Part of our Adult Toys Complete Guide
Not all adult toys are created equal. Some contain materials that can cause allergic reactions, harbor bacteria, or even leach harmful chemicals. Understanding materials helps you make safe choices.
Why Material Matters
Intimate products contact sensitive areas of your body. Porous materials can trap bacteria and are impossible to fully sanitize. Some plastics contain chemicals that may disrupt hormones or cause reactions.
Investing in body-safe materials protects your health and typically means better quality products that last longer.
Body-Safe Materials
Medical-Grade Silicone
The gold standard for adult toys. Medical-grade silicone is:
- Non-porous: Bacteria can't penetrate the surface
- Hypoallergenic: Safe for sensitive skin
- Durable: Lasts for years with proper care
- Easy to clean: Can be fully sanitized
- Flexible yet firm: Comfortable and functional
How to verify: True silicone has a matte finish and no chemical smell. Reputable brands clearly state "100% silicone" or "medical-grade silicone."
Stainless Steel
Surgical-grade stainless steel offers unique benefits:
- Completely non-porous: Easy to sanitize
- Temperature play: Heats or cools for varied sensations
- Weighty: Satisfying heft many enjoy
- Lifetime durability: Essentially indestructible
Borosilicate Glass
The same glass used in lab equipment:
- Non-porous: Fully cleanable
- Beautiful designs: Often artistic pieces
- Temperature responsive: Works for temperature play
- Smooth: Unique slick sensation
Note: Quality glass toys are shatter-resistant but inspect before each use.
ABS Plastic
Safe for external-use toys like bullets:
- Non-porous: Hygienic surface
- Affordable: Common in budget options
- Hard: Transmits vibration well
Best for external vibrators where firm material is preferred.
Materials to Avoid
Jelly Rubber / TPE / TPR
Soft, squishy materials often containing phthalates:
- Porous—impossible to fully clean
- May contain harmful plasticizers
- Often have strong chemical odor
- Degrade over time
PVC (Vinyl)
Similar concerns to jelly rubber:
- Requires phthalates to achieve flexibility
- Porous surface
- May leach chemicals
Latex
Common allergen and porous:
- Many people have latex sensitivities
- Can't be fully sanitized
- Degrades with oil-based products
How to Identify Safe Products
- Check listings: Reputable sellers clearly state materials
- Trust established brands: They have reputations to protect
- Avoid "novelty only": This label often indicates unsafe materials
- Use the smell test: Strong chemical odors indicate poor materials
- Consider price: Quality silicone costs more than jelly rubber
Care by Material
| Material | Cleaning | Can Sanitize? |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Soap & water | Yes (boil, bleach solution) |
| Stainless Steel | Soap & water | Yes (boil, dishwasher) |
| Glass | Soap & water | Yes (boil, dishwasher) |
| ABS Plastic | Soap & water | Surface only |
The Bottom Line
Prioritize body-safe materials, especially for any product used internally. Silicone is the best all-around choice for most toys. Glass and steel offer unique properties worth exploring.
Your health is worth the investment in quality materials.