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Toy Safety & Care

Body-Safe Toy Materials: What to Choose and What to Avoid

Not every material is equally safe. Learn which materials are non-porous and easy to clean, and which ones to avoid.

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Illustration of three smooth toys in different materials on a soft green background

The material a product is made from affects how safe it is and how well you can clean it. This guide explains the difference between porous and non-porous materials and what to look for on the label.

Why material matters

Porous materials have tiny holes that can trap moisture and bacteria, even after washing. Non-porous materials have a smooth, sealed surface that can be cleaned thoroughly. Some cheaper plastics may also contain phthalates, chemicals used to soften PVC that many people prefer to avoid.

Non-porous materials

These are generally considered body-safe when made to a good standard:

  • 100% silicone: soft, flexible and durable. Look for brands that state “100% silicone” or “platinum-cured silicone”, not a “silicone blend”.
  • Borosilicate glass: the same heat-resistant glass used in lab equipment. Smooth and easy to clean.
  • Stainless steel: durable, heavy and easy to clean.
  • ABS plastic: a hard, non-porous plastic often used for product bodies and controls.

Materials to be cautious about

  • TPE and TPR (often marketed as “jelly”, “cyberskin” or “realistic feel”): porous, harder to clean fully, and best used with a condom.
  • PVC and jelly rubber: may contain phthalates and often have a strong chemical smell.

Wondering how TPE really compares? Read TPE vs silicone: is TPE body-safe?

Two generic Brand A toy boxes. The green-flag box lists 100% silicone, platinum-cured and controls made of ABS plastic. The red-flag box lists silicone blend, medical-grade material and jelly or PVC. Below, two more red flags to notice once the box is open: a strong chemical smell and a greasy or sticky surface.
A specific material name is a good sign, while blends, vague “medical-grade” claims with no details, and jelly or PVC deserve a second look.

Choosing a lubricant that matches

  • Water-based lube works with every material and with all condoms.
  • Silicone-based lube can break down some silicone products. Check the manufacturer’s guidance or do a spot test first.
  • Oil-based lube can weaken latex condoms, so don’t combine the two.
Three lube pairings with results: any material with water-based lube works, with all condoms too; a silicone toy with silicone-based lube needs a spot test first because it can break some silicone down; a latex condom with oil-based lube should not be combined because oil weakens latex.
Water-based lube is the one pairing that works with everything; for silicone on silicone, check the maker’s guidance or spot-test first.

Not sure what works with what? Try our Lube Compatibility Checker or read the full guide to choosing lube.

Cleaning and storage

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions first. As a general rule:

  1. Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap after every use.
  2. Let it dry completely before storing.
  3. Store items separately in a clean pouch so materials don’t react with each other.

Our cleaning and storage guide covers each material in detail.

When to see a healthcare provider

Stop using a product and talk to a healthcare provider if you notice pain, burning, unusual discharge, a rash or any other reaction after use.

Sources

  1. Planned Parenthood: Sex toys

Spotted an error or something out of date? Email [email protected] and we’ll take a look.

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