When you choose a sex toy, the material matters as much as the shape or the settings. It affects how the toy feels, how long it lasts and how easy it is to keep hygienic. This guide explains the most common body-safe sex toy materials, how they compare and which lubes work with each one. It also covers porous materials and what to look for on a product page. It is for adults choosing a new toy who want to understand the label.
The Short Answer
The most body-safe sex toy materials are non-porous ones: medical-grade or body-safe silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel and ABS plastic. These materials have no tiny holes for bacteria to hide in, so they are easy to keep clean. Porous materials such as TPE, TPR, PVC and jelly feel soft and realistic. However, they need more care and are harder to keep hygienic.
Porous vs Non-Porous: Why It Matters for Body-Safe Sex Toy Materials
The most important thing to know about body-safe sex toy materials is whether they are porous or non-porous.
Non-Porous Materials
A non-porous material has a smooth, sealed surface. Water, lube and bacteria stay on the surface, so washing removes them. Silicone, glass, stainless steel and ABS plastic are all non-porous. As a result, these body-safe sex toy materials are the easiest to keep hygienic and suit toys you use often.
Porous Materials
A porous material has tiny holes you cannot see. These can trap moisture, lube and bacteria, even after washing. TPE, TPR, PVC, jelly and some rubbers are porous. That does not make them unusable. However, they wear out faster and you should not share them. Many people also put a condom over porous toys used for penetration.
Body-Safe Sex Toy Materials Compared
Here is a quick comparison of the most common materials. Each product page lists the material, so you can check before you buy.
| Material | Porous? | Feel | Lube to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | No | Soft to firm, smooth, slightly flexible | Water-based (silicone lube may damage it) |
| Glass | No | Hard, smooth, can be warmed or cooled | Any type |
| Stainless steel | No | Hard, heavy, smooth | Any type |
| ABS plastic | No | Hard, light, smooth | Any type |
| TPE / TPR | Yes | Soft, stretchy, skin-like | Water-based |
| PVC / jelly | Yes | Soft, rubbery, flexible | Water-based |
Non-Porous Body-Safe Sex Toy Materials
These four body-safe sex toy materials are the most popular choices for people who want an easy-care toy.
Silicone
Silicone is the most common material for vibrators and many dildos. It feels soft and warms to body temperature, and it comes in a range of firmness levels. Look for toys described as body-safe, platinum-cured or medical-grade silicone. Our range of silicone dildos covers many sizes and firmness levels.
One thing to remember: silicone-based lube can damage some silicone toys. So use water-based lube unless the product guidance says otherwise.
Glass
Glass sex toys are usually made from borosilicate glass, the same type used for heat-resistant kitchenware. Glass is hard, smooth and very easy to clean. Some people warm or cool a glass toy in water for temperature play. Always test it on your wrist first. Browse our glass dildos for a range of shapes. Before each use, check the toy for chips or cracks and stop using it if you find any.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel toys are heavy, smooth and very durable. Their weight gives a feeling of firm pressure, which some people love. Like glass, steel works with any lube and holds temperature well. Steel toys are less common, so you will find them mainly as plugs, wands and Kegel balls.
ABS Plastic
ABS is a hard, light plastic used for many bullet vibrators and toy casings. It is non-porous and works with any lube. ABS does not flex, so it suits small, firm toys. Many bullet vibrators use ABS for the body, sometimes with a silicone coating.
Porous Sex Toy Materials: TPE, TPR, PVC and Jelly
Porous materials are common in budget toys and realistic designs, because they are soft and cheap to make.
- TPE and TPR: soft, stretchy materials often used for masturbator sleeves and realistic toys. They feel skin-like but are porous, so they need careful drying.
- PVC: a firmer plastic, often softened with chemicals to make it flexible. It is porous unless the toy has a coating.
- Jelly: a very soft, often see-through material made from rubber or PVC. It is porous and can break down over time.
- Latex: a natural rubber used in some toys and clothing. Avoid it if you or a partner have a latex allergy.
Some soft plastics contain phthalates, chemicals used to make plastic flexible. If you want to avoid them, look for "phthalate-free" on the product page. If a listing does not say, choose a non-porous material instead.
Lube Compatibility for Body-Safe Sex Toy Materials
Choosing the right lube protects both you and your toy, whichever material you pick.
- Water-based lube is usually the safest starting point. It works with every material on this list.
- Silicone-based lube can damage some silicone toys. It is fine with glass, steel and ABS, but check the product guidance for silicone.
- Oil-based lube can break down latex condoms and some soft materials, so avoid it with latex and porous toys.
Store toys made from different soft materials apart, because some can react with each other when they touch. Even body-safe sex toy materials can get damaged. The sexual health charity Brook's guide to sex toys and aids advises checking toys for scratches or tears, which can harbour germs. It also recommends using the right kind of lube by following the packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sex toy materials are the safest?
Non-porous materials are generally the safest body-safe sex toy materials, because you can clean them thoroughly. These include body-safe silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel and ABS plastic. Each has a smooth, sealed surface where bacteria cannot hide. If you are unsure, a body-safe silicone toy is a good all-round choice for most people.
Is TPE a body-safe material?
You can use TPE safely, but it is porous, so it needs more care than silicone or glass. It can trap moisture and bacteria, and it wears out faster. Do not share TPE toys. Dry it fully after every wash and replace it when it tears or turns sticky. Many people use a condom over TPE toys used for penetration.
How can I tell what my sex toy is made from?
Check the product page or packaging, which should list the material. Look for clear terms such as "body-safe silicone", "borosilicate glass" or "phthalate-free". Vague descriptions like "jelly" or "soft rubber" usually mean a porous material. If you cannot find the material listed, treat the toy as porous and use a condom with it.
Can I use silicone lube with a silicone toy?
Silicone-based lube can damage some silicone toys, making the surface tacky or rough over time. To be safe, use water-based lube with silicone toys unless the product guidance says silicone lube is fine. To test, put a little on the base of the toy and check it the next day.
Choose a Material That Suits You
In short, the most body-safe sex toy materials are non-porous: silicone, glass, stainless steel and ABS. Porous materials need more care. Check the product page, pick the right lube and look after your toys well. Ready to choose? Browse our full range of sex toys at DelighToys and find a toy in the material that suits you.
