Shein is becoming a new AliExpress and practically sells everything. But what we hadn’t seen coming was them jumping on the adult toy bandwagon. However, as you can imagine, the fact that the Chinese store is fully involved in this market is not exactly a good thing. Below, we explain the reasons why it is not a good, recommended store for these products.
Lately we have seen complaints and reports attacking Shein’s security and the quality of some of its materials. Several of the cases were quite worrying, since very harmful substances were detected in different garments sold by the store. With the entry into the scene of the erotic toy sector, Shein is placed in the spotlight of those who do not give a pass to the Chinese trade specializing in cheap clothing.
Knowing the opinion of the experts
In an article they published about it, on Mashable they spoke with different specialists and professionals. For example, sex educator Leanne Yau refers to the chemicals that have been found in clothing in the store. And he makes a comment saying that, if lead has been found in fabrics, imagine what could be found in adult toys.
At the end of the day, what we must not forget is that sex toys, to a large extent, are intended to be introduced into our body, whether in one place or another. Because of this, it is a crucial factor that they are made with safe materials to be found inside our body. And this means working with safety controls and materials that more than meet the requirements. Some of these materials include medical grade silicone or stainless steel. In the case of Shein, it is difficult to know what they make some of their toys with, which poses a great risk the moment you introduce them into your body or that of your partner.
Existing risks
Another problem with Shein adult toys is that, in many cases, it doesn’t even feel like the store knows what it is selling you. The descriptions on their product sheets include lists of materials where they simply say “silicone” or “plastic”, when, in reality, there should be more details and a series of almost mandatory data. In addition, examples of use are indicated in the titles or descriptions that, in many cases, contradict each other or do not make it clear what you can actually do with the toy. They leave it up in the air for the client to deduce, but this is not always safe or possible.
One of the problems with the lack of information and Shein not being more involved when presenting the products is that there is a lack of global regulation that controls everything. They take advantage of this to do the minimum work and let the products be sold, mainly, because of the photos. But the moment customers receive their adult toys, problems can begin.
Expert Poppy Scarlett mentions that the store takes into account that there are many customers who do not have knowledge of these types of toys and who are young or inexperienced. They know that they will buy them for the idea and what they imagine they can do with them, but the moment they start using them they will be exposing themselves to consequences. Milder ones include toys deteriorating faster than usual or taking on bad odors even if you wash them thoroughly. For its part, the medium consequences can lead to infections such as urinary tract infection or bacterial vaginosis. Injuries are also possible if the toy is unsafe and causes damage when used.
More serious consequences would include cases in which the toy ends up sucked into the body and has to be removed with surgery or situations in which the toy has released harmful chemicals and toxins into our body. The latter could cause illnesses and other problems that would not be cured simply after a few days.
Some professionals say that it is not a bad idea to subject silicone toys to the flame test, holding a candle close to them to see if they melt or not. All those that melt are possibly made of poor quality materials. In any case, the fact that it does not melt does not mean that the toy in question is problem-free. To avoid surprises and disappointments, it is best to buy these types of products in specialized stores or trusted stores.
