Body-Safe Sex Toys: The Complete Guide
Why the material matters more than the motor
When most people shop for a new toy, they look at the shape, the settings and the price. The material barely gets a glance. Yet it is the one thing that decides whether a toy can be properly cleaned, how long it lasts, and whether it is safe to use on some of the most sensitive skin on your body.
Here is the uncomfortable truth: in the UK there is no law that sets material standards specifically for sex toys. They fall under general product safety rules, which say very little about what a product that goes inside the body should be made of. That leaves the door open for cheap toys made from soft, porous plastics that can harbour bacteria, break down over time, and in some cases contain chemicals you would never knowingly put near your body.
This guide explains, in plain English, what "body-safe" really means, which materials earn the label, which ones to avoid, and how to look after every toy you own. It also explains the promise we make on every product we sell: the Lovebunny Body-Safe Guarantee.
What "body-safe sex toys" actually means
A body-safe material passes two tests: it is non-porous, and it is non-toxic. Miss either one and it does not qualify.
Test 1: Non-porous
Porous materials are covered in microscopic pits and channels, too small to see but plenty big enough for bacteria, yeast and fungi to settle in. Washing cleans the surface, but it cannot reach inside those pores. Over time, a porous toy can hold on to germs from one use to the next, which raises the risk of irritation, bacterial vaginosis, thrush and other infections.
A non-porous material has a sealed, smooth surface. There is nowhere for anything to hide, so a proper wash leaves it genuinely clean.
Test 2: Non-toxic
Some cheap toys are made soft and squishy by adding chemical softeners called phthalates. Phthalates are restricted in children's toys across the UK and EU because of concerns about their effect on hormones, yet no such rule applies to adult toys. Body-safe materials do not need softeners and do not leach chemicals into your body.
Why "phthalate-free" is not the same as body-safe sex toys
You will often see toys marketed as "phthalate-free". That is a good start, but it only covers the second test. A phthalate-free toy can still be porous. Look for both: non-porous and non-toxic.
The body-safe materials, explained
100% silicone
Silicone is the gold standard, and the material used in most of the toys we sell. Good-quality silicone is non-porous, hypoallergenic, soft yet firm, and warms quickly to body temperature. It is durable too: cared for properly, a silicone toy can last for years.
Look for "100% silicone" or "platinum-cured silicone" on the description. Be wary of "silicone blend" or "silicone-like" wording, which usually means silicone mixed with cheaper, porous fillers. Brands such as Fun Factory, which manufactures in Germany, are known for high-grade silicone.
Best for: almost everything, from vibrators and dildos to anal toys and kegel balls.
ABS plastic
ABS is the hard, smooth plastic used for the casing of many vibrators, bullet toys and the bodies of air-pulse toys such as many Satisfyer models. It is non-porous, lightweight and easy to clean. It has no give, so it suits external toys or the handle of a toy rather than the part you squeeze.
Best for: bullet vibrators, wand handles, and the body of clitoral stimulators.
Borosilicate glass
The same toughened glass used in laboratory equipment and oven-proof dishes. It is completely non-porous, beautiful to look at, and surprisingly strong. It can be warmed in water or cooled in the fridge for temperature play. Always check for chips or cracks before use, and retire a damaged toy straight away.
Best for: dildos, wands and temperature play.
Stainless steel
Medical-grade stainless steel (often 316L) is non-porous, virtually indestructible and very easy to sterilise. Its weight gives a satisfying sense of fullness and makes it popular for G-spot and P-spot play.
Best for: weighted dildos, plugs and anyone with sensitive skin who wants the simplest possible material.
Other body-safe options
Glazed ceramic: non-porous as long as the glaze is unbroken and certified food-safe.
Sealed hardwood: safe only when finished with a body-safe, medical-grade sealant. Retire it if the finish wears through.
Natural stone: hard stones such as jade or obsidian can be suitable, but some stones are porous or fragile, so buy from a seller who can explain exactly what the stone is.
Material | Feel | Porous? | Can be boiled? | Works with silicone lube? |
100% silicone | Soft to firm, slightly velvety | No | Yes (non-motorised only) | Patch test first |
ABS plastic | Hard, smooth | No | No | Yes |
Borosilicate glass | Hard, glassy | No | Yes, with care | Yes |
Stainless steel | Hard, heavy | No | Yes | Yes |
Glazed ceramic | Hard, smooth | No (if glaze is intact) | Not recommended | Yes |
Materials to avoid (or use with care)
Jelly rubber
Those translucent, wobbly, brightly coloured toys that are suspiciously cheap. "Jelly" is not one material but a catch-all term for soft PVC and rubber mixes, often softened with phthalates. Jelly is highly porous, cannot be sterilised, and tends to turn sticky, cloudy or oily as it degrades. We recommend avoiding it entirely; these are not body-safe sex toys.
Soft PVC and vinyl
PVC is hard by nature, so making it soft and flexible usually means adding plasticisers. Even when labelled phthalate-free, soft PVC is porous. If a toy has a strong chemical smell, a bit like a new shower curtain, that is a warning sign.
Latex and rubber
Natural rubber is porous and a common allergen. If a toy is made from latex, it should say so clearly so people with latex allergies can steer clear.
TPE and TPR ("cyberskin", "realistic skin")
Thermoplastic elastomers are used for lifelike, skin-soft toys and many masturbation sleeves. They are generally phthalate-free, which is better than jelly, but they are porous. That means they can never be fully sterilised.
TPE is not dangerous in itself, but treat it as a "use with care" material:
Keep TPE toys for one person only.
Use a condom over them if sharing, or for anal play.
Wash and dry thoroughly after every use, and replace them once they look worn, sticky or discoloured.
