Understanding Sex Toy Materials: Silicone, Glass, Plastic and More

Silicone: The Gold Standard for Sex Toy Materials

Silicone is considered the premium material for sex toys. It’s hypoallergenic and phthalate-free and can be heated or chilled for temperature play. Silicone toys also come in various firmnesses, from squishy soft to rock hard.

Soft silicone has a velvety, skin-like feel and flexes with your body. It’s ideal for penetrative toys that you want to feel natural. Firmer silicone has very little give and transmits vibrations well.

It’s perfect for toys like butt plugs, harnesses, and strap-on dildos that require sturdiness.

Silicone is also one of the safest materials since it’s non-porous, meaning no bacteria or viruses can hide on its surface. You can sterilize silicone toys by boiling them or putting them in the dishwasher. They’re also compatible with water-based lubes.

The downside is silicone toys tend to be more expensive. However, their quality and durability make up for the higher price tag. With proper care, a silicone toy can last many years.

100% Medical-Grade Silicone

Look for toys made of 100% medical-grade silicone, which is the highest quality. Lesser quality silicones may still contain phthalates and other chemicals, even if labeled “phthalate-free.”

Medical-grade silicone is chemically stable and odorless. It will also last much longer than regular silicone.

Some well-known sex toy brands that use 100% medical-grade silicone include LELO, Fun Factory, Vixen Creations, and Tantus. Check reviews of any brand you’re interested in to confirm the quality of materials before purchasing.

With its all-around safety, comfort, and durability, silicone is considered the gold standard material for high-quality sex toys. While the initial cost may be higher, a silicone toy is an investment in your pleasure and sexual health that will last for years to come.

Glass: Hard, Nonporous, and Can Be Temperature Played

Glass toys are popular for several reasons. Made of borosilicate glass, they are hypoallergenic, nonporous, and can be sterilized after use. Their hard, smooth surface and ability to be heated up or cooled down offer unique sensations.

Durability and Safety

High-quality glass toys are made of medical-grade borosilicate glass, like Pyrex, which is highly durable and resistant to shattering. Dropping a glass toy may cause it to break, so handle it carefully, but regular use should not pose any danger.

Glass toys have no risks of phthalates or other harmful chemicals leaching into the body. They are entirely nonporous and will not harbor bacteria. Glass toys can be sterilized in boiling water or a dishwasher for a hygienic experience.

Temperature Play

Glass is a great temperature conductor, so glass toys can be placed in warm or chilled water before being used for a range of sensory experiences. The temperature will hold for several minutes during play.

Could you check the temperature with your wrist before inserting it to make sure it's at a comfortable level? Temperature play with glass toys opens up many possibilities for enhanced pleasure by alternating between warm and cool.

Smooth Sensations

The ultra-smooth glass surface glides over the skin, providing a slick feeling of fullness with every thrust. The weight and firmness of glass also offer satisfying pressure. The smoothness of glass toys makes them ideal for gentle teasing and building arousal.

Glass sex toys offer a range of benefits for those seeking an all-natural, versatile toy experience. With proper care and handling, glass toys can provide years of pleasure and exploration.

For temperature play and other sensual glass toy techniques, start slowly until you determine what levels of heat or coolness are appropriate.

Plastic: Affordable but Often Less Body-Safe

Plastic is a popular and affordable material for sex toys. However, not all plastics are body-safe or hygienic. Hard plastics like ABS plastic, polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) are non-porous, phthalate-free, and easy to clean, making them good options.

However, some plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and jelly rubber contain phthalates, chemicals that can be toxic and irritating.

ABS plastic is a rigid, durable material that transmits vibrations well. It is compatible with all lubricants and simple to clean. Toys made of ABS plastic typically have a hard, glossy surface.

PE and PP plastics are also non-porous, phthalate-free, and hygienic but more flexible than ABS plastic. They provide a good balance of safety, affordability, and sensation.

In contrast, PVC and jelly rubber are porous materials that can harbor bacteria and chemicals. They often have a strong rubbery odor and sticky, tacky feel. These materials are not body-safe and may irritate.

It is best to avoid sex toys made of PVC, jelly rubber, or other porous plastics.

If purchasing an affordable plastic toy, check that it is made of a non-porous, phthalate-free plastic like ABS, PE, or PP. Ask the manufacturer or research the specific type of plastic if it is not clearly labeled.

