Sex Toy Materials: What's Safe, What's Sketchy, and What's Made of Crystal
The sex toy materials guide nobody wanted to write but everyone needs to read. Some toys are made of body-safe medical-grade silicone. Others are made of mystery jelly that smells like a tire fire. Here's how to tell the difference before it touches your body.
Fun fact: the sex toy industry is largely unregulated. There's no FDA approval required for most toys. That means companies can make a dildo out of basically anything and sell it to you. This is not ideal! But knowledge is power, and this guide will make you the most informed person at the sex shop. (Whether that's a good thing is up to you.)
Body-Safe Sex Toy Materials: The Good Stuff
Medical-Grade Silicone
The gold standard. Non-porous (bacteria can't get in), hypoallergenic, easy to clean, and can be sterilized by boiling. Most quality vibrators use it, including the Dame Arc ($119) and the LELO ENIGMA Wave ($207). If a toy says "silicone" but costs $8, it's probably not medical-grade. Real silicone doesn't smell like anything.
How to test: Real silicone doesn't burn. If you hold a flame to it (on a non-motor part), it will turn white/ash but not melt. Fake silicone melts. Don't burn your expensive toys, but it's good to know.
Stainless Steel
Indestructible, non-porous, holds temperature beautifully. The njoy Pure Wand ($150) is the most famous stainless steel toy, and it's legendary for a reason. Run it under warm water before use for a completely different sensation than room temperature. It will outlive you, your children, and possibly human civilization.
Borosilicate Glass
Same stuff as Pyrex cookware. Non-porous, can be heated or cooled, and surprisingly durable (it won't shatter from regular use). The Glas Sweet Heat even glows in the dark. Glass toys are smooth, firm, and great for temperature play. Yes, they're safe. No, they won't break inside you. They're rated for much more stress than that.
Crystal & Stone
The Chakrubs Amethyst ($280) is carved from actual amethyst crystal. The Chakrubs Xaga Curve ($200) is black obsidian. Are they "healing" crystals? We're not going to touch that claim. But as sex toy materials go, polished stone is non-porous and body-safe. They feel unique -- heavy, cool, and completely rigid. It's an experience.
ABS Plastic
Hard, non-porous plastic used for toy bodies and handles. Not luxurious, but perfectly safe. The LELO LILY 3 ($94) and most bullet vibes use ABS plastic for the hard shell with a silicone exterior. Safe, durable, boring. Exactly what you want from a structural material.
Sketchy Sex Toy Materials: The Avoid List
Jelly / Rubber / "TPE"
Porous (bacteria breeding ground), often contains phthalates (endocrine disruptors), and frequently has that strong chemical smell. If your toy smells like a new shower curtain, that's off-gassing of chemicals you do not want inside your body. Hard pass.
PVC / Vinyl
Same problem as jelly. Porous, may contain phthalates, cannot be fully sterilized. Often used in cheap knockoff toys. If the packaging doesn't specify the material, assume it's this.
"Cyberskin" / "Realistic Feel"
These are usually TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). Porous, difficult to clean properly, breaks down over time. Some people accept the trade-off for the realistic texture, but you should know it can't be sterilized and has a limited lifespan. Use with a condom if you must.
Body-Safe Sex Toys: Quick Reference
- Always safe: Medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, borosilicate glass, ABS plastic, polished stone
- Always avoid: Jelly, rubber, PVC, unspecified materials
- Use with caution: TPE/TPR (use with condom, replace regularly)
- Red flags: Strong chemical smell, no material listed, "for novelty use only"
- Lube rule: Silicone lube damages silicone toys. Use water-based with silicone toys. Silicone lube is fine with steel, glass, and stone.
Now that you know what's safe, check out our beginner's guide for first-purchase recommendations, or see the luxury toy comparison to understand where the extra money goes.