Ultimate Guide to Sex Toy Materials
What's Actually Body-Safe (And What to Avoid)

Published: December 12, 2025

Tags: Sexual Wellness Health

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Part of: Sexual Wellness Advice

Medical-grade silicone." “Body-safe materials.” “Phthalate-free.” These claims appear on packaging constantly—but with no regulation requiring them to be true, how do you know what’s real? Some manufacturers invest in genuine safety testing. Others rely on you not knowing the difference. This is your complete guide to sex toy materials: what’s safe, what’s sketchy, what belongs in the trash, and how to shop smarter.

Here’s something the sex toy industry doesn’t advertise: there’s no FDA regulation requiring your vibrator to be safe for its intended use. Products labeled “for novelty use only” sidestep oversight entirely, and “body-safe” is a marketing term with no legal definition.

That’s not meant to alarm you—it’s meant to empower you. Because once you understand which materials are genuinely safe, how to verify manufacturer claims, and what to avoid, you can shop with confidence instead of confusion.

If you’ve been using toys you’re now unsure about, you’re in good company. Most people discover material safety concerns after they’ve already built a collection. This guide gives you the framework to make informed decisions going forward—and practical guidance on what to do with toys you already own.

So What Does “Body-Safe” Actually Mean?

Body-safe materials are non-porous, chemically stable, free from harmful compounds like phthalates and BPA, and won’t leach toxins during use or storage. These materials can be properly sanitized between uses and won’t cause reactions when in contact with sensitive tissue or mucous membranes.

That definition sounds straightforward, but the lack of regulation means manufacturers can claim “body-safe” without meeting any standard. Understanding the underlying principles helps you evaluate those claims.

The Three Pillars of Body-Safe Materials

Non-porous surface. Porous materials have microscopic holes that trap bacteria, mold, and bodily fluids—no amount of cleaning fully removes them. Non-porous materials have a sealed surface that can be completely sanitized.

Chemical stability. Safe materials won’t break down over time or leach compounds when exposed to body heat, friction, or lubricants. Unstable materials can off-gas chemicals or degrade into your body.

Biocompatibility. The material won’t cause irritation, allergic reactions, or tissue damage when in contact with skin and mucous membranes. Medical-grade materials undergo testing to confirm this.

Why Regulation Doesn’t Protect You

In the United States, sex toys occupy a regulatory gray zone. The FDA regulates medical devices, but most sex toys are marketed as “novelty items” specifically to avoid that oversight. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has no specific standards for adult products.

The European Union provides slightly more coverage through chemical restrictions under REACH regulations, but even there, the European Commission stated in February 2024 that it “does not intend to table sectorial legislative proposal on sex toys in the near future.”

ISO 3533:2021 represents the first international standard specifically for sex toys, covering material safety, design requirements (like flared bases for anal toys), and labeling guidelines. However, compliance is entirely voluntary, no law requires manufacturers to follow it.

When a manufacturer claims their product is “medical-grade” or “body-safe,” they may be telling the truth, or they may be using meaningless marketing language. The verification section below helps you tell the difference.

What ISO 3533:2021 Covers

Material safety and biocompatibility requirements
Design standards (retention features, temperature limits)
Required user information and labeling
Risk assessment protocols

Compliance is voluntary but indicates manufacturer commitment to safety standards.

Safe Materials: Your Body-Safe Options

These materials meet body-safe criteria when properly manufactured. Quality still varies by brand, a later section covers how to verify claims, but these are the materials worth seeking out.

Medical-Grade Silicone — The Gold Standard

Silicone dominates body-safe toy recommendations for good reason. Medical-grade silicone is non-porous, hypoallergenic, and chemically stable across a wide temperature range. It’s the same material used in medical implants and baby bottle nipples.

“Medical-grade” specifically means the silicone meets USP Class VI biocompatibility standards—the highest rating for materials intended for human tissue contact. “Platinum-cured” (or “platinum-catalyzed”) refers to the curing process and typically indicates higher purity than peroxide-cured alternatives.

Silicone comes in varying firmness measured by shore durometer ratings. Lower numbers (around 00-30) feel soft and squishy; higher numbers (50+) feel firm. Neither is better, it’s about preference and intended use.

