Intimate toy

Types

Intimate toy, sometimes known by the synonym of erotic toy or pleasure product, is a tool a person uses individually or with a partner for sexual pleasure.

Intimate toys come in various shapes, sizes, and types. When one goes to an erotic shop or does an online search, one will find common types of health products for adults. They include:

• Vibrators

  A vibrator is an intimate toy that uses buzzing to please the user. A person can use it on the external or internal body parts, such as the breasts, vagina, penis, or anus. They come in different types, such as bullet vibrators, rabbit vibrators, wand vibrators, and G-spot vibrators. They all serve a particular purpose. For example, bullet and G-spot vibrators are meant for precision stimulation, while wand vibrators are elaborate and designed for broad stimulation.

• dildos

  Dildos are one of the most popular and commonly manufactured intimate toys on the market. They resemble a penis and an erotic candle, but unlike vibrators, many dildos do not come with a vibration function. People have made them from various materials, including glass, silicone, and wood. Traditionally, dildos were phallic-shaped, but nowadays, one can find designs that cater to different fantasies and features that target certain erogenous zones.

• Anal Toys

  As the name suggests, anal toys are intimate items people insert into their anus to seek pleasure. They come in diverse types, such as anal beads, which have strings and are meant for anal pleasure. They are designed to be gradually stretched and pulled back for a thrilling experience. The other type is anal plugs. These are designed to be inserted into the anus. They usually have a flared base to prevent them from going lost or fully inside the body. The last type is prostate massagers. These are exclusively designed for people with a prostate gland.

• Couple’s Toys

  Manufacturers design couple's intimate toys specifically for shared enjoyment. These products aim to provide mutual pleasure during partnered activities. The most common type is vibrating cock rings. They are designed to be worn around the penis and clitoris simultaneously. This will stimulate both partners at the same time.

Materials and durability

The materials and durability of intimate products for healthy sexual activity vary significantly. The choice of material influences the safety, feel, and longevity of the erotic toys.

• Body-Safe Silicone

  One of the most common materials used in the making of intimate toys is body-safe silicone. People love it because of its smooth feel and skin compatibility. Silicone intimate products are easy to clean and usually last long. Those who produce silicone vibrators, for instance, will tell buyers that the toys should not be exposed to very hot temperatures or harsh cleaning items because they will get damaged.

• Glass

  Manufacturers make most of the glass intimate toys from non-porous tempered glass. This makes them very sturdy. People also love glass beads and plugs because they offer a unique, sleek feel that can be heated or chilled for extra stimulation. Glass toys are easy to clean, but users have to ensure that they do not drop or mishandle them, as they may break.

• Stainless Steel and Metal

  Intimate toys made of stainless steel provide users with weighty and durable options for their sexual pleasure. Such toys are non-porous, easy to clean, and can be used to give temperature play. Just like with glass toys, users need to be aware of cleaning and sanitization of the toys that have been inbody contact before using metal toys to avoid infections.

• Rubber and PVC

  These materials are commonly found in lower-end products due to their affordability. They are made with ubiquitous phthalates, which give them elasticity and flexibility. However, people should note that they are not body-safe, and users might get harmed when using them. Also, they are less durable, which means they have to be replaced. Nonetheless, they are a good choice for people who want to try different toys on a low budget before embarking on more costly body-safe silicone products.

• TPE and TPR

  These two thermoplastic elastomers are soft and flexible. They are found in many intimate products like vibrators and dildos. The two materials are cheap, but they are not very durable, and they are not body-safe. Those who buy toys from this material have to dispose of them after a while and ensure proper cleaning.

Commercial use

Intimate toys, also known as adult novelties, fall under a broad category of commercial products that companies retail in stores and online. Manufacturers produce a diverse array of intimate products for health and pleasure and market them wholesale to various businesses.

