Have no fear, sensitive shopper–there are plenty of products designed for those with sensitivities or full-on allergies.

You just need to understand what to look for and what to avoid.

Latex in Sex Toys

This is one of the most common allergies for people to have. Latex allergies can cause a constellation of symptoms ranging from redness to anaphylaxis. If this is an allergy you’ve been diagnosed with, its prevalence in sex toys is high enough that you should check each one before you purchase.

Most people know that the average condom is made from latex, but some vibrators and dildos may use this material, too. Overall, it’s an extremely common material to find in sexual health products.

According to the Pantagraph.com, the use of latex is steadily rising in many other products. Check safe sex products and medical devices like gloves and dental dams before you use them.

There’s a few products that use this material that may surprise you, too: cock rings, sleeves, paddles, clothing and even bondage tape may be created from a latex base. Some of these can be a bit harder to recognise, as ingredients may not be posted clearly.

When in doubt, contact the manufacturer or provider to verify–most are more than happy to work with customers to find something that works.

Finding Options That Work

Whether you’re new to the world of sex toys or well-versed yet sensitive, science has worked up a plethora of magical pleasure materials for you to enjoy.

If you aren’t allergic to silicone, it’s your best choice for items like dildos and vibrators. It has a lower prevalence of allergies than latex and it is designed to last for years.

It’s also very much washable–many silicone-based dildos or vibrators can be washed right in your washing machine!

There is one drawback to this type of toy–you can’t use it with silicone-based lubricants.

Finding Gloves, Condoms and Safer Sex Products

For items like gloves, condoms and other safe-sex products, you can look for non-latex materials like nitrile, polyurethane, or neoprene. These will be a bit more expensive, but have been shown to offer both protection and a low incidence of sensitivity.

Yourtango.com has an excellent overview of latex-free condoms for those who need to shop for these items.

When You Want to Explore Safely

Although you need to be careful when you have sensitivities, there’s absolutely no reason to stop exploring altogether. You should continue to enjoy your foray into the world of sex toys–simply plan out what you buy with a little more appreciation for the contents.

Sites like MakeOutBox.co.uk are an excellent place to start, as you can purchase pre-made packs with a variety of items inside them. This ensures that you can develop your collection while sticking with the items you know work best.