It can be overwhelming to shop for a sex toy, especially for the first time. There are so many different options and products to navigate. One of the first things I think is important to consider when shopping for a new sex toy is the material it is made of. In this guide I’m going to give you the rundown on all the most popular toy materials and tips for buying and using them so you have the best chance of finding the right product for you.
First a little disclaimer:
The following information is based on my research, experience, and knowledge in the sex toy industry. I will always encourage you to do your own research and trust yourself and your body. Be open and curious about what works for you when it comes to adding any toy or product into your intimate experience. All bodies are beautiful and different and have different needs, so if your experience differs from the information I provide below or you try something and it doesn’t work for you, don’t be discouraged try something else.
Toy Materials:
- Silicone
- Glass
- Metal
- Stone
- Plastic ABS Hard Plastic
- Rubber (TPR/TPE)
- Dual Density and Skin Like Strokers
Silicone
The material that is the easiest to recommend is silicone. It is widely used in almost every style of sex toy and is very safe for the body. It is non-porous and easy to clean making it a great choice in material. Silicone has such a wide range of use in sex toys because of its ability to be either very firm and hard or somewhat soft and flexible. All these benefits only apply when the silicone material is actually medical or dental grade silicone. When shopping for silicone products you will see a lot of different products claiming to be made with 100% silicone on the packaging and unfortunately this is simply not true. The toy industry is not very regulated and some toys that are claiming to have 100% silicone could have as little as 10% silicone in them. Don’t be discouraged, I’ll tell you exactly what to look for when searching for a toy that is actually 100% medical/dental grade silicone.
Throughout this section I will say medical grade silicone. The difference between medical grade and dental grade is the use of dyes to color the products. Dental grade silicone uses dyes to color the material while the term medical grade can only technically be applied to products that do not have a color. A lot of products will say medical grade on their packaging when they mean dental grade, but we get it dental grade sounds way less sexy. The dyes used in these products do not change how body safe the product is.
Is it really 100% silicone?
When shopping for silicone toys the first way to spot real silicone is by the look of them. Silicone before it is dyed is cloudy in appearance, which means that any product that is transparent in any way is most likely not made of 100% silicone. In other words products that are 100% dental grade silicone are solid in color. Additionally, silicone toys will not have an odor of any kind or a taste for that matter. If you’re still questioning whether a product you want is really made of 100% silicone I would recommend researching the brand, a lot of brands that make 100% silicone toys are passionate about doing so. Or if you’re in our store ask one of our associates and they will be able to tell you if a product you’re looking at is in fact 100% silicone. Additionally price could also be a telling factor as to how much silicone is in a product. If the price feels too good to be true, it mostly likely is.
Pros & Cons of Silicone Toys:
I have mentioned quite a few pros of using silicone toys already, but I never get tired of mentioning them. Silicone is super body safe and easy to clean. It is non-porous and durable and able to last you quite some time. Silicone comes in a wide range of products and textures. Silicone also conducts vibration really well and is often used with hard ABS plastic which is also a chemically stable material to make vibrating toys.
Another positive is the sheer amount of options that silicone toys provide. Due to the material qualities it is often used in a wide range of moulds and can be made in several different sizes and shapes. The possibilities are simply endless when it comes to the design of silicone toys from life-like shapes to creatures of your imagination, it is easy to find a silicone toy that is visually what you’d like it to be.
Cons of using silicone toys are few. The biggest drawback being that silicone toys can’t be used with silicone lubes. This is a general rule of thumb and although there might be some exceptions to this rule I personally think it is best to approach silicone toys with this understanding. In order to prolong the use and prevent any degradation it is recommended to use water based lubricants on all silicone toys. If you must use a silicone lube you can use a condom on your silicone toy to provide a barrier between the silicone products to prevent degrading the material. The other possible negative is price point. Silicone is a material that is somewhat expensive to begin with so in turn silicone toys can come in at a higher investment compared to other toy materials. This expense in my opinion evens out because silicone toys tend to be very durable and long lasting.
Silicone Toy Tips:
- Water based lubes with silicone toys only.
- Can patch test hybrid lubes.
- Silicone toys should not be stored touching other silicone toys. This can cause the silicone to degrade each other over time.
- Silicone toys can be sterilized in the top wrack of the dishwasher if they are 100% silicone. Or simply with a toy cleaner.
- Be aware that not all silicone marked toys are made of 100% silicone.
Glass
One of the most beautiful options of toy materials in my opinion is glass. Glass toys can often have stunning visual elements with swirls of colorful glass together and smooth curves and shapes. Beyond their stunning appearance, glass as a toy material actually has a lot of benefits. I think some people are wary of glass as a toy material because of the perception that it is fragile or could break, but I think one of the appeals of glass toys is just how strong and hard of a material it is.
Can Glass Toys Break?
