When buying adult toys in Australia, material safety should be your top priority. Body-safe sex toy materials protect your health, enhance your pleasure, and ensure your intimate products are safe for long-term use. This comprehensive guide explains what to look for when choosing sex toys and which materials to avoid.
Why Body-Safe Sex Toy Materials Matter
Your intimate areas have delicate, permeable skin that can absorb chemicals and harbour bacteria if exposed to unsafe materials. Body-safe sex toy materials are non-porous, hypoallergenic, and free from harmful chemicals like phthalates. Choosing quality materials prevents infections, allergic reactions, and long-term health risks whilst ensuring your toys last longer and perform better.
Best Body-Safe Materials for Sex Toys
Medical-Grade Silicone
Medical-grade silicone is the gold standard for body-safe sex toys. This premium material is non-porous, hypoallergenic, and incredibly durable. Silicone sex toys feel soft and realistic, warm to body temperature quickly, and are easy to clean. They're compatible with water-based lubricants and can be sterilised by boiling (for non-motorised toys) or using toy cleaner.
Benefits of silicone sex toys:
Non-porous surface prevents bacterial growth, hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin, durable and long-lasting with proper care, retains warmth for realistic sensation, available in various firmness levels, and easy to clean and maintain.
Most of our rechargeable vibrators and women's toys feature medical-grade silicone for maximum safety and comfort.
Borosilicate Glass
Borosilicate glass (also called Pyrex glass) is another excellent body-safe material. Glass sex toys are non-porous, hypoallergenic, and incredibly easy to sterilise. They're perfect for temperature play—you can warm them in hot water or cool them in the fridge for unique sensations. Glass toys are also beautiful, often featuring artistic designs that make them display-worthy.
Benefits of glass sex toys:
Completely non-porous and bacteria-resistant, compatible with all lubricant types, excellent for temperature play, easy to clean and sterilise, incredibly smooth surface, and visually stunning designs.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel sex toys offer weight, firmness, and durability. Like glass, stainless steel is non-porous, hypoallergenic, and perfect for temperature play. The substantial weight provides unique sensations, particularly for G-spot or prostate stimulation. Stainless steel toys are virtually indestructible and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Benefits of stainless steel sex toys:
Non-porous and completely body-safe, compatible with all lubricants, excellent for firm pressure and targeted stimulation, perfect for temperature play, incredibly durable and long-lasting, and easy to clean and sterilise.
ABS Plastic (Hard Plastic)
ABS plastic is commonly used for vibrator casings and hard components. When properly manufactured, ABS plastic is body-safe, non-porous, and phthalate-free. It's often combined with silicone in rechargeable vibrators—the plastic houses the motor whilst silicone covers areas that contact your body.
Benefits of ABS plastic:
Non-porous when properly sealed, lightweight and durable, allows for complex mechanical designs, compatible with all lubricants, and easy to clean.
Materials to Avoid When Buying Sex Toys
Jelly Rubber and PVC
Jelly rubber and PVC are porous materials that often contain phthalates—chemicals linked to health concerns. These materials cannot be fully sterilised, can harbour bacteria, and may cause allergic reactions or irritation. Despite being inexpensive, jelly toys pose significant health risks and should be avoided.
Latex
Whilst natural latex isn't inherently unsafe, many people have latex allergies. Latex is also porous and degrades over time. Unless you specifically want latex for its unique properties and know you're not allergic, choose silicone alternatives instead.
Rubber and Elastomer
Rubber and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE/TPR) are porous materials that can harbour bacteria. Whilst some elastomers are phthalate-free, they still cannot be fully sterilised. If you choose these materials, use condoms over them and replace them regularly.
Unlabelled or Mystery Materials
If a sex toy doesn't clearly state its material composition, avoid it. Reputable manufacturers proudly display material information because they use body-safe options. Vague descriptions like "skin-safe material" or "jelly" without specifics are red flags.
How to Identify Body-Safe Sex Toys
Check Product Descriptions
Quality retailers clearly list materials in product descriptions. Look for specific terms like "medical-grade silicone," "borosilicate glass," or "stainless steel." Avoid vague language or products that don't specify materials.
