Are Sex Toys Body-Safe? Silicone, Glass & ABS Explained

"Body-safe" is a phrase you will see everywhere in this category, but it is rarely explained. It is worth understanding, because material is the single most important thing that separates a toy you can keep and clean easily from one you cannot. This guide explains what body-safe means, which materials qualify, and how to spot the ones worth avoiding — in plain language, with nothing explicit.

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What "body-safe" actually means

A body-safe material is one that is non-toxic, non-irritating and, ideally, non-porous. The non-porous part matters most. Porous materials have microscopic holes that can hold onto moisture and residue, which means they cannot be fully cleaned or sterilised no matter how careful you are. Non-porous materials have no such holes, so they wipe clean and can be sanitised properly.

The best body-safe materials share three qualities: they are non-porous, they are chemically stable (they do not leach anything into the body), and they are easy to keep clean. Below are the ones that tick those boxes.

The genuinely body-safe materials

Silicone

Body-safe silicone is the gold standard for most toys, and for good reason. It is non-porous, soft, warms to the body and is very easy to clean. It is comfortable, durable and used across most of the better toys on the market — from vibrators to many dildos. One compatibility note to remember: silicone lubricant can degrade a silicone toy's surface over time, so pair silicone toys with a water-based lube instead.

Glass

Borosilicate glass toys are non-porous, firm, smooth and surprisingly hard-wearing. Because glass is non-porous and takes temperature well, it can be gently warmed or cooled for a different sensation, and it cleans up thoroughly. The glass dildos collection shows the kind of sleek, easy-care designs glass allows.

Stainless steel

Steel shares glass's advantages — non-porous, firm, temperature-responsive and extremely durable — with more weight behind it. It is one of the most robust, longest-lasting materials you can choose.

ABS plastic

ABS is a hard, non-porous plastic used for the shafts of many bullet vibrators and the handles of larger toys. It is body-safe, rigid and simple to wipe down, which is why so many beginner-friendly toys use it.

The materials to be careful with

Some cheaper toys are made from porous materials — jelly, TPR/TPE, PVC and various "novelty" blends. They cost less and can feel soft, but they share the same drawback: their microscopic pores can hold onto residue, so they cannot be fully sterilised. Older or very cheap novelty toys may also contain softening chemicals such as phthalates, and can have a strong chemical smell straight out of the packet.

This does not make every soft toy unusable, but it does change how you should treat one:

• Use it with a condom to create a clean barrier.
• Keep it for solo use rather than sharing.
• Replace it sooner than you would a non-porous toy.
• Store it separately, as some soft materials react with each other on contact.

If you would rather not think about any of that, choose silicone, glass, steel or ABS and the question mostly disappears.

How to tell what you are buying

A few quick signals help you shop well:

1. Read the material line. Reputable listings state the material plainly — "body-safe silicone", "borosilicate glass", "ABS". Vague words like "jelly", "rubber" or "PVC" point to porous.
2. Notice the smell. A strong chemical odour is a red flag on any toy.
3. Think about cleaning. If you cannot picture how you would fully clean it, that tells you something about the material.
4. Match the material to the use. Anything internal, shared or kept long-term is where non-porous really pays off — including butt plugs and other insertable toys, where a body-safe, easy-clean material matters most.

A quick comparison

Body-safe is not marketing fluff — it is a real, practical distinction. Choose a non-porous material and you get a toy that is easier to clean, safer to keep and pleasant to use for years.

Frequently asked questions

What is the safest material for a sex toy?

Non-porous materials — body-safe silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel and ABS plastic — are the safest choices. They cannot trap residue in the way porous materials can, so they clean thoroughly and last well.

Is silicone body-safe?

Yes. Body-safe silicone is non-porous, comfortable and easy to clean, which is why it is used across most quality toys. Just pair silicone toys with a water-based lubricant, since silicone lube can degrade a silicone surface over time.

Are jelly and rubber sex toys safe?

They are porous, so they cannot be fully sterilised, and some older or very cheap ones may contain softening chemicals. If you use one, put a condom over it, keep it for solo use and replace it sooner than a non-porous toy.

How do I know if a toy is body-safe before buying?

Read the material description. Clear terms like "body-safe silicone", "borosilicate glass" or "ABS" are good signs; vague words like "jelly", "rubber" or "PVC", or a strong chemical smell, suggest a porous material.

Does a more expensive toy mean a safer material?

Not always — price and material are separate. A well-made silicone, glass, steel or ABS toy is body-safe at many price points. Focus on the stated material rather than the price tag.