Your Vibrator Is Probably Toxic—Here’s Why
“If You Wouldn’t Put It in Your Mouth, Don’t Put It on Your Vulva.” – Susan Bratton
Chances are, someone in your life owns a vibrator.
Maybe your mom. Your girlfriend. Or even your grandma. Let that sink in.
And if you’re living a holistic lifestyle like me, you filter your water, purify your air, and even avoid receipts at the checkout—But what about your vibrator?
This might feel like a taboo topic, but it shouldn’t be. Sex is vital to our health and longevity, and if we care about optimizing it, we should care about what we’re putting inside our bodies.
So today I want to talk all about sex toys. From vibrators to condoms and beyond.
After today, you’ll have a blueprint for what to avoid and where to find non-toxic alternatives.
But first, a little history lesson—because trust me, you would never have guessed what vibrators were originally used for…
Vibration Origination
The first vibrator was created in the 19th century.
It was a 40-pound machine that was used in clinical settings to treat “female hysteria.”
According to Havelock Ellis, physician and author of Psychology of Sex, a 1913 study estimated that 75 percent of women suffered from female hysteria. The symptoms were so vague that they included practically everything— anger, heart disease, epilepsy, and even excessive talking.
The term “female hysteria” goes back even further. Plato hypothesized that the root cause was due to the ancient “wandering womb” theory—the belief that a childless womb would float around the body causing havoc to the heart, liver, and brain.
Up until the 1950s, the recommended cures for this “hysteria” included heterosexual marriage, penetrative sex, essential oils applied to the yoni and clitoral stimulation.
In 1869, American physician George Taylor patented one of the first medical vibrators, called The Manipulator. Patients sat on a padded table with a hole cut out to reveal their lower abdomen, through which a vibrating sphere massaged the woman’s genitals. Because the apparatus was heavy, expensive, and coal-powered, it was primarily purchased by large spas and physicians.
My girlfriend, who studied female hysteria in college, told me a hilarious story.
She said wives would often complain to their husbands about feeling sick or refuse to leave the doctor’s office because they were too ‘busy’ getting their ‘treatment.’
Imagine a packed doctor’s office with women all waiting their turn—not for a consultation, but for their prescribed orgasm.
Sounds insane, right? But it’s all true.
And while we’ve come a long way from steam-powered medical vibrators, we now have a new problem: modern vibrators are loaded with toxic materials that absolutely should not be going inside your body.
Why Are We Talking About Vibrators?
Well, I told you we were discussing the dangers of vibrators and how many there are in this unregulated industry, but you might be wondering why I'm writing this.
Am I just some holistic health bro looking up NIH studies on microplastics in vibrators during my free time…. Well, yes… but I'm also tryna help a girl out.
And I want to make sure all my girls out there are happy and healthy. I get frustrated when I hear about products that gave you some skin issues or didn’t make you feel well. This applies to the boys as well. If you know, you know.
I’m someone who’s religious about avoiding toxins.
I flex my Mountain Valley glass water like it’s a rolex
My kitchen is stocked with only glass Tupperware
I won’t even wear polyester clothing
Hell, I even wear a quantum-charged chain to block out bad vibes
But somehow, I’ve never thought about the condom I was wearing, or the vibrator my girlfriend was using.
Lovers Sex Shop: Austin, Texas
To validate my research, I embarked on a journey to really understand the sex toy industry.
So while my girlfriend and I were on a weekend trip to Austin, we finally stopped at a place we’d always been curious about but were too embarrassed to actually go in.
Lovers.
The sign was a huge neon heart, that practically was begging us to nut everywhere.
The second we pulled into that parking lot, we felt like we were about to commit a felony.
The plan was simple: get condoms, poke around, and get tf out. But we stepped inside, and holy sh*t.
This wasn’t just a sex store—this was an amusement park for freaky ass adults.
There were aisles upon aisles of things I didn’t realize were kinks. Star Wars dildos. Leather masks. Whips, chains and harnesses that looked like they required an instruction manual.
And then, we turned a corner.
When I say wall-to-wall vibrators, I mean it.
Tiny ones. Terrifyingly large ones. Some that looked hyper-realistic, others that looked like alien technology. There were even vibrators with APP-CONTROLLED REMOTES.
And yes, the marketing was exactly what I thought. Just like big food companies slap imaginary health claims on cereal boxes—“good for cholesterol!” “heart-healthy!”—so does the sex toy industry.
From plugs to vibrators to condoms and beyond, I saw every term I had researched to avoid: “novelty item”, “latex-free!”, “for sensitive skin!”
As I stood there, staring at a $200 vibrating rose, I had one lingering question:
“What the hell are these things actually made of?”
