Guide to Sex Toys Material Types
Sex Toy Materials Guide: Understanding Body-Safe vs. Unsafe Options
The material your sex toy is made from is the single most important factor determining its safety for your body. Unlike many consumer products, the adult toy industry is largely unregulated—the FDA does not oversee sex toy manufacturing in the United States, meaning manufacturers can use potentially harmful materials without legal consequences. This makes consumer education critical: you must be able to identify body-safe materials and avoid dangerous ones to protect your health. This comprehensive guide explains what makes materials safe or unsafe, how to identify quality products, and which materials to choose or avoid.
Why Material Matters: The Unregulated Industry
The adult toy industry operates in a regulatory gray area. Because sex toys are classified as "novelty items" rather than medical devices, they escape FDA oversight that ensures safety standards for other products contacting body tissues. This means:
- Manufacturers can use materials known to cause health problems without legal ramifications
- There's no requirement to test products for safety before selling them
- Marketing claims like "body-safe" or "non-toxic" are often unverified by third parties
- Consumers bear full responsibility for researching and choosing safe products
The good news: reputable manufacturers voluntarily adhere to safety standards and use medical-grade materials. Learning to identify these companies and materials protects your health.
Key Terms to Understand
Porous vs. Non-Porous
Porous materials have microscopic holes (pores) in their surface where bacteria, fungi, and viruses can penetrate and survive even after cleaning. Think of a sponge—you can clean the surface, but bacteria hide deep inside the pores. Porous sex toys cannot be fully sterilized.
Non-porous materials have impermeable, sealed surfaces without microscopic holes. Bacteria cannot penetrate these materials, allowing for complete sterilization. These materials can be thoroughly cleaned and even boiled or put in the dishwasher without damage.
Why it matters: Using porous toys increases risk of infections including UTIs, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and potentially STI transmission.
Phthalates
What they are: Industrial chemicals added to plastics to make them soft and flexible.
Where they're found: "Jelly" rubber toys, soft PVC, and inexpensive vinyl toys
Health concerns: Research links phthalate exposure to:
- Endocrine (hormone) disruption
- Reproductive toxicity and reduced fertility
- Developmental issues in children
- Increased risks of asthma, ADHD, obesity, and type 2 diabetes
- Potential links to certain cancers
Regulation: The EU banned phthalates in children's toys due to health concerns. Many countries restrict phthalates in products contacting mucous membranes—but sex toys often escape these regulations due to their "novelty" classification.
Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable to phthalate damage, but these chemicals pose risks to everyone.
Safe Sex Toy Materials: The Best Choices
100% Medical-Grade Silicone ⭐ BEST OVERALL
Safety Rating: Excellent - the gold standard for sex toys
Characteristics:
- Non-porous: Completely sealed surface that bacteria cannot penetrate
- Hypoallergenic: Rarely causes allergic reactions or irritation
- Phthalate-free: No harmful chemicals used in manufacturing
- Body-safe: Chemically inert—won't react with body tissues
- Sterilizable: Can be boiled for 3-5 minutes for complete sterilization
- Durable: With proper care, can last 10+ years
- Flexible: Can be made in various firmness levels from very soft to firm
- Versatile: Works for all toy types—dildos, vibrators, plugs, etc.
What to Look For:
Verify products specify "100% medical-grade silicone" or "platinum-cured silicone." Be wary of products labeled just "silicone" without qualification—some blend silicone with other materials.
Price Point:
Mid to high range ($30-200+). Quality silicone costs more than dangerous materials, but the investment protects your health and lasts much longer.
Cleaning:
Wash with soap and water after each use. Can be boiled, placed in dishwasher (top rack), or cleaned with 10% bleach solution for sterilization.
