Topco Sales is here to help.

As one of the leading manufacturers of sex toys in the world, Topco Sales® recognizes the importance of understanding the questions and concerns of adult distributors, retail outlets and the general public. There is a wide variety of materials used to make sex toys, and much has been written about these materials. Unfortunately there is a lot of confusing and misguided information to be found on the topic. Topco Sales® is committed to creating an open dialogue and disseminating accurate, scientific information.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about sex toy materials.

1. I hear a lot about phthalates in sex toys. What are phthalates?
   Phthalates are colorless, odorless compounds that are used to make vinyl soft and flexible. Oily in nature, phthalates essentially soften hard rubber.
   
   
2. What type of products contains phthalates?
   Phthalates have been around for more than fifty years and can be found in medical devices, toys, fragrances, deodorant, baby shampoo, nail polish, blood donor bags, and in some sex toy materials.
   
   
3. Do phthalates pose a health risk?
   No, there is no scientific evidence that shows there is any health risk to humans.
   
   
4. I heard phthalates cause cancer?
   Not according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is an arm of the World Health Organization, and states phthalates are not classifiable as a human carcinogen.
   
   
5. I read that phthalates have an effect on human sexual development and
   function, is that true?
   National Toxicology Program studies conducted by the National Institute of Health reviewed all studies claiming human reproductive effects and declared those studies were insufficient to warrant the drawing of any conclusions.
   
   
6. Why is there so much controversy surrounding phthalates then?
   A study by Dr. Shanna Swan raised eyebrows several years ago as it claimed a correlation between phthalate exposure in utero and genital defects/fertility issues in boys. However the reality is that not one baby in the study had any abnormal genital development. A peer-reviewed scientific study of Swan's report, plus other reports, views the data differently.
   
   As a result of this study the European Union banned several types of phthalates from children's toys. DEHP, DBP and BBP are banned in all toys and childcare articles; three others, DINP, DIDP and DNOP, are banned from use in toys that can be put children's mouths.
   
   The only phthalate that Topco Sales uses-in some products-is DINP. This type of phthalate is considered to be one of the 'safest' in the phthalate family.
   
   
7. I'm still going to be cautious. Better to be safe than sorry, right?
   Topco Sales understands that there are a lot of people who are fearful of phthalates. The jury is still "out" regarding their safety and studies are being conducted all the time that may one day "dismiss" the charges against them.
   
   Until that happens, because Topco Sales considers the customer to be paramount, they have made a commitment to work towards being phthalate-free. All Topco Sales products that are phthalate-free are marked with the phthalate-free logo. But just remember, you ingest more phthalates from the food you eat than you ever could from the sex toys you play with.
   
   
8. How can I tell which toy materials contain phthalates?
   You can't. To make a bendable adult toy, PVC must be softened. Hard PVC, like in a hard vibrator, is pure PVC and does not contain phthalates. However, adult toys that are pliable and made of PVC need a plasticizer to make the PVC soft. That plasticizer may or may not be a phthalate. You need to stick with a brand that you can trust. All Topco Sales®' items (like Topco 100% Silicone and CyberSkin®) that are phthalate-free are marked with a phthalate-free logo.
   
   
9. But CyberSkin® is very soft and pliable; it feels just like human skin, how
   could it not contain phthalates?
   CyberSkin® is a special material indeed. Incredibly lifelike, supple and pliable, it is made out of unique ingredients that are all found on FDA approved lists. CyberSkin does not, and never has contained phthalates. Do make sure you get the original CyberSkin®, as many competitors have tried to duplicate this amazing material, and it is difficult to know what ingredients their recipes may contain.
   
   
10. Is there anyway you can substantiate that there are no phthalates in
    CyberSkin®?
    A recent report by Greenpeace Netherlands analyzed the ingredients in several popular soft, pliable sex toys. One of those items was a CyberSkin® piece manufactured by Topco Sales. Of all the toys tested, only the CyberSkin® toy was found to be phthalate-free.
    
    
11. Why can I smell phthalates in sex toys when I open the package sometimes?
    That is not the smell of phthalates. Remember, phthalates have no odor. You likely smell the natural fragrances associated with freshly manufactured goods. All products smell as a result of being made.
    