Lifespan: 5-10+ years with proper care

Price range: $$–$$$

Cleaning: Can be boiled, run through the dishwasher (top rack, no detergent), or sanitized with 10% bleach solution

Important: Use only water-based lubricants with silicone toys. Silicone-based lubes can degrade the surface over time.

For couples: Silicone’s non-porous surface makes it the safest material for sharing when properly sanitized between partners.

Borosilicate Glass

Borosilicate is the same thermal-resistant glass used in laboratory equipment and high-end kitchenware. It’s completely non-porous, can’t harbor bacteria, and is safe for temperature play, warm it in water or cool it in the refrigerator for sensation variety.

Quality glass toys are surprisingly durable, but always inspect for chips or cracks before use. Any damage means it’s time to replace.

Lifespan: Indefinite if undamaged

Price range: $$ (often more affordable than expected)

Cleaning: Can be boiled, dishwashed, or sanitized with bleach solution

Lubricant compatible: Works with any lubricant type, including silicone-based

Accessibility note: Glass toys are rigid and often heavier than silicone alternatives. Consider grip strength and control when selecting.

Stainless Steel

Surgical-grade stainless steel (look for 304 or 316 designations) is non-porous, weighty, and excellent for temperature play. The substantial heft provides different sensations than lighter materials.

316L (the “L” indicates low carbon) contains less nickel and is preferable if you have nickel sensitivity, though reactions are uncommon with polished, intact surfaces.

Lifespan: Indefinite

Price range: $$–$$$

Cleaning: Can be boiled, dishwashed, or sanitized with bleach solution

Lubricant compatible: Works with any lubricant type

Accessibility note: Steel toys are the heaviest option, excellent for some users, potentially challenging for those with wrist issues or limited grip strength.

ABS Plastic

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a hard, non-porous plastic commonly used for vibrator bodies, handles, and budget-friendly toys. It’s not luxurious-feeling, but it’s genuinely body-safe.

Unlike silicone, glass, and steel, ABS cannot withstand high-heat sanitization. Surface cleaning with soap and water or toy cleaner is your only option, which is fine for personal use but limits sharing protocols.

Lifespan: 3-5 years (motors typically fail before the material degrades)

Price range: $–$$

Cleaning: Soap and water or toy cleaner only, no boiling or dishwasher

Often found in: Budget vibrators, the non-insertable portions of toys

Body-Safe Material Comparison

Material	Porous?	Boilable?	Temp Play?	Lifespan	Price	Any Lube?
Medical-Grade Silicone	No	Yes	Limited	5-10+ yrs	$$-$$$	No (water-based only)
Borosilicate Glass	No	Yes	Yes	Indefinite	$$	Yes
Stainless Steel (304/316)	No	Yes	Yes	Indefinite	$$-$$$	Yes
ABS Plastic	No	No	No	3-5 yrs	$-$$	Yes

Materials to Approach with Caution

Not every material outside the “safe” list is equally problematic. Some have legitimate uses with appropriate precautions, context matters more here than blanket warnings so sorry, but you’re going to have a read.

TPE/TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomer/Rubber)

TPE and TPR are porous materials commonly used in realistic-feeling toys and male strokers. They cannot be fully sanitized, microscopic surface texture traps bacteria regardless of cleaning effort.

Here’s the nuance most guides miss: TPE isn’t inherently dangerous for all uses. For external toys like strokers used by a single person, especially with condoms, the risks are manageable. Many popular male masturbators use TPE specifically because it provides sensations that silicone can’t replicate.

When TPE is acceptable:

External use only (strokers, masturbators)
Single-user dedication (never share with partners)
Used with condoms for easier cleaning
Replaced every 6-12 months with regular use

When to avoid TPE:

Insertable toys (vaginal or anal use)
Sharing between partners
If you’re prone to infections or have immune considerations

The material itself isn’t toxic in the way jelly rubber is, it is the porosity and bacterial concerns that matter. Make an informed choice based on your use case.

