You don't just buy a dildo based on its shape, size, or appearance. The material largely determines how safe, hygienic, and comfortable a toy is to use. That's precisely why it's smart to know which body-safe dildo materials are suitable for direct contact with skin and mucous membranes, and which materials you should avoid. Consider differences in porosity, cleaning, durability, and the risk of irritation.
In this guide, you'll learn which materials are generally considered body-safe, how to recognize less safe options, and what to look for if you want to buy a dildo that feels good and is safe to use.
What body-safe dildo materials must meet
When people search for body-safe dildo materials, they usually mean more than just "soft" or "pleasant to use." A material is only truly a good choice if it meets a few important conditions. The most important are non-porosity, stability, and a composition that doesn't raise clear red flags for use on intimate areas.
Non-porous materials have a closed surface. This means moisture, bacteria, and lubricant residues are less likely to penetrate the material. This makes cleaning easier and more hygienic. It's also important that a material remains stable during normal use. A dildo should not become sticky, develop a strong odor, exude oil, or visibly degrade.
Good body-safe materials usually feel smooth and consistent, without a chemical smell or sticky top layer. This doesn't mean every luxury toy is automatically safe, but it does mean that these kinds of signals help in making better choices.
The difference between porous and non-porous materials
The distinction between porous and non-porous materials is one of the most important aspects of dildo safety. Porous materials contain microscopic openings where moisture, bacteria, and dirt can linger. Even if you clean a toy after use, it can be harder to keep it truly hygienic.
Non-porous materials, on the other hand, have a closed surface. This makes them easier to clean and more suitable for repeated use. For dildos used internally, this is a major advantage, especially if you are prone to irritation, frequently experience an imbalance in your vaginal flora, or want to keep your toy extra thoroughly clean.
Porous doesn't automatically mean a toy is immediately unsafe with a single use, but it does mean that the material is generally less hygienic and less durable in practice. For long-term and worry-free use, non-porous materials are therefore usually clearly preferred.
Best body-safe materials for dildos
Silicone dildos
Silicone is often considered the best choice when looking for a body-safe dildo. This is because quality silicone is soft, flexible, non-porous, and pleasant on the skin. They feel comfortable, warm up relatively quickly to body temperature, and are available in many shapes and hardnesses. As a result, silicone dildos are popular with both beginners and experienced users.
A major advantage of silicone is that the material is easy to clean. For normal use, cleaning with lukewarm water and a mild toy cleaner or unscented soap is sufficient, provided the product is suitable for it. However, be aware of an important practical point: it's better to use water-based lubricant if you're not sure how the silicone surface reacts to silicone lubricant. Optionally, choose a Toy Cleaner for safe maintenance.
Not everything sold as "silicone" is automatically 100% silicone. Some cheaper toys use a mix or an outer layer with other additives. Therefore, always check the product information and pay attention to signals such as a strong chemical smell, stickiness, or vague material claims.
Glass dildos
Glass is an excellent body-safe dildo material, as long as it is sturdy safety glass such as borosilicate glass. This material is non-porous, smooth, and very easy to clean. This makes a glass dildo a hygienic choice for anyone who wants a toy that is durable and easy to maintain.
A glass dildo also offers a unique user experience. The material is hard and smooth, which some people find extra pleasant. Additionally, glass is suitable for temperature play. You can carefully warm or cool the material for added sensation, provided you always safely test the temperature before using the toy.
Always check glass dildos for damage. If you see a chip, crack, or sharp edge, do not use the toy. Undamaged, good-quality glass is one of the most reliable choices among body-safe sex toys. If you want to view the current selection, you can also browse our range of glass dildos.
Metal dildos
Metal dildos, often made of stainless steel, are known for their durability and hygienic properties. Like glass, metal is non-porous and therefore easy to clean thoroughly. The material feels sturdy and heavy, which many users find intense and luxurious.
Stainless steel is particularly interesting if you appreciate precise pressure, a smooth finish, and temperature play. Metal can retain heat and cold well, allowing for a wide range of sensations. The material is also compatible with various types of lubricants.
However, metal is clearly less forgiving than silicone. If you're new to dildos or prefer a softer feel, silicone might be more comfortable. If you're looking for a body-safe material that lasts a long time and is very easy to keep clean, then metal is a strong option. Undecided between materials? Read Silicone vs glass vs metal: dildo materials compared.
ABS plastic
ABS plastic is a hard, smooth plastic often used in sex toys. With a well-finished product, ABS can be an excellent body-safe material, especially when the surface is completely smooth and non-porous. It is odorless, sturdy, and usually easy to clean.
ABS feels harder than silicone and has less flexibility. This makes it suitable for those seeking a firm toy but less ideal if softness or yielding comfort is important to you. You see ABS less often in dildos than silicone, glass, or metal, but it does occur.
For plastic, pay extra attention to finish and origin. A smooth, decent toy of clear quality is very different from cheap plastic with an unclear composition. When in doubt, silicone or glass is often the safer and more transparent choice.
Ceramic and coated materials
Ceramics can be body-safe if properly glazed and professionally finished. The protective layer must be completely closed, smooth, and undamaged. In that case, the surface is non-porous and easy to clean. Ceramic can also be interesting for temperature play and usually feels sturdy and luxurious.
With coated materials, an additional point of attention applies: safety depends not only on the base but especially on the quality of the finish. As soon as a coating is damaged, peels, or becomes rough, the toy is no longer reliable for intimate use. Therefore, inspect these types of materials regularly.
Materials you should avoid
Jelly, PVC, and soft gel materials
Jelly, PVC, and similar soft gel-like materials have been mentioned for years in discussions about safe sex toys. The reason is simple: these materials are often porous, can shed strongly, and are known to degrade more quickly. In practice, you might notice this from a chemical smell, a sticky surface, or an oily layer appearing on the toy.
