Body-Safe Materials in Sex Toys: Complete Guide
The safest materials in a sex toy are medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass and stainless steel: they are non-porous and clean thoroughly. Soft PVC and jelly can contain phthalates, and TPE is porous and doesn't last long. Plasticizing phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP) have been banned in children's toys for 20 years, and since July 2020 the EU has capped four phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP and DIBP) at 0.1% in the flexible plastic of articles that touch mucous membranes or skin for prolonged periods, sex toys included. Even so, a cheap product with no spec sheet may be made of materials that don't meet those limits.
This guide explains the 8 materials found on the market, with their real porosity, the tests and standards that matter (USP Class VI, ISO 10993, REACH), home tests to spot toxic materials before you use them, and how to clean each material properly.
If you have 30 seconds
- ✓ Buy: 100% medical silicone, borosilicate glass, 316L surgical steel, good-quality ABS plastic. The first three are non-porous and can be sterilized; ABS is non-porous but must not be boiled.
- ⚠ Be careful with: TPE/TPR (porous, lifespan 1-2 years), latex (some people are allergic), real leather (can't be sterilized).
- ✗ Avoid: jelly/gelatin/soft PVC: they may contain phthalates (endocrine disruptors and toxic to reproduction) and other additives. A strong chemical smell is a red flag.
- → The smell test: open the packaging. If it smells intensely of "new car plastic", do NOT use it internally. Medical silicone is practically odourless.
- → The uncomfortable truth: in the EU there is no specific regulation for sex toys as a medical device. They don't go through prior approval like a medicine, but general product safety and chemical substance rules do apply, and complying with them is the responsibility of the manufacturer and the seller. Even so, it's best to buy where the material of each product is published.
Written with Lova, the Loviux AI · original Spanish version reviewed by Antonia Gómez, founder of Loviux, on 30 September 2026
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1. The 8 materials: comparison table
Guide table: lifespans are typical industry estimates, not manufacturer figures. Body-safe = non-porous + non-toxic + sterilizable.
| Material | Porosity | Body-safe | Sterilizable | Lifespan | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% medical silicone | Non-porous | ✓✓✓ YES | ✓ (boil/dishwasher) | 10+ years | ££-£££ |
| Borosilicate glass | Non-porous | ✓✓✓ YES | ✓ (boil) | Indefinite | ££ |
| 316L surgical steel | Non-porous | ✓✓✓ YES | ✓ (boil) | Indefinite | ££-£££ |
| ABS plastic (high quality) | Non-porous | ✓✓ YES | ✗ DO NOT boil (warps) | 5-10 years | £ |
| Glazed ceramic | Non-porous | ✓✓ YES | ✓ (boil) | Indefinite (fragile) | ££-£££ |
| Sealed wood | Semi-porous | ✓ with lacquer | ✗ | 3-5 years | £££ |
| Latex | Semi-porous | ⚠ Allergens | ✗ (degrades) | 1-3 years | £ |
| TPE / TPR | Porous | ⚠ External use only | ✗ | 1-2 years | £ |
| Soft PVC (non-medical) | Porous | ✗ NO | ✗ | Replace <6m | £ |
| Jelly / Gelatin | Porous | ✗ AVOID | ✗ | Don't use internally | £ |
2. The science: porosity, phthalates and why it matters
Body-safe is not a marketing term, it's a technical concept with verifiable criteria. A body-safe material meets 3 conditions at the same time: (1) non-porous at a microscopic level, (2) chemically inert (it doesn't transfer compounds to the body), (3) able to withstand sterilization methods. If it fails even one, it isn't body-safe.
What is porosity and why is it critical?
Porosity measures how much a material absorbs liquids, bacteria and residue at a microscopic level. The rectum and vagina contain dense bacterial flora : fungi, bacteria, viruses. A porous material traps that flora on its surface, where it multiplies between uses however well you wash the visible surface.
With a porous material, cleaning reaches the inside less well, which is why it's recommended to use it with a condom and replace it over time. Non-porous materials (silicone, glass, steel) clean much better, but washing them doesn't leave them sterile. In a small study of 12 women (Anderson et al., 2014), right after the vibrators were cleaned with a commercial cleaner, HPV was still detected in 44% of the samples from the silicone one and 56% from the TPE one; after 24 hours it was only still present on the TPE one. If you share the toy, use a condom.
