Sex toys come in a wide variety of materials, and the choice really matters — both for safety and pleasure. The most common materials include silicone, glass, plastic, jelly rubber, and metal. Some are safe and long-lasting; others, not so much. Here’s what you should know.

Silicone

Silicone is one of the most popular and body-safe materials on the market. At TNLC, we exclusively use sanitary-grade silicone that feels soft, smooth, and luxurious. It’s non-porous, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean, making it ideal for everything from vibrators to dildos and cock rings. Paired with a little water-based lube (our own Simply Lube is perfect here), silicone toys deliver safe, reliable pleasure every time.

Glass

Glass toys are made from specially hardened borosilicate glass — durable, non-porous, and shatter-resistant. They’re perfect for temperature play, easy to clean, and undeniably beautiful. You can learn more about their unique qualities in our post Are Glass Dildos Safe?

Plastic

ABS plastic (commonly used in bullet vibrators or toy handles) is body-safe and non-porous, making it a reliable choice. Just keep in mind that cheaper, porous plastics are best avoided, as they’re trickier to keep hygienic.

Jelly Rubber

Often flexible and inexpensive — but porous, hard to clean, and sometimes containing questionable chemicals. Jelly rubber toys can’t be properly sterilised, which makes them less than ideal. You won’t find any jelly rubber here at TNLC.

Metal

Stainless steel and aluminium toys are body-safe, non-porous, and offer a uniquely weighty, smooth sensation. They can also retain temperature, making them excellent for hot-cold play. Built to last, these are the heavy hitters of the toy world (literally).

Choosing Body-Safe Toys

For peace of mind, stick to materials that are non-porous, phthalate-free, body-safe, and easy to clean — like silicone, glass, ABS plastic, or metal. To keep your toys in tip-top condition, always pair them with water-based lubricant (like Simply Lube) and clean with a gentle, effective cleaner (Simply Toy Cleaner works with every material we’ve listed).

At The Natural Love Company, every toy is made with safe materials, delivered in plastic-free packaging, and backed by our 365-Day Satisfaction Promise.

Want to explore further? Check out Glass vs. Silicone: Which Makes for a Superior Sex Toy? for a side-by-side look at two of the best materials in the game.