"Body-safe" is one of the most useful phrases in a toy listing — and one of the least explained. Here's what it means, why materials matter, and how to look after the most common ones.
What "body-safe" means
A body-safe material is one that's appropriate for contact with sensitive skin and mucous membranes, and that can be cleaned well. In practice that usually means:
- Non-porous — the surface has no tiny holes where bacteria can hide, so it can be cleaned thoroughly.
- Free from questionable softeners — some cheap "jelly" toys historically contained phthalates, plasticisers that made them soft and smelly.
- Stable — the material doesn't break down, go sticky or leach anything over time.
Silicone
Silicone is the gold standard for most toys. It's non-porous, smooth, flexible and warms to body temperature. Look for "medical-grade" or "platinum-cure" silicone where possible.
Care: wash with warm water and mild soap or a toy cleaner, and dry completely. Use a water-based lube — silicone-based lube can bond with silicone toys and leave the surface tacky or damaged.
Examples: the Amour Silicone Dildo and the Halo Silicone Ring Set are both silicone.
Glass
Borosilicate and similar toy-grade glass is completely non-porous, very easy to clean and has a smooth, weighty feel. Glass can be warmed or cooled in water for temperature play.
Care: wash with warm soapy water. Before every use, check carefully for chips or cracks — never use a damaged glass toy. Avoid sudden extreme temperature changes, and store it wrapped so it can't knock against anything.
Example: the Rosé Crystal Glass Plug is made from smooth, non-porous glass.
ABS plastic
ABS is the hard, smooth plastic often used for the body or handle of vibrators. It's non-porous and durable, and it's often combined with silicone where softness matters.
Care: wipe or wash as the manufacturer recommends, keeping charging ports dry. Our Luna wand combines silicone and ABS.
TPR and TPE
Thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) are soft, stretchy materials used for things like rings and sleeves. They're comfortable and affordable, but they're more porous than silicone, so they need a little more care.
Care: clean thoroughly before and after every use and let them dry fully. Because they're harder to sanitise completely, it's sensible to keep TPR toys for one person, or use them with a condom when sharing. The Élan Vibrating Couples' Ring is made from soft, stretchy TPR with an ABS vibration unit.
Metal
Stainless steel and aluminium toys are non-porous, durable and great for temperature play. They're heavier and firmer than other materials. Wash with warm soapy water.
Fabric, rope and leather
Accessories like blindfolds, rope and paddles are used on the outside of the body, so the rules are different. Follow the care instructions: our Silk cotton rope can be hand-washed, the Noir PU leather paddle wipes clean, and the Velour satin mask is soft polyester and elastane.
Materials to be cautious about
- "Jelly" or unlabelled soft plastics — if a soft toy has a strong chemical smell or the material isn't listed, skip it.
- Anything sticky, cracked or discoloured — retire toys that have started to break down.
Quick checklist
- Is the material clearly listed?
- Is it non-porous (silicone, glass, ABS, metal)?
- Do you have a compatible lube? (Water-based is safest with almost everything — see our lube guide.)
- Do you know how to clean it? (See how to clean and store toys.)
Every product in our collection lists its materials and care instructions on its page, so you always know what you're getting.
