Guide · Material
The materials that are usually called body-safe are non-porous: silicone, glass, stainless steel, and hard plastic such as ABS. They can be made completely clean. TPE, TPR, PVC, and rubber are porous and can only be cleaned on the surface, even when they are phthalate-free. Within the EU, four common phthalates are limited to under 0.1 weight percent of the plasticized material in goods.
The most important question about a material is not whether it is “natural” or “medical,” but whether it is non-porous or porous. A non-porous material has a dense surface where bacteria, lubricants, and body fluids cannot penetrate. It can be washed completely clean and, in some cases, sterilized. A porous material has microscopic cavities that cannot be reached with soap and water.
Non-porous and therefore body-safe are silicone, glass (for example borosilicate glass), stainless steel, aluminum, and hard plastic such as ABS. Porous are TPE, TPR, PVC, jelly, and rubber, and the soft, skin-like materials used in masturbator sleeves.
The second question is about the chemistry: which plasticizers are found in soft plastics. Phthalates are plasticizers primarily used in PVC. Within the EU, the four phthalates DEHP, DBP, BBP, and DIBP have been limited in goods since 2020. “Phthalate-free” however only means those substances are not present—not that the material is non-porous.
A porous toy can look clean and still have bacteria on the surface. It has three practical consequences. First, it can’t be sterilized—only cleaned on the surface. Second, over time it can absorb odors and color. Third, it’s less suitable to share between people and to switch between anal and vaginal use.
That doesn’t mean porous materials are dangerous to use. It means they require more: careful cleaning and drying after every use, a condom if the toy is shared, and that it’s replaced when the surface starts to change. A non-porous toy is more forgiving.
The same reasoning applies regardless of shape—dildo, vibrator, or plug. For anal use, it must also always have a flared base or a stop, regardless of material. See anal plug for beginners.
Silicone is porous, tolerates soap and water, and does not need any phthalates to become soft. ORION describes silicone in its material guide as odorless and phthalate-free, and easy to clean with warm water and soap—the only drawback being that it does not tolerate silicone-based lubricant. Therefore, silicone toys should be used with water-based lubricant if the manufacturer does not say otherwise.
Silicone comes in different grades and hardness levels. Double density means a softer surface around a firmer core: Pipedream describes King Cock Elite as "100% Elite Silicone" with a soft outer skin and a stiff inner core, while the basic line King Cock is made of PVC and King Cock Plus of TPE. The same brand can therefore include three completely different materials—read the material line, not just the name.
Also pay attention to combinations. Silexd specifies for Model 1 the material SILEXPAN in combination with platinum silicone. SILEXPAN is described by the material’s originator as a patented composite material used as filling behind a silicone skin. The manufacturer lists the product as non-porous and phthalate-free, and it is the surface that comes into contact with the body—but that is not the same as solid silicone all the way through.
There is no safe at-home method to determine whether a toy really is made of silicone. Rely on the manufacturer’s material declaration and avoid products that are only sold with vague terms like "body-friendly" without stating the material.
TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) and TPR (thermoplastic rubber) are soft, stretchable materials found in masturbators, penis sleeves, realistic dildos, and sex dolls. They are cheaper than silicone and can be made very soft and skin-like.
TPE is usually phthalate-free—ORION lists its TPE and TPR products as phthalate-free—but the material is porous. ORION also writes that the plasticizers in TPE, in the form of mineral oil, work their way out over time so the surface becomes oily in places, and that the material becomes firmer and perhaps more brittle with age.
So the answer is: TPE from a reputable manufacturer is not dangerous to use, but it’s a material that requires more care and has a shorter lifespan than silicone. Clean with lukewarm water, dry thoroughly, powder it again if the manufacturer recommends it, use a water-based lubricant, and use a condom if the toy is shared. For masturbators, TPE and similar materials are often the only option, because the sleeve has to be very soft.
The names vary. Fleshlight calls its material SuperSkin and states that it is 100 percent phthalate-free. Satisfyer describes the sleeve in the Men One as cyberskin and lists in the quick guide the materials silicone, ABS, TPU, and TPE. Brand names don’t say what the material is—look for the actual material specification.
PVC is a hard plastic that only becomes soft once plasticizers are added, and it’s in plasticized PVC that phthalates have historically been used the most. That’s why PVC toys have gotten a bad reputation. PVC can also be made phthalate-free—ORION states its PVC is phthalate-free—but it is still porous. ORION writes that PVC sometimes has a strong smell at the beginning and needs to be protected from light.
“Jelly” is not a material designation but a description of soft, often translucent toys, which are typically made of PVC or TPE. Without a clear material specification, you don’t know what a jelly toy contains.
Latex is a natural material that can cause an allergy with skin contact, which ORION also points out. If you have a latex allergy, check both the toy and any condoms. Several manufacturers, including We-Vibe and Womanizer, explicitly state that their silicone is made without latex.