Phthalates: the invisible contaminant
Phthalates are plasticizers that make PVC and TPE flexible. They are endocrine disruptors known to alter hormonal systems with prolonged exposure. The EU banned DEHP, BBP and DBP in children's toys in 2007 and, since July 2020, has capped those three and DIBP at 0.1% in the flexible plastic of any article that touches mucous membranes or skin for prolonged periods, such as a sex toy. There is no specific standard for sex toys and no check before sale. That's why it's worth checking what each product is made of before you buy it.
Independent analyses have detected phthalates in "novelty" toys sold on large platforms.
Why is medical silicone the standard?
Medical-grade silicone is silicone that has passed biocompatibility tests such as USP Class VI or ISO 10993. These are laboratory tests, not a legal seal: USP Class VI covers short-term contact with tissue, not long-term implants, and the manufacturer can declare it without anyone checking. It is biocompatible, non-porous, hypoallergenic, resistant to temperatures of 200°C+ (which is why it can be boiled), and doesn't degrade with normal use. That's why it's the gold standard: it meets all 3 body-safe conditions at once, with room to spare.
3. The 8 materials explained
100% medical silicone: the gold standard
It has passed biocompatibility tests such as USP Class VI. Hypoallergenic, non-porous, can be boiled. Reputable brands (LELO, Fun Factory, Tantus, We-Vibe, Womanizer) use 100% medical silicone.
Be careful: "silicone" with no further qualifier can be industrial silicone mixed with other polymers. Look for "100% medical grade silicone" in the specs.
How to identify it: slightly matte surface, not sticky, no smell. Boil it in water: if it releases a chemical, it is NOT pure medical silicone.
Borosilicate glass: practically indestructible
The same material as laboratory glassware. It handles temperature changes well, but avoid extreme jumps (from the freezer to boiling water): it can chip or break. It's chemically inert and lasts many years if you don't knock it.
Pros: can be sterilized over and over, carries temperature (temperature play), a unique smooth feel, transparent to show depth.
⚠ Fragile if dropped. Inspect it before every use for micro-cracks (colour/light changes). Brands: Nebula by Ibiza, Icicles.
316L surgical steel: the most durable
Surgical-grade stainless steel (the same as orthopaedic implants and needles). Inert, hypoallergenic, doesn't attract magnets, resistant to corrosion from body fluids.
Be careful: NOT 304 steel (industrial) or galvanized steel. Confusing labels are common, so look specifically for "316L surgical steel". Brands: njoy, Le Wand, Metal Hard.
Only downside: weight (250-700g typical). Ideal for temperature play or intense sensations.
Good-quality ABS plastic: for casings
Rigid, non-porous plastic that contains no phthalates. It's the material of the external parts of many toys (Womanizer, Satisfyer casings, etc.).
Pros: affordable, light, easy to clean.
Cons: can NOT be boiled (warps at 80°C+); internal use only if it's coated in silicone or is high-quality sealed ABS.
ABS alone doesn't guarantee that a toy is safe: in a pilot in vitro study with extracts from 20 toys (Svobodova et al., 2020), several ABS, PVC and latex samples repeatedly gave positive results with possible effects on health. It's a small sample, but it's a reason to make sure the part that goes inside is silicone, glass or steel and not just ABS.
Natural latex: allergens and degradation
A natural, stretchy material. Body-safe in itself, but 1-3% of adults are allergic to latex (more among people with previous exposure in hospital).
Be careful: oils (massage oil, petroleum jelly, creams) degrade it and can break a condom. Water-based or silicone lubricant is safe with latex. Short lifespan (1-3 years from natural oxidation).
Its use has declined: silicone is better in almost every way. Latex is still common in condoms but less so in toys.
TPE / TPR: the acceptable problem material
A thermoplastic elastomer. Softer and more "skin-like" than silicone, and much cheaper. It's porous and traps bacteria on the surface.
Acceptable for: solo use (no partner), masturbators with a short life cycle (1-2 years), low-cost pocket toys.
NOT acceptable for: deep internal use, sharing with a partner, use without a condom.
If you buy TPE, replace it every 12-18 months. Daily cleaning and complete drying are essential.
Soft PVC: the problem material
A flexible plastic that is VERY cheap to make. It often contains phthalates (10-30% of its weight) to make it stretchy. A strong, characteristic chemical smell that you can recognize as soon as you open the packaging.
