These are non-porous, so they can be cleaned thoroughly and won’t harbour bacteria. Steer clear of jelly rubber, TPE, TPR, PVC, and anything labelled a vague “silicone blend”. Below, we cover cleaning, lube compatibility, and the red flags that should stop a purchase.
TL;DR:
- Non-porous materials like silicone, borosilicate glass, and surgical stainless steel are the safest options for internal use because they can be thoroughly cleaned and sterilised.
- Look for specific labels such as platinum-cured silicone, borosilicate glass, or 316L stainless steel, and avoid vague descriptions or materials that list “silicone blend” or contain phthalates.
- Always verify that silicone toys are platinum-cured, as peroxide-cured silicone can leave harmful residues, and avoid silicone-based lubricants to prevent surface degradation.
- Porous plastics like TPE, TPR, PVC, and jelly rubber absorb fluids and bacteria, making them unsafe for sterilisation and suitable only for solo, short-term use with extra precautions.
- Regular cleaning involves warm water and mild soap for non-porous toys, while boiling is safe for solid silicone, glass, and metal, but not for toys with electronics or porous materials.
Table of Contents
- What makes a sex toy material body-safe?
- Silicone: how to spot the good stuff
- Is glass safe for sex toys?
- Are metal and hard plastic toys body-safe?
- Which materials should you avoid?
- How do you clean and store toys by material?
- What should you check before buying a sex toy?
- Why trust this guide on sex toy materials?
- Balancing safety, sustainability, and pleasure
- Where to find quality, disclosed-material toys
- Sources
- FAQ
What makes a sex toy material body-safe?
Porosity is the single biggest factor in whether a material is safe for repeated or internal use. Non-porous materials, like silicone, glass, and stainless steel, have a smooth, sealed surface that can be washed or sterilised until every trace of bacteria is gone. Porous materials have microscopic gaps that trap fluids and bacteria no amount of scrubbing will fully remove, which is why borosilicate glass, medical-grade silicone, and surgical stainless steel sit at the top of every credible safety guide.
The second concern is what’s inside the material. Chemical additives such as phthalates (used to soften plastics) have been linked to health concerns in peer-reviewed material safety research, which is exactly why disclosure matters so much in this category.
A few checks tell you almost everything you need to know before you buy:
- Does the listing say “platinum-cured silicone” rather than just “silicone” or “silicone blend”?
- Is there a specific reference to ISO 10993 (the biocompatibility testing standard) or USP grade?
- For glass or metal, does it name the exact grade, such as borosilicate or 316L stainless?
- Does the page explicitly say “phthalate-free”?
Pro Tip: Trust your nose. A strong plasticky smell straight out of the box is one of the most reliable at-home signs that a toy contains fillers, even before you check the label.
If a product page is vague, contact the seller directly. Reputable retailers will always tell you the curing method or exact metal grade if you ask.
Silicone: how to spot the good stuff
Not all silicone is equal, and the curing process makes the difference. Platinum-cured (also called addition-cured) silicone leaves far fewer chemical by-products than the older peroxide-cured method, which is why it’s the preferred standard among safety-conscious manufacturers. Peroxide curing can leave acidic residue behind, which is unnecessary risk for something used against skin or mucous membranes.
The term “medical-grade” is thrown around loosely across the industry. On its own it means very little, since it isn’t a regulated label for this product category. What you actually want is a manufacturer willing to cite ISO or USP testing references, not just the phrase itself.
Caring for silicone properly extends its life considerably:
- Boil for up to 10 minutes, or run through a dishwasher cycle (top rack, no detergent) if the manufacturer confirms it’s solid, seamless silicone.
- Some silicone toys with no electronics are autoclave-safe, but always check first.
- Never use silicone-based lubricant on a silicone toy. The two bond at a molecular level and the lube will slowly degrade the toy’s surface, leaving it tacky and pitted.
Genuine platinum-cured silicone is famously silky and virtually odourless.
Is glass safe for sex toys?