Phthalates are a group of substances used as plasticizers in plastics. Within the EU, four of them—DEHP, DBP, BBP, and DIBP—are classified as reproductive toxicants and restricted under the REACH regulation. Under Regulation (EU) 2018/2005, products that contain the four phthalates at a concentration of 0.1 weight percent or more of the plasticized material, individually or together, may not be placed on the market after July 7, 2020.
The regulation justifies the restriction, among other things, by saying that exposure can occur when products come into contact with skin and mucous membranes. It lists PVC, polyurethanes, and several other polymers as plasticized materials. For electrical equipment, such as vibrators, the RoHS directive applies instead, which limits the same four phthalates. Both We-Vibe and LELO refer in their EU declarations to RoHS.
Three things are good to know. First, the EU rules apply to products sold within the EU; if you buy from other markets, you have to rely on the information from the manufacturer and the seller. Second, the rules limit four specific phthalates—“phthalate-free” on a package is a broader claim that only the manufacturer can stand behind. Third, phthalate-free doesn’t say anything about porosity: a phthalate-free TPE toy is still porous.
Silicone, glass, metal, and hard ABS need no plasticizers at all. That’s why these materials are the safest choice if you want to avoid the question entirely.
Glass is the easiest material to keep clean. The surface is completely non-porous; the glass doesn’t absorb odor or color according to ORION, and all types of lubricants work—also silicone lubricants and oil, if no latex condom is used. Glass also makes temperature play possible, since it can be heated or cooled in water.
The glass in sex toys isn’t ordinary window glass. Satisfyer specifies solid borosilicate glass for Dazzling Crystal 2, Gildo tempered glass for Glass Dildo No. 5 and Pipedream hand-blown, non-porous glass for Icicles No. 47.
The risk with glass is mechanical. A crack, chip, or scratch can create a sharp edge, and a damaged glass toy should never be used. Avoid sudden temperature changes—ORION warns about thermal shock—and follow the manufacturer’s limits: Satisfyer allows at most 60 °C and prohibits boiling water and freezing for Dazzling Crystal 2. More about glass in are glass dildos safe and glass dildo best in test.
Metal is non-porous, tolerates all types of lubricants, and holds temperature, which makes it popular for temperature play. It is heavy, which some people appreciate in a plug or dildo. Mr. Steel describes its stainless steel as body-friendly, non-porous, easy to clean, and compatible with all lubricants.
However, metal is not a single material. EasyToys Fox Tail Plug No. 1 is stated by the manufacturer as copper and aluminum, while Mr. Steel Double Header is stainless steel. If you know you react to certain metals, check exactly which metal and which surface treatment are stated—and ask the seller if that information is missing.
ABS is the hard plastic most vibrators have as a framework, often under a layer of silicone. ORION describes ABS as hard, durable, odor-free, and phthalate-free, and as a plastic that conducts vibrations well. ABS is non-porous and easy to clean.
Coatings are a weak point. ORION describes a PU coating that provides a velvety surface, which is sensitive to strong cleaning agents and massage oil, and writes that it can be worn away with rough cleaning. A worn coating should no longer be seen as pore-free.
Silicone without electronics: lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Boiling only if the manufacturer explicitly allows it—never with a motor, battery, or a core made of another material.
Glass: soap and water. Dishwasher only if the manufacturer states it, as Pipedream does for Icicles No. 47. Follow the manufacturer’s temperature limits.
Metal: soap and water or a cleaning agent for sex toys. EasyToys states a soft cloth and toy cleaner for its metal plug.
TPE and other soft materials: lukewarm water, soap only where the manufacturer allows it—Fleshlight specifies soap only on the casing, never on the sleeve—careful drying and possibly powder.
Toys with a motor: according to the sealing class. IPX7 can be rinsed; lower class should be wiped dry.
The full walkthrough is in how to clean sex toys.
1. Does it state an actual material? “Silicone,” “borosilicate glass,” “stainless steel,” or “TPE” is the clear answer. “Body-friendly,” “skin-like,” and “premium” is not.
2. Does it say 100% or a combination? “Silicone and ABS” is normal for a vibrator. A dildo listed as “silicone” but that also contains another material is a combination.
3. Is the information from the manufacturer? Retailers’ material details sometimes differ from the manufacturer’s. Base it on the manufacturer’s product page or packaging.
4. Is there a safety standard or declaration? LELO certifies its products against ISO 3533, the international safety standard for sex toys, and electronic toys sold within the EU must have an EU declaration of conformity.
5. Does the material fit the intended use? If the toy is to be shared or used anally, a pore-free material with a flared base is the safest. Compare models in realistic dildo best in test and anal plug best in test.
