Better pleasure products start with better material information.
When buying sex toys online, material matters. It affects comfort, cleaning, lubricant compatibility, durability, storage and how confidently you can use the product over time.
The simplest rule is this: choose products with clear material information, traceable supplier or manufacturer details, and realistic safety claims. A beautiful product photo is not enough.
This guide explains the most common sex toy materials — including silicone, glass, stainless steel, ABS plastic and porous materials — and how to understand “body-safe” claims without falling for vague marketing language.
Quick material comparison table
If you only need the fast version, start here.
| Material | Common use | Why people choose it | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Vibrators, dildos, plugs, couples toys | Soft-touch feel, flexible options, premium texture | Supplier/manufacturer confirmation, lubricant compatibility, cleaning instructions |
| Glass | Dildos, plugs, temperature play products | Smooth surface, firmness, easy cleaning when non-porous | Break-resistant/borosilicate details, shape, weight, storage care |
| Stainless steel | Dildos, plugs, prostate toys, temperature play products | Weight, firmness, durability, smooth finish | Grade/specification if provided, weight, beginner suitability, storage |
| ABS plastic | Vibrators, controllers, handles, external devices | Firm, lightweight, common in motorized toys | Surface finish, seams, cleaning instructions, material documentation |
| TPE / TPR / jelly-like materials | Soft toys, sleeves, realistic-feel products | Softness and lower price | Porosity, cleaning limits, condoms for sharing, supplier documentation |
| Leather | BDSM accessories, cuffs, collars, harnesses | Strength, feel, aesthetic | Care instructions, hardware quality, skin contact, cleaning limits |
No material is automatically perfect. The right choice depends on the product type, your comfort, how the item is used, how it is cleaned and whether the supplier can support its claims.
What does “body-safe” actually mean?
“Body-safe” is a useful term, but it should not be treated like a magic label.
In intimate wellness, body-safe usually means a product is made from materials that are appropriate for body contact when used as directed, cleaned correctly and supported by reliable manufacturer information.
But the term can be misused. A store should not call a product body-safe only because the supplier says it in a short product description. The claim should be supported by material details, manufacturer documentation and responsible product information.
For NUDALURE, the safer standard is:
Use “body-safe” only when confirmed by the supplier or manufacturer and supported by documentation.
That protects the customer and the brand.
Porous vs non-porous materials
One of the most important differences in sex toy materials is whether the surface is porous or non-porous.
Non-porous materials have a smoother, less absorbent surface and are generally easier to clean properly when the product is designed well and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Porous materials can have tiny spaces in the material surface. These can make the product harder to clean fully, especially after repeated use.
| Type | Examples | General cleaning note |
|---|---|---|
| Often non-porous | Silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, ABS plastic | Usually easier to clean when the product is well-made and used as directed |
| Often porous | TPE, TPR, jelly rubber, some soft realistic materials | Harder to fully clean; avoid sharing or use condoms if sharing |
This does not mean every non-porous product is automatically high quality. It also does not mean every soft material is automatically unsafe. It means the customer should be given clear material information and care guidance before buying.
Silicone sex toys
Silicone is one of the most common materials used in premium pleasure products. It can feel soft, smooth, flexible or firm depending on the product design.
Silicone is often used for:
- vibrators
- dildos
- butt plugs
- prostate toys
- couples toys
- suction toys
- external stimulation products
Why people choose silicone
- comfortable surface feel
- premium texture
- good flexibility options
- common in beginner-friendly products
- often easier to clean than porous soft materials
What to check before buying silicone toys
- Is the material clearly listed as silicone?
- Does the supplier or manufacturer support the material claim?
- Is the product waterproof, splashproof or not water-safe?
- What lubricant does the manufacturer recommend?
- Are cleaning instructions provided?
- Are seams, charging ports and buttons easy to clean around?
For lubricant compatibility, water-based lubricant is usually the safest first choice for silicone toys. Silicone-based lubricant should only be used with silicone toys if the toy manufacturer confirms compatibility.
Glass sex toys
Glass pleasure products are usually chosen for their smoothness, firmness and visual clarity. They can also be used for temperature play when the product is designed for that purpose and used carefully.
Glass is often used for:
- dildos
- plugs
- wands
- temperature play products
Why people choose glass
- smooth surface
- firm pressure
- easy glide with compatible lubricant
- temperature play potential
- elegant visual presentation
What to check before buying glass toys
- Is the glass described as borosilicate or break-resistant?
- Is the shape suitable for the intended use?
