Body Safe Material
Not all toys are created equal, and what yours is made from matters more than you might think.
Body Safe Material: A body safe material is any substance used to make sex toys that is non porous, free from harmful chemicals, and unlikely to cause irritation or harm to your body.
Also known as: body-safe, non-toxic material, skin-safe material.
When we talk about body safe materials, we mean things like silicone, stainless steel, glass, and hard ABS plastic. These materials do not absorb bacteria, fluids, or odors the way porous materials do. That makes them much easier to clean properly and far less likely to cause infections or irritation. If you have sensitive skin, starting with a body safe toy can make a real difference to your comfort.
Materials to avoid include jelly rubber, PVC, and anything labeled as a novelty item, as these can contain phthalates and other chemicals that may irritate your skin or disrupt hormones. A good rule of thumb is to check whether a toy has a clear list of materials on its packaging. Reputable brands are usually happy to share exactly what their products are made from. If you are ever unsure, reaching out to the retailer is a perfectly reasonable thing to do.
Types of Body Safe Material
Here are the most common body safe materials you will find in quality sex toys.
- Silicone: A soft, flexible, and non porous material that is easy to clean, long lasting, and one of the most popular choices for body safe toys.
- Stainless Steel: A firm, weighty, and completely non porous metal that can be sterilized fully and is great for temperature play.
- Borosilicate Glass: A smooth, hard, and non porous material that is body safe, easy to clean, and also works well for temperature play.
- Hard ABS Plastic: A rigid, non porous plastic that is free from harmful chemicals and commonly used in vibrators and toy exteriors.
- Aluminum: A lightweight, non porous metal that is body safe and often used in smaller toys and plugs.
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Key things to know
- Non porous materials do not trap bacteria, which means your toy stays cleaner and safer between uses.
- Body safe toys are free from phthalates and other harmful chemicals, so you can use them without worrying about skin irritation or long term health concerns.
- Silicone, glass, and stainless steel can be fully sterilized, which matters especially if you plan to share toys or use them for different kinds of play.
- Checking a toy's listed materials before you buy helps you avoid low quality options that could cause discomfort or infection.
- Pairing a body safe toy with a good cleaner keeps it in the best possible condition and extends its life.
FAQ
How do I know if a toy is body safe?
Look for toys that clearly list their materials as silicone, stainless steel, borosilicate glass, or ABS plastic. Be cautious of any toy labeled only as a novelty item or made from jelly rubber, as these terms can be a sign that the materials have not been properly tested. When in doubt, buy from a trusted retailer who can answer your questions.
Do body safe toys still need to be cleaned?
Absolutely, every toy needs cleaning even if it is made from a body safe material. Non porous materials just make cleaning easier and more effective because bacteria cannot hide inside tiny surface holes. Use a toy cleaner or mild soap and warm water after every single use.
Can I use any lube with a body safe toy?
Not always, and this is an important one to know. Silicone toys should only be used with water based lube, as silicone based lubes can break down the surface of the toy over time. Glass, stainless steel, and ABS plastic are compatible with both water based and silicone based lubes.
How should I store body safe toys?
Keep your toys in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Many toys come with their own storage pouch, which is a great way to stop them picking up dust or touching each other. Storing toys separately also prevents any chance of material reactions between different toy types.
Are body safe toys worth the extra cost?
It really is worth investing in a body safe toy for your health and peace of mind. Cheaper novelty toys may seem like a bargain but they can cause irritation, infections, or worse over time. A well made body safe toy, looked after properly, will also last much longer so it pays for itself.
Where can I find toy cleaners that work with body safe materials?
HotCherry stocks a range of sex toy cleaners designed to work gently and effectively with all body safe materials. A good toy cleaner will remove bacteria without damaging the surface of your toy. Using one regularly is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your toys in great shape.
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