Sex Toy Materials Guide: Safety, Care and What to Buy

By Jake Turner  ·  Senior Editor  ·  May 2025

The material a sex toy is made of determines everything: whether it’s body-safe, how to clean it, whether it can be sterilized, how long it lasts, what lubricants are compatible, and whether it’s appropriate for anal or shared use. Yet most people buy sex toys without knowing what material they’re made of or what that means for safety and care.

This guide covers every common sex toy material — the good, the acceptable, and the ones to avoid — with the specific care information you need for each.

Medical-Grade Silicone: The Gold Standard

Body-safe silicone is the best material for sex toys that contact mucous membranes. It’s non-porous (bacteria cannot penetrate below the surface), hypoallergenic, free from phthalates and other harmful plasticizers, odorless, colorfast, and durable. It can be sterilized by boiling, bleach solution, or dishwasher (non-motorized versions). It retains shape, texture, and material integrity for years with proper care.

Silicone comes in hardnesses from very firm to ultra-soft. “Medical-grade” or “body-safe silicone” indicates the highest purity. “100% silicone” on reputable brand toys is reliable. Care: water-based lubricant only (silicone-based lube bonds to and degrades the surface), warm water and toy cleaner after use, individual storage pouches.

Stainless Steel: Premium and Permanent

Stainless steel (specifically food-grade or surgical-grade 304 or 316 stainless) is the most durable sex toy material. Non-porous, completely sterilizable, compatible with all lubricant types, temperature-responsive (can be warmed or cooled for sensation), and essentially permanent with basic care. The weight of steel provides a different sensory experience than silicone or plastic.

Steel toys are more expensive than silicone equivalents but outlast them significantly. Care: soap and warm water for everyday cleaning; boiling, bleach, or alcohol (safe on steel) for sterilization; dry thoroughly to prevent water spots; store in velvet pouch to prevent surface scratches.

Borosilicate Glass: Body-Safe and Beautiful

Quality sex toys use borosilicate glass (the same material as laboratory glassware and high-quality cookware) — not soda-lime glass. Borosilicate is temperature-resistant, non-porous, and compatible with all lubricant types. It can be cleaned to a completely hygienic state. The smooth, hard surface provides unique sensation and cleans easily.

The critical care note: inspect before every use. Any chip, crack, or cloudiness is a reason to retire the toy immediately. A compromised glass toy is a medical emergency risk during use. Care: soap and warm water; boil slowly (avoid thermal shock); bleach solution or alcohol wipe; inspect carefully before every session.

ABS Hard Plastic: Affordable and Body-Safe

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is the hard plastic used in bullet vibrators, wand handles, and many toy casings. It’s non-porous, phthalate-free, and safe for body contact. It cannot be boiled (warps) or bleached (damages over time) but is cleanable to a hygienically safe state with soap and water or toy cleaner, and can be wiped with isopropyl alcohol for additional sanitization.

ABS is compatible with all lubricants. It’s not as soft or flexible as silicone but works well for external use and in toys where firmness is appropriate. Care: soap and water; isopropyl alcohol wipe for sanitization; avoid boiling or extended bleach exposure.

TPE and TPR: Use with Awareness

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and thermoplastic rubber (TPR) are porous materials. They feel soft and skin-like, making them common in masturbators, stretchy cock rings, and budget-priced dildos. They are generally phthalate-free from reputable manufacturers and acceptable for solo use with proper care. They cannot be sterilized for shared use.

TPE/TPR requires more careful cleaning (the porous surface traps residue), should only be used with water-based lubricant, and has a shorter lifespan than silicone. The surface develops tackiness over time regardless of care quality. Care: thorough cleaning after every use, complete drying (especially for interior channels), water-based lube only, expect 6 months to 2 years of lifespan depending on use frequency.

Materials to Avoid

Several materials remain in the market despite safety concerns. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) often contains phthalates — chemical plasticizers with endocrine-disrupting properties. “Jelly” toys are typically PVC with high phthalate content and strong chemical smell. “Rubber” toys may be natural rubber (some people have latex allergies) or synthetic rubber compounds of variable composition. “Cyberskin,” “UR3,” and proprietary blends — evaluate on a case-by-case basis; many are porous TPE variants.

If a toy has a strong chemical smell, is very soft and sticky, discolors quickly, or the manufacturer won’t identify the material, avoid it. A reputable toy manufacturer clearly identifies the material and confirms it’s phthalate-free.

Storage by Material

The storage box matters for material longevity. Silicone toys in individual pouches (prevent silicone-on-silicone degradation). Steel in velvet pouches (prevent scratches). Glass in padded pouches (prevent impacts). TPE in individual pouches in a cool, dark location. A velvet-lined lockable storage box with dividers provides the right environment for mixed-material collections: dark, cool, padded, and organized with separation between items.

Protect Every Material Properly

Frequently Asked Questions