Rubber and Latex

Natural rubber and latex are porous and may contain proteins that trigger allergic reactions. Latex allergies affect a significant portion of the population (estimates suggest 8-12% of healthcare workers, who have higher exposure, develop sensitivity).

If you know you’re not latex-allergic and choose to use these materials, barrier protection and single-user dedication are essential. However, body-safe alternatives at similar price points make this an unnecessary compromise for most people.

“Silicone Blends” and Vague Marketing

Be skeptical of products described as “silicone blend,” “silicone-like,” “skin-safe silicone,” or “realistic silicone feel.” These phrases often indicate silicone mixed with TPE, TPR, or other materials, which may mean porosity concerns apply despite the silicone-adjacent marketing.

The rule: If a manufacturer won’t specify exact material composition, treat the product as porous and potentially problematic.

Materials to Avoid

These materials pose documented concerns significant enough that safer alternatives are always the better choice.

Jelly Rubber

Jelly rubber (sometimes labeled “jelly,” “gel,” or “crystal”) is PVC softened with phthalate plasticizers. That characteristic strong smell? It’s off-gassing—chemicals literally evaporating from the material at room temperature.

Phthalates are plasticizing chemicals that keep rigid PVC flexible. They’re not chemically bonded to the plastic, which means they leach out over time. Research has linked phthalate exposure to endocrine disruption, or interference with hormone systems, though most studies examine exposures from sources like food packaging rather than sex toys specifically.

The precautionary principle applies: when the same material has documented concerns in other contexts and safer alternatives exist, there’s no reason to accept the risk.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Flexible PVC requires phthalate plasticizers to achieve that soft, “realistic” texture often marketed as a feature. The same leaching concerns that apply to jelly rubber apply here.

PVC toys are often inexpensive and marketed with terms like “realistic feel” or “lifelike”—which describe the texture, not the safety profile.

Mystery Materials

Perhaps the riskiest category: toys with no material disclosure at all. Ultra-cheap imports with vague listings, products labeled only as “TPR/TPE/silicone blend,” or items marked “for novelty use only” without specifications.

If the manufacturer won’t tell you what their product is made from, assume there’s a reason they’re not advertising it.

Understanding the Phthalate Concern

Phthalates appear on the EPA’s list of high-priority chemicals for risk evaluation. Research from institutions including Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has examined their potential effects on reproductive health and hormone systems.

Important context: direct studies on phthalate exposure through sex toy use specifically are limited. Most research examines exposures from food packaging, cosmetics, and household products. However, vaginal and rectal tissue is highly absorbent—more so than skin exposure routes that have raised concerns in other contexts.

Given the availability of phthalate-free alternatives at comparable prices, accepting uncertain risk with known-concern materials isn’t necessary.

How to Verify a Toy Is Actually Body-Safe

Marketing claims require scrutiny. These verification steps help you evaluate products before purchase.

Before You Buy: The Verification Checklist

Check material disclosure. The exact material should be listed: “100% platinum-cured silicone,” “borosilicate glass,” “316 stainless steel.” Vague terms like “body-safe material” or “premium blend” aren’t specific enough.
Research the brand. Established manufacturers with reputations to protect, companies like We-Vibe, Lelo, Fun Factory, Tantus, Dame, njoy all have quality control incentives that fly-by-night sellers lack. A searchable history of consistent material claims matters.
Look for certifications. References to USP Class VI testing, ISO compliance, or third-party biocompatibility testing indicate manufacturer investment in verification. These certifications cost money—brands pursuing them are signaling commitment.
Read independent reviews. Reviewer sites that examine material claims, test products, and build reputations on accuracy provide validation that product listings can’t. Be more skeptical of marketplace reviews than dedicated review sites.
Consider the price. Platinum-cured medical-grade silicone has manufacturing costs. A $10 “silicone” toy from an unknown brand is almost certainly not what it claims. Price alone doesn’t guarantee quality, but suspiciously cheap prices for supposedly premium materials are a red flag.
Examine the listing. Stock photos, vague descriptions, “novelty only” disclaimers without material specifications, and sellers with minimal history suggest corner-cutting that likely extends to materials.