Borosilicate glass is one of the safest materials on the market, and for good reason: it’s completely non-porous, chemically inert, and resistant to the thermal shock that ordinary glass can’t handle. This is the same glass used in laboratory equipment and oven-proof cookware, engineered specifically to withstand rapid temperature changes without cracking. WIRED’s material safety guide lists it alongside silicone and stainless steel as one of the three gold-standard options. Always confirm the listing specifies “borosilicate” rather than just “glass,” since not all glass toys are made to the same standard.
Cleaning is refreshingly simple:
- Warm water and a mild, unscented soap after every use is usually sufficient.
- Most borosilicate toys are dishwasher-safe on the top rack.
- Boiling is fine for solid glass with no internal wiring, if the manufacturer confirms it.
Temperature play is one of glass’s real advantages. It holds heat or cold longer than silicone, which is part of the appeal, but always warm or cool it gradually rather than jumping straight from the freezer to skin contact. Run your fingers along every surface before use to check for seams or rough spots, since quality borosilicate toys are typically finished seamlessly.
Glass also happens to be one of the most durable materials you can buy: it doesn’t degrade, discolour, or absorb odours over years of use, which makes it a genuinely long-term purchase.
Are metal and hard plastic toys body-safe?
Surgical stainless steel, specifically grades 316 or 316L, is a favourite among people who want something that will never need replacing. It’s completely non-porous, and within the pH range of the human body, corrosion risk is close to zero. The weight of steel also delivers a firmer, more direct sensation than silicone, which some people specifically seek out.
ABS plastic is the other reliable non-porous option, most often found in vibrator shells, bullets, and the hard casing around motors. It’s rigid, smooth, and safe for skin contact, though it can’t handle boiling the way metal or glass can.
Care differs slightly by material:
- Steel and glass components (if removable from any electronics) can be boiled or, in some cases, run through an autoclave.
- ABS should be cleaned with warm soapy water or an alcohol wipe rather than submerged or boiled.
- Always dry metal thoroughly to avoid water spotting, and check that any silicone sleeves paired with a metal or ABS toy are cleaned separately.
Which materials should you avoid?
Jelly rubber, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), TPR, and PVC are the materials that come up again and again as ones to treat with caution, and for a clear reason: they’re porous. Independent material comparisons confirm that these formulations absorb fluid at a microscopic level, which means no amount of washing, boiling, or wiping down will ever fully sterilise them.
There’s a chemical dimension too. Cheaper porous plastics have historically relied on phthalate softeners to achieve that squishy “jelly” texture, and research on these additives has raised enough concern that most reputable manufacturers have moved away from them. That said, some higher-quality TPE formulations can be acceptable for external, single-user play, provided you treat them as a shorter-lived product rather than a permanent one.
If you already own something in one of these materials, or you’re drawn to a design that only comes in TPE:
- Always use a condom over the toy, and change it between any use.
- Reserve porous toys for solo use only. Never share them, even with a partner.
- Clean immediately after each use and let it dry fully before storing.
- Replace the toy every few months, or sooner if you notice any change in texture.
Pro Tip: A sticky surface that won’t wipe clean, or a chemical smell that lingers after washing, means the material is breaking down. That’s your cue to retire it, not clean it harder.
Vague listing language such as “jelly,” “rubber blend,” or simply “flexible material” with no further detail is itself a red flag worth walking away from.
How do you clean and store toys by material?
Cleaning routine should match the material, not a one-size-fits-all rinse. Planned Parenthood’s guidance is consistent with what most manufacturers recommend: glass, metal, and silicone are the easiest to keep genuinely clean between uses.
- Wash non-porous toys with warm water and a fragrance-free soap immediately after use.
- Boil solid silicone, glass, or metal (no electronics) for up to 10 minutes if the manufacturer permits it.
- Wipe ABS and any toy with embedded electronics using an alcohol wipe rather than submerging it.
- Dry fully before storing to prevent moisture build-up.
Lube compatibility trips up more people than you’d expect:
- Water-based lube is safe with every material on this list, including silicone.
- Silicone-based lube will slowly degrade silicone toys and should never be paired with them.
- Oil-based lube can weaken latex condoms and isn’t advisable with most toy plastics.
