What is ABS Plastic?
ABS Plastic: ABS plastic is a rigid, non porous thermoplastic used to make the hard shells, handles, and casings of many sex toys, including vibrators, bullet vibes, and toy wands.
Also known as: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Hard plastic toy material.
ABS plastic shows up in a lot of the toy box without most people noticing it by name. It is the hard, smooth, often glossy material you find in vibrator bodies, bullet vibes, remote control casings, and the rigid cores hiding under a softer silicone sleeve. If you have ever picked up a toy that felt slick, cool, and a little bit like a game controller, there is a good chance you were holding ABS plastic.
This entry is about ABS plastic as a sex toy material, not the ABS plastic used in kitchen gadgets or car parts, though it is chemically the same stuff. We will cover what it is, how body safe it really is, how to clean it properly, and how it compares to silicone, since the two get mixed up all the time.
What Is ABS Plastic Used for in Sex Toys
ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, which is a mouthful, so most toy descriptions just call it ABS plastic or hard plastic. It is a thermoplastic, meaning it can be melted and molded into shape, then it sets hard and keeps that shape well. Toy makers like it because it is strong, lightweight, and holds fine detail, which is why you see it in textured vibrator shells and precisely shaped handles.
You will most often meet ABS plastic as the rigid core inside a bullet vibe or wand, sometimes wrapped in a thin layer of silicone for a softer feel against skin. It also shows up as the full outer shell of basic vibrators, remote controls, charging docks, and toy storage cases. If a toy feels hard and glossy rather than soft and squishy, you are probably touching ABS plastic or a close cousin like polycarbonate.
Is ABS Plastic Body Safe
Medical grade and cosmetic grade ABS plastic is generally considered body safe when it is used as intended, meaning the parts that actually touch skin or go near the body. It is non porous, which matters a lot. A non porous surface does not have tiny gaps where bacteria, lube residue, or moisture can hide, so it is much easier to clean thoroughly compared to porous jelly or rubber materials.
ABS plastic is also free of phthalates when it is manufactured properly, since phthalates are plasticizers used to soften plastic, and ABS does not need them to stay rigid. That said, body safety always depends on the specific manufacturer doing it right, so buying from a retailer that is upfront about materials matters more than the material name alone. If you have sensitive skin or known allergies, it is worth checking with a doctor or allergist before trying any new toy material, especially one with any added coating or paint.
How to Clean an ABS Plastic Toy
Because ABS plastic is non porous, cleaning it is pretty straightforward. Warm water and a mild, unscented soap are usually enough for the hard plastic parts of a toy. A dedicated sex toy cleaner is a gentle, no fuss option too, especially if you want something formulated specifically for toy materials rather than a general household soap.
If your toy has electronic parts, buttons, or a charging port, check the manufacturer's waterproof rating before you rinse it under running water or submerge it. Many ABS plastic vibrators are only splash proof, not fully submersible, so dunking one that is not rated for it can damage the motor permanently. Never charge a toy while it is wet, and never use it while it is plugged in and charging, since that combination is a damage and safety concern regardless of material.
Let the toy air dry completely before you store it, since trapped moisture near seams or buttons can cause problems over time even on non porous plastic. Store it somewhere clean and dry, ideally in a soft pouch or its original box, away from other toys that might scratch the glossy finish. Small scratches are mostly cosmetic on ABS plastic, but keep an eye out for cracks, since a cracked shell can create a hiding spot for bacteria.
What Lube Works Best With ABS Plastic Toys
Water based lube is the safe, go to choice for any toy, including ones made from ABS plastic, and it is compatible with every other toy material too, so it is the easiest default if you own more than one type of toy. Silicone lube is generally fine to use on the hard plastic shell of an ABS toy, since silicone lube mainly causes problems with silicone toy surfaces, not rigid plastic ones. The tricky part is that many ABS toys have a silicone sleeve or silicone buttons somewhere on them, so check the full product description rather than assuming the whole toy is plain hard plastic.
When in doubt, water based lube avoids the guesswork entirely. It will not degrade silicone, ABS plastic, or most other toy materials, and it cleans up easily with water. Always follow the specific lube guidance the toy manufacturer provides, since blended materials and coatings can change what is safe.