The Hidden Dangers of Most Vibrators
We’ve all been told how to have safe sex. But no one ever talks about safe sex toys.
When toxic materials come into direct contact with your skin, especially in highly absorbent areas like the vagina or anus, those chemicals don’t just sit there. They seep into your bloodstream, hijacking your hormones, messing with your immune system, and even increasing your risk of disease.
Susan Bratton, a well-known sex coach and researcher, was the first person to open my eyes to this. She explained that most vibrators contain toxic chemicals like phthalates and BPA which are harmful substances that are banned in baby toys but perfectly legal in sex toys. How is that possible?!
A study published in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment tested 25 different vibrators and found that many contained:
❌ Bisphenol A (BPA) – A chemical linked to hormone disruption, infertility, and increased cancer risk.
❌ Phthalates – Used to soften plastics but known to disrupt endocrine function and lower sperm count.
❌ PVC & BPA – Banned in children’s toys but still allowed in sex toys, despite clear toxicity concerns.
How to Choose a Truly Safe Vibrator (And Other Intimate Products)
So, how can you make sure you’re choosing a safe vibrator?
It all comes down to knowing what to look for and what to avoid.
The Toxic Ingredients to Watch Out For
🚨 Phthalates – Used to make plastics softer, but they mess with your hormones and can cause reproductive issues.
🚨 Parabens – These preservatives mimic estrogen and have been linked to endocrine disruption.
🚨 Latex – While not inherently toxic, latex can cause severe allergic reactions in many people.
🚨 "Novelty Item" Label – If the packaging says “novelty item,” stay away. That’s a legal loophole that allows companies to skip safety regulations.
And what about Condoms? Some contain nonoxynol-9, a spermicide that can irritate sensitive tissues and increase the risk of infections.
And yes I understand you won’t find these chemicals on the ingredient label, so here are products to look out for.
99% of condoms in the CVS are sus. If you tryna get a quickie here are my favorite companies
The Best Brands for Safe Sex Toys & Intimate Products
🔥 LOLA – They offer condoms, lubricants, and wipes designed with your health in mind. Their ultra-thin condoms are made with natural latex and are free from parabens, glycerin, and synthetic fragrances. I love their products and swear by them.
🔥 LELO – A pioneer in luxury sex toys, LELO uses medical-grade silicone and ABS plastic in their designs. Their toys are phthalate-free, hypoallergenic, and built to last.
How to Shop Smart for Non-Toxic Vibrators
Here are four simple rules to make sure you’re getting a safe, high-quality toy:
✅ Read the Labels Carefully – If a product doesn’t list its materials or ingredients, that’s a major warning sign. Look for words like “medical-grade silicone,” “BPA-free,” or “hypoallergenic.”
✅ Avoid “Novelty Items” – If a toy is labeled as a “novelty item,” it hasn’t been safety-tested and might contain harmful materials.
✅ Research the Brand – Stick to reputable companies like LOLA or LELO that prioritize transparency. If the company’s website doesn’t highlight safety or ingredients, proceed with caution.
✅ Beware of Cheap Prices – A $10 vibrator may seem like a steal, but it could be made with toxic, low-quality materials.
Natural Alternatives for Lube & Self-Care
If store-bought lubes and products aren’t your thing, there are natural options that work just as well—sometimes even better.
Sexual wellness expert Susan Bratton swears by natural oils like:
🥑 Avocado Oil – Rich in vitamins, nourishing for the skin, and ultra-hydrating.
🥥 Coconut Oil – Naturally antimicrobial, smells amazing, and feels silky smooth.
🌰 Sweet Almond Oil – Lightweight, luxurious, and completely body-safe.
Just make sure to choose pure, organic versions with no added fragrances or chemicals.
Safe Sex is Smart Sex
Investing in safe, high-quality products isn’t just about sex—it’s about self-love.
So, check your bedside drawer, your lube stash, and your vibe collection—maybe it’s time for a swap. Choose products that nurture your body, support your health, and make your pleasure truly safe.
Because self-love is the first step to everything else. So, let’s make it count.
With love,
Jack
I’m grateful to my partners who create amazing health & wellness products.
Disclaimer. I am not a doctor. This is just some random stuff I learned on the internet. Pretend it’s a story. Ok bye.
Harmful plastics don't belong in our food, water, and clothes, and certainly not in our sex toys. Completely agree. Thanks for a well-researched and tastefully written article.
Adhering to the hysterical woman stereotype, I went on a whole journey reading this. First, I was worried that I'd stumbled across a male-authored missive warning women off sex toys. I was quickly relieved to see that instead you're rightly advocating for safe self-sex. When we are confident, fulfilled and happy in our bodies, we show up better in all areas of our lives. Thanks for being a champion of women.