Wholesale buyers for intimate accessories often belong to these categories:

• Adult Specialty Retailers

  Wholesalers sell most of the intimate toys, such as vibrating cock rings and dildos, to adult specialty retailers. Such stores focus on erotic and sexual wellness products and, therefore, fulfill the demand for pleasure items within the community. Buyers usually purchase an adult specialty retailer's vibrating toy in bulk to benefit from discount pricing. They, in turn, pass these savings to their loyal customers or use them to boost profits.

• E-Commerce Stores

  Wholesalers sell vibrating dildo and intimacy items to online stores, which then resell them through various e-commerce platforms. Online retailing allows expanding their market reach and selling to customers beyond their physical store locations.

• Health and Wellness Stores

  In recent years, many health and wellness retailers have begun to stock intimate toys, focusing on sexual wellness and holistic health. Wholesalers can provide a range of body-safe silicone products to these stores, emphasizing their benefits for sexual health and well-being.

• Subscription Box Services

  There has been a growing trend of monthly boxes people receive containing curated vibrating rings, lubes, oils, and other sexual wellness products. These boxes are often focused on self-care, intimacy, or exploration of pleasure. Wholesalers supply vibrating toys and other goodies to these brands because they provide affordable and fun newness to the boxes each month.

• Events and Expos

  Buyers often purchase a glass dildo and other intimate items from wholesalers in bulk for giveaway or showcase purposes at private or public events and expos. At such events, attendees participate in workshops or talks about sexual wellness and pleasure, so having intimate toys as a part of the event can be a fun interactive experience.

How to choose

• Customers' preferences and desires

  One of the main reasons retailers should choose sexual wellness products is to offer vibrators, dildos, and love eggs and cater to their customers' preferences. A retailer will foster customer loyalty and a solid base if they provide their customers with merchandise that suits their desires. To make the shopping experience more entertaining, retailers can introduce a new product every season so customers have something to look forward to.

• Quality and safety

  When purchasing intimate items for themselves or customers, people should prioritize quality and safety. Retailers should buy products made from body-safe materials like medical-grade silicone, glass, and stainless steel. People purchasing these toys should check that the products have reputable brands and look for customer feedback on the quality of the items.

• Diversity and inclusivity

  All sexual orientations, genders, and relationships should be able to find something in the collection. Selecting a range of items that cater to all preferences will promote inclusivity. Likewise, incorporating toys that are designed for specific needs will provide an all-rounded experience. For instance, if having vibrating and non-vibrating dildos, retail seekers should have options in thickness and length.

• Pricing and supplier reliability

  Seamless functioning of the whole business comes down to reliability. Retailers should look for intimate lotion suppliers with a proven track record who can deliver quality items on time consistently. Price is important, too, especially when a retailer is just starting out. They should look for the best deals, but one of the leading criteria should be the quality of products.

Q & A

Q1. Are there any health benefits of using intimate toys?

A1.Yes. People who use these toys enjoy enhanced sexual pleasure and satisfaction. Many reported improved intimacy with their partner and increased connection.

Q2. Which materials should people avoid when buying intimate products?

A2.Rubber and PVC material products are the ones that buyers should avoid. People should also avoid products containing glitter or have been finished with porous materials.

Q3. Do intimate toys have a lifespan?

A3.It all comes down to the kind of materials people’s intimate toys are made of. Non-porous materials like stainless steel, glass, and silicone have a longer life expectancy. But toys that are rubber-based have to be replaced often.

Q4. How should one take care of different intimate toys?

A4.The care one should give these toys highly depends on the material they are made of. For example, silicone, glass, and stainless steel items should be cleaned with mild soap and water or a dedicated cleaner. Also, they should be disinfected often.

Q5. Can people use lube for all kinds of intimate toys?

A5.The kind of lubricant one should use highly depends on the kind of material their toy is made of. For instance, people should use water-based lubes on silicone toys. Oil-based lubes should only be used on items made of non-porous materials like glass or metals.