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Sex Toy Materials Explained: Silicone, Glass, Metal, ABS & TPE
Sex toy materials explained: how silicone, glass, metal, ABS and TPE compare on feel, safety, lube compatibility and cleaning, and what to buy.
What Does “Body-Safe” Actually Mean? A Toy Material Guide
What does body-safe actually mean? Learn which sex toy materials are non-porous, which to avoid, and how to spot vague labels before you buy.
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Questions these guides answer
Are your products body-safe?
Every product page lists its material so you can choose non-porous options such as silicone, glass, stainless steel and ABS plastic, which are the easiest to clean and the safest for your body.
Is TPE a body-safe material?
TPE isn't automatically toxic, but it is porous, which means it can hold onto bacteria even after washing. That puts it in the “use with care” category rather than the gold standard. Keep TPE toys to one user, cover them with a condom when you can, stick to water-based lube, and replace them once they turn sticky, cloudy or smelly.
Can I use silicone lube with silicone sex toys?
Sometimes, but it is not guaranteed. Silicone lube can react with some silicone toys and leave the surface tacky or rough, which makes it harder to clean. Water-based lube is the safe default. If you prefer silicone lube, check whether the toy maker approves it, or test a small dab on the base of the toy and wait before using it fully.
Can you boil silicone sex toys?
Some solid, non-motorized 100% silicone, glass and stainless steel toys can be boiled for a few minutes, but never boil anything with a motor, battery or charging port. Always check the manufacturer's instructions first. For everyday cleaning, warm water and mild unscented soap or a dedicated toy cleaner is all most toys need.
Can you boil sex toys to sanitize them?
Only some. Solid silicone, stainless steel and some glass toys with no electronics can usually be boiled for a few minutes, but always check the manufacturer's instructions first. Never boil anything with a motor, battery or charging port, even if it is waterproof. ABS, TPE and coated aluminum should not be boiled; wash them with warm water and a gentle toy cleaner instead.
Does phthalate-free mean a toy is body-safe?
Not on its own. Phthalate-free means the toy doesn't contain those particular plastic softeners, which is a good start. But a phthalate-free toy made from TPE or jelly is still porous and can't be fully sanitized. Look for a non-porous material like 100% silicone, glass, stainless steel or ABS plastic if you want the full body-safe picture.