Sex Toy Materials: What's Body-Safe and What to Avoid

Not all sex toys are created equal, and the difference often comes down to what they're made of. The material determines whether a toy can be properly cleaned, how long it will last, and whether it's safe for your body in the first place.

Here's what you need to know before you buy — and what to do about the toys you already own.

Why materials matter

Sex toys in the United States are classified as novelty items rather than medical devices. That classification means manufacturers aren't required to disclose the full chemical composition of their products. Some toys — particularly inexpensive ones — may contain phthalates, chemical softeners that have been banned from children's toys but face no such restrictions in adult products.

The other issue is porosity. Some materials have microscopic surface irregularities that harbor bacteria even after cleaning. Others can be fully sterilized. Knowing which is which is the most important piece of information you can have as a toy owner.

The body-safe list

These materials are non-porous, phthalate-free, and safe for use with your body.

100% medical-grade silicone

The gold standard for sex toy materials. Silicone is soft, flexible, body-safe, non-porous, and can be fully sterilized. It's compatible with water-based lubricant — not silicone-based, which will degrade the surface over time.

What to watch for: toys labeled "silicone blend," "silicone mix," or "silicone feel" are not the same as 100% silicone. Those blends are often porous. Look for "100% silicone" or "medical-grade silicone" specifically.

Borosilicate glass

Hard, non-porous, completely body-safe, and one of the most hygienic materials available. Borosilicate glass is the same material used in laboratory equipment — it's temperature-resistant, shatter-resistant under normal use, and can be boiled or run through the dishwasher. It can be used with any lubricant type.

Always inspect glass toys before use for chips or cracks. A compromised glass toy should be retired immediately.

Stainless steel

Non-porous, extremely durable, and easy to sterilize. Stainless steel toys are compatible with any lubricant and can be boiled, dishwashed, or soaked in a diluted bleach solution. They're heavy, which some people find pleasurable, and they hold temperature well for sensation play.

Aluminum

Similar to stainless steel in safety and cleanability. Lightweight compared to steel, fully non-porous, compatible with any lubricant.

ABS hard plastic

The rigid plastic used in most vibrator casings and many battery-operated toys. Non-porous and body-safe. Cannot be boiled — high heat will warp it — but washes easily with soap and water. Compatible with any lubricant.

Ceramic and stone (when properly finished)

Less common but genuinely body-safe when made from non-porous materials and finished without toxic glazes. Verify the specific product's safety claims before purchasing.

The porous materials — approach with caution

These materials cannot be fully sterilized. They can be cleaned, but bacteria can survive in the microscopic pores of the surface regardless. This doesn't mean you can't use them — it means you need to use them with a condom, every time, and replace them when they show signs of wear.

Jelly rubber

One of the most common materials in budget toys. Soft, flexible, and often contains phthalates. Porous. Difficult to clean thoroughly. If you own jelly toys, use a condom and replace them if you notice any stickiness, cracking, or chemical smell.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

Similar to jelly rubber. May contain phthalates. Porous. Use with a condom and replace when worn.

TPE and TPR (thermoplastic elastomer / thermoplastic rubber)

Softer and more flexible than hard plastic, often used in realistic-feel toys. Porous. Generally considered safer than jelly or PVC — less likely to contain phthalates — but still cannot be sterilized. Use with a condom.

Cyberskin and "realistic skin" materials

Proprietary blends designed to mimic the feel of skin. Porous. Require careful cleaning and complete drying before storage, and benefit from a light dusting of cornstarch to prevent stickiness. Always use a condom.

Rubber and latex

Porous and potentially allergenic. Some people have latex allergies ranging from mild irritation to serious reactions. If you experience redness, itching, or swelling after using a rubber or latex toy, discontinue use. Always use a condom.

How to tell what your toy is made of

Check the packaging or the manufacturer's website. Reputable manufacturers list materials clearly. If the packaging says only "body-safe material" or "skin-safe" without specifying what the material actually is, that's a flag.

A simple test for silicone: pinch a small area of the toy and pull slightly. Pure silicone will leave a white mark that disappears immediately. Silicone blends and other materials typically won't show this mark, or the mark will be less pronounced. This isn't definitive but it's a useful field check.

Price is also a signal, though not a guarantee. A $10 vibrator is almost certainly not made from 100% medical-grade silicone. That doesn't mean it's dangerous, but it means knowing what you have and using it accordingly.

Lubricant compatibility by material

This is where toy damage most commonly happens — using the wrong lubricant for the material.

Silicone-based lubricant will degrade silicone toys over time, breaking down the surface and creating conditions that harbor bacteria. Use water-based lubricant with silicone toys.

Oil-based lubricant degrades latex condoms and latex toys. Use water-based lubricant if latex is involved anywhere in the equation.

Water-based lubricant is compatible with all toy materials and all condom types. It's the universal safe choice.

Glass, stainless steel, aluminum, and ABS hard plastic are compatible with any lubricant type — silicone-based, water-based, or oil-based.

For the complete guide to lubricant types and how to choose: The Lube Guide: Which Lubricant Works With Your Toy

Cleaning by material

Each material has its own cleaning requirements. For the full breakdown: How to Clean Sex Toys: A Complete Guide by Material

When to replace a toy

Body-safe materials in good condition last for years with proper care. Replace any toy that shows:

Stickiness or tackiness that doesn't go away after cleaning. Cracking, tearing, or visible surface damage. Discoloration that suggests material breakdown. A persistent chemical smell. Any change in texture that feels rough or uneven on the surface.

Porous toys have a shorter usable life than non-porous ones. When in doubt, replace.

Still not sure what's right for your situation? Our guide to choosing the right sex toy takes you through it.

Related reading

Sex Toys: The Complete Guide Sex Toy Safety: The Complete Guide How to Clean Sex Toys: A Complete Guide by Material The Lube Guide: Which Lubricant Works With Your Toy