Shop silicone toys: Browse our 100% medical-grade silicone collection
Borosilicate Glass ⭐ PREMIUM OPTION
Safety Rating: Excellent - medical-grade material
Characteristics:
- Non-porous: Completely impermeable surface
- Hypoallergenic: No allergic reactions possible
- Chemically inert: Won't react with lubricants or body tissues
- Heat-resistant: Can be safely warmed or cooled for temperature play
- Sterilizable: Can be boiled or put in dishwasher
- Lifetime durability: Won't degrade; lasts indefinitely if not broken
- Beautiful: Often features artistic swirls, colors, and designs
- Firm pressure: Excellent for G-spot or prostate stimulation
Safety Notes:
Quality borosilicate glass (Pyrex-type) used in sex toys is very strong and doesn't shatter easily. However, inspect before each use for chips or cracks—damaged glass toys must be discarded immediately.
Cleaning:
Wash with soap and water; dishwasher-safe; can be boiled.
Shop glass toys: Browse our glass dildo collection
Stainless Steel ⭐ PREMIUM OPTION
Safety Rating: Excellent - surgical-grade material
Characteristics:
- Non-porous: Completely sealed surface
- Hypoallergenic: Same steel used in surgical instruments
- Sterilizable: Can be boiled, autoclaved, or put in dishwasher
- Temperature play: Retains warmth or coolness effectively
- Extremely durable: Virtually indestructible with proper care
- Substantial weight: Creates unique sensation
- Firm: Provides intense pressure for G-spot/prostate stimulation
- Elegant: Mirror-polished finish looks luxurious
Considerations:
Stainless steel toys are heavy and very firm—not ideal for everyone. They're expensive but last a lifetime.
Cleaning:
Wash with soap and water; can be boiled; dishwasher-safe.
Shop steel toys: Browse our metal toy collection
ABS Plastic (Hard Plastic)
Safety Rating: Very Good - when from reputable manufacturers
Characteristics:
- Non-porous: Hard surface doesn't harbor bacteria
- Phthalate-free: Quality ABS plastic contains no softening chemicals
- Lightweight: Easy to handle and maneuver
- Affordable: Less expensive than silicone or metal
- Durable: Doesn't degrade over time
Common Uses:
Often used for vibrator housings, hard dildos, and toy handles. Many quality vibrators have ABS plastic shells.
Cleaning:
Wash with soap and water; can't be boiled but can be cleaned with toy cleaner.
Sealed Hardwood
Safety Rating: Good - when properly sealed
Characteristics:
- Non-porous (when sealed): Body-safe finish creates impermeable barrier
- Natural material: Appeals to those preferring organic options
- Unique: Each piece has distinct grain patterns
- Firm: Provides solid pressure
- Warm to touch: Doesn't feel cold like glass or metal
Important:
ONLY purchase wood toys from reputable manufacturers using body-safe sealants. The wood must be completely sealed—unsealed wood is porous and harbors bacteria.
Cleaning:
Wipe with damp cloth and mild soap; cannot be boiled or submerged in water.
Shop wood toys: Browse our sealed hardwood collection
Unsafe Materials: What to Avoid Completely
❌ Jelly Rubber (TPR/TPE with Phthalates)
Safety Rating: DANGEROUS - Avoid completely
Why It's Dangerous:
- Contains phthalates: Often high concentrations of harmful chemicals
- Highly porous: Impossible to clean thoroughly; bacteria thrive in material
- Degrades quickly: Breaks down over time, releasing more chemicals
- Strong chemical smell: Off-gassing indicates toxic compounds
- Can leach chemicals: Phthalates migrate from toy into body tissues
How to Identify:
- Very soft, squishy texture
- Strong chemical or plastic smell
- Extremely inexpensive ($5-15 typically)
- May leave oily residue on hands
- Often marketed as "jelly," "jel-lee," "PVC," or just "rubber"
- Tacky or sticky surface
Marketing Deception:
The term "jelly" sounds innocent and natural, which is intentional misdirection. There's nothing natural about jelly rubber—it's synthetic plastic filled with harmful chemicals.
What to Do:
Never purchase jelly rubber toys. If you own them, discard safely and replace with body-safe alternatives. The health risks far outweigh any cost savings.
