Products used for anal play must have a flared base in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. This is because the anal sphincter is a muscle that can contract and pull whatever is inside of it into the body. Never put anything into the rectum that does not have a flared base!

Porous toys made out of materials such as rubber, latex, vinyl, and wood cannot be completely cleaned because they can absorb whatever substances they come in contact with. It is best to use a condom with these products in order to keep them as clean as possible. If a condom is not being used, these products should not be shared by multiple people.

Anything made out of silicone, hard plastic, acrylic, glass, pyrex, or metal is considered non-porous.

Non-porous toys can be cleaned by wiping them down with soap and water. If products are waterproof such as some silicone toys are, they can also be cleaned by emercing them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, or by putting them in the dishwasher. Please check with your individual product for proper care.

Phthalates are a type of plasticizer that is used to soften vinyl materials. They are considered toxic and are no longer allowed in the manufacturing of children’s toys. Because the FDA does not regulate the adult industry, however, phthalates are still often used in adult toys.
You can tell if a product may contain phthalates by the strong chemical smell of the material (usually in soft jelly vibrators and dildos). While Pure Pleasure does carry soft rubber-like products (Soft Skin, Elastomer, etc), we do not sell anything that is known to contain phthalates or is considered toxic.

Silicone lube generally contains only a few ingredients, mainly silicone, and is well-liked because it stays super slick and is not absorbed by the skin, therefore last a long time. Many people who are prone to skin irritations from water-based lube swear by silicone because it stays on the skin's surface, decreasing the likelihood of irritation.  One thing to note about silicone-based lubes is they should not be used with silicone toys because they tend to cause wear (kind of like taking sandpaper to your sex toy). Also, because silicone lube is no absorbed by the skin, you will have to wash it off. Pjur Eros Bodyglide is a Pure Pleasure favorite!

Water-based lubes, such as Hathor Aphrodesia's Lubricant Pure, are very compatible with both latex and polyurethane condoms. They also work well with most sex toys including those made out of silicone. Water-based lube can be absorbed by skin, so reapplying may be necessary as it does not last as long as silicone-based lube (quick tip: instead of reapplying more lube, just add a few drops of water to rehydrate/reactivate the lube).

Oil-based lubes tend to last longer than water-based lube, but will eventually be absorbed by the skin. To ensure a safe sexual experience, oil-based lubes should not be used with latex condoms because they tend to break them down.  Check out another Pure Pleasure favorite, the certified-organic Yes lube.

Glycerin is a sugar alcohol that has moisturizing properties, and is used in many lubricants. Lubricants with sugar, such as many flavored lubes, can be good to enhance oral sex and body massage. However, these same products may want to be avoided for vaginal sex because sugar can cause yeast infections in women.