Skip to content

FEMALE-FOUNDED LGBT+ INCLUSIVE🌈

Main Navigation

Phthalates in Sex Toys

Phthalates in Sex Toys

Phthalates (pronounced "thall-eights") are a family of chemicals that are used to soften plastic in things like shower curtains. They are also used as solvents and can be found in many uses in our daily lives.

Jelly (PVC) sex toys contain phthalates. It's the phthalates that make jelly toys soft & squishy. Jelly toys often have an overpowering chemical smell, especially when just removed from their packaging.

FDA, the US health regulating body, says that phthalates are a 'probable human carcinogen,' ie could cause cancer.

Studies suggest that phthalates could cause fertility problems in rats.

Other studies seem to contradict the above.

We don't stock any sex toys with phthalates

You can be sure any sex toy you buy from Sh! is body-safe. We only carry ( and recommend) toys made from silicone, plastic, glass, steel or thermoplastic elastomer

But we also want you to be safe with toys you might buy from other companies...

How to identify a sex toy with Phthalates 

Have you ever unwrapped a sex toy and been overwhelmed by its strong chemical smell? This is the toy off-gassing large amounts of phthalates.

There are different grades of phthalates, and differing amounts can be used, from very little...to lots. This is why food storage containers don't smell, whilst cheap trainers can stink before you've even put your feet into them! 

The basic rule to follow is:

The more toxic a jelly product smells, the more phthalates it has.

No studies have been done on sex toys, and of course, you tend to have a more intimate relationship with a sex toy than a shower curtain or food container.

Until there's research on whether jelly sex toys pose a risk, it's impossible to give conclusive answers. We think it's wise to have a cautious relationship with chemicals. This is why, if you do own any PVC jelly sex toys, we recommend covering them with a condom, just to be extra safe.

Browse body-safe sex toys here. 

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

BEST-SELLING SEX TOYS

The toys our customers love...

Need any Sex Toys Advice? Ask away...

More Sex Toy Advice

How To Introduce Sex Toys into Your Relationship
How To Introduce Sex Toys into Your Relationship

Introducing the idea of playing with a sex toy as a couple can feel daunting,...

Our Advice On Travelling With Sex Toys
Expert Advice On Travelling With Sex Toys

We get asked for advice about travelling...

New Year, New Resolutions? - Sh! Women's Store
A New Year With Fun New Resolutions For 2024

Happy New Year, babes! A new year is full of promises and fresh beginnings. It's a time to...

What's Hot This Christmas? Sexy Gift Guide For Lovers - Sh! Women's Store
What's Hot This Christmas? Gift Guide For Lovers

The holiday season is fast approaching, and it's time to order the perfect sexy gift for your...

Licking Wheel Rabbit Vibrator - Sh! Women's Store
Sex Toy Review: Nymph Clit-Licking Wheel Rabbit

Have you ever fantasised about designing a sex toy? Like, creating a toy that ticks all your boxes?...

Top 10 Discreet Sex Toys - Sh! Women's Store
Top 10 Discreet Sex Toys

If you're a newbie, living with family or flatmates, or looking for a toy for your travels, you...