Hi, I have a severe allergy to both latex and nickel, so I'm afraid to get sex toys that contain rubber or any type of metal.
I am looking to buy some toys but I’m a bit of a novice and I'm having problems finding some that I trust. I’ve looked at silicone but I usually use silicone lube and I’ve heard that sometimes they can contain other materials?
What would you recommend as the safest option for a beginner? Is there anything else I need to consider? Thanks!
Hey, this is a great question!
Lots of peeps have allergies to sex toy materials such as latex and nickel, so you're certainly not alone. And, of course, you want to be sure that your toy will give you pleasure, not pain or even an itch!
Safe Sex Toy Materials
Silicone, a hypo-allergenic sex toy material, is a good choice for those with latex allergies or sensitivities.
We've seen some toys advertising themselves as silicone but that we suspect to be mixed with other materials, so it's always wise to be cautious. Rest assured that these toys don't get past our cherry-picking process. We handmake a range of silicone dildos, so we know what pure silicone sex toys look, feel and smell like!
Stainless steel sex toys can contain nickel, but the nickel should be bonded into the steel in such a way that it shouldn't trigger a reaction. But - you won't get the best experience if you are worrying, so it's probably best to stay away from metal, even if it is safely bonded.
Another good option would be a glass dildo. A glass dildo offers the firm pressure G-spots prefer and can be warmed or cooled to offer pleasurably different sensations to all erotic zones.
Glass is simply pure glass, so it will be allergy-safe for you. It's 100% non-porous and won't absorb any body substances or lube residue, making it very easy to keep clean. You can even sterilize glass dildos!
Our glass toys are made from toughened glass. They are incredibly durable, but you need to handle them with care. Be careful not to drop glass toys on a hard floor or bash against taps when cleaning, and always check for any damage before playing with them.
When it comes to vibrators, the best non-allergy choice is one made from silicone and ABS plastic.
However, many of these toys are made in factories in the Far East - which also produce vibrators made with latex. While cross-contamination is highly unlikely, it comes down to the same issue: Having worries or niggling doubts is not conducive to letting go and having fun!
One good option may be a Fun Factory vibrator, as all their sex toys arer made in their own factory in Germany. Fun Factory doesn't use latex in their sex toys, so a safe choice for your allergy.
Worth noting: The charging contacts on their rechargeable vibes are coated in a nickel-copper bond. This is a fusion that is like almost every cooking pot, apparently - so if you are ok touching pans, this should be allergy safe. The two tiny recharging magnets are located on the base of the vibes, so won't enter your body.
Fun Factory's battery-operated vibes don't have these magnets, and the control buttons are silicone-coated plastic. But changing batteries (alkaline batteries contain nickel) might pose a problem - perhaps you could phone a special friend for help?
We generally don't recommend using silicone lube with a silicone toy, whether a dildo or a vibrator. Over time, the two silicones can cause a reaction and possibly cause slight damage to the surface of the toy.
There are no health warnings about mixing silicone lube with silicone toys. The possibility of damage is slight and would occur over a period of time, so if you prefer to stick with the lube you've found best for your body, then do so! (If not, we recommend trying water-based lube instead.)
We hope this helps!
Love,
Team Sh! xx
