Sex toy materials explained: what is body-safe
Body-safe toy materials are non-porous, so they cannot hold bacteria and can be cleaned fully: medical-grade silicone, ABS plastic, borosilicate glass and stainless steel. Jelly, rubber, PVC and anything that smells strongly of chemicals are porous and best avoided, or used only with a condom over them.
Why is silicone the standard?
Silicone is soft, warms to the body, is non-porous, has no smell, and is stable over years of use. It is the material of most of the vibrators, plugs and dildos we stock. Its one rule: do not use silicone lubricant on it, and do not store it touching other silicone toys.
What about plastic, glass and metal?
ABS plastic is hard, non-porous and common in bullets and the bodies of vibrators. Glass and metal are non-porous, easy to clean and can be warmed or cooled; the glass love balls in our range are an example. All three take any lubricant, including silicone.
Which materials should be avoided?
Jelly, rubber, PVC and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE, TPR) are porous: they hold moisture and bacteria in tiny gaps and cannot be fully cleaned, and some soften with plasticisers. Realistic-feel masturbators are often TPE and should be cleaned thoroughly, dried completely and replaced when they degrade. A condom over any porous toy is a reasonable precaution.
How can I tell what a toy is made of?
Read the product page; we list the material on every toy. Silicone has no smell and a matte or satin surface. A strong chemical smell, a sticky surface out of the box, or a very low price for a large soft toy usually means a porous material.
Does material change how I clean it?
Non-porous materials clean with warm water and mild soap or a toy cleaner. Porous materials need the same care, more often, and still cannot be sterilised. Our guide on cleaning and storing toys has the details.