    Think of how freshly baked cookies can fill the whole house with an aroma when first baked, but then the smell dissipates. If your new sex toy smells, it probably means it was newly manufactured. If you find the smell of a new sex toy to be unpleasant, simply air it out for a few days until the smell goes away.
    
    
12. What is the best sex toy material?
    Most experts agree that Silicone is the premium sex toy material.
    
    
13. Silicone can be expensive, why is that?
    Silicone is used primarily in high-end sex toys and they cost more to make. Silicone is the called "the Cadillac of sex toy materials" for a reason. The kind that is used by Topco Sales®, medical grade silicone, can last a lifetime. It is durable, nonporous, hygienic and easy to clean. You can boil it, freeze it, stick it on the top rack of the dishwasher or even the microwave. That is how incredible silicone is-and for that reason it comes with a higher price tag.
    
    
14. What about glass? That is pricey, too. And what if it breaks off, that could
    be dangerous, right?
    Much of the glass on the market is finely crafted...the pieces are often gorgeous, like works of art. But don't worry, the type of glass used in sex toys is extremely safe. Take CyberGlass®, for example. Manufactured by Topco Sales®, CyberGlass® is elegant, durable, easy to clean and will easily with-stand normal drops or bangs.
    
    
15. Metal, wood, stone? Is there anything that a sex toy can't be made of?
    Seemingly, no! Sex toys come in a wide variety of materials. Always be sure to read the care instructions to keep your toys clean and to help them last longer.
    
    
16. Can I store my sex toys together?
    Be careful, there are some materials that will react to one another. It is kind of like the old saying; "Oil and water don't mix." Well, there are some sex toy materials that don't mix and you should especially avoid storing any jelly-type or soft materials together. It is a good idea to keep each individual toy in its own bag or box.
    
    
17. Can I use condoms with sex toys?
    Using a condom on a sex toy is a very good idea. Remember, shared toys can transfer disease. Porous toys, if not cleaned properly, could present problems, too. So yes, condom-use is a wise choice.
    
    
18. Is it okay to use a lubricant with my sex toys?
    It is actually highly recommended. Lubricants make playtime a lot easier, plus they reduce the risk of soreness or injury caused by too much friction.
    
    
19. What is the best type of lube to use?
    There are a variety of different types of lube in different flavors, various fragrances, some are warming, some are cooling, some are desensitizers, but it all boils down to three basic types: water-based, silicone-based and petroleum-based.
    
    
    • Water-based lubes can be used on virtually any vibrator, dildo, or masturbator. Water-based lubes should always be used with silicone toys to decrease the risk of damage to the toy.
    • Silicone lube is good for play in the water as it doesn't wash away like water-based lube can. It also lasts longer than water-based lube and can easily be 'brought back' with a little dollop of saliva or water. Silicone lube generally should not be used on silicone toys as the lube may degrade or break-down the toy.
    • Petroleum-based lube is used primarily for anal play and with anal toys. It is often very thick and may contain desensitizers for ease of play. Be careful, those desensitizers may cause numbing and make the user unaware of real damage done to sensitive skin. Petroleum-based lubes should not be used with anything made out of latex.
    
    
20. I heard that parabens are used in lubricants and some cosmetics, is that
    true? What are parabens?
    Yes, parabens are used in a wide variety of cosmetic products as well as food and drugs. They act as a preservative. There are four common types and are generally used with other types of preservatives to increase their effectiveness against a wide range of microorganisms. Parabens must be indicated on the ingredient list and are identified by these names: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and ethylparaben.
    
    
21. Why would there be parabens in lubricants, or any other product for that matter?
    Parabens inhibit microbial growth and basically decrease your risk from getting sick if a product is exposed. Microbes have a hard time growing in an environment with parabens. So the parabens not only protect the consumer, but they make the product's shelf life longer.
    
    
22. Are there health risks involved with parabens?
    According to the FDA's website the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) reviewed methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben in 1984 and concluded they were safe to use in levels up to 25%. The ratio commonly used in products is significantly below 25%--typically it is less than 0.5% w/w.
    