Research the Brand
Reputable sex toy brands prioritise safety and transparency. Research manufacturers to ensure they use body-safe materials and follow safety standards. Established brands invest in quality materials because they value customer health and satisfaction.
Read Reviews
Customer reviews often mention material quality, texture, and any reactions. Look for reviews that specifically discuss material safety and how the toy feels during use.
Price Reflects Quality
Whilst expensive doesn't always mean better, extremely cheap sex toys often use unsafe materials to cut costs. Body-safe materials like medical-grade silicone cost more to produce, so quality toys have higher price points. Investing in body-safe toys protects your health and saves money long-term because they last longer.
Caring for Different Sex Toy Materials
Cleaning Silicone Sex Toys
Wash silicone toys with warm water and mild soap or dedicated toy cleaner before and after each use. Non-motorised silicone toys can be boiled for 3-5 minutes for deep sterilisation. Always dry completely before storage. Use only water-based lubricants with silicone toys, as silicone-based lubes can degrade the material.
Cleaning Glass and Stainless Steel Toys
Glass and stainless steel are the easiest to clean. Wash with soap and water, use toy cleaner, or even put them in the dishwasher (top rack, no detergent). These materials are compatible with all lubricant types. Store carefully to prevent chips or scratches.
Cleaning ABS Plastic Toys
Wipe ABS plastic components with toy cleaner or mild soap and water. Avoid submerging motorised toys unless they're waterproof. ABS plastic is compatible with all lubricants and should be dried thoroughly before storage.
Understanding Phthalates and Why They Matter
Phthalates are chemicals used to soften plastics, commonly found in cheap sex toys. Research links phthalates to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and other health concerns. Body-safe sex toys are always phthalate-free. Look for products explicitly labelled "phthalate-free" or made from materials that never contain phthalates (like silicone, glass, or stainless steel).
Frequently Asked Questions About Body-Safe Sex Toy Materials
What is the safest material for sex toys?
Medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, and stainless steel are the safest sex toy materials. They're non-porous, hypoallergenic, easy to clean, and free from harmful chemicals.
How can I tell if my sex toy is body-safe?
Check the product description for specific material information. Body-safe toys clearly state they're made from medical-grade silicone, glass, stainless steel, or phthalate-free ABS plastic. Avoid toys with vague material descriptions.
Are silicone sex toys better than plastic?
Silicone offers superior flexibility, warmth retention, and realistic feel compared to plastic. However, quality ABS plastic is also body-safe and often used for vibrator casings. The best toys combine both materials strategically.
Can I use silicone lubricant with silicone toys?
No, silicone-based lubricants can degrade silicone toys over time. Always use water-based lubricant with silicone sex toys. Check out our essentials collection for quality water-based lubricants.
How long do body-safe sex toys last?
With proper care, silicone toys can last 5-10 years or more, whilst glass and stainless steel toys can last indefinitely. Quality materials and proper maintenance ensure your investment pays off long-term.
Are expensive sex toys always safer?
Not always, but body-safe materials cost more to produce, so quality toys typically have higher price points. Extremely cheap toys often use unsafe materials to reduce costs. Invest in reputable brands that prioritise safety.
Shopping for Body-Safe Sex Toys in Australia
When buying sex toys online in Australia, choose retailers that prioritise material transparency and stock reputable brands. Look for detailed product descriptions, clear material listings, and customer reviews. Quality Australian sex toy shops provide care instructions, material safety information, and responsive customer service to help you make informed decisions.
Our Commitment to Body-Safe Materials
We prioritise your health and safety by offering only body-safe sex toys made from medical-grade silicone, quality ABS plastic, and other safe materials. Every product in our women's, men's, and couples' collections meets strict safety standards. Browse our rechargeable toys and wellness essentials with confidence, knowing your health is our priority.
Final Thoughts on Sex Toy Material Safety
Choosing body-safe sex toy materials protects your health, enhances your pleasure, and ensures your toys last for years. Prioritise medical-grade silicone, glass, and stainless steel, avoid porous materials like jelly rubber, and always buy from reputable retailers who value transparency. Your body deserves the best, and investing in quality, body-safe toys is an investment in your intimate wellness and long-term health.