A Guide to Erotic Toy Materials: Silicone, ABS, Glass, and More

Why does the material of your sex toy matter?

The material of a toy determines its safety, durability, ease of cleaning, and how it feels on your skin. Not all are the same: some are porous and can harbor bacteria, while others are completely safe and hygienic. If you are just starting, we recommend checking out our Beginner Vibrator Guide.

🛡️ Non-porous materials (The safest)

  • Medical-grade silicone: The gold standard in sexual wellness. It is soft, flexible, hypoallergenic, and quickly adapts to body temperature. It is exclusively compatible with water-based lubricants (silicone lubricants damage it). It can be easily washed and even boiled (provided you remove parts with motors).

  • ABS plastic: A rigid, smooth, lightweight, and very resistant material. It is commonly found in bullet vibrators or control handles. It is very easy to clean with water and neutral soap, and compatible with any lubricant.

  • Borosilicate glass: Elegant, smooth, and 100% hygienic. It is perfect for experimenting with temperature play (you can cool or warm it under water). Although it seems fragile, it is an ultra-resistant glass designed for impacts and thermal changes.

  • Stainless steel and aluminum: Premium, firm materials with a weight that provides a unique sense of presence. Like glass, they retain cold and heat wonderfully, are hypoallergenic, and compatible with all types of gels.

⚠️ Porous materials (Use with caution)

  • TPE and TPR: Soft and very flexible materials, common in mid-range toys. Being porous, they can retain microorganisms over time. If you choose them, we advise you to always use them with a condom and replace them every so often. Don't forget to check our tips in the Toy Cleaning Guide.

  • PVC and rubber: Materials from previous generations that sometimes contain phthalates (plasticizers potentially harmful to health). At OMerotics, we recommend avoiding these materials, especially for insertable toys.

🔍 How to know what you are buying

Always demand transparency. The exact material should be specified on the product page of any quality product. Leading brands such as Satisfyer, Shunga, or Epic detail it with complete clarity. Be wary of suspiciously cheap toys that hide this information.

Invest in your health and pleasure

Choosing a safe material is not a whim; it's about taking care of your body to enjoy with complete peace of mind. At OMerotics, we are committed to your well-being, which is why we only select brands with certified and tested materials.

🛒 Explore our selection of 100% safe toys