Sex toy materials are one of the most important — and most overlooked — factors when buying adult products. The material determines how the toy feels, how easy it is to clean, how long it lasts, and whether it's actually safe to use internally. This guide covers every common sex toy material, what each one offers, and what to avoid.
Body-Safe vs Non-Body-Safe Materials
The most important distinction to understand is between non-porous and porous materials.
Non-porous materials (silicone, stainless steel, glass, ABS plastic) have no microscopic holes. Bacteria and fluids can't penetrate the surface, which means they can be cleaned thoroughly — including sterilised by boiling. These are the gold standard for internal toys.
Porous materials (jelly rubber, PVC, TPE, TPR, "cyberskin") have microscopic surface holes that trap bacteria, fluids, and odours even after washing. They can never be fully sterilised. These materials are fine when covered with a condom or used externally only; they're not ideal for internal use without barrier protection.
Silicone
Silicone is the most popular material for quality sex toys and the best all-round choice for most buyers.
Properties: Soft, flexible, body-safe, non-porous, hypoallergenic, odourless. Available in firm, medium, and very soft varieties depending on the toy design.
Safety and cleaning: Can be boiled for 5 minutes, run through a dishwasher (top rack, no detergent), or cleaned with 10% bleach solution for complete sterilisation. Suitable for internal use without any barrier.
Important: Don't use silicone-based lubricant with silicone toys — it can degrade the surface over time. Use water-based lube instead.
Best for: Vibrators, dildos, butt plugs, prostate massagers, cock rings, any internal toy.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the premium choice for firm toys. It's non-porous, exceptionally durable, and one of the best materials for temperature play.
Properties: Heavy, firm (no flex), smooth surface, non-porous, non-reactive. The weight of steel toys is something many buyers find they prefer for internal use — it creates a sense of fullness and stays in position without effort.
Safety and cleaning: Fully sterilisable by boiling or dishwasher. Compatible with all lubricants including silicone-based.
Temperature play: Steel conducts temperature very efficiently. Warm a steel toy in hot water for heat play, or cool in the fridge (not freezer) for cold sensation. Temperature stays consistent longer than glass.
Best for: Butt plugs, dildos, prostate massagers, urethral toys, temperature play.
Borosilicate Glass
Borosilicate (pyrex-style) glass is non-porous, smooth, and excellent for temperature play. The key word is borosilicate — this is shatter-resistant glass designed to handle thermal stress. Regular glass is not suitable for sex toys.
Properties: Firm, very smooth, non-porous, hypoallergenic. The smoothness makes glass toys particularly easy to insert — the low friction is noticeable compared to silicone.
Safety and cleaning: Boil or dishwasher safe. Compatible with all lubricants. Inspect for chips or cracks before each use — a chipped glass toy should be discarded.
Temperature play: Glass responds to temperature quickly but doesn't retain it as long as steel. Submerge in warm or cool water for a few minutes before use.
Best for: Dildos, anal plugs, G-spot toys, temperature play.
ABS Hard Plastic
ABS is a hard, rigid plastic used in the body of most battery-operated vibrators and the external housing of rechargeable toys.
Properties: Non-porous, firm, lightweight, available in many shapes. Typically not used for insertable toys on its own — more often the housing for electronic components, with silicone covering the insertable parts.
Safety and cleaning: Wipe clean or wash with mild soap and water. Not boilable due to electronics. Non-porous surface is easy to clean.
TPE and TPR
Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and thermoplastic rubber (TPR) are soft, flexible materials used in many masturbators and stroker sleeves. They feel realistic and are less expensive than silicone.
Properties: Soft, flexible, realistic texture, porous. Can feel very lifelike.
Limitation: Porous — cannot be fully sterilised. Clean thoroughly after every use with toy cleaner or mild soap and warm water. Replace regularly with heavy use. Cover with a condom for shared use.
Best for: Masturbator sleeves, strokers, male toys where the tactile feel is the priority and thorough cleaning is maintained.
Jelly Rubber and PVC
Jelly rubber and soft PVC are older materials that are increasingly being phased out by quality manufacturers. They're soft and inexpensive but porous and in some cases may contain phthalates — chemical plasticisers that are not safe for internal use.
Recommendation: If you're buying a toy made from jelly rubber or soft PVC, use a condom on it. We don't stock unbranded jelly toys for this reason, but if you encounter them elsewhere, barrier protection is the right call.
Lubricant Compatibility Summary
- Silicone toys — water-based lube only
- Steel and glass toys — water-based, silicone-based, or oil-based (not with condoms)
- TPE/TPR sleeves — water-based lube only
- ABS plastic — water-based or silicone-based
Shop Body-Safe Sex Toys at Pleasing Strings
All toys at Pleasing Strings are from established brands with clear material information. We stock silicone, stainless steel, and glass toys from reputable manufacturers. If you have a question about a specific product's materials, contact us before buying.