- Is the size beginner-friendly or more advanced?
- Is there a storage pouch or protective case?
- Are there care instructions?
Glass toys should be checked before each use for chips, cracks or damage. If a glass product is damaged, do not use it.
Stainless steel sex toys
Stainless steel pleasure products are chosen for weight, firmness and durability. They can feel more intense than softer materials because they do not compress in the same way.
Stainless steel is often used for:
- dildos
- butt plugs
- prostate toys
- temperature play products
- premium sensory products
Why people choose stainless steel
- firm pressure
- weighted feel
- smooth surface
- temperature play potential
- long-lasting product design when made well
What to check before buying stainless steel toys
- Is the product weight listed?
- Is the size suitable for your experience level?
- Is the surface smooth and well-finished?
- Does the product have a flared base if intended for anal use?
- Are care instructions included?
Stainless steel can be beautiful and durable, but its weight and firmness make product choice important. Beginners may prefer smaller or simpler designs first.
ABS plastic sex toys
ABS plastic is a firm, lightweight material often used in vibrators, external devices, handles, controllers and product shells.
ABS is often used for:
- bullet vibrators
- wands and handles
- remote controls
- external stimulation products
- some wearable or app-controlled devices
Why people choose ABS plastic
- lightweight feel
- firm surface
- common in motorized toys
- often easier to shape around buttons and controls
- can be useful for compact products
What to check before buying ABS toys
- Is the surface smooth?
- Are seams easy to clean?
- Is the product waterproof, splashproof or dry-use only?
- Does the product include cleaning guidance?
- Is lubricant compatibility explained?
With ABS toys, the design details matter. Buttons, seams, charging points and textured areas can affect cleaning and everyday use.
TPE, TPR and jelly-like materials
TPE, TPR and jelly-like materials are often used to create softer, more flexible or more realistic-feeling products. They can also appear in lower-priced products.
The issue is not softness itself. The issue is clarity.
Soft materials can be more difficult to clean fully if they are porous. They may also require more careful storage because some materials can react with each other, collect lint or degrade faster over time.
What to check before buying soft porous materials
- Is the exact material listed?
- Does the supplier provide safety or compliance documentation?
- Are cleaning instructions clear?
- Does the product need a specific type of lubricant?
- Should condoms be used if sharing?
- How should the product be stored?
If a product has unclear material information, vague claims or no care instructions, it should not be treated as a premium choice.
Leather, metal hardware and BDSM accessories
Material guidance is not only for vibrators and dildos. It also matters for BDSM accessories, restraints, cuffs, collars, harnesses and sensory products.
For these products, the important questions are slightly different.
Check:
- Is the material clearly listed?
- Is the hardware smooth and secure?
- Are edges, seams and rivets comfortable against skin?
- Can the item be cleaned properly?
- Is it suitable for beginners or more experienced users?
- Does the product allow safe, consensual use?
BDSM and fetish products should be presented through consent, comfort, experience level and care — never through shock value or aggressive language.
Lubricant compatibility by material
Material and lubricant compatibility are connected. The wrong lubricant can affect product surfaces or condom safety.
| Material | Best first lubricant choice | Use caution with |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Water-based lubricant | Silicone-based lubricant unless manufacturer-confirmed |
| Glass | Water-based or silicone-based lubricant | Oil-based lubricant if latex condoms or latex barriers are involved |
| Stainless steel | Water-based or silicone-based lubricant | Oil-based lubricant if latex condoms or latex barriers are involved |
| ABS plastic | Water-based lubricant | Silicone-based lubricant unless the product label confirms compatibility |
| TPE / TPR / jelly-like materials | Water-based lubricant | Oil-based or silicone-based products unless manufacturer-approved |
When in doubt, choose water-based lubricant and check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cleaning and storage by material
Every pleasure product should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Cleaning guidance depends on material, motor, waterproofing, seams and electronic components.
| Material | General care direction | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap or suitable toy cleaner | Avoid submerging unless the product is waterproof |
| Glass | Warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap; follow product guidance | Check for chips or cracks before use |
| Stainless steel | Warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap; dry fully before storage | Follow manufacturer care instructions |
| ABS plastic | Surface clean carefully around seams, buttons and charging points | Do not submerge unless waterproof |
| TPE / TPR / jelly-like materials | Clean as directed, dry carefully and store separately | Harder to fully clean if porous |
| Leather | Spot clean according to the product instructions | Do not treat like silicone, glass or steel |
Store products clean and dry. Keep different materials separated where possible, especially soft materials that may react when stored together.
