If you don't know, Sheen clothing seller As the sexual health industry has moved to higher ratings, this year is one of the last for non-gender-related stores to add sex toys to its product base. $35 billion Until 2023. There is more money to be made selling sex toys and Sheen wants to make money.
But with accusations of unethicality surrounding the brand, you may be wondering if Sheen is the best place to get your next vibe, and experts have some concerns too. Mashable investigated whether buying sex toys from Sheen is a good idea and what concerns consumers should be aware of.
Sex toys that vibrate when released?
Sheen's many controversies
Despite offering a very affordable product, Sheen has faced criticism over the years for ethical concerns and quality issues. Workers in the fashion industry were found to be working excessive overtime, including 75-hour weeks. A report by Swiss advocacy group Public Eye. last month, cabling he said Sheen's employees in China have begun filming his poor working conditions.Including low wages and no bathroom breaks.
With all this in mind, Sexuality Educator Leanne Yao She believes that when sex toy customers think about purchasing from Sheen, they should first consider who they are giving their money to. After 2021, it also mentions quality concerns. Research that found high levels of chemicalsIncluding lead in shiny clothing. “If lead is found on your clothes, imagine what's in your sex toys,” Yao says.
Importance of safe ingredients for the body.
Some have bought sex toys from Sheen, like photographer Alice, 32, who along with other contributors to this article uses her name only to protect her identity. Alice purchased the double-ended dildo, telling Mashable that it was “brilliantly packaged, with no issues other than personal preference.” “I bought handcuffs and butt plugs, but they were in a transparent and discreet bag. “They still seemed like good quality to me.”
But some experts have expressed concern about the materials used by Sheen and similar retailers. When it comes to sex toys, “body safety” (referring to items that are safe on or in the body) is incredibly important. Materials such as medical grade silicone.Glass and stainless steel are considered body safe. You put these things on your genitals and anus. You don't want them to be made up of anything.
However, Sheen provides little information about the materials used in his sex toys. Write “Silicone”, “ABS” or “Plastic”. As part of a short four-line product description. and information has misleading. For example, This sex toy looks like a magic wand (used for external stimulation) The product title includes “G-spot and anal stimulation”, which is a very difficult and dangerous feat to attempt. There are also sex toys listed. Anal dildos or plugs with expanded bases are not permitted. – Anal sex toys are a big no-no as they can get stuck inside the body.
Mashable reached out to Sheen for comment, but we had not heard back at the time of writing.
All of this raises red flags for experts like scarlet poppySex educator, influencer and former owner of a sex toy boutique. Scarlett warns: “In my opinion, buying Sheen toys is not a good idea. The toys they sell come with minimal information on ingredients and even less information on safe use. Customers can buy something that is not fit for purpose and not even know it.”
The lack of regulation in the sex toy industry reinforces this problem. Scarlett said the sector remains largely unregulated, allowing brands to produce harmful and low-quality products. “Many companies, including Sheen, take advantage of the fact that people are often uneducated about sex toys. “Young, inexperienced buyers don't know what to look for,” he says.
Mashable after dark
So what happens if you use a sex toy that isn't safe? Scarlett explains that consequences can range from mild (such as a toy rotting faster or smelling bad) to serious consequences, including infections and injuries. “If the surface of the doll becomes deformed, it can cause microscopic tears in the sensitive tissue. If it is porous, it can lead to bacterial vaginosis or bacterial infections. Urinary tract infections (UTI). And in the case of anal toys that do not have a proper base, there is a risk of the doll being absorbed into the body, which may require medical intervention.”
Many companies, including Sheen, take advantage of the fact that the public is largely uneducated about sex toys.
Yao says some of the ingredients used in cheap sex toys can even be dangerous. “Cheap products like gelatin and PVC can contain phthalates, harmful chemicals banned in children's toys. These substances can release toxins into the body, Affects hormonal balance AND It also causes diseases..”
Alex, 31, a social media manager, tells Mashable that she bought a bunny from Sheen and did a “llama test.” For the uninitiated, the flame test (popularized by a sex toy blogger dangerous lily) involves holding a candle or lighter close to sex toys to see if they start to melt. If it is not thin and soft, silicone will not melt, but other materials will. If you buy a silicone toy and it doesn't pass the test, the brand may be lying about the toy's ingredients.
“I buy a lot of sex toys, so I know the flame test, and I get carried away by the low prices, so I buy the cheapest ones and check with the flame test if I can really use them. “I tried the flame test on the toy Sheen gave me, which said it was made of silicone, and it immediately failed,” Alex explains. “I was very upset. “I guess I should have known because they were so cheap, like 'too good to be true', cheap.”
Kate, a 27-year-old office executive, tells Mashable that Sheen returned the sex toy immediately after receiving it. “It looked and felt like plastic. If it seems unsafe, I don't drill any holes. “I couldn't risk it.”
If you are planning to purchase a sex toy, it is important to know what to look for to ensure you are getting a safe product. Scarlett advises sticking with reputable brands with an established track record in making body-safe toys, such as LoveHoney, Hot Octopus, Tenga, Lelo, Wee-Vibe, Be-Vibe, Taxi and others. If you want really cheap toys (we're talking under $10), give this a try. Bellesa's new BB outlet. Mashable has a guide Choosing a sex toyAs well as.
The best sex toys for women.
“If something good can't be true, it probably is. Research the brand, read reviews, and do a Google or reverse image search to see if others sell the product. , the most trusted retailers,” explains Scarlett.
One notable red flag to watch out for is a lack of information. “If a product description doesn't provide details about the ingredients used or how to use the toy safely, that's a big red flag,” warns Scarlett. Additionally, fake products are rife on online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, where sellers may not properly verify their products. “Make sure you buy from a reputable seller, not just a cheap one,” Scarlett adds. Mashable has a roundup of good, verified toys on Amazon.
A call to conscious consumers
Ultimately, both Scarlett and Yao recommend a more informed and conscious approach when purchasing sex toys. The appeal of affordable prices should not overshadow the importance of safety, especially for products that come into close contact with the body.
Conversations about Fast fashion (especially Sheen) It is increasingly common to consume more and raise awareness about more ethical options. We need a similar revolution on the sex toy front.
As Scarlett says, “Sex toys can be incredibly empowering and pleasurable when used correctly, but only if they are safe and made from the right materials. Brands like Sheen, with their poor ethics and history of quality control, are nowhere near where you are. Buy something intimate like a sex toy.”
Yao agrees: “Your health and safety must come first. If a toy description is missing important information or the price doesn't seem realistic, it should be reconsidered. Educate yourself about body-safe ingredients and invest in the products you make. Trust me.”
While it may seem convenient to purchase a sex toy while browsing your favorite fast fashion store, it's important to approach these purchases with caution. The potential risks associated with unsafe sex toys (from discomfort and lack of pleasure to serious health risks) are not worth the savings. Stick to established brands, do your research and prioritize your safety. Your body will be better off than a cut-price deal that may cost more in the long run.
