Body-Safe Materials: What to Look for in Adult Toys
, by Paul Curran, 2 min reading time
When it comes to adult toys, what they're made of matters just as much as how they feel. Your body deserves the best — and understanding materials is the first step to shopping with confidence.
Why Body-Safe Materials Matter
Not all adult toys are created equal. Some cheaper toys are made from porous materials that can harbour bacteria, mould, and odour — even after cleaning. Body-safe materials are non-porous, hypoallergenic, and free from harmful chemicals like phthalates.
The Gold Standard: Body-Safe Materials
Medical-Grade Silicone
The most popular and trusted material in the industry. Medical-grade silicone is:
- Non-porous (bacteria can't hide inside it)
- Hypoallergenic and latex-free
- Easy to sterilise — boil it, use a 10% bleach solution, or run it through the dishwasher (top rack, no detergent)
- Soft, flexible, and skin-like in texture
Best for: Vibrators, dildos, anal toys, and anything used internally.
ABS Hard Plastic
A smooth, rigid, non-porous plastic used in many vibrators and external toys. It's body-safe, easy to clean, and transmits vibrations exceptionally well.
Best for: Bullet vibrators, wand attachments, and hard-bodied toys.
Borosilicate Glass
Medical-grade glass toys are non-porous, completely hypoallergenic, and can be used with any lubricant. They're also temperature-responsive — warm them in water for a luxurious sensation.
Best for: People who prefer firm stimulation or enjoy temperature play.
Stainless Steel
Heavy, smooth, and non-porous. Stainless steel toys are fully sterilisable and compatible with all lubricants. Like glass, they can be warmed or cooled for sensory play.
Materials to Avoid
- PVC and jelly rubber — porous and often contain phthalates
- Latex — common allergen, porous
- "Cyberskin" or "realistic skin" blends — porous and difficult to properly clean
- Unknown rubber compounds — if a toy has a strong chemical smell, put it back
How to Check If a Toy Is Body-Safe
Look for products that clearly state the material on the packaging. Reputable brands will always disclose this. If a product listing is vague or uses terms like "safe material" without specifics, that's a red flag.
At Adult Alley, every product in our range is curated for quality and safety. You can shop our full collection with confidence knowing we've done the vetting for you.
Browse our body-safe adult toy collection →