Medical-grade silicone is the safest material for sex toys. It is non-porous, phthalate-free and easy to clean. ABS plastic, borosilicate glass and stainless steel are also body-safe. TPE is porous, so it needs a condom. Avoid jelly rubber, PVC and any toy with a strong chemical smell.
This guide compares each material by porosity, cleaning method, lube compatibility and risk. Use it to read any product listing before you buy.
What Makes a Sex Toy Body-Safe?
A body-safe sex toy is non-porous, free of phthalates and BPA, and made from one clearly named material. Porous materials hold tiny gaps where bacteria and moisture collect. Phthalates are chemicals that soften plastic and give jelly toys their squishy feel.
No mandatory label exists for sex toys, so any brand can print "body-safe" on a box. Read the material name instead. A strong chemical smell signals an unsafe toy. Terms like "silicone-feel", "silicone-blend" and "silicone-like" usually mean the toy is a mix and is not pure silicone.
Is Silicone the Safest Sex Toy Material?
Yes. Medical-grade silicone is the preferred material for sex toys. It is non-porous, hypoallergenic, flexible and durable. A toy made of 100% silicone can be boiled for sterilisation. Look for "100% silicone" or "platinum-cured silicone" on the listing.
Pair silicone toys with water-based lube. Silicone lube bonds to the toy surface and breaks it down over time. Some experts question food-grade silicone because it has not been tested inside the body.
Is TPE Safe for Sex Toys?
TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is usable with precautions. It feels soft and lifelike, which is why "real feel" toys sold as CyberSkin or SoftSkin use it. TPE is porous, so it can harbour bacteria and absorb substances. Some blends also contain softeners that cause allergic reactions.
Put a fresh condom on a TPE toy for every use. Wash it with warm water and mild soap, and never boil it. TPR (thermoplastic rubber) follows the same rules. Silicone lube damages both, so use water-based lube.
Is ABS Plastic Safe for Sex Toys?
Yes. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a hard, non-porous plastic. Designers use ABS for bullet vibrators, vibrator handles and outer casings. ABS toys clean easily with warm water and soap. Do not boil ABS, because heat can warp the shell. ABS works with both water-based and silicone lube.
Which Sex Toy Materials Should You Avoid?
Avoid jelly rubber, PVC, latex and silicone blends for anything that goes inside the body. Jelly and rubber toys are porous and often contain phthalates. Most PVC contains phthalates too. Latex triggers allergies in some people. Blends stay porous even when they contain some silicone.
If you already own one of these toys, cover it with a fresh condom for every use and every partner. Bin any toy that smells of chemicals.
Body-Safe Materials for BDSM Toys
BDSM toys fall into two groups with different material rules. Insertable BDSM toys such as butt plugs need non-porous silicone or stainless steel, plus a flared base. External gear such as harnesses, cuffs, collars and restraints only touches skin, so faux leather, nylon and metal are suitable. Test a small patch of skin first if the item is latex.
Chastity cages stay on skin for long periods, so choose smooth stainless steel or body-safe plastic with no rough edges. Pratiharye stocks butt plugs, chastity cages, body harnesses and bed restraints in its BDSM toys range.
Sex Toy Materials Compared
|
Material |
Porous? |
Boil to sterilise? |
Safe lube |
Verdict |
|
Medical-grade silicone |
No |
Yes, if 100% silicone |
Water-based |
Best choice |
|
ABS plastic |
No |
No |
Water-based or silicone |
Safe |
|
Borosilicate glass |
No |
Yes, avoid sudden temperature shifts |
Any |
Safe |
|
Stainless steel |
No |
Yes |
Any |
Safe |
|
TPE and TPR |
Yes |
No |
Water-based |
Use with a condom |
|
PVC |
Yes |
No |
Water-based |
Avoid |
|
Jelly rubber |
Yes |
No |
Water-based |
Avoid |
Β
How Do You Clean and Lube Sex Toys by Material?
Wash every sex toy with warm water and mild soap, or a dedicated toy cleaner, before and after each use. Boil only toys that are 100% silicone, glass or stainless steel. Water-based lube is safe with every material. Silicone lube is safe on ABS, glass and stainless steel only. Oil-based lube damages silicone, TPE and latex.
Body-Safe Sex Toys You Can Buy at Pratiharye