This is a question I get often when I’m discussing glass toys with people and it is difficult to answer because yes, glass toys can break but it isn’t common and really what most people want to ask me is if a glass toy can break while being used and that is even less likely to happen no matter how strong your PC muscles are. Rest assured that if your glass toy is going to break it is going to be from a really strong impact not from play.
Glass toys are made of borosilicate glass in a tempering process. This glass type is known for being extremely durable and highly resistant to stress and thermal shock. The tempering that the glass goes through in manufacturing also reinforces the strength of the material. Although it is really strong, glass toys can still break if they are dropped or thrown against a hard surface or mistreated in some other way. Due to the manufacturing process it is likely they will break cleaning apart rather than shattering though, which I find comforting.
Pros & Cons of Glass Toys:
The greatest benefit of glass as a toy material is that glass is non-porous. This means that you can use whatever kind of lube you prefer without concern of it damaging or degrading your toy. It also means that it is very easy to clean and keep clean for a long period of time. Some materials need to be replaced after frequent use because the material itself can absorb bacteria and break down over time, but glass is not like that. It can be sterilized and even cleaned in your dishwasher for a really thorough clean.
Another possible pro to trying a glass toy is the difference of sensation it provides compared to other types of materials. Glass is very stiff and hard in a way that only glass toys really provide. Depending on the style of toy it can have many ridges that can provide stimulation or be incredibly smooth and gentle. Glass doesn’t have a give to it like other materials so ridges and bumps can provide a more intense stimulation than on softer material toys. This lack of give also contributes to how the size of the toys feels internally. I recommend starting a size or two smaller than you would usually to give yourself the best possible experience to start. On top of that glass is a really great conductor of temperature. Glass toys can be easily cooled in a bowl of ice water or heated up using a heating pad or a bowl of warm water. I don’t recommend microwaving your glass toys to heat them because they can get too hot and heat unevenly, similarly I don’t recommend freezing them. Whether you already love temperature play or are interested in trying it, glass toys can’t go unmentioned as a perfect tool to deliver some chilling and heated experiences.
Glass toys pricing comes in right in the middle of prices, not the cheapest but also not the most expensive. In my opinion they are worth the investment because they are so durable. As I explained above they are not easy to break, but they can break if not stored correctly or dropped too many times. One of the benefits I listed above is the hardness of glass as a material, but for some this can also be a drawback. Even more so than other products I recommend going slow the first time using a glass toy because of how hard the material is, rushing into insertion and missing the mark could be quite a painful experience.
Glass Toy Tips:
- Can be used with all silicone, water, and hybrid based lubes.
- Be considerate of size and textures on glass toys! Glass is a very hard material with no give which means the textures will be more intense and the size will be true. I recommend sizing down to begin with for a better first experience.
- Glass toys make great anal toys as long as they have a good base.
- Glass toys can be sterilized in the top rack of the dishwasher or cleaned with toy cleaner. Some glass toys are made with small intricate ridges, make sure they get cleaned well between each use.
- Heat up your glass toy using a bowl of warm water or cool it down with a bowl of ice water to create fun temperature play.
- Keep them clean and display them with your china like the fine art they are.
Metal
Although it is not as common as glass, metal is a toy material that has great benefits. The metal material used in toys and kink products is referred to as surgical steel or stainless steel. It is the same material used in medical applications and piercing studios. For those who love glass toys I would recommend trying metal toys for a similar experience but with sensations only metal can provide.
Metal is used widely in different kinds of adult products especially in kink products. Although I’m providing this information as it applies to metal toys used for penetration, as a material the following information does apply to any products that are made with surgical steel. I would advise that some kink products are sometimes made with metal in addition to other materials, please keep that in consideration for cleaning and safe use.
Pros & Cons of Metal Toys:
Metal is very similar to glass in its benefits. It is a non-porous material that will not hold onto bacteria. It is super easy to clean and sterilize and can be used with all types of lubes. In a way I would describe metal toys as an advanced version of glass toys. If you enjoy glass toys, you will most likely enjoy metal toys. What is so advanced about metal? It is a little bit hard to describe but everything there is to enjoy in glass toys is just taken up a little bit in metal toys. Changing the temperature of a metal toy is easier and faster than glass toys and lasts longer. The hardness of metal is comparable to glass but the weight of the toy is much heavier which creates a different experience itself. It is impactful and leaves a strong impression.
Metal toys are also incredibly durable, as you would expect of something made of metal. They are often made in a sleek and attractive design that reminds me of modern art sculptures. Just like glass, be considerate of the size and shape of metal toys because this material has no give to it. I suggest sizing down to begin with to ensure a better first experience. If you enjoy medical themed role playing a metal toy could be a great asset to add into your scenes.
