The material your intimate toy is made from is arguably the most important factor in determining both its safety and your experience. Unfortunately, the intimate product industry has historically been poorly regulated, leading to a marketplace filled with products made from potentially harmful materials alongside genuinely body-safe options.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand the differences between materials, identify quality products, and make informed purchasing decisions that prioritise your health without sacrificing pleasure.
The Concept of Body-Safe Materials
A "body-safe" material is one that doesn't leach harmful chemicals, doesn't harbour bacteria, and won't cause allergic reactions in most people. The key characteristic of truly body-safe materials is that they're non-porous—meaning they have no microscopic holes where bacteria can hide and multiply.
Non-porous materials can be thoroughly cleaned and even sterilised, making them safe for repeated use. Porous materials, on the other hand, can never be fully cleaned, making them breeding grounds for bacteria regardless of how diligently you wash them.
The Three Pillars of Body-Safe Materials
Non-porous surface, chemical stability (doesn't leach toxins), and hypoallergenic properties. All three characteristics are essential for a truly body-safe product.
Medical-Grade Silicone
Silicone is the most popular material for modern intimate toys, and for good reason. When we say "medical-grade silicone," we're referring to platinum-cured silicone that meets stringent purity standards.
Properties
- Non-porous: Cannot harbour bacteria
- Hypoallergenic: Safe for most sensitive individuals
- Flexible: Comes in various firmness levels from very soft to quite firm
- Easy to clean: Can be washed with soap and water or sanitised through boiling
- Temperature responsive: Can be warmed or cooled for temperature play
- Durable: Lasts for years with proper care
How to Identify Quality Silicone
Unfortunately, some manufacturers falsely label products as "silicone" when they contain other materials. Here's how to verify:
- Price point: Genuine silicone isn't cheap to produce. Very inexpensive "silicone" toys are likely blends or fakes
- Smell: Pure silicone has virtually no odour. A strong chemical smell indicates other materials
- Flame test: Pure silicone doesn't catch fire or melt; it may char slightly but returns to normal when cool (only test on products you're willing to damage)
- Manufacturer reputation: Buy from established, reputable brands
Silicone-on-Silicone Warning
Silicone lubricants can bond with silicone toys, causing surface degradation. Always use water-based lubricants with silicone toys.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel toys offer a completely different experience from silicone. They're firm, heavy, and have unique properties that many users appreciate.
Properties
- Completely non-porous: The smoothest surface of any material
- Extremely hygienic: Can be fully sterilised through boiling or chemical methods
- Weighted: Provides unique pressure and fullness sensations
- Temperature conductive: Excellent for temperature play; heats or cools quickly
- Incredibly durable: Virtually indestructible with normal use
- Compatible with all lubricants: No material restrictions
Considerations
The firmness of steel means there's no "give"—what you feel is exactly what you get. This can be intense for beginners but is precisely what experienced users appreciate. The weight also makes steel toys unsuitable for extended wear for some people.
Quality steel toys should be made from 304 or 316 grade stainless steel. These grades are corrosion-resistant and don't contain nickel in forms that typically cause allergic reactions.
Borosilicate Glass
Glass might seem like an unusual choice for intimate toys, but borosilicate glass—the same material used for laboratory equipment and high-quality kitchen glassware—offers unique advantages.
Properties
- Non-porous: Completely smooth and hygienic surface
- Hypoallergenic: Inert material that doesn't react with body chemistry
- Temperature versatile: Safe for freezing or heating (within limits)
- Compatible with all lubricants: No restrictions
- Beautiful aesthetics: Often handcrafted with artistic designs
- Smooth sensation: Completely frictionless surface when lubricated
Safety Considerations
While borosilicate glass is very strong and thermal-shock resistant, it can break if dropped on hard surfaces. Always inspect glass toys before each use for any chips, cracks, or damage. Any compromised glass toy should be immediately discarded.
Key Takeaway
Quality glass toys from reputable manufacturers are safe when handled properly. The key is regular inspection and immediate disposal of any damaged items.
Materials to Avoid
Several materials commonly found in cheaper intimate products should be avoided entirely:
Jelly Rubber
Often contains phthalates, which are chemicals linked to hormone disruption. The porous surface harbours bacteria and cannot be adequately cleaned. The characteristic strong chemical smell is a warning sign.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Similar concerns to jelly rubber. Often contains phthalates as softening agents. Porous and cannot be sterilised.
Latex
While not inherently toxic, latex allergies are common and can develop over time with exposure. Latex is also porous and can harbour bacteria.
Rubber
Generic rubber materials are typically porous, may contain allergens, and often have an unpleasant chemical smell indicating the presence of additives.
TPE and TPR: A Middle Ground
Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and thermoplastic rubber (TPR) occupy a middle ground. They're generally considered safer than jelly rubber and PVC but aren't as safe as silicone, steel, or glass.
- Softer and more affordable than silicone
- Phthalate-free when from reputable manufacturers
- Slightly porous—cannot be fully sterilised
- Should be replaced more frequently than non-porous materials
- Require careful cleaning and thorough drying
TPE/TPR can be acceptable for those who prefer very soft materials and understand the need for more frequent replacement. However, we generally recommend upgrading to silicone when budget allows.
How to Make Safe Purchasing Decisions
When shopping for intimate toys:
- Research the brand: Established manufacturers with good reputations are more reliable
- Read the materials list carefully: Vague terms like "skin-safe rubber" are red flags
- Check for certifications: Some manufacturers have their products independently tested
- Be wary of extremely low prices: Quality body-safe materials cost more to produce
- Buy from reputable retailers: Amazon's own stock and established adult retailers are safer than unknown sellers
- Trust your senses: Strong chemical smells, oily residues, or sticky surfaces indicate problematic materials
Investment in Health
A quality toy made from body-safe materials may cost more upfront, but it's an investment in your health and safety. These products last longer, perform better, and don't put you at risk from harmful chemicals or bacterial contamination.