As you may have noticed, ABS plastic has been a widely used material in the adult toy industry for decades. However, with growing concerns about the health risks associated with plastic chemicals, it’s important to consider the safety of ABS-based toys. To understand this, let’s start by exploring what ABS is.

What is ABS?

ABS, which stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is a thermoplastic commonly utilized in various industries. It is a robust and rigid plastic known for its strength, impact resistance, and durability. Initially developed in the 1960s as a metal alternative for industrial applications, ABS has found its way into the production of sex toys.

So, why is ABS chosen for making sex toys?

There are several properties that make it an ideal material:

1. Rigidity: ABS is a fairly rigid plastic, allowing sex toys to maintain their shape during use without bending or distorting.
2. Smooth surface: The smooth finish of ABS provides a comfortable experience during insertion into orifices and makes cleaning easier.
3. Flexibility: While ABS is rigid, it offers some flexibility, reducing the risk of breakage during use.
4. Non-porous: ABS products are often non-porous, which means they are easy to clean thoroughly and carry a relatively low risk of allergic reactions.
5. Customizability: ABS can be molded into complex shapes with intricate details, enabling creative designs for sex toys.
6. Heat resistance: ABS can withstand moderate temperatures, making it possible to sterilize ABS sex toys using boiling water or a dishwasher.
7. Durability: ABS is a durable plastic that can endure repeated use and cleaning without quick degradation.

Safety Concerns of ABS

Now, let’s address the question of whether ABS is safe for the human body. ABS is generally considered a safe plastic for many applications, including sex toys. However, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind:

1. Heat risk: Exposing ABS sex toys to very high temperatures can increase the potential for chemical leaching. Nonetheless, ABS is more stable at higher temperatures compared to some other plastics.
2. Quality concerns: Lower-quality ABS toys, which may contain impurities, and fillers, or undergo poor manufacturing processes, can pose risks. Opting for higher-quality ABS toys can help mitigate some of these concerns.

In general, ABS is a safe option for sex toys, but as with any material, there are potential risks, particularly with long-term use.

Alternatives to ABS for sex toys

If you’re looking for alternatives to ABS for sex toys, here are some options:

1. Silicone: Silicone toys are non-porous, latex-free, hypoallergenic, and thermally stable. They are generally considered safer due to the lower risk of chemical exposure. However, some people may find silicone toys less firm for powerful stimulation. To address this, silicone-wrapped ABS toys have appeared, providing both safety and rigidity. Arosum toys, crafted from premium body-safe silicone and high-quality ABS, are examples of such products.
2. Stainless steel: Metal toys like stainless steel are body-safe, non-porous, durable, and easy to clean. They are 100% pure, eliminating the risk of chemical leaching. However, metal toys can be noisier, colder, and heavier, which may or may not be preferable features.
3. Glass: Glass toys are completely inert and non-porous, offering no risk of chemical exposure. They are also easy to sterilize and clean. However, they tend to be more expensive and fragile.
4. Wood: Certain toxic-free woods, such as bamboo, serve as eco-friendly alternatives for sex toys. They are naturally antibacterial and renewable. However, proper sealing and finishing of the wood are necessary for safety.

In summary, ABS remains a popular material for sex toys, and when combined with body-safe silicone wrapping, it can provide both safety and pleasure.