Plasticizers in sex toys: what are the risks and what should you watch out for?

Written by: Mistress Moriah
Plasticizers in sex toys: what are the risks and what should you watch out for?

Anyone who delves into body-safe sex toys will sooner or later come across the term plasticizers. It sounds technical and perhaps a little exaggerated, but the subject deserves serious attention. Certainly within BDSM and intense sexual experiences, where toys are used for long periods of time, sometimes internally and often repeatedly, the choice of material is not a minor detail but an essential part of sexual health.

In this blog, I will take you through what plasticizers are exactly, whether all plasticizers are harmful, what health risks may be involved, which quality marks are relevant in the Netherlands and worldwide, and how to keep sex toys safe and clean.

What exactly are plasticizers?

Plasticizers, also known as plasticizers, are chemicals that are added to hard plastics to make them soft, flexible, and pliable. Without plasticizers, PVC, for example, would be hard and brittle. Adding these substances creates the rubbery, supple material that is often used in inexpensive sex toys.

The best-known group of plasticizers are phthalates. These substances have been used for decades in a wide range of products such as floor coverings, shower curtains, cables, and, in the past, children’s toys. In sex toys, plasticizers are mainly found in so-called “jelly toys,” soft PVC, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), and TPR materials.

The core problem is not that a plastic is flexible. The problem arises when certain plasticizers can migrate from the material. This means that they are slowly released and can enter the body through the skin or mucous membranes. And that is exactly where it becomes relevant: sex toys often have prolonged contact with very sensitive parts of the body.

Are all plasticizers bad?

The short answer is no. Not all plasticizers are harmful. There are modern plasticizers that are considered relatively safe within certain concentrations. The risk lies mainly in specific phthalates that are known to be hormone disruptors. Substances such as DEHP, DBP, and BBP are strictly regulated or banned in products for children within the European Union.

However, sex toys are often not legally classified in the same category as children’s toys or medical devices. As a result, regulations may be less strict. This does not automatically mean that all sex toys are dangerous, but it does mean that part of the responsibility lies with the consumer.

A strong chemical smell is often a first warning sign. If a toy smells strongly of plastic or feels oily, there is a good chance that volatile substances are being released.

Health risks of harmful plasticizers

Research into phthalates shows that some variants may have an endocrine-disrupting effect. They can affect the endocrine system, which is responsible for hormone regulation. Scientific literature discusses links to fertility problems, developmental disorders, and disruption of testosterone and estrogen levels. It is important to remain honest: the risk depends heavily on the duration of exposure, concentration, and individual sensitivity. One-time contact is different from repeated long-term use of porous sex toys with high concentrations of plasticizers.

In addition, porous materials can retain bacteria. This increases the risk of infections, especially with internal use. Within BDSM, where toys are sometimes used more intensively or shared, this is an additional point of attention.

Which materials are body-safe?

If you search for terms such as body-safe sex toys or safe BDSM toys, you will always come across the same materials:

• Medical-grade silicone
• Borosilicate glass
• Stainless steel (surgical steel)
• ABS plastic (hard plastic without plasticizers)

These materials are non-porous and do not contain any migrating plasticizers. They are stable, easy to clean, and will last for years. In serious BDSM practice, investing in high-quality materials is not a luxury but a basic requirement.

Materials such as TPE, TPR, and soft PVC can be safe if they are phthalate-free and comply with European chemical legislation, but transparency from the manufacturer is essential in this regard.

Is there a quality mark for sex toys?

There is no specific official quality mark for sex toys as a separate category worldwide. This is striking, given their intimate use. In the Netherlands and the rest of the European Union, sex toys are covered by general consumer legislation. Relevant regulations include:

REACH Regulation: regulates chemicals within the EU and restricts hazardous phthalates.

RoHS: relevant for electronic toys, restricts hazardous substances in electronics.

CE marking: mandatory for many products, but says little about the biocompatibility of materials.

CE does not automatically mean that a toy is completely body-safe. It mainly says that the product meets certain basic requirements. Internationally, for example in the United States, there is also no separate medical classification for sex toys unless they are explicitly sold as medical devices.

In short: there is no universal sex toy quality mark. Transparency of the brand and clear material specifications are therefore more important than a logo on the packaging.

What should you look for when buying a sex toy?

Look for clear information about the materials used. “100% medical-grade silicone” is specific. “Soft feel material” is not.

Buy from reliable stores that are open about composition and origin. Extreme price differences are often a sign that corners have been cut on materials.

Avoid toys with a strong chemical smell or a sticky surface. If a toy starts to sweat or feel greasy over time, this may indicate migrating plasticizers.

For intensive BDSM use, such as penetration during prolonged sessions or in combination with heat and pressure, choosing non-porous materials is especially important.

How do you keep sex toys clean and hygienic?

The hygiene of sex toys is at least as important as the choice of material.

Non-porous materials such as silicone, glass, and stainless steel can be cleaned with warm water and mild, unscented soap. Silicone toys without electronics can often be boiled. Glass and steel are easy to disinfect.

Porous materials such as TPE or soft PVC can never be completely sterilized. Therefore, it is wise to always use a condom for internal use. Do not share these toys with others and store them separately, as some materials can react with each other.

Always allow toys to dry completely before storing them. Preferably store them in a cloth bag in a dry place.

In a BDSM context, where multiple accessories are sometimes used in a single session, it is wise to follow fixed cleaning protocols.

The stigma surrounding sex toys and safety

It is striking that sexual health is often taken less seriously than other forms of consumer safety. We set high standards for baby products and food safety, but accept vagueness around products that come into direct contact with our intimate areas. Plasticizers in sex toys are not a conspiracy theory. It is simply a subject about which many people lack knowledge.

Within BDSM, where duty of care, consent, and mutual respect are central, care for the body is also important. A good toy enhances the experience. A bad one can cause discomfort, irritation, or health risks. Making conscious choices in terms of materials, quality marks, hygiene, and origin is not an exaggeration of caution.

Mistress Moriah

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