When in doubt, it is best to pass on a toy if you cannot determine that it is made of a body-safe, non-toxic material. Your health and safety should be the priority when choosing an adult toy.

In summary, while plastics can be an economical option for sex toys, not all plastics are created equal. Opt for non-porous, phthalate-free, and hygienic rigid plastics like ABS, PE, and PP. Avoid PVC, jelly rubber, and other porous plastics, which can be unsafe.

When buying an inexpensive toy, check the specifics of the material to ensure it will not compromise your health or experience. Your satisfaction and well-being are worth the investment in a quality, body-safe product.

Rubber/Jelly: Cheap but Controversial

Out of all the sex toy materials, rubber and jelly are typically the least expensive options. Their low cost and ability to be molded into various shapes and sizes have made them popular materials for sex toys for decades.

However, rubber and jelly sex toys have fallen out of favor recently due to safety concerns over potentially toxic chemicals called phthalates that are often added to increase flexibility.

Health Concerns

Phthalates are plasticizers added to rubber and jelly to make the materials soft and pliable. However, phthalates have been linked to hormone disruption and other health issues and may leach out of sex toys into the body.

Not all rubber and jelly sex toys contain phthalates, but many do. It is best to avoid these materials altogether due to these health risks.

Difficult to Clean

In addition to the health concerns, rubber and jelly sex toys are porous, meaning they can harbor bacteria, molds, and other microbes that may cause infections. They are also difficult to properly clean and sanitize compared to non-porous materials like silicone, glass, or stainless steel.

For these reasons, rubber and jelly sex toys should always be used with a condom and never shared between partners.

While rubber and jelly sex toys may be inexpensive and come in a variety of styles, the health and safety risks outweigh any benefits. There are many affordable sex toy options made of body-safe, non-toxic materials like silicone,

ABS plastic or stainless steel provides a similar experience without the risks. For your health and safety, avoid rubber and jelly and choose a high-quality sex toy made of a non-porous, phthalate-free material.

CyberSkin and Other Realistic Materials: Lifelike but High Maintenance

Realistic feel sex toy materials aim to replicate the texture of human skin. CyberSkin, Real Feel Super Skin, Better-Than-Real, Fanta Flesh, and Sensafirm are popular brands for pliable elastomer-based materials that provide a lifelike experience. However, these materials typically require the most care and maintenance.

Porous and Delicate

While realistic materials might seem appealing because of their soft, squishy feel, they are porous, meaning they can harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned. They are also more prone to tearing or damage if not handled and stored carefully.

It is critical to wash realistic toys thoroughly after each use with a specially formulated adult toy cleaner or a mild antibacterial soap and water.

Allow all parts to air dry thoroughly to prevent mold or mildew growth before storing.

Compatible Lubricants

Only water-based lubricants should be used with realistic materials, as silicone-based lubes can break down the material and damage the toy. Apply lubricant liberally and reapply as needed during use. Some people find that realistic materials tend to absorb lubricant more quickly.

Protective Measures

If sharing a realistic toy with a partner, it is best to cover it with a condom during use and clean it thoroughly between partners. This protects against potential infections and helps the toy last longer. It is also a good idea to powder realistic materials with cornstarch to prevent the material from becoming tacky.

Store realistic toys separately in a cool, dry location away from direct heat to prevent warping.

With proper care and maintenance, high-quality, realistic sex toys can provide many fulfilling experiences. However, their porous and delicate nature means that with frequent or improper use, they may need to be replaced more often.

For some, alternative non-porous and easier-to-sterilize materials like silicone or stainless steel may be a better choice.

Metal: Weighty, Firm, and Conducts Temperature

Metal sex toys are a popular choice for those seeking a heavy, solid, and temperature-responsive material. Stainless steel is the most common metal used and is ideal for penetration as it's non-porous, phthalate-free, and can be sterilized.

Durability

Stainless steel sex toys are virtually indestructible and built to last a lifetime with proper care. They won't crack, break, or warp, and the high-quality grade stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion.

The density of the material gives stainless steel sex toys an ultra-firm feel that many find pleasurable for G-spot or prostate massage.

Conducts Temperature

Stainless steel is also excellent at conducting temperature, so steel toys can be heated or cooled down using water for temperature play. Place your stainless steel toy in a bowl of warm or cool water for a few minutes before use for a thrilling hot or chilled sensation.