❌ PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Safety Rating: DANGEROUS - Avoid unless certified phthalate-free
Why It's Dangerous:
- Usually contains phthalates: Used to soften rigid PVC
- Porous: Cannot be fully sterilized
- Cheap production: Used in low-quality toys specifically to save money
- Can degrade: Breaks down over time, releasing chemicals
The Exception:
Some manufacturers produce phthalate-free PVC certified by independent testing. These products are safer but still porous. If you see "phthalate-free PVC," verify with third-party certification, not just manufacturer claims.
❌ Latex Rubber (in cheap toys)
Safety Rating: Questionable to Unsafe
Issues:
- Porous: Cannot be sterilized completely
- Allergies common: 4-8% of population has latex allergy; symptoms range from mild irritation to anaphylaxis
- Strong smell: Natural latex odor can be off-putting
- Degrades: Breaks down faster than quality materials
When Latex Is Acceptable:
Medical-grade latex from reputable manufacturers for external use only (like latex gloves). For internal toys, choose silicone instead.
Questionable Materials: Use with Caution
⚠️ TPE/TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomer/Rubber) - Phthalate-Free
Safety Rating: Moderate - Acceptable with precautions
Characteristics:
- When phthalate-free: Much safer than jelly rubber
- Still slightly porous: Can't be fully sterilized despite being phthalate-free
- Soft texture: Feels realistic and flexible
- Affordable: Less expensive than silicone but more than jelly
How to Use Safely:
- ONLY buy from reputable manufacturers with explicit "phthalate-free" certification
- Consider using condoms over TPE toys for added protection
- Clean thoroughly after each use; allow to dry completely
- Replace more frequently than silicone toys (every 1-3 years)
- Store properly to prevent bacterial growth
The Challenge:
Distinguishing phthalate-free TPE from phthalate-containing jelly rubber can be difficult. Only purchase from trusted manufacturers who provide certificates of analysis.
How to Identify Safe vs. Unsafe Toys
Red Flags (Avoid These Toys)
| Warning Sign | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Extremely low price | Cheap toys ($5-15) almost always use dangerous materials to cut costs |
| Strong chemical smell | Off-gassing indicates toxic compounds; body-safe toys are odorless or have mild scent |
| "For novelty use only" label | Legal disclaimer meaning product is NOT safe for internal use |
| Sticky or oily surface | Phthalates leaching from material; jelly rubber often feels tacky |
| No material information | Reputable manufacturers proudly display material type; absence suggests unsafe materials |
| Labeled "jelly," "jel-lee," or similar | Almost always phthalate-containing material |
| Unknown brand/manufacturer | Established brands have reputations to protect; unknown brands may use unsafe materials |
Green Flags (Look for These Features)
| Positive Sign | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Specific material named | "100% medical-grade silicone," "borosilicate glass," "stainless steel," etc. |
| "Phthalate-free" certification | Explicitly states no harmful chemicals; ideally with third-party testing |
| Reputable brand | Established manufacturers (LELO, We-Vibe, Fun Factory, Tantus, etc.) use safe materials |
| Mid to high price point | Body-safe materials cost more; reasonable pricing reflects quality |
| No smell or mild scent | Body-safe materials don't off-gas; at most have very faint scent |
| Smooth, non-sticky surface | Quality materials have consistent texture without tackiness |
| Detailed product information | Reputable manufacturers provide specs, materials, care instructions |
Material Comparison Chart
| Material | Porous? | Phthalates? | Sterilizable? | Safety Rating | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Silicone | No | No | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | $$-$$$ |
| Borosilicate Glass | No | No | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | $$-$$$$ |
| Stainless Steel | No | No | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | $$$-$$$$ |
| ABS Plastic | No | No | No (but non-porous) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good | $-$$ |
| Sealed Wood | No (when sealed) | No | No | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good | $$$-$$$$ |
| TPE (phthalate-free) | Slightly | No (if certified) | No | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate | $-$$ |
| Jelly Rubber | Yes | Usually Yes | No | ❌ UNSAFE | $ |
| PVC (typical) | Yes | Usually Yes | No | ❌ UNSAFE | $ |
| Cheap Latex Rubber | Yes | Sometimes | No | ⚠️ Questionable | $ |
Cleaning Requirements by Material
| Material | Basic Cleaning | Can Be Boiled? | Dishwasher Safe? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Soap & water | Yes (3-5 min) | Yes (top rack) | Can also use 10% bleach solution |
| Glass | Soap & water | Yes | Yes | Inspect for damage before each use |
| Stainless Steel | Soap & water | Yes | Yes | Can be autoclaved |
| ABS Plastic | Soap & water | No | No | Use toy cleaner for deeper clean |
| Wood | Damp cloth | No | No | Never submerge; dry immediately |
| TPE/TPR | Soap & water | No | No | Dry completely before storage |
Shop Body-Safe Sex Toys
Browse our complete collection of certified body-safe toys: Medical Silicone | Glass | Stainless Steel | All Body-Safe Options
Every product in our collection meets strict safety standards. We never carry jelly rubber, unsafe PVC, or phthalate-containing materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make unsafe toys safe by using condoms?
