Body-safe sex toy materials and care guide (2026)

The table below gives an overview of the most common sex toy materials, covering porosity, cleaning method, lubricant compatibility and expected lifespan. Non-porous materials can be kept hygienic; porous ones cannot.

Sources: Minna Life (body-safe materials), International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM), manufacturer specifications.

The distinction between non-porous and porous is the key factor for hygiene and safety, as highlighted by organisations such as Minna Life and the ISSM.

Non-porous materials (medical silicone, ABS, borosilicate glass, stainless steel) have a closed structure. Bacteria, fungi and viruses cannot penetrate and are fully removed with proper cleaning. These materials can be disinfected and, on models without electronics, even sterilised by boiling.

Porous materials (jelly, PVC, TPE/TPR, rubber, latex, elastomer) contain microscopic openings where micro-organisms and chemicals can harbour. Even careful cleaning does not fully help: bacteria and fungi survive in the pores. In addition, porous materials may contain phthalates, plasticisers that have been linked to hormonal disruption. The ISSM and Minna Life advise against porous toys for direct body contact.

If you do want to use a porous toy (for example due to budget or existing collection), protect yourself by always placing a condom over it and replacing the toy once cracks or discolouration appear.

Medical-grade silicone is the most popular material for vibrators, dildos, butt plugs and other toys. It is non-porous, hypoallergenic and phthalate-free.

Cleaning:
- After every use, wash with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap or use a specialised toy cleaner. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel or air-dry.
- 100% silicone toys without electronics (no motor, no battery, no USB port) can be boiled: 3 minutes in boiling water, then dry on a clean towel. This is the most thorough cleaning method.
- Toys with a motor or electronics: never boil. Wipe the silicone part with soap and water, but keep electrical connections dry. Check the manufacturer's instructions for waterproof ratings.

Lubricant:
- Use water-based lubricant only on silicone toys. Silicone lubricant chemically degrades the surface, making it porous and sticky, according to Minna Life and the ISSM. This renders the toy unhygienic.

Storage:
- Store silicone toys separately from other silicone products, ideally in a cloth pouch or dedicated compartment. Silicone can react with other silicone on prolonged contact (bleeding or sticking). Store dry and dust-free.

These three materials are also non-porous and offer the advantage of being compatible with both water-based and silicone lubricant.

ABS plastic (hard, glossy):
- Found as the outer layer of vibrators and as the material of slim toys.
- Clean with warm water and mild soap, or use a toy cleaner. Do not boil: ABS deforms at high temperatures.
- Check before each use for cracks in the surface: a cracked ABS toy can no longer be kept hygienic.

Borosilicate glass (Pyrex):
- Fully non-porous, resistant to thermal shock, and sterilisable.
- Clean with warm water and soap, boil if desired (3 minutes), or use the dishwasher (top rack).
- Always check for cracks or chips before use. Never use a damaged glass toy.

Stainless steel (surgical steel 316L):
- Heavy, smooth and non-porous. Ideal for temperature play (warming or cooling before use).
- Boil, dishwasher, or wash with warm water and soap.
- 316L is free from nickel migration; if you have nickel sensitivity, always verify this with the manufacturer.

All of these materials are safe with both water-based and silicone lubricant, which simplifies the choice.

TPE and TPR (thermoplastic elastomer and rubber) are soft, flexible materials often used for more affordable toys. They feel pleasant but are porous.

Cleaning:
- Use only lukewarm water with a mild soap and gently clean the surface. Rinse thoroughly.
- Never boil: TPE/TPR deforms and is damaged by high temperatures.
- Allow to dry completely before storage, as moisture in the pores encourages mould growth.
- A specialised toy cleaner provides additional cleaning, but note that it cannot fully disinfect the pores.

Condom as protection:
- Because TPE/TPR cannot be fully disinfected, Minna Life and the ISSM recommend always using a condom over porous toys, especially if you have any STIs or if the toy is shared.
- Replace TPE/TPR toys at the first sign of wear, discolouration, an unpleasant odour, or a sticky surface.

