Dildo Safety: Are TPE & PVC Dildos Safe?

What is a TPE dildo?

TPE stands for thermoplastic elastomer, a body-safe compound with many industrial applications. So, if you wonder if a TPE dildo is safe, we can say yes, but with a dose of caution. TPE is soft, flexible, and stretchy. However, TPE is porous, which is not a desirable trait of sex toys. It is a material that is usually latex and phthalate-free, making this material body-safe and often used for manufacturing sex toys like dildos.

TPE dildos are soft, flexible, and bendable, making them a favorite for many, as they look like a mixture of silicone and jelly. The specifications of the material are good as it is rated as safe and non-toxic. As with all sex toys, you should use lube with a TPE dildo, and the best choice is water-based lube.

The downside of TPE is that it is porous, which means the toy’s surface has small holes that can become home to harmful bacteria, fungi, or yeasts. To ensure your TPE dildo is safe, you have to be very persistent when cleaning it. Always wash a TPE dildo thoroughly, and it usually involves a lot of foaming toy cleaner and rinsing with lots of warm water.

Possible TPE Dildo Issues

TPE cannot stand high temperatures, and you can’t put your TPE dildo in boiling water to sterilize it, as it will melt. Alcohol and bleach are dangerous for TPE, as they can break down the material. Soap is a good choice for cleaning a TPE dildo, but not enough rinsing may lead to soap getting trapped in the tiny pores, which can irritate your sensitive body parts.

While a TPE dildo is usually rated as waterproof and can be used in water, too much water can cause mold to develop in the tiny pores of the dildo. If you notice that your dildo starts to smell, stop using it and get a new model.

Besides being porous, TPE is not very durable, as its surface can be easily damaged. Changes that point that your TPE dildo has been compromised are color changes and black spots on the surface. In such cases, it is time to discard this toy and get a new one.

When comparing TPE with other flexible materials, TPE is body-safe and looks and feels very realistic, as is silicone, which is why silicone dildos are the most popular option. However, because of their porous nature, TPE toys are less expensive, and especially TPE dildos should be replaced after 6 to 12 months of use.

What is a PVC Dildo?

PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, a chemical compound that has a vast number of applications, and one of these is for making sex toys. It is used for its stability, similarity to natural skin, and durability. However, when it comes to body safety, PVC is not the most body-safe sex toy material.

Because PVC is hard and brittle, manufacturers add phthalates and other additives to make it flexible, bendable, and softer. However, phthalates and similar additives are not the most body-safe compounds and are banned in many countries.

While it is straightforward to wash and sterilize a PVC dildo, you can’t remove any toxic chemicals from its composition. So, the best course of action is to use your PVC dildo with a condom and prevent harmful chemicals from getting in contact with your body.

Silicone Dildos are a Better Alternative

However, to be genuinely safe, we suggest you opt for a dildo made from a body-safe material like glass, metal, or silicone. We mainly favor silicone dildos, as this material is flexible, bendable, and body-safe; it does not smell and is non-toxic.

We always urge you to purchase your sex toys from reputable sellers and reputable brands and always check the manufacturer’s specifications.

How to Recognize a Quality, Body-Safe Silicone Dildo?

If you already own a dildo but don’t know what it is made of, here is how you can check. First, try smelling the toy – silicone does not smell, while PVC and TPE will have a plastic odor that can’t be removed by washing the dildo.

When you touch a silicone dildo, it has a smooth, velvety feeling, and it does not get sticky when wet. On the other hand, PVC is soft to the touch but gets sticky when wet. TPE also feels velvety and skin-like, but it can become sticky after prolonged use.

A definitive proof is to do a fire test – an object made from PVC will melt and burn, TPE will melt, while silicone will heat up and char a bit, but this can be wiped off and will not cause severe damage. In any case, please note that nothing is worth compromising your health, so always opt for body-safe materials for your sex toys. Lucky for you, we have an excellent store where we carry a broad range of sex toys, dildos, vibrators, and much more.