Sex Toy Materials: A Complete Safety Guide

Understanding sex toy materials is the single most important thing you can do before you buy. The material determines how a toy feels, how easy it is to clean, how long it lasts and, most importantly, how safe it is for your body. Toys made from poor quality materials can harbour bacteria, react with skin and even break down over time, which is the last thing anyone wants from something used on delicate tissue.

The good news is that the world of body safe materials is easy to understand once you know the basics. A handful of excellent materials cover the vast majority of quality toys, and a few materials are best avoided or handled with care. In this guide we break it all down so you can shop with confidence and choose toys that are safe, comfortable and built to last.

Why Material Matters

Sex toys sit against some of the most sensitive skin on your body, and some are used internally. That means the material comes into direct contact with your mucous membranes, which absorb substances far more readily than the skin on your arms or legs. A toy made with harmful plasticisers, phthalates or other chemicals can leach those substances into your body and cause irritation, burning or allergic reactions.

Material also affects hygiene. Non-porous materials such as silicone, glass and metal have a smooth, sealed surface that bacteria cannot penetrate, which makes them easy to clean and safe to share between partners after proper sanitising. Porous materials such as TPR, TPE and jelly have tiny pores that trap fluids and bacteria, which can make them impossible to fully clean and risky to share. Choosing the right material protects both your health and your investment.

Body Safe Materials You Can Trust

Body safe silicone is the gold standard. It is non-porous, hypoallergenic, silky to the touch and incredibly durable. Silicone toys can be washed with soap and water, boiled or placed in the dishwasher for a deep clean, and they do not absorb anything from your body. The Adrien Lastic Cushioned Core Suction Cup Silicone Dildo is a lovely example of quality silicone in practice, with a soft, realistic feel that stays hygienic for years with simple care.

Glass and metal toys are another excellent choice. Borosilicate glass is non-porous, smooth and stunningly beautiful, and it can be sterilised in boiling water. It also retains temperature, which allows for delightful warm and cool play. The Spectrum Nubby Textured Glass Dildo shows how textured glass can add sensation while remaining effortlessly easy to clean. Metal toys made from body safe steel offer similar benefits, though with a heavier weight and a firmer feel.

ABS plastic is the hard, non-porous plastic used in many vibrators and bullet toys. It is body safe, easy to wipe clean and durable. Just check that the toy is made from ABS rather than unknown plastics, since cheap unbranded plastics can contain phthalates. When in doubt, stick to well reviewed toys from reputable brands that state their materials clearly. For a closer look at how these options compare, read our guide to silicone versus glass and metal toys.

Porous Materials: Handle With Care

TPR and TPE are soft, squishy materials used in many budget and realistic toys because they feel wonderfully skin-like. The problem is that they are porous. Bacteria, fluids and lubricant can get trapped in their pores, which makes them harder to clean thoroughly and impossible to fully sanitise. They are fine for personal solo use with careful cleaning, but they should never be shared between partners and they tend to wear out faster than silicone.

Jelly rubber and PVC toys are the ones to treat with the most caution. Some contain phthalates and other plasticisers that can leach out and irritate sensitive tissue, and they often have a strong chemical smell. If a toy has an odour, feels oily or sticky, or was suspiciously cheap, it is a strong sign of low quality material. It is always worth paying a little more for a body safe material you can trust.

Whatever material you choose, the right care keeps it safe and long lasting. Washing after every use with warm water and a dedicated toy cleaner, drying thoroughly and storing toys separately all protect your toys and your health. For the full cleaning routine, our article on how to clean and care for adult toys is a helpful reference to keep on hand.

How to Check What a Toy Is Made Of

Responsible manufacturers state the material clearly on the packaging and product page. Look for explicit phrases such as “100% body safe silicone” rather than vague terms like “skin-like material” or “medical grade”, which are often used loosely. When a listing does not say what a toy is made from, that is a red flag, and it is better to choose a product that is transparent about its materials.

A few simple observations help at home. High quality silicone feels smooth and almost velvet-like, does not smell, and stays smooth after washing. If a toy has a strong chemical odour, feels tacky or greasy, or you are unsure of its material, it is not worth the risk. Buying from a reputable store with quality products takes the guesswork out of it, so you can focus on enjoying your toys rather than worrying about them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TPE safe to use?

TPE is safe for personal solo use with careful cleaning, but it is porous, so it cannot be fully sanitised and should never be shared between partners. Silicone is the safer, longer lasting choice.

Can silicone toys be boiled to clean them?

Yes. 100% silicone toys can be boiled for a few minutes or placed in the dishwasher for a deep clean. Always check the care instructions for your specific toy first.

How can I tell if a toy is real silicone?

Real silicone is smooth, odour free and non-porous. It does not feel sticky or greasy, and reputable brands always label it as body safe silicone on the packaging.

Choose Safe, Quality Materials

Your body deserves the best materials you can find. Browse our range of body safe toys and care products to find quality pieces made from silicone, glass and other trusted materials. Every product we stock is chosen with safety and longevity in mind, and we deliver across the UK in discreet packaging.