Home Tests (And Their Limitations)

You may encounter suggestions for testing toys you already own:

The flame test: Hold a flame to the material—real silicone won’t melt and leaves white ash. This works but destroys part of your toy and won’t distinguish between pure silicone and silicone blends.

The smell test: Strong chemical odor indicates phthalates and off-gassing. Useful for identifying obvious problems, but lack of smell doesn’t confirm safety—modern formulations may be less odorous while still containing concerning compounds.

The oil test: Apply vegetable oil; real silicone resists breakdown while blends may degrade. Unreliable and potentially damaging to the toy.

The practical reality: Home tests are imperfect. Buying from reputable sources with transparent material claims is more reliable than after-the-fact verification attempts.

Trusted Retailer Indicators

Look for retailers who:

Maintain explicit body-safe material policies
Respond substantively to material questions
Offer return policies that allow inspection
Curate inventory rather than listing everything available from wholesalers

Cleaning and Care by Material Type

Proper cleaning maintains both hygiene and material integrity. Methods vary—using the wrong approach can damage your toy or leave it inadequately sanitized.

Silicone Cleaning Protocol

Between uses: Wash with mild soap and warm water, or use a dedicated toy cleaner. Rinse thoroughly—soap residue can cause irritation.

Deep sanitization: For thorough sanitization between partners or after illness:

Boil in water for 3-5 minutes (non-motorized toys only)
Run through dishwasher top rack without detergent (non-motorized only)
Wipe with 10% bleach solution, then rinse thoroughly

Storage: Store clean and completely dry. Silicone can bond to silicone over time if stored touching—keep toys separated or in individual pouches.

Lubricant reminder: Water-based only. Silicone lubricants may degrade the surface.

Glass and Steel Cleaning

These materials tolerate all sanitization methods—boiling, dishwasher, bleach solution. They’re the easiest to maintain at the highest hygiene level.

Before each use: Inspect glass for any chips, cracks, or surface damage. Any flaw means replacement—glass can fracture along damage lines.

Storage: Keep glass in a padded pouch or case to prevent chips from drops or contact with other items.

Lubricant: Any type is safe, including silicone-based.

ABS Plastic Cleaning

Standard cleaning: Soap and water or dedicated toy cleaner. Wipe or wash the surface, rinse thoroughly, dry completely.

Limitations: ABS cannot withstand boiling, dishwasher heat, or harsh chemical sanitizers. For personal use with consistent cleaning, this is fine. For sharing, ABS’s cleaning limitations make other materials preferable.

TPE/TPR Cleaning (If You Use It)

If you’ve made an informed decision to use TPE products for appropriate use cases:

Cleaning: Mild soap and water only. Harsh chemicals can break down the material faster. Rinse thoroughly.

Drying: Allow complete drying before storage—porous materials trap moisture, encouraging bacterial or mold growth. This takes longer than non-porous materials.

Storage: Dust with cornstarch (not talcum powder) to prevent the tacky surface that develops over time. Store separately from other toys.

With condoms: Using condoms with TPE strokers makes cleanup easier and extends usable life.

Replacement: Even with diligent cleaning, replace TPE toys every 6-12 months with regular use. The material degrades and porosity means bacterial concerns accumulate.

Quick-Reference Cleaning Chart

Material	Soap & Water	Boiling	Dishwasher	Bleach Solution	Replace When
Silicone	✅	✅*	✅*	✅	Surface changes
Glass	✅	✅	✅	✅	Any damage
Steel	✅	✅	✅	✅	Never (if undamaged)
ABS	✅	❌	❌	❌	Surface degradation
TPE/TPR	✅	❌	❌	❌	Every 6-12 months

*Non-motorized toys only

Sharing toys can add variety and intimacy to partnered sex—but it requires specific protocols that most guides skip entirely.

The STI Transmission Reality

Research has examined pathogen persistence on sex toy materials. One study found HPV DNA detectable on toys made of porous elastomer materials even after cleaning, while properly sanitized non-porous materials (silicone, in the study) showed no viral persistence.

The practical takeaway: material choice directly affects whether toys can be safely shared.

Non-porous materials—silicone, glass, steel—can be fully sanitized between partners using the methods described above. Porous materials cannot be made safe for sharing regardless of cleaning effort.