Risk: phthalates are endocrine disruptors (they alter hormones). Prolonged exposure on mucous membranes hasn't been studied in humans for ethical reasons, but animal studies show effects.
Recommendation: avoid for internal use. Acceptable only for external toys without sustained contact (e.g. cock rings).
Jelly / Gelatin: AVOID
The worst material on the market. It usually combines PVC + phthalates at 25%+ + industrial plasticizers. Extreme chemical smell, sticky rubbery texture.
Why it's still sold: it's super cheap. It's still sold as a "novelty" in some low-cost shops.
If you read "jelly", "jelly-like" or "jelly-soft" in the specs: do NOT buy it for internal use. Replacing it with an equivalent silicone toy costs more up front, and it's worth the investment.
4. Head to head: 4 common dilemmas
⚔️ Medical silicone vs TPE: cost vs health
The classic budget dilemma: pay more for medical silicone, or less for TPE?
Medical silicone: higher up-front cost but lower annual cost (10+ years of life). Sterilizable. No risks.
TPE: 1/3 of the price, but you have to replace it every 1-2 years. Limits on cleaning. Cost over 5 years: one silicone toy versus three to five TPE replacements. Similar in cost terms; on health, silicone wins without question.
⚔️ Silicone vs glass: flexibility vs feel
Both are top-tier body-safe. The choice is about preference, not safety.
Silicone: flexible, warm to the touch, soft. Better for beginners and for longer use.
Glass: rigid, with a unique smooth texture, carries temperature (hot/cold). A more intense feel because of its hardness. Better for temperature play and for experienced users who want controlled firmness.
⚔️ 316L steel vs ABS: durability vs price
For rigid external toys or accessories.
316L steel: indefinite lifespan, weight of 250-700g adds to the sensation. Absolute premium.
ABS: 5-10 years of life with normal use, light, comfortable to handle. Better option for beginners and when weight matters (small hands).
⚔️ Real leather vs synthetic leather (BDSM)
For crops, paddles, handcuffs and accessories.
Real leather: lasts decades with care. But it can NOT be sterilized (body fluids ruin it). Only for use without contact with fluids.
Synthetic leather (PU): can be cleaned with a cloth and soap. Cheaper. Better for intensive use or if fluids are involved. Lifespan 2-5 years.
5. Recommended material by profile
Total beginner
You want the safest and easiest to clean.
Material: 100% medical silicone
Trusted brands: LELO, Satisfyer (premium), Womanizer, Fun Factory.
Sharing with a partner
You need easy sterilization between bodies.
Material: Medical silicone or borosilicate glass
If it has no motor or battery, boil it for 5 min between uses; if it's a vibrator, wash it with warm water and soap or a dedicated toy cleaner. Change the condom if you share within the same session.
Intense sensations
You're looking for something different: weight, temperature, hardness.
Material: 316L steel or glass
Steel for weight (200-700g), glass for temperature (hot/cold). Both last indefinitely.
Tight budget
You want safety without paying premium prices for your first toy.
Material: Entry-level medical silicone (Satisfyer)
Better than TPE/PVC. Satisfyer has silicone models at entry-level prices. Avoid "jelly" absolutely.
High sensitivity / allergies
You have reactive skin, allergies or are chemically sensitive.
Material: Borosilicate glass or 316L steel
Chemically inert materials. They do NOT release compounds. Zero risk of reaction.
Intensive use (several times a week)
You're going to use it a lot. You need real durability.
Material: Premium medical silicone (LELO, Fun Factory)
10+ years of lifespan. Annual cost: tiny.
Collecting / aesthetics
You value design, a piece of jewellery, displaying it when it's not in use.
Material: Decorative borosilicate glass or glazed ceramic
Brands such as Nebula by Ibiza or Icicles.
BDSM / accessories
You need leather, handcuffs, physical restraints.
Material: 316L steel (handcuffs/restraints) + PU leather
Surgical steel so it doesn't rust with sweat/fluids. Synthetic (PU) leather that can be cleaned. Brands: Metal Hard, Ouch!
6. Home tests: is it really body-safe?
If you have a toy and aren't sure what it's made of, there are four home checks that give clues. None of them is proof: only a laboratory analysis confirms what a toy is made of.
Test 1: The smell test (most reliable)
Open the new packaging. Bring your nose to the toy (not TOO close).
- ✓ Odourless or a slight neutral smell: probably medical silicone, glass or steel.
