The Ultimate Guide to Sex Toy Materials: Safe, Soft & Hard Options

When shopping for the best sex toys, knowing the materials they're made from is crucial for both safety and pleasure. From soft and body-safe silicone to durable stainless steel, here’s a comprehensive guide to popular sex toy materials, their benefits, cleaning tips, and safety considerations.

Soft Sex Toy Materials

Silicone: The Gold Standard of Safe Sex Toys

100% medical-grade silicone is one of the safest, most popular materials for sex toys. It’s non-porous, body-safe, and easy to clean. Silicone toys come in a wide range of types including dildos, vibrators, butt plugs, and nipple toys. This material is durable, retains heat, and transmits vibrations beautifully for a satisfying experience.

Cleaning: Wash with mild soap and warm water, boil for sterilization, or place on the top dishwasher rack (no detergent).
Lube Compatibility: Use only water-based lubricants. Silicone lubes can degrade the toy's surface.
Bonus Tip: Store in a lint-free pouch to avoid attracting dust.

Jelly Rubber: Affordable, but Proceed with Caution

Jelly rubber is soft and inexpensive, often available in bright colors. However, it's porous and may contain phthalates—a chemical that can be harmful with prolonged exposure.

Safety Tip: Always use a condom over jelly rubber toys and stick to water-based lube to protect both your body and the toy.
Cleaning: Warm water and toy cleaner, but remember it can’t be sterilized.

Synthetic Skin (CyberSkin, SoftSkin, etc.): Realistic Feel

These lifelike toys are crafted from mixed materials like silicone, plastic, and rubber. Perfect for packers, harness play, and realistic dildos.

Cleaning & Care: Clean thoroughly after each use and dust with cornstarch to preserve the soft texture.
Safety Note: Porous—use a barrier method during shared use. Handle with care, as the surface can tear.

Elastomer: A Hypoallergenic Option

Elastomer toys are super soft and carry vibrations well. Made from thermoplastic elastomers, they’re often ideal for those with latex allergies.

Cleaning: Use warm water and mild soap.
Safety Tip: Slightly porous—use condoms if sharing with partners you’re not fluid bonded with.

Soft Plastic (TPR / TPE): Budget-Friendly Basics

Soft plastic sex toys are affordable and often phthalate-free. However, these toys are porous and difficult to sterilize.

Cleaning: Wash with warm water and mild soap before and after use.
Safety Tip: Use barriers for safer play.

Latex: Classic Fetish Appeal

Latex is used in everything from sex toys to fetish wear. It delivers a snug, “second skin” feel but can trigger allergies.

Cleaning: Mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly.
Care: Use talc or cornstarch to ease use and silicone lube for shine. Store cool and flat.

Nylon: Machine-Washable & Versatile

Used primarily in BDSM gear and restraints, nylon is one of the few porous materials that’s machine washable.

Care Tip: Air dry only—avoid dryers to prevent melting.

Vinyl: Bold and Budget-Conscious

Vinyl is a shiny, easy-to-clean material used in fetish wear and sometimes as a coating on toys.

Cleaning: Cold water and mild detergent. Avoid high heat or sunlight.
Pro Tip: Use a silicone spray for that glossy look.

Leather: Timeless in BDSM

Leather gear is a staple in kink culture. It’s durable and sexy but requires special care.

Cleaning: Use body-safe leather cleaners or saddle soap.
Note: Always test leather care products for skin compatibility.

Suede: Textured & Intense

Suede is popular in floggers and whips due to its grainy feel and sting. It cannot be fully sterilized.

Care: Air dry if wet, then brush to restore texture.
Avoid: Shoe sprays—they’re not body-safe.

Hard Sex Toy Materials

Hard Plastic (ABS): Lightweight & Powerful

Hard plastic is smooth, firm, and perfect for vibrators due to its vibration transfer capabilities.

Cleaning: Soap and water. Follow motor-specific cleaning guides for vibrators.

Glass: Elegant and Body-Safe

Made from medical-grade borosilicate, glass sex toys are non-porous, sterilizable, and temperature-responsive.

Cleaning: Boil or use toy-safe disinfectants.
Use With: Any lube. Check for chips or cracks regularly.

Acrylic: Rare but Safe

Though less common, acrylic toys are body-safe and non-porous. They’re compatible with all lubricants.

Note: Avoid alcohol-based cleaners and don’t drop them—they may shatter.

Crystal & Natural Stone: For Pleasure and Energy

Crystal toys combine sensuality and spirituality. Each stone offers unique energetic properties.

Use Tip: Porous—ideal for solo play. Use a condom if sharing.
Cleaning: Gentle soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Ceramic: Artistic & Safe

When properly glazed and kiln-fired, ceramic toys are smooth, safe, and easy to clean.

Use With: Any lube. Avoid dropping to prevent breakage.

Wood: Natural & Unique

Sealed wood toys are smooth, non-porous, and aesthetically pleasing. Ideal for those looking for sustainable options.

Cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Safety Note: Ensure it's professionally sealed to prevent splinters.

Stainless Steel: Sleek, Durable, Non-Porous

Steel toys are perfect for temperature play, weight play, and easy cleaning.

Use With: Any lube.
Cleaning: Boil, bleach solution, or toy-safe disinfectants.

Aluminum: Lightweight & Stylish

Aluminum sex toys are sleek and body-safe, often powder-coated for color and texture.

Pro Tip: Great for users who want the benefits of metal without the heft.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Sex Toy Material

When selecting a sex toy, always prioritize safety, body compatibility, and the right type of lube. Non-porous, body-safe materials like silicone, glass, and stainless steel offer the highest levels of hygiene and longevity. For softer materials, use condoms or barriers and clean thoroughly after every use.