy to mold while it cures and sets, making it optimal for making both g-spot and anal toys. Acrylic also simulates glass since it is smooth, nonporous, and hard; however, it is much more durable than glass and is virtually indestructible. Both water based and silicone lubricants are safe to use on acrylic sex toys. To wash this toy, simply use antibacterial toy cleaner and warm water.
Cyberskin & UR3
 Cyberskin is life-like material made to resemble the density and feel of human flesh. This material warms to the body’s temperature, resembles skin softness and elasticity, it is designed and formulated to retain its shape. Because Cyberskin is porous, only water based lubricants should be used, and it also requires special cleaning and care. To care for this toy, wash with antibacterial toy cleaner, dry with a soft towel, and store in cornstarch or talc powder in a ziploc bag, which will help maintain a soft, non-sticky surface.
Elastomer
Elastomer is a soft material that is completely phthalate free (chemical compound used to soften plastics) and a good choice for those who are allergic to latex products. Elastomer is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and compatible with all lubricants. It is used by the company Vibratex in most all of their adult toy products to help ensure and promote good sexual health. This material is similar in appearance to jelly, so to tell the difference between a jelly toy with phthalates and an elastomer toy without phthalates simply smell your toy. The stronger the smell, the more phthalates are in the product, so if your toy is really made from elastomer it shouldn’t have a strong smell. To clean, wipe your elastomer sex toy with antibacterial toy cleaner and warm water.
 Glass
The newest addition to sex toys is glass. This material allows the user to enjoy a smooth, slippery experience with a toy that is hypoallergenic, making this sex toy a good choice for women whose genital area is sensitive. Glass toys also retain heat and cold, work well with all lubricants, and are easy to clean. To sanitize this toy, boil it for 3-5 minutes or wash it in the dishwasher.
Jelly
An inexpensive material made from poly vinyl chloride, jelly is a greatalternative when on a budget. Jelly toys work well with all lubricants, and are generally translucent and soft. However, these kind of sex toys are also porous, so make sure to  clean them well between uses in order to prevent unsanitary conditions. Clean all jelly products with antibacterial toy cleaner and warm water. Wiping the toy with hydrogen peroxide before use is also recommended.
Latex
In its natural form, latex is made from the sap of a rubber tree, however, it can also be synthetic as well. Latex toys are very flexible and porous, and should be cleaned between each use for the best possible sanitary conditions. Just like latex condoms, toys made from latex are compatible with all lubricants. To clean a latex toy, wipe with antibacterial toy cleaner and warm water.
 Metal
Metal is a hard, phthalate-free substance that’s used for making Kegal exercisers, dildos, and some vibrators. It is safe to use all lubricants with metal sex toys, and they can be cleaned with antibacterial toy cleaner or soap and water.
Plastic
Plastic is a hard, non-flexible, smooth material. This material is compatible with all lubricants and is also one of the most used sex toy materials. Plastic is also incredibly easy to clean, simply use antibacterial toy cleaner and warm water.
Rubber
Rubber is one of the older materials used in sex toys. Harder than jelly, yet more flexible than plastic, rubber can be used with all lubricants, except petroleum based products. Rubber is also porous, so it lends itself to holding bacteria, which makes it very important to make sure you always use antibacterial toy cleaner and warm water to clean.
Silicone
 Adult toy products made from silicone have a life-like texture, as they are soft yet firm, smooth and comfortable, plus they retain body heat. Silicone toys are also hypoallergenic and are easy to clean. For best results, use a water based lubricant. To clean, wash your silicone toy with antibacterial toy cleaner and warm water, or if your silicone toy doesn’t have a battery compartment, you can boil it in water for 3-5 minutes to sanitize.
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