- ⚠ Mild "new plastic" smell: ABS or mid-quality TPE.
- ✗ STRONG "new plastic" smell, chemical, petrol-like: high chance of PVC/jelly with phthalates. Do NOT use.
Test 2: The boiling water test
Only for toys with no motor or battery and made of a material that tolerates 100°C: silicone, glass or steel. Never for a vibrator or for TPE, ABS or jelly.
- Submerge the toy in boiling water for 60 seconds.
- ✓ Water stays clear, no smell: pure material.
- ✗ Water turns cloudy, releases dye or smells chemical: it contains releasable additives/phthalates.
Test 3: The flame test (we don't recommend it)
We don't recommend this test: burning plastic releases irritating fumes, it destroys the toy and it isn't a reliable test. If you've seen it on other sites, treat it only as a clue and ask the seller for the material data sheet instead.
- ✓ Pure silicone: chars and leaves white/grey ash. Does NOT smell strongly of burning. Does NOT drip.
- ✗ TPE/PVC: melts into a sticky bubble, gives off toxic black smoke and a strong chemical smell.
Test 4: The stretch test
Gently stretch a flexible part of the toy.
- ✓ Medical-grade silicone: returns to its shape instantly and isn't left deformed.
- ⚠ TPE: returns to its shape with a slight delay (1-2 sec).
- ✗ Jelly/PVC: stays partly deformed and recovers slowly.
7. Cleaning by material
| Material | Daily cleaning | Deep sterilising | Compatible lubricants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical-grade silicone | Warm water + mild soap or a toy cleaner | Boil for 5 min OR dishwasher (no battery) | Water-based lubricant ONLY (silicone lubricant damages the material) |
| Borosilicate glass | Warm water + soap | Boil for 5 min · dishwasher · isopropyl alcohol | Any type (water, silicone, oil) |
| 316L steel | Warm water + soap | Boil for 5 min · isopropyl alcohol · autoclave | Any type |
| ABS plastic | Warm water + mild soap | Do NOT boil · toy cleaner | Water-based or silicone |
| Latex | Water + mild soap | Do NOT boil · NO alcohol | Water or silicone; never oils |
| TPE / TPR | Warm water + antibacterial soap | NOT sterilisable: replace every 12-18 months | Water-based lubricant ONLY |
Universal rules
- Clean straight after use. Bacteria multiply exponentially in warm residue. Don't wait until the next morning.
- Dry completely. Moisture trapped in cavities = mould/bacteria. Use a microfibre cloth + 30 min of air drying.
- Store each toy in its own fabric bag. Plastics can react with one another (silicone against silicone in particular can stick).
- NEVER mix silicone lubricant with a silicone toy. It causes chemical degradation: invisible micro-cracks that ruin the toy and can harbour bacteria.
8. Frequently asked questions (14 honest answers)
Why aren't sex toys regulated like children's toys?
Because of how they are classed in law. Sex toys are consumer products: they aren't medical devices or children's toys and have no standard of their own, but the general rules do apply to them. Since July 2020, for example, REACH has limited four phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP and DIBP) to 0.1% in flexible plastic that touches mucous membranes or skin for a prolonged time. The problem is compliance: a cheap product with no data sheet gives you no guarantees. Brands such as LELO, Womanizer or Fun Factory state in their product details what material their products are made of.
How do I know if a toy is really medical-grade silicone or "brand" silicone?
3 indicators: (1) the data sheet says "100% medical grade silicone" or "USP Class VI". If it only says "silicone": probably a blend. (2) It withstands boiling without deforming or giving off a smell. (3) A brand with a reputation: LELO, Fun Factory, Tantus, We-Vibe, Womanizer (heads). If you have doubts, ask for the material data sheet: no home test is conclusive.
Is it safe to buy toys on big marketplaces (Amazon, AliExpress)?
Medium-to-high risk. These platforms don't verify the composition of materials. Independent studies have found discrepancies between what is stated in the specs ("100% silicone") and laboratory analysis (blends with PVC). Recommendation: if you buy on a general marketplace, stick to well-known brands with a verifiable reputation. If you want to experiment with cheap toys, buy from a specialist sex shop, where the retailer is responsible.
Has my old jelly toy harmed me?
Realistically, the acute risk from occasional use of a jelly toy is low, as the effects of phthalates come from cumulative exposure. If you've used it now and then, there's no reason to panic. If you've been using one regularly for years, it's a good idea to switch to medical-grade silicone from now on. There's no need to get tests done or anything like that.
