Many sex toys are labeled as water-resistant, splashproof or waterproof. However, the precise meaning of these terms, and the differences between them, can be unclear to shoppers. As someone who regularly communicates with manufacturers, retailers and consumers, I’ve seen how this ambiguity can do a disservice to both the customers who use these products and the businesses that sell them.
That’s why it’s high time for the sexual wellness industry to get serious about IPX ratings. This article will explore what these ratings mean, and why they matter.
Clearly stating the IPX rating of submersible and waterproof toys in product descriptions means that shoppers don’t have to guess, which can sometimes lead to damaged or broken toys.
Breaking Down the Jargon
Sex toys generally belong to one of three categories: splashproof, waterproof or submersible.
- Splashproof toys, also called water-resistant toys, can handle an accidental sink splash or a post-play wipe-down with a wet cloth, but you can’t rinse them under running water. Any submersion, however, may reduce battery power and cause internal damage to the toy.
- Waterproof technically implies complete protection, but without IPX ratings, it can be a highly ambiguous term. Even if a toy is labeled as fully waterproof, you still need to securely seal charging ports and battery covers to prevent damage or malfunction.
- Submersible toys offer a stronger level of protection and can be used underwater or in a shower. But again, without standardized IPX ratings to back it up, this term doesn’t carry much weight. A “waterproof” toy might turn out to be merely splashproof, while a product labeled “submersible” might experience damage if exposed to liquid for too long.
This kind of ambiguity and inconsistency is why IPX ratings are so essential. IPX ratings measure resistance to water. Specifically, they let you know how much moisture a product can handle.
For sex toys, water exposure is common. Even if you’re not taking a toy underwater, you’re cleaning it between uses, and knowing the IPX rating will indicate how to clean it properly without risking damage.
For the pleasure industry, IPX6, IPX7 and IPX8 ratings are the most relevant. At IPX6, a toy can be rinsed under running water or used during a quick shower. Although often referred to as water-resistant or splashproof, IPX6 items should not have continuous contact with water for more than 10 minutes. IPX7 means the device can withstand submersion in water up to 90 cm (3 feet) for up to 30 minutes. By contrast, sex toys with an IPX8 rating allows for deeper and longer submersion and can handle extended underwater exposure, such as soaking toys while cleaning them or exploring bath play.
In a market as saturated as sexual wellness, providing IPX ratings isn’t just informative for customers; it can act as a powerful differentiating factor influencing purchasing decisions.
Why IPX Ratings Matter
Clearly stating the IPX rating of submersible and waterproof toys in product descriptions means that shoppers don’t have to guess what these terms mean, which can sometimes lead to damaged or broken toys. This not only contributes to waste and growing landfills, but also erodes consumer trust and loyalty.
When customers spend their hard-earned money on a toy that fails prematurely, their disappointment can negatively impact brand reputation. They might leave a bad review, return a product or walk away from the brand — and possibly even the retailer — for good. Having a negative experience with sex toys might even discourage them from exploring pleasure products in the future.
IPX ratings are more than a random product spec — they’re a promise to empower consumers, and we should make using them the norm whenever possible. It’s our responsibility to make sure that anyone who buys our products has a positive and informed experience with them, and that staff members are equipped with clear information on what can go wrong when a product malfunctions due to water exposure.
Navigating the world of waterproof sex toys can be confusing, even for those who choose to read the fine print on manufacturer instructions. Since technical jargon can be confusing and inaccessible to shoppers, consider using visual tools like infographics to make these specs more relatable and useful.
When the sexual wellness industry starts taking industry-standard waterproofing practices more seriously, it will lead to more transparent communication and a stronger commitment to our customers, ultimately reducing return rates and increasing sales.
In our industry, trust and safety reign, and by changing how we talk about waterproofing, we can help protect product integrity while building trust with consumers.
A certified sex educator, sexuality coach, and founder of b-Vibe, Le Wand and The Cowgirl brands, Alicia Sinclair Rosen is on a mission to make pleasure education more accessible, stigma-free and actually useful.