For non-porous toys:

Full sanitization between partners (boil, bleach solution, or dishwasher for appropriate materials)
Allow complete cooling before use if heat-sanitized
This protocol enables genuine safety for dedicated couple toys

During the same session:

Barrier method (condoms on insertable toys) when switching between partners without time for full sanitization
Change barriers with each transition
This is standard practice in educational settings and sex-positive communities

For porous materials:

Do not share between partners—dedicate to one person
If a porous toy has been shared, retire it or assign it to one person going forward

Allergen and Sensitivity Considerations

Material conversations matter for couples:

Latex: If either partner has latex sensitivity, avoid latex condoms as barriers and any latex-containing toy materials.

Nickel: Some stainless steel contains nickel. If a partner has nickel sensitivity, opt for 316L steel or non-metal materials.

Lubricant ingredients: Glycerin, parabens, and other lubricant ingredients can cause reactions in some people. Use the same lubricant with shared toys that both partners tolerate. Read our guide on what to avoid in your lube for more information.

Having the Conversation

Discussing toy hygiene with a partner might feel awkward initially, but it’s fundamentally the same as any sexual health conversation—and partners who respect your wellbeing will appreciate the consideration.

A simple framing: “I want to make sure we’re both comfortable with how we handle shared toys—here’s what I’ve learned about keeping things safe.”

When to Replace Your Toys

Even body-safe materials don’t last forever. Here’s how to know when it’s time.

Signs of Material Degradation

Tacky or sticky surface: Silicone that becomes persistently tacky (not from lubricant residue) is breaking down. This is the most common degradation sign.

Discoloration or cloudiness: Color changes or hazy appearance, especially in silicone or plastic, indicate chemical changes.

Persistent odor: A toy that smells despite thorough cleaning, especially chemical or “off” smells, should be retired.

Visible damage: Cracks, tears, peeling, or surface texture changes. With glass, any damage whatsoever means immediate replacement.

Motor or mechanical issues: Weakening vibration, inconsistent function, or battery problems. Often the motor fails before the material degrades.

General Replacement Guidelines

Material	Expected Lifespan	Replace When
Silicone	5-10+ years	Surface becomes tacky, discolored, or damaged
Glass	Indefinite	Any chip, crack, or surface damage
Stainless Steel	Indefinite	Significant scratching (rare with quality pieces)
ABS Plastic	3-5 years	Surface degradation, motor failure
TPE/TPR	6-12 months	Time-based regardless of appearance (porosity concerns)
Jelly/PVC	Now	Replace with body-safe alternative

Body-Safe Toys at Every Budget

Body-safe materials don’t require luxury budgets. Here’s how to prioritize safety across price ranges.

Budget-Friendly Body-Safe Options ($20–40)

Quality body-safe toys exist at accessible prices:

ABS plastic vibrators from established brands offer reliable function without premium price tags
Simple silicone designs without app connectivity or complex features
Glass toys—often surprisingly affordable, especially for basic shapes
Sales and promotions from reputable retailers on proven products

Buying tip: One solid body-safe toy serves you better than multiple cheap ones of questionable materials. Prioritize a single quality purchase.

Mid-Range Value ($40–80)

This price range opens up significant quality and features:

Higher-quality silicone with better motors and ergonomic design
Rechargeable batteries replacing disposables
Brand warranty coverage and customer service
Broader selection to match specific preferences

For most people, this range offers the best value balance between quality and cost.

Premium Investment ($80+)

Premium prices should deliver premium value:

Advanced features like app connectivity and precise controls
Superior motor quality (stronger, quieter, longer-lasting)
Extended warranties (some brands offer 5-10 years)
Highest-grade materials and meticulous construction

When premium makes sense: Frequently used toys, specific features you’ll actually use, and investment in something you’ll keep for years.

The Bottom Line on Budget

The price gap between body-safe and questionable materials is narrower than marketing suggests. Body-safe silicone toys start around $25-30 from reputable brands. The $15 “silicone” toy from an unknown seller isn’t actually saving money—it’s trading safety for minimal savings on something you’re putting inside your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve been using jelly toys for years—have I harmed myself?