Phthalates:
- Some TPE formulas contain phthalates. Prefer toys that are explicitly offered as phthalate-free. If in doubt, use a condom.

Jelly, PVC, rubber and latex are the oldest and cheapest sex toy materials. They are porous and in many cases contain phthalates, as cited by Minna Life and other consumer health organisations.

Risks:
- The porous structure retains bacteria, fungi and viruses even after thorough cleaning.
- Phthalates in jelly/PVC are potentially hormone-disrupting; the exact risk threshold during sexual use has not been sufficiently researched, but caution is sensible.
- Latex can trigger or worsen a latex allergy.

Recommendations:
- Always use a condom over jelly, PVC, rubber or latex toys.
- Do not use them anally, as the rectum is more vulnerable to irritation and infection.
- Never share them with another person, even with a condom.
- Replace them regularly: discolouration, a sharp chemical smell, a sticky or brittle surface are signs that the toy should be discarded.

The ISSM advises switching to non-porous alternatives (medical silicone, ABS, glass, stainless steel) for optimal hygiene and long-term safety.

Proper storage extends the lifespan and prevents contamination.

General rules:
- Store toys dry and dust-free, ideally in a cloth pouch, storage box or dedicated drawer. Plastic bags are less suitable as they trap moisture.
- Store silicone toys separately from other silicone products to prevent surface reactions.
- Ensure batteries or rechargeable cells are (partially) charged or removed, depending on the device. Completely flat lithium-ion cells can be damaged.
- Do not place other objects on top of toys to prevent surface deformation.
- Do not store toys in direct sunlight or at extreme temperatures: silicone ages faster when exposed to heat.

By material:
- Silicone: cloth pouch, separate from other silicone items.
- Glass: original packaging or a protective sleeve to prevent chips.
- Stainless steel: no special requirements, but store dry to limit discolouration.
- TPE/TPR: fully dry, cloth pouch, not next to materials that contain soft PVC.

Browse Intimico's toy cleaner range for cleaning products suited to all toy materials.

The following facts are based on information from Minna Life, the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) and manufacturer specifications:

Non-porous and disinfectable:
- Medical silicone, ABS plastic, borosilicate glass and stainless steel are non-porous and can therefore be cleaned hygienically or sterilised.

Porous and problematic:
- Jelly, soft PVC, TPE/TPR, rubber, latex and elastomer are porous, retain bacteria and may contain phthalates. They cannot be fully disinfected. Minna Life advises against use without a condom.

Silicone lubricant on a silicone toy: do not do this:
- Silicone lubricant degrades the surface of silicone toys, making it porous and unhygienic, according to Minna Life and the ISSM. Always use water-based.

Electronics and water:
- Toys with a motor or electronics must never be submerged unless the manufacturer specifies a waterproof rating (e.g. IPX7).

Silicone stored next to silicone:
- Store silicone toys separately from other silicone products to prevent surface reactions.

This is general educational information, not medical advice; for any concerns, consult a general practitioner or sex therapist.

To make it easy, here is practical buying advice by profile.

Beginner, first toy: choose medical silicone (soft, flexible, body-safe, easy to clean). Use water-based lubricant. Browse Intimico's lubricant range via glijmiddelen.

Temperature play or as a gift: choose borosilicate glass or stainless steel (both can be warmed or cooled). Use water-based or silicone lubricant.

Maximum cleaning convenience: ABS or glass (sterilisable, no lubricant restrictions).

Budget-conscious: if you opt for TPE/TPR, always use a condom and replace the toy in good time. Avoid jelly and unlabelled PVC products.

Shared use or after illness: choose non-porous material and clean thoroughly with a toy cleaner or boil (fully silicone/glass/stainless steel). For shared use, always use a condom even with non-porous toys to prevent STI transmission.

For specific cleaning products, see Intimico's toy cleaner range. For lubricant advice, consult the broader sex-toy-materials-and-care-guide (this page) or other Intimico buying guides.