The material a toy is made from affects how it feels, how easy it is to clean and how long it lasts. Body-safe materials are nonporous, which means bacteria cannot hide in them. Here is what each common material means for you.
The body-safe favorites
- Medical-grade silicone: soft, smooth, warm to the touch and very durable. The most popular material for vibrators, dildos and plugs. Pair it with water-based lube.
- ABS plastic: hard, smooth and lightweight. Common on vibrator handles and bullets, and it carries vibration well.
- Borosilicate glass: firm, sleek and easy to clean. It can be warmed or cooled for temperature play and works with any lube.
- Stainless steel: weighty, smooth and nearly indestructible. Great for firm pressure and temperature play.
Materials that need more care
Some materials feel very realistic but are slightly porous, so they need gentle cleaning and full drying.
- TPE and TPR: soft and stretchy, common in strokers and sleeves. Wash with mild soap and let them dry completely.
- Proprietary skin-like blends: such as the soft materials many brands use for realistic toys. Follow the brand's care instructions.
What to avoid
Skip jelly rubber, PVC softened with phthalates, and anything with a strong chemical smell. These materials can be porous and harder to keep clean. Look for labels that say phthalate-free, latex-free and BPA-free.
A quick comparison
| Material | Feel | Best lube | Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Soft, smooth | Water-based | Soap and water. Solid toys can be boiled. |
| ABS plastic | Hard, smooth | Any | Soap and water |
| Glass | Firm, sleek | Any | Soap and water. Check for chips. |
| Stainless steel | Heavy, firm | Any | Soap and water |
| TPE | Very soft, stretchy | Water-based | Mild soap. Dry fully. |
How to check a product
Every ThirdLust product page lists the material in the At a glance box. If a listing is unclear, call 800-618-6053 and we will check it for you. For care steps, read how to clean and store your toys.