While condoms provide a barrier that reduces direct contact with unsafe materials, this is a temporary solution, not a permanent fix. Condoms can break, slip, or tear, exposing you to the toxic material underneath. Additionally, some chemicals can potentially permeate through latex. It's always better to invest in a body-safe toy rather than relying on condoms to protect you from an inherently dangerous product.
Are expensive toys always safer?
Not necessarily, but there's a correlation. Body-safe materials (medical silicone, glass, metal) cost more to manufacture than jelly rubber or PVC. A $10 dildo is almost certainly made from unsafe materials, while a $50+ toy from a reputable brand is likely body-safe. However, price alone doesn't guarantee safety—always verify the specific material used.
How can I tell if my existing toys are safe?
Check these indicators:
- Smell test: Strong chemical odor = unsafe
- Touch test: Sticky, tacky, or oily surface = likely contains phthalates
- Manufacturer info: Can you identify the material? If not, assume unsafe
- Price paid: Extremely cheap = probably unsafe
- Age: Older toys (10+ years) may have been made before modern safety awareness
When in doubt, replace the toy with a verified body-safe option.
Is some phthalate exposure acceptable?
While regulatory agencies set "acceptable" exposure limits for phthalates, these apply to incidental exposure (like touching plastic products). Sex toys involve direct, prolonged contact with mucous membranes where chemical absorption is much higher. Additionally, phthalates are endocrine disruptors—they interfere with hormones even at low doses. There's no good reason to accept ANY phthalate exposure when safe alternatives exist.
Conclusion: Your Health Is Worth the Investment
Choosing body-safe sex toy materials isn't about being overly cautious or "high-maintenance"—it's about protecting your health from documented, preventable risks. The unregulated nature of the sex toy industry means you must be your own advocate, educating yourself about materials and voting with your wallet by supporting companies that prioritize safety.
Yes, body-safe toys cost more upfront. But consider:
- They last much longer than cheap alternatives (often 10+ years vs. 1-2 years)
- They won't expose you to hormone-disrupting chemicals
- They can be properly cleaned and sterilized
- They won't cause infections from bacterial colonization
- The cost per use over their lifetime is actually lower
Your body deserves materials designed for safe human contact. Choose medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, or quality ABS plastic. Avoid jelly rubber, unsafe PVC, and any product that can't clearly identify its materials. When in doubt, research the manufacturer, read reviews, and ask questions.
Sexual pleasure should never come at the cost of your health.
Medical References and Research
https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Phthalates_FactSheet.html
REACH legislation on phthalate restrictions
Multiple studies on phthalate toxicology
Research on phthalate leaching from sex toys
Landmark 2006 study finding high phthalate levels in sex toys
Studies linking phthalates to fertility issues and hormone disruption
Research showing bacteria survival on porous sex toy materials
Biocompatibility standards for devices contacting mucous membranes
Consumer safety investigations and product testing
Research on factors contributing to vaginal infections
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you experience irritation, infection, or adverse reactions from sex toy use, consult a qualified healthcare provider. Always prioritize body-safe materials and proper hygiene practices.