Red flags on a product listing
No material listed at all
Vague terms such as "silicone blend", "silicone-like", "sil-a-gel" or "jelly"
"Medical-grade" with no material named (it is a marketing phrase, not a regulated standard for toys)
A price that seems too good to be true for a silicone toy
A strong chemical smell, or an oily or sticky feel out of the box
How to check the toys you already own
Not sure what is in your bedside drawer? These simple checks will tell you a lot.
Find the label or listing. Check the box, the manufacturer's website or your order confirmation. A reputable brand will name the material clearly.
Use your nose. Body-safe silicone, glass and steel have little to no smell. A strong plastic or chemical odour suggests PVC or jelly.
Look at the surface. Stickiness, an oily film, cloudiness, cracks or a toy that has "sweated" or melted where it touched another toy are all signs of a porous, degrading material.
Feel it. Silicone has a smooth, slightly velvety finish and springs back when squeezed. Jelly feels tacky and wobbly.
When in doubt, replace it. If you cannot confirm what a toy is made of, use it with a condom or retire it.
A word on the "flame test"
You may read online that holding a flame to a toy will reveal whether it is real silicone. We do not recommend it. It is unreliable on finished toys, it can damage the toy, and some plastics give off harmful fumes when heated. Checking the listing and buying from a seller you trust is far safer.
Caring for body-safe toys: lube, cleaning and storage
A body-safe toy stays body-safe only if it is looked after. Here is how.
Choosing the right lube
Lube type | Silicone toys | Glass, steel, ABS | TPE toys | Latex condoms |
Water-based | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Silicone-based | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Oil-based | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Water-based lube is the safe choice for everything. Silicone lube can react with some silicone toys and leave the surface tacky, so test a small dab on the base first and leave it for a few minutes. Oil breaks down latex condoms and porous TPE, so keep it away from both.
Cleaning by material
Silicone (non-motorised): wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap, or boil for 3 minutes to sterilise.
Glass and stainless steel: warm soapy water, or the top rack of the dishwasher without detergent. Avoid sudden temperature changes with glass.
Motorised toys (any material): warm water and unscented soap or a dedicated toy cleaner. Never boil or submerge unless the toy is marked waterproof, and keep charging ports dry.
TPE and other porous materials: warm water and mild soap only, then let it air dry completely before storing.
Clean every toy before its first use and after every use, and make sure it is completely dry before you put it away.
Storing your toys
Store toys separately, ideally in a cotton pouch, away from direct sunlight and heat. Some materials react with each other when they touch, which can leave them sticky or warped. Charging toys should be stored with a little battery left in them if you are not using them for a while.
The Lovebunny Body-Safe Guarantee
Everything in this guide comes down to one simple idea: you should not need a chemistry degree to buy a toy you can trust. So we have done the homework for you.
Our promise on every toy we sell:
Body-safe materials only. Every toy in our collection is made from non-porous, body-safe materials such as 100% silicone, ABS plastic, borosilicate glass or stainless steel, as confirmed by the manufacturer.
No jelly, no soft PVC, no phthalates. We do not stock toys made from jelly rubber or phthalate-softened plastics. Full stop.
The material, named clearly. We are updating every product page to tell you exactly what the toy is made from. No vague "blends", no guesswork.
Honest labelling for porous materials. as part of that project, we are also updating every product page where a product uses TPE or another porous material, such as a masturbation sleeve, to say so plainly and explain how to care for it.
Trusted brands. We work with established manufacturers, including Fun Factory, Satisfyer, Lelo, Lovense, Dame & Vush, who stand behind the quality of their materials.
Our backing. If a toy you buy from us turns out not to be made from the material we described, contact us at hello@lovebunny.uk and we will replace it.
Because intimate products cannot be resold once opened, we cannot accept returns on used toys for hygiene reasons. That is exactly why we work so hard to make sure every toy is right before it reaches you. Faulty items are, of course, covered; If a product is faulty within 30 days you can return the product for a full refund. If a product is faulty within the first 12 months, you can return it for a replacement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the safest material for a sex toy? 100% silicone, borosilicate glass and stainless steel are the safest choices. All three are non-porous, non-toxic and can be cleaned thoroughly.
Are jelly sex toys safe? We do not recommend them. Jelly toys are porous, cannot be sterilised and are often softened with phthalates, chemicals that are restricted in children's toys.
Is TPE body-safe? TPE is usually phthalate-free, but it is porous, so it cannot be fully sterilised. It is fine for single-person use with careful cleaning, or with a condom.
Can I use silicone lube with a silicone toy? We don't receommened it. It can damage some toys. Water-based lube is always safe. If you prefer silicone lube, patch test it on the base of the toy first.
How often should I replace my toys? A well-cared-for silicone, glass or steel toy can last for years. Replace any toy that is cracked, chipped, sticky or discoloured, and replace porous toys more often.
Does "medical-grade" mean a toy is body-safe? Not on its own. It is not a regulated term for adult toys. Look for the actual material named, such as 100% silicone or 316L stainless steel.
Are sex toys regulated in the UK? They must meet general product safety rules, but there are no UK standards specific to the materials used in sex toys. That is why buying from a retailer that checks materials matters.
Pleasure without the worry
The right material makes a toy safer, easier to clean and longer lasting, which means better value and more peace of mind. The short version:
Choose: 100% silicone, ABS, borosilicate glass, stainless steel.
Use with care: TPE and other porous materials.
Avoid: jelly, soft PVC and anything that does not name its material.
At Lovebunny, every toy we sell is chosen with that checklist in mind and backed by our Body-Safe Guarantee. Browse the collection knowing the hard work has already been done, and if you have a question about any product's materials, email us at hello@lovebunny.uk. We are always happy to help.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. If you have allergies, a medical condition, or experience irritation after using a toy, please speak to your GP or a sexual health clinic.
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