LOS ANGELES — The Screaming O says that a recent consumer update made by the FDA has initiated a new conversation about the benefits of antibacterial soaps and cleansers, especially those that use chemicals such as triclosan — a common ingredient found in many sex toy cleaners.
As a result, The Screaming O encourages retailers to stock a variety of traditional and triclosan-free cleaners, giving consumers “the power of choice.”
Colleen Rogers, Ph.D., a lead microbiologist at FDA, said that there currently is no evidence that over-the-counter antibacterial soap products are any more effective at preventing the spread of illness than using plain soap and water, and might actually contribute to bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Animal-testing also has shown that common chemical ingredients, including triclosan, may negatively affect hormonal function, which has led FDA to encourage further investigation into what kinds of effects these additives might have on humans.
“FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency have been closely collaborating on science and regulatory issues related to triclosan,” the FDA report said. “This joint effort will help to ensure government-wide consistency in the regulation of the chemical.”
The Screaming O encourages adult retailers to keep up with FDA’s triclosan reports, as many popular products sold as “sex toy cleaners” contain the chemical ingredient.
“Sex toy safety is a huge priority among consumers, and keeping their pleasure products fresh and clean is a regular part of most consumers’ intimate routines,” said Conde Aumann, a spokesperson for The Screaming O. “That’s why we want to expand the conversation to include ingredients of product cleaners and how they may or may not affect the human body.
"Consumer awareness and education is important to us, and we make sure to support retailers by providing affordable and body-safe alternatives to what’s commonly found on store shelves.”
Last year, The Screaming O released Scream&Clean, a triclosan-free and alcohol-free cleaner with a body-friendly formula that’s compatible with all sex toy materials.
Packaged in a portable TSA-friendly 2-ounce spray bottle, Scream & Clean has become a popular solution for sex toy users looking for a fast and easy way to keep their products clean while maintaining peace of mind.
For more information about Scream & Clean, contact Aumann at conde@thescreamingo.com.