Anal toys: material and design matter
For anal toys, material is only one part of safety. Design matters just as much.
Any toy intended for anal insertion should have a flared base or a safe retrieval design that prevents the product from moving fully inside the body.
For anal products, check:
- flared base or retrieval design
- smooth surface
- clear size and measurement information
- beginner or advanced experience level
- compatible lubricant guidance
- cleaning instructions
- material documentation
If the product is not clearly designed for anal use, do not use it that way.
What material claims should a premium store avoid?
Some claims sound impressive but should not be used without proof.
Be careful with:
- medical-grade silicone
- body-safe
- phthalate-free
- non-toxic
- hypoallergenic
- dermatologist-tested
- antibacterial
- 100% safe
- safe for everyone
These phrases should only appear when the supplier or manufacturer can support them with appropriate documentation. Otherwise, clear material naming is better than unsupported marketing.
For example, “silicone vibrator with water-based lubricant recommended” is more useful than “luxury non-toxic pleasure miracle.”
What NUDALURE checks before listing material claims
NUDALURE’s product standard should be simple: every material claim needs a reason to be trusted.
Before a product goes live, NUDALURE should check:
- supplier or manufacturer identity
- exact material information
- manufacturer documentation where needed
- cleaning instructions
- lubricant compatibility
- waterproof or water-resistant claims
- anal-use design where relevant
- storage guidance
- country or EU compliance information where relevant
- photography and product description accuracy
If the material is unclear, the product should not be positioned as premium.
How to choose the right material
The best material depends on what you want from the product.
| If you want… | Consider… |
|---|---|
| A soft beginner-friendly feel | Supplier-confirmed silicone |
| A firm, smooth product | Glass or stainless steel |
| A compact external vibrator | Silicone or ABS plastic |
| A weighted sensation | Stainless steel |
| Temperature play | Glass or stainless steel products designed for that purpose |
| A lower-price soft product | TPE or TPR only with clear material and care information |
| Anal play | A product designed for anal use with a flared base or safe retrieval design |
The right choice is not always the most expensive one. It is the product with the clearest material information, the right design for your use case and care instructions you can actually follow.
Final recommendation
If you are unsure where to start, choose products with clear material information, simple cleaning instructions and broad lubricant compatibility.
For many beginners, supplier-confirmed silicone with water-based lubricant is a practical first choice. For those who prefer firmness, glass or stainless steel can offer a different kind of sensation, as long as size, weight and experience level are considered carefully.
A premium pleasure product should never ask you to guess what it is made of.
Better pleasure starts with better curation — and better curation starts with better material information.
FAQ
What are the best materials for sex toys?
Common premium sex toy materials include silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel and ABS plastic. The best material depends on the product type, intended use, cleaning instructions, lubricant compatibility and supplier documentation.
What does body-safe mean for sex toys?
Body-safe usually means the product is made from materials appropriate for body contact when used and cleaned as directed. The term should be supported by supplier or manufacturer documentation, not used as vague marketing language.
Are silicone sex toys body-safe?
Silicone is commonly used in premium pleasure products, but a product should only be described as body-safe silicone when the supplier or manufacturer supports that claim. Always check product details, cleaning instructions and lubricant compatibility.
Can I use silicone lube with silicone toys?
Use caution. Some silicone-based lubricants can affect the surface of some silicone toys. If the toy manufacturer does not clearly confirm compatibility, choose water-based lubricant instead.
Are glass sex toys safe?
Glass sex toys can be suitable when they are made from appropriate, break-resistant glass and used as directed. Check for chips, cracks or damage before use, and do not use damaged glass products.
Are stainless steel sex toys good for beginners?
Stainless steel toys can be smooth, durable and premium, but their weight and firmness may feel intense for beginners. Start with smaller, simpler designs if you are new to firm materials.
Is ABS plastic safe for sex toys?
ABS plastic is commonly used in vibrators, handles and external devices. Product quality depends on the exact design, surface finish, cleaning instructions and supplier documentation.
Are jelly sex toys safe?
Jelly-like materials can be soft and lower-priced, but they may be porous and harder to clean fully. If the material is unclear or care instructions are weak, choose a better-documented product.
What material is best for anal toys?
For anal toys, design is as important as material. Choose a product made for anal use with a flared base or safe retrieval design, clear measurements, compatible lubricant guidance and cleaning instructions.
How should I clean sex toys?
Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Many non-porous toys can be cleaned with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap, but motorized or non-waterproof products require more careful surface cleaning.
