Health and wellbeing

Body-safe toy materials: what to look for and what to avoid

Updated 29 October 2026

The material a toy is made of affects how easy it is to clean, how long it lasts and how comfortable it feels. Here is what the most common labels mean.

Non-porous materials (recommended)

Silicone: soft, flexible and non-porous. Look for "100% silicone" or "body-safe silicone". Use it with water-based lubricant.
ABS plastic: hard, smooth and common in vibrator casings. Easy to clean.
Borosilicate glass: heat-resistant, smooth and can be warmed or cooled for different sensations.
Stainless steel: heavy, durable and very easy to sterilise.

Porous materials (use with care)

TPE, TPR and "cyberskin" feel soft and realistic and are common in masturbators and some dildos. Because they are porous, they can hold on to bacteria even after washing. Clean them carefully, dry them thoroughly and don't share them without a condom.

Warning signs

Vague descriptions such as "jelly" or "rubber" with no further detail.
A strong chemical smell.
A sticky or oily surface on a new toy.
Very low prices from shops that don't state the material.

How to buy with confidence

Buy from established shops that list the material and the manufacturer, and keep the instructions. If a toy changes texture, cracks or becomes sticky over time, it's time to replace it.

Next step: how to clean and store your toys. For silicone toys, use a water-based lube.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. If you have pain, irritation or any health concern, speak to your GP or a pharmacist.