Cons of metal toys is that they tend to be expensive, and for good reason due to how durable and lasting they are made to be. It is an investment I think is worthwhile if you think you will enjoy the sensations provided. The benefit of how hard and heavy metal toys are can also be a drawback for some. Similar to glass products I recommend going slow the first time using a metal toy because of how hard the material is, rushing into insertion and missing the mark could be quite a painful experience.
Metal Toys Tips:
- Can be used with all silicone, water, and hybrid based lubes.
- Metal is a very hard material with very little give, be considerate of this when picking the size of an internal toy. I recommend sizing down to begin with.
- Metal toys can be sterilized in the top rack of the dishwasher or cleaned with toy cleaner.
- Heat up your metal toy using a bowl of warm water or cool it down with a bowl of ice water to create fun temperature play.
- Display it like an art piece on your night stand.
Stone
Stone or crystal sex toys can be similar to glass and metal in some ways but are also complex in the way that the quality of stone used in the product is largely up to the brand to disclose and consumers to vet. Crystal toys have become popular recently with people who want to connect with the metaphysical properties of the crystals used to make them, which we won’t get into here because this is about the quality of the material.
I found a lot of discourse in my research of opposing perspectives on whether stone is considered non-porous or porous. Here’s what I gathered from both sides. There are types of stone that are considered porous, but they are not usually the type of crystals used to make adult products. Most stone toys are made of amethyst, quartz, jade, and obsidian. In my research these are considered rather durable and non-porous. However, another perspective has to do with the texture or treatment that the stone goes through and whether that impacts the integrity of the stone making it harder to clean. This texture or fractures could trap bacteria similar to porous materials. I couldn’t find enough evidence on either side to say definitively that stone is non-porous in the same way that glass is nor that it is as porous as rubber is, so I would treat your stone toys with extra care and clean them right after use. I would also recommend looking into the specific type of stone that is being used and use your best judgement.
Pros & Cons of Stone Toys:
Stone can be used with all the different kinds of lubes. They are easy to clean and beautiful to own. I would place most stone toys in between glass toys and metal toys for sensation and weight. The strength and weight of them being in a class of their own and worth a try if you like glass or metal toys. Just like glass and metal, be considerate of the size and shape of stone toys because the material has very little give to it. I suggest sizing down to begin with to ensure a pleasurable first experience.
They also work great for temperature play if you want to heat them up or cool them down, with similar lasting temperatures as glass toys. I think a stone toy makes a wonderful anniversary gift. It’s beautiful and a unique experience. If you’re interested in the metaphysical properties of crystals you can also choose stones that relate to your intentions. Or if you practice sex magic a stone toy could be the perfect way to enhance your rituals.
Cons of stone toys are that they are a little less durable than glass and metal and the porousness is not so clear cut. They tend to be expensive, both because they can last a long time and because the materials are expensive to begin with. It can be complicated to make sure you’re getting genuine stone in the products. If you’re worried at all that the stone toy you have or want isn’t of the best material and might be porous you can still use it with a condom over the product to provide yourself extra protection.
Stone Toys Tips:
- Can be used with all silicone, water, and hybrid based lubes.
- Stone is a very hard material with very little give, be considerate of this when picking the size of an internal toy. I recommend sizing down to begin with.
- Stone toys should be cleaned with a toy cleaner.
- Heat up your stone toy using a bowl of warm water or cool it down with a bowl of ice water to create fun temperature play.
- Check stone toys for chips or scratches before each use and store and handle with care.
ABS Hard Plastic
ABS hard plastic is one of the most common and affordable materials used in adult toys. The use of hard plastic in adult toys ranges from high end toys to beginner friendly toys, making this material very versatile and common to find. Investing in a mid range or high end toy that is made of ABS plastic can be a great way to get a quality vibrating motor at an easier price point. ABS plastic does contain phthalates and is considered body safe and used in a lot of industries including food processing.
Pros & Cons of Plastic Toys:
In general ABS hard plastic is considered to be non-porous meaning it won’t hold on to bacteria and can be cleaned really easily. It is important to remember that this only applies to products made with only ABS plastic and that have the proper coating, which can sometimes be hard to discern. Being porous and non-porous isn’t as clear cut as I make it seem in this article and I would consider plastic toys to be non-porous but I wouldn’t consider them to be as durable or long lasting as other non-porous materials like silicone and glass, due to the brittle nature of the material. I would always take the time to check your toys for any unusual wear and tear before each use.
In addition to being a very easy to use material, plastic is also very affordable. The most popular hard ABS plastic toys tend to be beginner vibes and bullet vibrators that are quite affordable for first timers. These introductory products are a great way to test out different styles of toys while also keeping in mind that both the plastic they are made of and the motors inside are not meant to last a very long time.
