What Should Your Sex Toys Be Made of?

Picking your first sex toy? Before you get caught up in shapes and features, one super important thing to think about is the material. Since these toys come into contact with your most sensitive spots, choosing the right stuff is key for both safety and fun.

Here’s a quick, easy guide to the most common sex toy materials, so you know what you’re getting and how to take care of them.

1. Silicone — The Gold Standard

Silicone is soft, smooth, and feels really nice on your skin. It’s safe, easy to clean, and lasts a long time. Plus, you can even boil it to disinfect (if it’s waterproof and doesn’t have batteries inside). Just remember, only use water-based lube with silicone toys — silicone lubes can mess them up.

2. ABS Plastic — Hard and Smooth

This stuff is solid and firm — great for bullet vibrators or toys that don’t need to bend. It’s safe and easy to clean, and works with any lube. It’s not squishy or lifelike, but it gets the job done.

3. TPE/TPR — Soft but Needs Care

These materials feel soft and stretchy, so they’re often used in realistic toys. But heads up — they’re porous, which means they can trap bacteria, so cleaning is extra important. They’re usually cheaper, but not as durable as silicone.

4. Glass — Sleek, Safe, and Super Durable

Glass might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to sex toys, but it’s actually a fantastic choice—especially for solid, non-vibrating toys like glass dildos and butt plugs. Just make sure the toy is made from borosilicate glass (it’ll usually say so on the packaging or product page), which is super strong and safe for your body. Glass toys work perfectly with any kind of lube and are super easy to clean — just wash them by hand with soap and water. Plus, they can be warmed up or cooled down for some fun temperature play!

5. Metal — Heavy and Sleek

Metal sex toys aren’t as common as silicone or plastic ones, but they definitely have their fans—and for good reason. They’re super durable, feel luxurious, and work with any kind of lube. You’ll often find them in the form of butt plugs, dildos, or even vibrators, since some metal toys can safely include internal motors.

When shopping for metal toys, always check that they’re made from surgical stainless steel—specifically 316 or 316L. This type of steel is nonporous, body-safe, and the same stuff used in medical implants and piercings. It’s been tested for biocompatibility, meaning it’s safe to go exactly where you’re planning to put it. And while some people worry about corrosion, you’re totally in the clear—vaginal, rectal, and oral pH levels aren’t harsh enough to damage high-quality surgical steel.

Like glass toys, metal ones are easy to clean: just wash with warm water and mild soap, and you’re good to go. Plus, the weight and cool temperature of metal can add a whole new sensation during play—bonus!

Quick Tips:

• Avoid toys made from jelly or rubber with strong smells — these can have harmful chemicals and are porous, so harder to keep clean.

• Always look for body-safe and phthalate-free labels.

• When in doubt, silicone toys are the safest bet.

Picking the right material makes a big difference in how safe and enjoyable your experience will be. Treat your body right — it deserves the best!

Ethan, Feb 19, 2025