Sex Toy Materials: Naughty North's Complete Guide

Sex toys come in an amazing range of materials and not all of them are created equal. Since there are no official government regulations about what materials can be used in sex toys, it’s up to you to know what’s safe, what’s not, and how to choose wisely for your body and your pleasure.

This guide breaks down all the most popular materials you’ll encounter, how safe they are, and what each one means for cleaning, compatibility, and longevity.

Why Materials Matter

Before we dive in: knowing your materials helps you figure out:

• Body safety — can it be kept clean and free of bacteria?

• Porosity — does it have tiny pores where germs can hide?

• Chemical content — does it contain plasticizers like phthalates?

Porous materials have microscopic holes that can trap fluids and bacteria, making them harder to sanitize. Non-porous materials do not, which means they’re generally safer and easier to clean.

Top Sex Toy Materials Explained

Silicone — The Gold Standard

Silicone is widely considered the best material for sex toys because it’s:

• Non-porous & phthalate-free — meaning it won’t harbor bacteria or harmful chemicals.

• Easy to clean — can be washed with soap and water, boiled (non-motorized), or sanitized safely.

• Body-safe for all types of play, including vibrator bodies, dildos, and anal toys.

Tips:

• Use water-based or water/silicone hybrid lube with silicone toys. Some pure silicone lubes can degrade the surface if used alone. 

• Silicone can be boiled or even cleaned in a dishwasher (if the manufacturer confirms it’s safe).

ABS Plastic — Firm & Affordable

ABS plastic is a body-safe, non-porous plastic used commonly in bullets and some vibrators.

Perks:

• Phthalate-free and non-porous.

• Easy to clean.

• Works with any lube type, including silicone or water-based.

Drawbacks:

• Rigid and not squishy — so not ideal if you want a softer feel.

 Glass — Firm, Beautiful & Temperature-Play Friendly

Glass toys (usually borosilicate glass) are:

• Completely non-porous and body-safe.

• Great for temperature play (heat or cold).

• Easy to clean thoroughly.

Considerations:

• Glass is firm and heavy — not for everyone.

• Fewer toys use glass in vibrating form.

Always check that glass toys are specifically made for sex toy use so they can withstand pressure and temperature changes safely.

Metal — Sleek & Fully Body-Safe

Metal toys come in materials like stainless steel or aluminum, and are:

• Non-porous and easy to sanitize.

• Great for temperature play and firm stimulation.

• Compatible with all lubes.

Drawbacks:

• Heavier and firmer than other materials.

• Some metals, like aluminum, may contain nickel which can be an allergen for some folks.

TPR & TPE — Flexible But Porous

Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) and Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) are soft, stretchy materials often used for:

• Masturbators

• Penis sleeves

• Flexible dildos

• Cock rings

Pros:

• Affordable.

• Soft and flexible.

Cons:

• Porous — can trap bacteria and require extra cleaning care.

• Cannot be fully disinfected (even with boiling).

• Not ideal for anal play or switching between anal/vaginal use without a fresh non-latex condom.

PVC & Jelly — Cheap But Risky

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and Jelly materials are common in very inexpensive toys, but have issues:

• Porous and cannot be fully sanitized.

• Even “phthalate-free” PVC can still break down and trap bacteria.

• Jelly often contains plasticizers and chemical odors.

If you do use toys made from these materials, always use a condom and never reuse them without completely changing protective barriers.

Quick Safety Tips

• Always buy from reputable brands — cheap, no-name products may use lower-quality or mislabeled materials.

• Check for phthalate-free labels — phthalates are additives used to soften plastics that can be harmful.

• Clean toys before and after each use according to the materials they’re made from.

• Store toys separately — especially porous ones, to avoid material breakdown or transfer of germs.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right material isn’t just about feel — it’s about health, safety, and hygiene. Non-porous materials like silicone, glass, metal, and ABS plastic are generally the best bets for body safety and easy cleaning, while porous materials like TPE/TPR, PVC, and Jelly require more care and caution.

Making informed choices means your toys stay cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable — and that’s what Naughty North is all about. Ready to explore material-safe pleasure? Dive into our product collections or hit us up with questions!