Be careful, and always test the toy's temperature on your wrist first to ensure it's comfortable. Stainless steel sex toys are compatible with all lubricants, including oil, water, and silicone-based lubes.

The non-porous finish prevents the absorption of liquids and is very easy to clean after use.

Wash your stainless steel toy in warm, soapy water, rinse, and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. You can also sterilize stainless steel toys by boiling them in water for 3-5 minutes or running them through the dishwasher.

This type of sex toy material is ideal for those who prefer firm stimulation and the ability to experiment with temperature play. While stainless steel toys have a higher upfront cost, their durability ensures a lifetime of pleasure and sensation.

How to Clean Different Sex Toy Materials

It is essential to properly clean your sex toys after each use to avoid bacterial growth and ensure safe usage. The cleaning method depends on what material your toy is made of.

For silicone sex toys, wash them with warm water and a mild antibacterial soap. Silicone can be boiled or run through the dishwasher on the top rack with no soap to sanitize, then left to air dry completely.

Silicone sex toys should not be used with silicone lubricants, as it will break down the material. Water-based lubricants are compatible.

Glass and metal sex toys can also be boiled or run through the dishwasher to sanitize. They can then be air-dried or wiped clean with a soft cloth. These toys can be used with any lubricant.

Plastic sex toys, including ABS plastic and PVC, should be washed with warm water and mild antibacterial soap. Do not boil plastic sex toys, as it can damage the material. Wipe plastic toys down with a soft, damp cloth to dry. Plastic is compatible with all lubricants.

Jelly rubber sex toys are porous, so they should always be used with a condom and not shared between partners.

They cannot be thoroughly sanitized. Wash jelly toys with warm water and a mild antibacterial soap, then pat dry with a soft cloth and let air dry completely. Only water-based lubricants should be used with jelly rubber.

Sex toys made of elastomer-based materials, often called “skin-safe rubber” or “Real Feel,” can be washed the same way as jelly rubber toys.

They are also porous, so condoms are recommended, and sharing between partners should be avoided. Only water-based lubricants are compatible.

Nonporous, body-safe materials like silicone, glass, and metal can be thoroughly sanitized. More porous materials like plastic, jelly rubber, and elastomer-based toys should always be properly cleaned after use but cannot be sterilized, so condoms are recommended.

By properly caring for your sex toys, you can enjoy them for a long time.

Sex Toy Materials FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered

When choosing a sex toy, the material is crucial for comfort, safety, and enjoyment. The most common materials for sex toys are silicone, hard plastics like acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, glass, metal, wood, and jelly rubber or elastomer blends.

Each has distinct properties regarding firmness, texture, ability to transmit vibrations and heat, durability, cleaning, and compatibility with lubricants.

Silicone is a popular, body-safe choice that can be soft or firm and transmits vibrations well. Silicone toys are non-porous, phthalate-free, and can usually be sterilized. They work with water-based lubricants.

Rigid ABS plastics are incredibly durable and hygienic, ideal for vibrators, but may feel stiff. They’re compatible with any lubricant and easy to clean.

Smooth-coated plastics offer a velvety feel with the firmness of hard plastic. They work with all lubricants but may be porous. Glass and metal toys can be warmed or cooled and offer intense sensations, but their firmness may not suit everyone. They're non-porous, durable, and compatible with any lubricant.

Wooden toys provide natural beauty and texture but require meticulous cleaning and may splinter or crack. They typically only work with water-based lubricants. Jelly rubber or elastomer blends like CyberSkin feel realistic but are porous, incompatible with silicone lubricants, and may contain phthalates. Always use a condom, especially if sharing.

When choosing a material, consider your preferences for firmness, texture, sterilizability, and lubricant compatibility. Read reviews and specifications to determine quality, safety certifications, and proper care.

High-quality, non-porous, phthalate-free materials like silicone, ABS plastic, glass, and metal typically last longer, are safer, and easier to keep clean. Still, more affordable porous materials can work well if properly cared for. Your sexual health and satisfaction should guide your choice.

Conclusion

When choosing a sex toy, the material is just as important as the power and function. Do your research to find the right match for you. Silicone, glass, plastic, rubber, and other materials each offer unique textures, sensations, care requirements, and more.

Read reviews, ask questions, and wait to settle on a toy until you fully understand what it's made of. Your pleasure depends on it.