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

Why Sex Toy Materials Matter More Than You Think

The material your sex toy is made from directly impacts your health. Unlike kitchen utensils or children's toys, adult products are largely unregulated in most countries. This means some manufacturers use cheap, potentially harmful materials to cut costs. Knowing what's safe — and what's not — is essential for protecting yourself.

Body-Safe Materials: What to Look For

Medical-Grade Silicone — The Gold Standard

Medical-grade silicone is the most popular body-safe material in modern sex toys. It's hypoallergenic, non-porous (meaning bacteria can't penetrate its surface), and incredibly durable. Products like the Satisfyer Pro 2 and We-Vibe Nova 2 use premium silicone that's safe for internal and external use.

Important: Only use water-based lubricants with silicone toys. Silicone-based lubes can degrade the material over time.

Stainless Steel

Surgical-grade stainless steel is completely non-porous, hypoallergenic, and virtually indestructible. The Njoy Pure Plug is a perfect example — beautifully crafted, easy to sterilize, and temperature-responsive for added sensation. Steel toys can be heated or cooled for temperature play.

Borosilicate Glass

The same material used in laboratory equipment, borosilicate glass is body-safe, non-porous, and beautifully smooth. Like steel, it's temperature-responsive and completely sterilizable. Despite what you might fear, it's extremely shatter-resistant.

ABS Plastic

Hard ABS plastic is non-porous and body-safe for external toys like bullet vibrators. The PlusOne Bullet Vibrator uses ABS for its shell. It's a reliable material for non-insertable toys.

Dangerous Materials to Avoid

Jelly Rubber and PVC

These porous materials can harbor bacteria even after cleaning. Many contain phthalates — chemical plasticizers linked to hormone disruption. If a toy has a strong chemical smell, it's likely made from jelly rubber. Avoid it.

TPR/TPE (Thermoplastic Rubber/Elastomer)

While some formulations are safer than jelly rubber, TPR and TPE are porous materials that can't be fully sterilized. They're acceptable for external use with a condom but not ideal for internal use.

Latex

Many people have latex allergies or sensitivities. Even without allergies, latex is porous and can degrade over time. If you encounter a latex toy, using a condom over it adds a safety layer.

How to Identify Body-Safe Products

• Check the product description — Reputable brands clearly list their materials
• Look for certifications — FDA-approved, CE marked, or RoHS compliant
• Do the smell test — Body-safe silicone has virtually no odor
• Buy from trusted retailers — BestSexToys.online only carries verified, body-safe products
• Check the price — If it seems too cheap, the materials probably are too

Cleaning and Maintenance by Material

Silicone, Steel, and Glass

These non-porous materials can be thoroughly sanitized. Wash with warm water and mild soap, or use a 10% bleach solution. Steel and glass can be boiled for complete sterilization.

ABS Plastic

Warm water and soap are sufficient. Don't boil ABS toys as extreme heat can warp the material.

Porous Materials (If You Already Own Them)

If you currently own porous toys, always use a condom with them and replace them more frequently. Consider upgrading to body-safe alternatives.

Making the Switch to Body-Safe Toys

You don't need to replace everything overnight. Start by upgrading the toys you use most frequently — especially insertable ones. Browse our entire collection of verified body-safe products, or read our buying guide for help choosing your next toy. Every product at BestSexToys.online is made from body-safe materials — it's our promise to you.