Body-Safe Sex Toy Materials: What You Need to Know

Why Sex Toy Materials Matter More Than You Think

The composition of your sex toys can have a real impact on your wellbeing. Unlike many everyday products, adult toys often slip through the cracks of government regulation. As a result, some manufacturers opt for inexpensive—and sometimes risky—materials to cut expenses. Understanding which materials are genuinely body-safe helps you make informed choices and safeguard your health.

Body-Safe Materials: What to Look For

Medical-Grade Silicone — The Gold Standard

Medical-grade silicone has become the leading choice for safe, modern sex toys. This material is hypoallergenic, non-porous (so bacteria can’t get inside), and impressively long-lasting. Many favorites, such as the Satisfyer Pro 2 and We-Vibe Nova 2, are crafted from high-quality silicone—making them suitable for both internal and external stimulation.

Important: We always recommend water-based lubricants with silicone toys. Silicone-based lubes can gradually break down the surface of your toy.

Stainless Steel

Surgical-grade stainless steel is another excellent option: it’s non-porous, hypoallergenic, and built to last. The Njoy Pure Plug is a standout example—expertly designed, simple to sterilize, and naturally cool or warm depending on your play. From what our team has tested, steel toys offer both versatility and reliability, plus they’re great for experimenting with temperature sensations.

Borosilicate Glass

Borosilicate glass—the same material as lab glassware—is renowned for being body-safe, non-porous, and exceptionally smooth. Like steel, it adapts to temperature and is easy to sterilize. Despite being glass, it’s surprisingly tough and highly resistant to breaking in typical use.

ABS Plastic

Hard ABS plastic is non-porous and considered body-safe for external vibrators like bullets. The outer shell of the PlusOne Bullet Vibrator is made from ABS, making it a solid choice for non-insertable toys. It’s a reliable, budget-friendly material when internal use isn’t a factor.

Dangerous Materials to Avoid

Jelly Rubber and PVC

Jelly rubber and PVC are porous, which means bacteria can stick around even after washing. These materials often contain phthalates—substances linked to hormone disruption. If you notice a strong, chemical odor when you open a package, that’s usually a red flag for jelly rubber. It’s best to steer clear.

TPR/TPE (Thermoplastic Rubber/Elastomer)

Some TPR and TPE blends are marketed as safer options, but they’re still porous and can’t be fully sanitized. If you have a TPR or TPE toy, using it externally with a condom is a safer bet—internal use isn’t recommended.

Latex

Latex can be risky due to allergy risks and its porous nature, which allows it to degrade and hold on to bacteria over time. If you have a latex toy and don’t have an allergy, a condom adds an important barrier, but it’s still not ideal for regular use.

How to Identify Body-Safe Products

• Check the product description — Trustworthy brands are transparent about materials
• Look for certifications — FDA approval, CE marks, or RoHS compliance are reassuring signs
• Do the smell test — Quality silicone is almost odorless
• Buy from trusted retailers — Best Sex Toys Online only stocks fully verified, body-safe options
• Check the price — If a deal seems suspiciously low, the materials may be just as questionable

Cleaning and Maintenance by Material

Silicone, Steel, and Glass

These non-porous materials are straightforward to keep clean. Wash them with warm water and mild soap, or sanitize with a 10% bleach solution. For a deeper clean, both steel and glass toys can be safely boiled.

ABS Plastic

ABS plastic toys can be washed with warm water and gentle soap. Avoid boiling—high heat can cause the plastic to lose its shape.

Porous Materials (If You Already Own Them)

If you have porous toys in your collection, always cover them with a condom during use and plan to replace them more regularly. Upgrading to non-porous, body-safe materials is a smart move for your health.

Making the Switch to Body-Safe Toys

There’s no need to overhaul your entire collection at once. Start by updating your most-used—and especially your insertable—toys. Explore our full selection of thoroughly vetted, body-safe products, or check out our comprehensive buying guide for tips on your next purchase. At Best Sex Toys Online, every toy we offer is crafted from body-safe materials—your safety is our top priority.