In all honesty there are not many drawbacks to hard plastic toys other than they are hard and brittle meaning they could chip or break if you’re not careful. I feel like the strongest drawback has little to do with the plastic itself and more to do with the fact that the toys made with plastic can sometimes be cheap in their making and more likely to break. However, this isn’t the case with all plastic toys and some high end vibrating toys will also utilize plastic to cut down the cost for the motors used inside the product.
Plastic Toys Tips
- Can be used with all silicone, water, and hybrid based lubes.
- Plastic is smooth and hard and won’t have as much give as silicone but won’t be as rigid as metal or glass toys.
- Plastic toys should be cleaned with a toy cleaner.
- Plastic toys can be stored with other plastic toys without issue.
Rubber Toys
Rubber toys are most notable for being brightly colored transparent products. They are soft and flexible and usually made of a blend of rubber and plastics known as TPR/TPE (thermoplastic rubber/thermoplastic elastomer). Sometimes referred to as jelly toys or jellies they are widely used in a variety of different styles of sex toys. It is really hard to pin down exactly what rubber toys are made of because companies are not required to disclose their recipes and many do not want to admit that their toy has phthalates in them. Due to the nature of this material I recommend using rubber products with a condom to help extend their lifespan and protect yourself from any potentially irritations from the material.
Pros & Cons of Rubber Toys:
The most sought after feature of rubber toys is how soft and flexible they are. Toys made from jelly rubber also tend to be inexpensive to make and therefore inexpensive to buy. They can be a great way to test out what size of toy works best for you before investing in a more body safe product. Rubber toys can also be great for those who like to play with larger than life size toys, in which rubber toys tend to be much more affordable and available than other materials. I recommend using a condom on all internal toys that are made of rubber. Jelly toys provide a unique experience for those looking for a toy that is flexible and bouncy.
Drawbacks of rubber toys would be that they are made of a porous material making them incredibly hard to clean and maintain cleanliness. The nature of the material means that overtime they will start to degrade on their own with use, sometimes flaking, peeling or becoming sticky. Rubber as a material is also not very durable overall and could tear or rip if not handled with care. To accommodate these drawbacks I have few recommendations. Cover your rubber toys with a condom to prolong their lifespan. Do not share rubber toys between partners unless they’ve been covered with a condom. Clean with toy cleaner and let dry completely before storing and don’t store touching other toys. If you love rubber toys I would plan to replace them as frequently as needed when you see any signs of them changing structurally.
Although rubber jelly toys provide a unique soft, perhaps less intimidating, experience I actually wouldn’t recommend jelly toys as a beginner toy. Not because they are bad products I just feel there are safer options for first time experiences. Some deterring features of rubber toys would be the smell of them. They tend to smell like rubber and plastic and taste like it as well.
Rubber Toys Tips:
- Water based lube is the only lube recommended to use with rubber toys.
- Cover rubber toys with a condom for longer lasting use and a more body safe experience.
- Clean with soap and water or toy cleaner and let dry before storing.
- Do not store rubber toys on top of or touching other toys.
- Do not share rubber toys between partners.
- Dispose and replace any products that are beginning to flake or peel.
Dual Density & Skin Like Strokers
Dual density toys (sometimes called Cyberskin) are products that have a strong core usually made of silicone covered with a soft life-like external material. This external part of the toy is usually made of some kind of proprietary polymer blend that is meant to feel like real skin. These products are super interesting and unique in the way that they feel soft and flexible but retain shape and stiffness better than rubber toys. The outer material is a porous material though and suffers from the same drawbacks as rubber toys do above. I would recommend reading the care tips of any dual density product you’re interested in and purchase a non-talc powder to maintain the skin like feel. I would also recommend using a condom on dual density toys to help them last longer and keep your body safe from undisclosed phthalates.
Skin like strokers are strokers that are made of polymer blends that feel like skin. Much like fleshlights which are made from “mineral based patented polymer” there isn’t much that we know about exactly what is in this material. However, with proper care and cleaning they can be great in their life-like qualities and softness.
Pros & Cons of Life-like Toys:
As mentioned above the biggest pro of these kinds of products is how realistic they feel. If what you are seeking is something that is closer to a skin on skin experience these are the products you’re looking for. They range in price with something available in most budgets, especially in the life-like strokers.
The cons of life-like toys is simply how hard it is to care for them. They are porous and not very durable. In general I would anticipate replacing life-like toys much more often than any other material of sex toys, both because they degrade and for cleanliness. Utilizing a condom with these products can extend their use and protect you in the process. Also using a powder on them after cleaning will help to keep them feeling new and skin like for longer.
Dual Density & Skin Like Strokers Tips:
- Water based lube is the only lube recommended to use with these toys.
- Cover toys with a condom for longer lasting use and a more body safe experience.
- Clean with soap and water or toy cleaner
- Use a non-talc powder to refresh skin like texture and dry toy completely
- Do not store these toys on top of or touching other toys.
- Dispose and replace any products frequently
