Body-Safe Sex Toy Materials: A Plain-English Guide

By the My Luxury Toys Editorial Team. Last updated October 27, 2026. Written under our Editorial Policy.

Short answer: the materials most often called body-safe are non-porous ones: 100% silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel and aluminium, and hard ABS plastic. Porous materials like TPE, TPR, jelly and PVC are harder to clean fully, so many people use them with a condom or replace them sooner. Always check the exact material listed on the product page.

What "body-safe" usually means

• Non-porous: a sealed surface with no tiny pores, so it can be cleaned fully.
• Clearly labelled: the exact material is named (e.g. "100% silicone", not "silicone blend").
• Phthalate-free: phthalates are chemicals used to soften some plastics. Many shoppers avoid them.
• Cleanable: the maker gives care and cleaning steps.
• "Body-safe" is a marketing term, not a regulated standard. The label and the material list matter more than the phrase.

Sex toy materials compared

Material	Porous?	Cleaning	Lube to use	Notes
100% silicone	No	Soap + warm water; some can be boiled (check maker)	Water-based	Soft, flexible, long-lasting. Avoid "blends".
Borosilicate glass	No	Soap + warm water	Any	Firm, smooth, can be warmed or cooled. Check for chips.
Stainless steel / aluminium	No	Soap + warm water	Any	Heavy, firm, holds temperature.
ABS plastic (hard)	No	Soap + warm water	Water- or silicone-based	Common on vibrator shells.
TPE / TPR	Yes	Soap + warm water; harder to clean fully	Water-based	Soft and cheaper. Many use a condom on it.
Jelly rubber / PVC	Yes	Hard to clean fully	Water-based	May contain phthalates unless labelled phthalate-free.
Wood (sealed)	Sealed surface only	Per maker	Water-based	Only if a body-safe finish is stated.

Silicone vs TPE: the most common choice

• Silicone: non-porous, holds its shape, easy to clean. Usually costs more.
• TPE: porous, softer, lower price. Can get sticky with some oils and cleaners.
• Pick silicone if you want one toy that lasts and cleans easily.
• Pick TPE if price matters most. Clean it well after each use and consider a condom.
• Not sure what "silicone" means on a cheap toy? Do not rely on the word alone. Look for "100% silicone" or "platinum-cured silicone" from a named brand.

Which lube works with which material

• Water-based: works with every material and with condoms. Best default.
• Silicone-based: fine on glass, metal and hard plastic. It can damage some silicone toys. If you want to use it, spot-test on the base first or check the maker's guidance.
• Oil-based: avoid with latex condoms and with TPE/jelly toys.
• More detail: sex toy lubricant compatibility guide.

Label checklist before you buy

1. The exact material is named (not just "body-safe").
2. "Phthalate-free" is stated for any soft plastic.
3. Care and cleaning steps are listed.
4. The brand is named and has a support contact.
5. Waterproof rating is listed if you plan to use it in water.

How to care for each material

• All toys: clean before and after use with mild soap and warm water, or a toy cleaner. Dry fully before storing.
• Silicone: store apart from other silicone toys, which can stick or mark each other.
• Glass: check for chips or cracks before each use. Stop using if damaged.
• Metal: dry fully to avoid water spots.
• TPE / jelly: store alone in a bag or box. Replace when it turns sticky, cloudy or torn.
• Motorised toys: never submerge unless labelled waterproof.
• Full steps: how to clean and store adult toys.

Shop by material

• Silicone vibrators — filter by material on the collection page.
• New to toys? Start with the beginner's guide to sex toys in Canada.
• Example 100% silicone pick: VeDO Inme Dual Vibe (kept from live page).

Common mistakes when choosing materials

• Trusting the word "silicone" alone: look for "100% silicone" or "platinum-cured silicone" from a named brand, not "silicone blend".
• Ignoring porosity: cheap, soft jelly, TPE or TPR toys are porous and harder to clean fully.
• Using the wrong lube: silicone-based lube can damage some silicone toys, so use water-based lube or spot-test first.
• Skipping the phthalate check: soft plastics should say "phthalate-free" on the label.
• Keeping a worn toy: stickiness, cloudiness, odor or tears mean it is time to replace it. Porous toys usually reach that point sooner than glass, metal or 100% silicone.

FAQ

Are vibrators body-safe?
Many are. Check the material: a silicone or hard ABS body is non-porous. Avoid unlabelled soft plastics.

Is 100% silicone safe for sex toys?
100% silicone is non-porous and easy to clean, which is why it's the most common choice for intimate toys. Check that it says "100%" and not "blend".

Can you use silicone lube on silicone toys?
It can damage some silicone toys. Use water-based lube, or spot-test silicone lube on the base first.

Is TPE body-safe?
TPE is porous, so it's harder to clean fully. Many people use it with a condom and replace it sooner.

Is PVC or jelly body-safe?
Only if it's labelled phthalate-free, and even then it's porous. Clean it well and store it alone.

What are phthalates?
Chemicals used to make some plastics softer. Many shoppers choose toys labelled phthalate-free.

What's the easiest material to clean?
Glass, stainless steel and 100% silicone. All are non-porous.

I have sensitive skin. What should I choose?
Many people with sensitive skin prefer non-porous materials like glass, metal or 100% silicone and a simple water-based lube. If you have a known allergy or irritation, ask a healthcare provider.

Sources

• Sipe JM, Amos JD, Swarthout RF, Turner A, Wiesner MR, Hendren CO. "Bringing sex toys out of the dark: exploring unmitigated risks." Microplastics and Nanoplastics 3, article 6 (2023). doi.org/10.1186/s43591-023-00054-6. Supports: phthalates were found in all the toys the authors tested. The authors note their sample is small and their abrasion tests do not match real use, so this is a reason to read labels, not a verdict on any one material.
• Government of Canada. Phthalates Regulations (SOR/2016-188). laws-lois.justice.gc.ca. Supports: Canada's phthalate limits apply to toys for children under 14 and child care articles, so "body-safe" on an adult product is a label claim, not a rule covered by these limits.

About this guide

• Method: the material comparison above is a plain-language summary of manufacturer care guidance and the sources listed here. We did not run lab tests.
• We are a retailer: My Luxury Toys sells adult products, so we benefit when you buy from us. See our Editorial Policy.
• AI use: AI tools helped with drafting and formatting. A human editor checked the facts against the sources.
• This guide is general information, not medical advice.
• More guides and research: the My Luxury Toys Learn hub.