Not all sex toy materials are equal — and the material matters more than the price or the features, because it touches the most sensitive skin on your body. This guide is a simple, honest reference to what each common material is, whether it’s body-safe, and how to care for it. At 1sttoy we lead with body-safe silicone; here’s why.
Body-Safe Materials at a Glance
| Material | Body-safe? | Porous? | How to clean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body-safe silicone | Yes — best all-round | No | Warm water + mild soap; boil if non-motorised |
| ABS hard plastic | Yes | No | Wipe with soapy water; keep the charge port dry |
| Glass (borosilicate) | Yes | No | Soap & water or boil; check for chips |
| Stainless steel | Yes | No | Soap & water or boil to sterilise |
| TPE / TPR | Use with caution | Yes | Wash & dry fully; cover with a condom, don’t share |
| Jelly / PVC | Avoid where possible | Yes (very) | Can’t fully sanitise; always use a condom |
Non-Porous vs Porous — the Only Rule That Matters
Non-porous materials (silicone, ABS, glass, steel) have no microscopic holes, so bacteria can’t hide and they clean up completely. Porous materials (TPE, jelly, PVC) trap bacteria in tiny pores that washing can’t reach — which is why we recommend covering them with a condom or, better, choosing non-porous instead. See our full cleaning & care guide.
Lube Compatibility by Material
Use water-based lube with everything — it’s safe with all materials. Avoid silicone lube on silicone toys (it bonds and ruins the surface). Oil-based products break down latex condoms. When in doubt, water-based. More detail in the lube guide.
The Bottom Line
If you want the easiest, safest, longest-lasting toy: choose body-safe silicone, glass or stainless steel. They’re non-porous, easy to fully clean, and last for years. Browse our body-safe range in best sellers, vibrators or dildos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is silicone safe for sex toys?
Yes. Body-safe silicone is non-porous, hypoallergenic and easy to fully clean, which makes it the safest and most popular material for sex toys.
Is TPE body-safe?
TPE is softer and cheaper but porous, so it can trap bacteria that cleaning cannot fully remove. It can be used with care, but always cover it with a condom and do not share it. Non-porous silicone is the safer choice.
What is the safest sex toy material?
Non-porous materials — body-safe silicone, ABS plastic, borosilicate glass and stainless steel — are the safest because they can be fully sanitised and do not harbour bacteria.
How do I know what my toy is made of?
Check the product page, which should state the material. Body-safe silicone feels soft and slightly matte with drag when dry; hard plastic is glossy and rigid; glass and metal are obvious by weight and temperature.
What lube is safe with silicone toys?
Water-based lube. Silicone lube chemically bonds with silicone toys and permanently damages the surface, so avoid that combination.
Every 1sttoy order ships from our NZ warehouse in plain, unbranded packaging — typically 2–5 business days.