Material is one of the most important details to check when choosing an adult toy, yet it’s often the one people look at last. The material affects how a toy feels, how long it lasts, how it should be cleaned and which lubricants and accessories can be used with it. A product photo can’t tell you any of this. Two toys that look identical in a picture may be made from completely different materials and need completely different care. This guide explains the common materials used in adult toys, how they differ and what to check in a product listing before you buy.
If you’re shopping for the first time, our
beginner’s guide to buying your first sex toy covers toy types, features and care alongside materials.
Look for specific information
The most useful thing a product listing can tell you is exactly what the toy is made from. A clear material name, such as “silicone”, “ABS plastic”, “borosilicate glass” or “stainless steel”, lets you understand how the toy will feel, how to look after it and which lube to pair with it. Where a toy has more than one part, such as a silicone body with a plastic control panel, a good listing will tell you that too.
Be careful with descriptions that focus on how a toy feels rather than what it’s made of. Phrases like “soft-touch”, “skin-like”, “real-feel” or “premium material” describe an experience, not a material, and they don’t tell you how the toy should be cleaned or stored. Similarly, “body safe” is a helpful starting point, but it isn’t a substitute for a named material and clear care instructions.
If a listing doesn’t answer your questions, ask before you order. You’re entitled to know what you’re buying, and a good retailer will be happy to check the details with the manufacturer. If you have a known sensitivity or allergy, such as to latex or nickel, check the material carefully, and speak with a qualified health professional if you need personal advice.
Porous and non-porous materials
Adult toy materials generally fall into two groups, and understanding the difference makes everything else easier.
Non-porous materials have a smooth, sealed surface. Lube, bodily fluids and bacteria sit on the surface and wash away when the toy is cleaned. These materials are easy to keep hygienic, tend to last a long time and, when cleaned properly, can usually be shared between partners.
Porous materials have tiny openings in their surface that can’t be seen with the naked eye. They’re often softer, stretchier and more lifelike, which is why they’re popular for strokers and realistic toys. Because residue can settle into those openings, porous toys need more thorough cleaning and complete drying, and they’re best kept for one person. If a porous toy is shared, use a condom over it each time.
Common adult toy materials
| Material | Porous? | Feel | Commonly used for |
|---|
| Silicone | No | Smooth, from soft to firm | Vibrators, plugs, dildos, cock rings |
| ABS plastic | No | Hard and smooth | Bullets, wands, vibrator casings |
| Glass | No | Hard, smooth and weighty | Dildos, plugs |
| Stainless steel and metal | No | Hard, smooth and heavy | Plugs, dildos, rings |
| TPE and TPR | Yes | Very soft and stretchy | Strokers, realistic toys |
| Jelly and PVC | Yes | Soft and rubbery | Budget toys |
| Latex | Yes | Soft and stretchy | Some sleeves and novelty items |
Silicone
Silicone is the most widely used material for modern adult toys. It’s non-porous, durable and comfortable, it warms quickly to body temperature, and it can be made in almost any texture, from very soft and flexible to firm. You’ll find it in most vibrators, butt plugs, dildos and cock rings. Look for listings that say “100% silicone”. Terms like “silicone blend” or “silicone-like” usually mean the toy contains other materials and may need different care.
ABS plastic
ABS is a hard, smooth, non-porous plastic. It’s commonly used for bullet vibrators, wands and the outer casings of many motorised toys. It’s lightweight, easy to wipe clean and compatible with every type of lubricant. Because it’s rigid, it’s best suited to external toys and simple insertable shapes.
Glass
Glass toys are usually made from strong borosilicate glass. They’re non-porous, very easy to clean and have a smooth glide that many people love. Glass can also be gently warmed or cooled for temperature play. Avoid sudden extreme temperature changes, and check the toy for chips or cracks before every use. Browse our
glass toys and
glass dildos.
Stainless steel and metal
Body-safe metals such as stainless steel are non-porous, extremely durable and easy to clean. Their weight gives a distinctive, full sensation, especially in plugs, and like glass, they hold temperature well. If you have a nickel allergy, check the product details before buying. Explore our
metal toys.
TPE and TPR
Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and thermoplastic rubber (TPR) are soft, stretchy and lifelike, which makes them popular for
strokers and masturbators and realistic toys. They’re porous, so wash them thoroughly after each use and let them dry completely, inside and out, before storing them. Use water-based lube only, as other formulas can damage the surface.
Jelly, PVC and latex
Jelly and PVC toys are soft, flexible and often very affordable. Latex is soft and stretchy, but it’s a common allergen. All three are porous, so they need careful cleaning and are best used with a condom if shared. Some people prefer to choose phthalate-free materials, so check the listing if this is important to you.
Match care to the material
Every material has its own care needs, so always start with the instructions that come with your toy. As a general guide, non-porous toys made from silicone, ABS, glass or metal can be washed with warm water and a mild, unscented soap, or a dedicated
toy cleaner. Porous toys need a more thorough wash and a longer drying time. Never assume every toy can be boiled, soaked or put in the dishwasher. Some can, many can’t, and motorised toys almost never can.
If a toy has a motor, battery or charging port, follow the manufacturer’s directions on water exposure exactly. A toy described as splashproof can be rinsed but shouldn’t be submerged, while a fully waterproof toy can usually be washed under running water.
Store your toys clean and completely dry, in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Some soft materials can react with each other when they touch, so keep porous toys separate from each other and from silicone toys. A pouch or one of our
storage options keeps everything clean, separated and private. Check your toys from time to time, and stop using any toy that becomes sticky, cracked, discoloured or damaged.
Check lubricant compatibility
Lube and toy materials need to be compatible, or the lube can damage the toy’s surface. The simplest rule is that
water-based lube is compatible with every toy material, which makes it the safest choice when you’re unsure.
Silicone-based lube is long-lasting and great for water play, but it isn’t recommended with silicone toys, as it can affect their surface over time. It’s fine with glass, metal and ABS. Oil-based products are best avoided with soft and porous toys, and they shouldn’t be used with latex condoms. When a toy’s instructions recommend a particular lube type, follow them. Our
lube guide explains every lube type in detail.
Compare before checkout
Before you add a toy to your cart, read the full listing for its material, size, intended use, power source, included accessories and care instructions. Compare toys on the same details rather than on photos or names alone, and don’t let colour, softness or price be your guide to what a toy is made from.
If a listing leaves you unsure, ask us. We’ll check the specifications with the manufacturer where we can. Clear material information helps you understand how a toy will feel, how to care for it and whether it’s the right choice for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best material for an adult toy?
It depends on your preferences, but non-porous materials such as silicone, ABS, glass and stainless steel are popular because they’re durable and easy to keep clean. Silicone is the most common choice for quality vibrators and plugs.
What’s the difference between porous and non-porous toys?
Non-porous toys have a sealed surface that cleans easily and can be shared when cleaned properly. Porous toys have tiny surface openings that can hold onto residue, so they need more thorough cleaning and are best used by one person or with a condom.
Which lube should I use with a silicone toy?
Use a water-based lube. Silicone-based lube can damage the surface of silicone toys over time.
How do I know what my toy is made from?
Check the product listing, packaging or instructions for a named material. If it isn’t listed, contact the retailer or manufacturer before using the toy with a new lube or cleaner.
Ready to compare? Browse our full range of
adult toys, or see how materials vary across styles in our guide to the
types of vibrators.