A good water-based option matched to sensitive skin removes most of the guesswork. Retire anything that develops stickiness, discolouration, or visible cracking, regardless of what it’s made from. Storing toys separately, ideally in a breathable pouch away from direct sunlight, also protects both the material and your privacy.
What should you check before buying a sex toy?
A quick checklist on the product page tells you almost everything:
- Material name is specific, not vague. “100% platinum-cured silicone” rather than “silicone material.”
- Curing method stated, for silicone specifically.
- Exact grade named, for glass (borosilicate) or metal (316/316L).
- Explicit phthalate-free statement, especially for anything with a softer, flexible feel.
- Clear care instructions included on the listing itself, not buried in a separate FAQ.
If any of that is missing, ask directly: “What is the curing method for this silicone?” or “What grade of stainless steel is this?” A seller with nothing to hide will answer immediately.
Immediate red flags include “material blend” with no elaboration, a strong chemical smell described in reviews, or waterproof electronics with no stated ingress protection rating. If you’re buying for shared use, use a condom between partners regardless of material, and if you notice redness, itching, or irritation after use, that’s worth raising with a clinician rather than guessing at a cause yourself.
Why trust this guide on sex toy materials?
This guide draws on published material safety research and manufacturer standards rather than marketing claims, because the FDA doesn’t broadly regulate sex toys as medical devices. That gap is exactly why clear disclosure from retailers matters so much.
- The retailer curates its range around quality and transparency, with discreet packaging and free delivery on qualifying orders.
- If a product page doesn’t list the material clearly, the customer support team can clarify before you buy.
- For related questions on allergies, storage, or lube pairing, the linked guides above cover each in more depth.
Balancing safety, sustainability, and pleasure
If you’re starting from scratch, platinum-cured silicone gives you the best balance of safety, feel, and price for most people. Glass and stainless steel earn their place when you want something that will genuinely last decades and offer a different sensory experience along the way.
There’s a sustainability argument here too, one that often gets overlooked. Buying one durable, non-porous toy that lasts years produces far less waste than replacing a cheap porous one every few months. If a material question is holding up your decision, Playhause’s team is a reasonable place to start.
— Will
Where to find quality, disclosed-material toys
Once you know what to look for, the harder part is finding retailers who actually tell you. Playhause lists material information clearly on its product pages, so you’re not left guessing between “silicone” and “silicone blend” at checkout. Every order also ships in discreet packaging, with free delivery over £60, so privacy never gets sacrificed for transparency.
If you’ve got a specific material question that isn’t answered on a listing, a retailer’s customer support team might confirm curing method, alloy grade, or care instructions before you commit to buying. Browsing categories on the Playhause site is a straightforward way to compare options with material details laid out upfront rather than buried in fine print. If you’re shopping for apparel to pair with your next purchase, pieces like the Beauty Night BN6530 Adelaide Teddy are examples of items offered in a curated, quality-first approach. Start there, check the material line on any listing that catches your eye, and reach out to support if anything’s unclear before you check out.
Sources
- What should your sex toys be made of? | WIRED
- NCBI PMC article (regulatory/consumer safety context)
- Planned Parenthood — sex toys
FAQ
What is jelly rubber made from?
Jelly rubber is a soft, porous plastic (often a PVC or rubber blend) that’s historically been softened with phthalates. It absorbs fluid at a microscopic level and can’t be fully sterilised, which is why it’s on most avoid lists.
What are the safest sex toy materials?
Platinum-cured silicone, borosilicate glass, and surgical stainless steel (316 or 316L) are the three most reliably body-safe options, alongside high-quality ABS plastic for hard components.
How do you clean sex toys properly?
Wash non-porous materials with warm water and mild soap after every use, and boil solid silicone, glass, or metal for up to 10 minutes if the manufacturer allows it. ABS and electronic components should be wiped with an alcohol wipe rather than submerged.
Can silicone lube be used on silicone toys?
No. Silicone-based lubricant degrades silicone toy surfaces over time, leaving them tacky and pitted. Water-based lube is the safe choice across every material on this list.
Are TPE sex toys safe to use?
Higher-quality TPE can be acceptable for external, single-user play, but it’s still porous and can’t be sterilised the way silicone or glass can. Use a condom, avoid sharing it, and replace it every few months.