How much does it cost to get into body-safe toys?
A lot less than you think. A Satisfyer Pro 2 (silicone and ABS), a silicone dildo of about 12 cm such as the Fun Factory Limba Flex S or a Satisfyer bullet vibrator: safe doesn't have to mean expensive. The barrier isn't money, it's information.
Do I need to sterilise my toys, or is cleaning enough?
For normal individual use, basic cleaning with soap is enough. Sterilising is only necessary if: (1) you share with a partner, (2) you switch areas (anal to vaginal), (3) after a bacterial or vaginal infection. Sterilising monthly as a routine is good practice if you use your toys a lot.
Can glass or steel cause physical harm?
If they're well made, NO. Borosilicate glass is the same as laboratory glassware and doesn't break under normal pressure. 316L steel doesn't bend or deform. The real risk: dropping it on the floor (glass can crack, so INSPECT it before every use). For steel: the weight (250g+) can cause uncomfortable pressure if you aren't used to it.
Why do some toys smell of "perfume" or "bubblegum"?
Fragrancing: chemical compounds (not natural ones) are added to mask the smell of PVC/jelly. It's a red flag: if the material needs perfume, it's because it smells of chemicals. Medical-grade silicone is naturally odourless. Sweet, bubblegum-like scents are typical of toxic jelly.
Can you trust "phthalate-free" certifications?
It depends. "Phthalate-free" is a manufacturer's claim, and in most cases not an independent certification. Reputable brands (LELO, Tantus) have third-party tests done and publish the results. Low-cost brands simply claim it without verification. Look for "tested by SGS" or similar in the specs: that is an independent certification.
Can wood be body-safe?
Yes, but only wood SEALED with resin or medical-grade lacquer (not industrial lacquer). Brands such as NobEssence work hardwood with a sealant made for internal use. Lifespan 3-5 years (the lacquer wears away). NOT sterilisable. Interesting look, but it needs specific care.
Can I trust "medical grade" labelling without checking?
Not automatically. "Medical grade" with no further qualification is marketing in many cases. Look specifically for "USP Class VI" (US Pharmacopeia tests) or "ISO 10993" (the international biocompatibility standard). These are real laboratory tests, although they are usually declared by the manufacturer itself.
What about toys with a motor (vibrators)? How does the material affect them?
The outer body is usually ABS (the casing) and the area in intimate contact is medical-grade silicone. That combination is body-safe. Be careful with cheap vibrators where EVERYTHING is jelly or TPE: the motor generates heat that speeds up the release of plasticisers. Premium brands (LELO, Womanizer) are always safe in this respect.
Can I use a toy that has changed colour or texture over time?
No. A change in colour or texture points to chemical degradation: the material is releasing compounds. Especially with TPE/PVC: if the surface has become sticky or has yellowed, throw it away. With pure silicone, this should NEVER happen. If it does, it probably wasn't pure silicone.
Are there European quality marks for sex toys?
None specific to the category. But there are applicable standards: "CE" (basic European compliance, NOT body-safe), "ISO 10993" (biocompatibility of medical devices), "USP Class VI" (US standard for medical plastics). Serious brands voluntarily seek at least one of the last two. If only "CE" appears with nothing else: it only meets basic electrical safety rules (relevant for vibrators) and does NOT certify the material.
9. Verdict + our selection
Our verdict
4 materials are body-safe, no debate: medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, 316L stainless steel and, for casings and parts that aren't inserted, quality ABS. Before you buy, check the material on the product page. We also sell toys made of TPE and TPR, which are porous: if you choose one, use a condom, clean it thoroughly and replace it when it degrades. If you have doubts about a specific toy, ask us in chat: we have the specs for all of them.
If you only remember one tip: check the material on the product page before you buy. Any toy that smells strongly of chemicals when you open the packaging: do NOT use internally.
Body-safe product selection
Satisfyer Pro 2 Modern Blossom
Silicone and ABS · IPX7 · Rechargeable
LELO LOKI Wave 2
Biocompatible silicone and ABS · IPX7
Womanizer Premium 2
Body-safe silicone · Smart Silence
Nebula by Ibiza model 24
Borosilicate glass · Indefinite lifespan
Metal Hard Handcuffs
Stainless steel · Ankle cuffs
Je Joue Egon
Premium body-safe silicone