    In 2003 the CIR reviewed the safety assessments of all four commonly used parabens to provide information to interested parties. Then in 2005 the CIR reopened the safety assessments to request exposure estimates and risk assessment for cosmetic use. The panel considered the safety margin for women and infants and in late 2005 determined that there was no need to alter the original conclusion. Parabens are safe to use in cosmetics.
    
    
23. What about the controversy about parabens causing breast cancer?
    You are referring to the Darbre Study. It claimed that parabens were found in breast cancer tumors. However, parabens were also found in the control samples of the Darbre Study. The analytical recovery levels were distorted and a recent analysis presented at the SCS Naturals Symposium concluded: "The Darbre study contains too many flaws to be considered scientifically valid, and does not provide a casual link between parabens and breast cancer as some commentators have claimed." To find out more, click here
    
    
24. Glycerin is dangerous in lubricants, though, right? I mean, they use it to
    make nitroglycerin!
    Glycerin is actually a natural by-product from making soap. It is sweet tasting, a humectant (meaning it attracts moisture) and often used in high-end cosmetics, moisturizers and personal lubricants. Yes, it is also used to make dynamite, as in nitroglycerin, but on its own it is not explosive or dangerous. To learn more go here
    
    
25. Can glycerin cause yeast infections in women?
    Though many women's magazines and articles claim that there is a correlation between glycerin and yeast infections, there is no scientific basis for this. Actually, glycerin is one of the ingredients used in some products that cure yeast infections. Some women say that they notice a yeast infection flare-up after using products that contain glycerin, however this could be caused by many other factors.
    
    Glycerin is actually beneficial in personal lubricants. Unlike petroleum derivatives it allows the surface of the skin to breath and inhibits the growth of bacteria.
    
    Overall, allergies and reactions can occur from a variety of different sources, so if you notice a rash or irritation, cease use.
    
    For those who have concerns about glycerin, there are glycerin-free lubricants available from Topco Sales® such as the entire climax® Bursts, as well as the Liquid Sex® Sensitive Light Formula
    
    
26. So are there any materials or ingredients in sex toys that are dangerous?
    If there are, none are manufactured by Topco Sales®. Only materials from FDA approved lists go into any products made by Topco Sales®. We stand behind our products and the ingredients in our materials. If we say a product is free of phthalates, then it is.
    
    Topco Sales® is also leading the way to be compliant on a global scale. Regulations in Europe and other countries such as the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and the Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recycling Directive (WEEE) are already in effect at Topco Sales®. Topco Sales® believes in being proactive and established compliance guidelines before they were required.
    
    
27. Does that mean Topco Sales® is concerned about environmental factors
    when it comes to the manufacturing of sex toy materials?
    Absolutely. Since all Topco Sales products are RoHS and WEEE compliant, they do not have any of the restricted materials found in some electronic products and they fulfill the WEE mandate for the recovery of electronic equipment. RoHS and WEEE are primarily European initiatives that are gradually being adopted in the United States and other countries. Topco Sales is leading the industry through its compliancy.
    
    
28. Does Topco Sales make 'green' sex toys?
    Many of the materials in our products could be considered 'green'. CyberGlass, for example, as a glass product breaks down into sand and is therefore very environmentally friendly. Topco Sales' grrl toyz line features the Endless Love Rechargeable Vibe which eliminates the need for batteries. All of Topco Sales' recycling programs and environmentally-friendly initiatives outlined in the company's 'Commitment to Green' means that all products manufactured by Topco Sales are made with the smallest carbon footprint possible.
    
    
29. What should I do if I have more specific questions about sex toy materials?
    Let us know!
    
    

And to those who are still afraid of phthalates, we ask that you consider being leery of another substance that can be deadly if taken in large doses. Dihydrogen Monoxide recently caused the death of a San Franciscan woman who consumed it during a highly publicized radio contest. The chemical is found in numerous food and beverages, yet there is no warning label about it. This clip by Penn and Teller will help shed light on a recent poll that was conducted to calculate consumer's perception of Dihydrogen Monoxide.

Do you have any questions about sex toy materials or personal lubricant ingredients?