According to thousands of product and social media reviews, the success of this toy’s ability to bring pleasure is undeniable—so we decided to ask around to see if it holds up to the scrutiny of industry experts. Does it deserve the praise? According to our experts, yes—however, there’s more you should know. The rose toy is a clitoral stimulation toy that uses air pulse and pressure technology to suck on the glans head of the clitoris, explains sexologist and sex educator Goody Howard, MSW, MPH. It combines sucking and vibrating functions through a suction head that users say delivers unmatched stimulation and back-to-back orgasms. Jessica Cline, LCSW, Ph.D., a board-certified sexologist who happens to love the rose sex toy, says this rose-shaped sex toy is a great option for anyone who wants one that’s “cute and less in-your-face phallic.” Most sellers of the viral rose toy model, like Rose Toy Official (recommended by Cline herself), claim the toy is made with body-safe and odorless medical silicone material. Since its debut, the praise for this clitoris-sucking vibrator hasn’t died down, and now there are updated rose toys with more new settings and upgrades to explore. The best way to use the vibrator, advises Howard, is to start by applying a small amount of lube to your clitoris. Instead of centering the rose toy over it, start on its side and move the rose around until you find the spot that feels the best. Based on the intensity of the sucking, either decrease or increase the speed setting to get the right amount of stimulation, or alternate between the levels for a varied experience. What’s great about the rose toy is its versatility. “A lot of people want to just sit it on the head of the clit right away instead of exploring the other ways that pleasure can show up,” Howard tells mbg. For example, she adds that all clit-sucking toys also double as nipple-sucking toys. In addition to your nipples, that could be erogenous zones like your or your partner’s navel, thighs, anus, ears, and more. Because it’s waterproof, you can use the rose toy in the bathtub, shower, or even pool, according to Cline. And besides using it during solo play, the rose toy can also complement partnered sex, whether you use it during doggy-style or on your partner’s body throughout sexual play. By this point, the rose sex toy line has expanded and now includes much more than the original model we’ve described here. Based on the manufacturer you purchase from, newer rose toys feature a paired dildo, remote control, vibrating egg, or a flapping vibrator. Here’s why it’s important to align your expectations: “The rose is so effective that it shortens your solo pleasure session because it can almost immediately make you reach orgasm.” Additionally, Howard notes that rose toys certainly won’t wine and dine you—she says it’s more of a “wham bam, thank you, ma’am” kind of session. And that’s OK, “as long as that’s what you wanted to do.” You won’t be waiting around for an orgasm with this toy—or likely able to tease yourself with edging—so “know what kind of playtime you want before using it.” Also a fan of the rose toy, Cline says she “absolutely loves” that it’s taken TikTok by storm, “as it introduces more pleasure and sexual play into people’s lives.” After all, there are many benefits to masturbation. Dropshipping is where a seller purchases inventory from a third party, like a wholesaler or manufacturer, to fulfill orders. Quality is a significant concern with dropshipping business models, “as is the material that the toy is made out of.” And with a product like the rose sex toy, which Cline says has additional crevices for bacteria to hang around, it’s imperative that the toy is made from nonporous silicone. However, that’s not something buyers can guarantee when they purchase from unknown suppliers. As you shop for your rose toy, be sure to read product descriptions, plus seller and product reviews, to ensure you’re getting exactly what you need from a reliable source. Besides the original rose toy from RTO, Cline also trusts and recommends Lovehoney’s version. Howard also sells the rose toy on her website’s shop: “I use a few domestic toy wholesalers, and I trust them to source the healthiest products,” she says. “I use [the company] Holiday Products as my drop shipper for roses, and they have a testing and verification process for all the accessory manufacturers they carry.” Just be sure to use the right kind of lube: For a rose toy likely made of silicone, water- or oil-based lubes are great options because of their compatibility with the material. Water-soluble lubes aren’t as long-lasting as oil, though they better support the pH balance. Oil-based lubes can also cause latex condoms to tear or break (and stain your sheets), so reconsider this one if you and your partner aren’t fluid-bonded. Be sure to avoid silicone-based lube at all costs since it can deteriorate the surface of silicone toys like the rose toy. And to reduce the risk of infection, steer clear of offerings that are scented, flavored, or promise warming and tingling sensations. All silicone toys, including the rose toy, still aren’t completely sanitized even when you clean them, so limit the chance of infection and keep toys for butt or vaginal play separate. (Note: You can only sanitize glass and metal sex toys.) To have a safe experience, Cline says to start out on a low-intensity level, then take a break if it feels difficult to achieve orgasm. However, don’t forget to prioritize cleanliness, hygiene, and safety in your pleasure. It’s easy to get swept up in a moment (or simply fall asleep after the big “O”), but sex and masturbation are way more fulfilling when you exercise precautions to minimize any risks.