ABS Plastic vs Silicone: Quick Comparison
| ABS Plastic | Silicone | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Hard, firm, glossy | Soft, squishy, matte or satin |
| Porosity | Non porous | Non porous when medical grade or platinum cured |
| Flexibility | Rigid, keeps its shape | Flexible, bends and compresses |
| Lube compatibility | Water based or silicone lube is generally fine | Water based lube only, silicone lube can damage it |
| Common toy parts | Vibrator shells, bullet cores, handles, remotes | Insertable surfaces, sleeves, toy exteriors |
| Cleaning | Wipe or rinse, check waterproof rating first | Usually easy to clean, many are boilable if solid silicone |
Types of ABS Plastic
ABS plastic turns up in several familiar toy parts, even when the whole toy is not made from it.
- Bullet vibe shells: The small rigid casing that houses the motor and battery in bullet and mini vibrators.
- Vibrator handles and bases: The hard gripping section of a vibrator, often paired with a softer silicone tip.
- Remote controls: The handheld unit used to operate wireless or app connected toys.
- Charging docks and cases: The non insertable accessories that hold or charge a toy between uses.
- Toy storage cases: Hard shell boxes or pouches that protect toys from dust and scratches in storage.
Key Things to Know
- ABS plastic is non porous, which makes it much easier to clean thoroughly than porous materials like jelly rubber.
- It is rigid rather than flexible, so it is used for toy shells, handles, and bullet cores rather than soft insertable surfaces.
- Medical grade ABS plastic is phthalate free when made correctly, which matters for anyone concerned about chemical additives.
- Water based lube is always a safe choice on ABS plastic, while silicone lube is fine on the plastic itself but risky near any silicone parts on the same toy.
- Checking the manufacturer's waterproof rating before rinsing an ABS plastic toy protects the internal electronics from water damage.
FAQ
Is ABS plastic safe to use on skin?
Medical grade and cosmetic grade ABS plastic used in reputable sex toys is generally considered body safe, since it is non porous and free of phthalates when manufactured correctly. Safety still depends on the specific brand following good manufacturing practices, so it helps to buy from a retailer that is clear about the materials used. If you have sensitive skin or a known allergy, it is a good idea to check with a doctor before trying a new material.
Can I boil an ABS plastic toy to sanitize it?
No, you should not boil ABS plastic toys, since high heat can warp or melt the plastic and damage any internal electronics. Boiling is generally only suitable for solid silicone toys without motors, and only when the manufacturer confirms it is safe. For ABS plastic parts, warm water with mild soap or a dedicated sex toy cleaner is the better approach.
Why do some toys mix ABS plastic with silicone?
Combining a rigid ABS plastic core with a softer silicone outer layer gives a toy structure and a comfortable feel at the same time. The hard plastic holds the motor steady and transmits vibration efficiently, while the silicone layer softens the contact against skin. This blend is common in bullet vibes, wand attachments, and many beginner friendly vibrators.
How do I know if my toy is made of ABS plastic?
Check the product listing or packaging first, since reputable sellers list the materials used for each part of the toy. If that information is not available, a hard, glossy, rigid surface that feels more like a hard plastic phone case than squishy rubber is a strong clue you are dealing with ABS plastic or a similar hard plastic. When you are unsure, treating the toy with water based lube and gentle, non abrasive cleaning keeps you safe regardless of the exact plastic type.
Does ABS plastic wear out or degrade over time?
ABS plastic is quite durable and resists everyday wear well, but it can develop small scratches or stress cracks over time, especially if it is dropped or stored carelessly with other hard objects. A scratch is mostly cosmetic, but a crack can create a spot where moisture and bacteria collect, so it is worth retiring a toy once you notice cracking. Gentle handling, proper drying, and soft storage help any ABS plastic toy last longer.
Related Terms
Sources
- WebMD: “hard, nonporous plastics like acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and Lucite”
- Planned Parenthood: “Water-based lube is a safe bet to use with any sex toy (and any condom)”
- Healthline: “Most of these toys are water-resistant, not water-proof”
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