Probably not in any detectable way. Phthalate concerns are about cumulative exposure over time across all sources—food packaging, cosmetics, household products, and yes, sex toys. One exposure source among many isn’t typically the decisive factor.

The actionable step: switch to body-safe materials going forward. There’s no need for medical concern about past use unless you’re experiencing specific symptoms. If you do have concerns about symptoms, talk with a healthcare provider—but past toy use alone isn’t cause for alarm.

Can I use a condom to make an unsafe toy safer?

Barriers help but aren’t a complete solution. Condoms reduce direct material contact with tissue, which addresses some concerns. However:

Porous materials still trap bacteria on the toy itself
Materials can degrade condoms (some plasticizers affect latex)
It’s a mitigation, not a guarantee

Condoms are better than nothing for toys you already own, but they’re not a reason to purchase new toys in unsafe materials.

How can I tell if my silicone toy is actually silicone?

For toys you already own, the home tests mentioned earlier (flame test, smell test) provide some indication but aren’t definitive and may damage the toy.

The better approach: buy from reputable sources with transparent material claims in the first place. If a brand won’t clearly state “100% silicone” with specifics like “platinum-cured” or “medical-grade,” treat the claim skeptically.

Why are body-safe toys more expensive than jelly toys?

Manufacturing costs differ significantly. Platinum-cured medical-grade silicone costs more than PVC with phthalate plasticizers. Quality control and biocompatibility testing add expense. Established brands invest in customer service and warranties.

However, the gap is smaller than you might think. Body-safe options exist at $25-40; jelly toys are often $10-15. The per-use cost difference over a toy’s lifespan is negligible—and you’re not replacing body-safe silicone every few months.

Is it safe to use silicone lubricant with silicone toys?

The concern is real: silicone lubricants can potentially degrade silicone toy surfaces, causing deterioration over time. This interaction varies by specific formulations—some combinations are fine, others aren’t.

Safe approach: Use water-based lubricants with silicone toys. They work well and eliminate compatibility concerns entirely.

If you prefer silicone lube: Patch test on the toy’s base (a non-inserted area). Apply a small amount, wait 5 minutes, and check for any surface tackiness or change. If none, that combination is likely compatible.

Yes, with appropriate protocols covered in the couples section above:

Use only non-porous materials (silicone, glass, steel) for shared toys
Fully sanitize between partners (boil, bleach solution, or dishwasher)
Use barriers (condoms) when switching during the same session
Never share porous materials

What should I do with my unsafe toys?

Dispose of them in regular household trash. There’s unfortunately no widespread recycling program for these materials, and donating transfers the problem to someone else.

Some retailers have experimented with toy recycling programs—if environmental disposal concerns you, check if current programs exist. Otherwise, standard disposal is appropriate.

Are expensive toys always safer than cheap ones?

Not automatically, but correlation exists. Manufacturing body-safe materials correctly costs money. Brand reputation and accountability provide incentives for honesty. Customer service and warranties require investment.

A $150 toy from an established brand is virtually certainly what it claims to be. A $15 “silicone” toy from an unknown Amazon seller is almost certainly not.

What matters more than price: Brand reputation, specific material claims, and retailer accountability. A $30 toy from a reputable brand is safer than a $60 toy from a sketchy source.

Making Informed Choices

The sex toy industry’s regulatory gaps mean consumer education is essential. Manufacturers who prioritize safety exist—and now you know how to find them.

The core takeaways:

For body-safe confidence: Choose medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, or ABS plastic from reputable sources with clear material claims.

For acceptable risk with precautions: TPE/TPR for external use only, single-user, with regular replacement.

For your collection going forward: One quality body-safe toy serves you better than several questionable ones.

If you’re looking at a drawer full of toys you now view differently, don’t feel guilty about past purchases—information accessibility has improved dramatically. Start with your most-used items: replace what you use frequently with body-safe alternatives, and phase out the rest as budget allows.

Your body deserves materials that are genuinely safe. Now you know how to choose them.

If you’re looking for a high quality toy with proven materials, check out our list of toy reviews.

This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. If you have specific health concerns, consult a healthcare provider.