With these types of materials, there is also often a risk of unwanted plasticizers, including phthalates. Not every product automatically contains the same substances, but precisely the ambiguity surrounding their composition makes this a risk category. Therefore, these are not first-choice materials for internal use.
If you see a cheap dildo that is noticeably transparent, brightly colored, sticky, or strongly perfumed, be extra critical. These are not hard evidence in themselves, but they are clear signals to thoroughly check the material specifications or preferably choose a safer alternative.
TPE, TPR, and rubber-like materials
TPE and TPR are often used for toys that need to feel soft and realistic. The downside is that these materials are usually porous, making them more difficult to clean thoroughly. They can feel pleasant, but from a hygienic perspective, they are usually less strong than silicone, glass, or metal.
Some dildos or sleeves with a "lifelike" touch fall into this category. For external or limited use, some people still choose them, but if you are specifically looking for body-safe dildo materials for regular and internal use, non-porous alternatives are usually wiser.
Here too: pay attention to smell, discoloration, cracks, stickiness, and rapid wear. These are signs that a material is not stable enough for long-term use.
Cyber skin and other realistic materials
Materials marketed as cyber skin, realistic skin, or similar names often feel soft and skin-like. That sounds appealing, but these materials are usually more problematic if safety and hygiene are important to you. They are often porous, more susceptible to wear, and require more maintenance.
Because compositions under such marketing names can vary greatly, it is difficult for consumers to accurately assess what they are buying. A claim like "feels more real than silicone" says little about how body-safe the material actually is. If you're looking for the safest choice, clear, non-porous materials are generally more reliable than marketing terms without clear specifications.
What toxic substances are in dildos?
This question often comes up in searches and is logical. The group of substances most frequently mentioned are phthalates. These are plasticizers that can make certain plastics more flexible. Historically, there has been a lot of attention paid to these, especially in cheaper, soft plastics and PVC-like materials.
It is important to know that as a consumer, you cannot always see from the outside exactly which chemical additives have been used. Therefore, merely a label like "body safe" or "skin-friendly" is not always sufficient. Clear material information, a reliable seller, and a preference for non-porous materials usually provide more certainty.
In addition to possible plasticizers, general material instability also plays a role. If a dildo smells strongly, becomes sticky, discolors, or leaches oil, that in itself is reason to stop using the product, even if you don't know its exact composition.
What material should my dildo be made of?
For most people, silicone, glass, and stainless steel are the best choices. Which material is best depends on what you find pleasant.
- Silicone - ideal if you're looking for comfort, flexibility, and a softer feel.
- Glass - suitable if you're interested in a smooth, firm sensation and temperature play.
- Metal - strong for those who appreciate weight, firmness, and a luxurious, smooth finish.
- ABS plastic - a practical option if the product is clearly of good quality and well-finished.
If you're looking for a dildo for beginners, silicone is often the most forgiving. If you want a firm dildo with a sleek, smooth surface, then glass or metal are logical options. For everyone, it applies: choose a clearly specified material rather than a vague marketing term.
How to recognize a safe dildo faster
You don't need to run a laboratory test to better assess whether a dildo is a sensible choice. These signs help:
- The material is clearly stated, such as silicone, glass, stainless steel, or ABS.
- The toy has no strong chemical odor.
- The surface feels smooth and is not sticky.
- There is no visible oil residue, discoloration, or melting effect.
- The product information is concrete instead of vague.
- The dildo is easy to clean and maintains its shape.
The less clear a manufacturer is about material and maintenance, the more critical you should be.
What to look for with lubricant and cleaning?
A body-safe material remains most pleasant to use if you also maintain it properly. Always clean a dildo before and after use according to the product's instructions. Non-porous materials like silicone, glass, and metal clearly have an advantage here, as they are easier to keep clean.
For silicone dildos, preferably use a Water-based lubricant as a safe standard. With glass and metal, you usually have more freedom in choosing lubricant, but always check the product information. Store your toy clean, dry, and preferably separate from other materials, so surfaces are not damaged or react with each other.
Do not use a dildo anymore if the material changes. Think of cracks, stickiness, a strange odor, or damage to coating or glass. These are moments when replacing is safer than continuing to use.
Want to know more about maintenance? Read Cleaning and maintaining your dildo.
For practical guidelines: How to use a dildo safely?
Quick comparison of dildo materials
| Material | Porous | Easy to clean | General assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | No | Yes | Very good choice for most users |
| Glass | No | Yes | Very hygienic and suitable for temperature play |
| Stainless steel | No | Yes | Durable, smooth, and luxurious to use |
| ABS plastic | Mostly no with good finish | Yes | Excellent option if quality and finish are good |
| Ceramic with good glaze | No | Yes | Suitable if the finish is undamaged |
| TPE / TPR | Often yes | More difficult | Less suitable for those who want maximum hygiene |
| Jelly / PVC / gel materials | Often yes | More difficult | Preferably avoid for internal use |
| Cyber skin / realistic materials | Often yes | More difficult | More maintenance, less clear regarding safety |
FAQ about body-safe dildo materials
Is silicone always body-safe?
Good quality silicone is generally considered one of the best choices. However, it is important that it is truly quality silicone and not an unclear mix with other materials. Therefore, always check the product information.
Are glass dildos safe?
Yes, provided it is sturdy and undamaged glass intended for sex toys. Do not use a glass dildo if a chip, crack, or sharp edge appears.
Is a soft dildo automatically better?
No. Softer doesn't automatically mean safer. Some soft materials are more porous and thus harder to keep properly clean. Safety primarily depends on the type of material and its finish.
How do I know if a dildo is porous?
You can't always see that directly with the naked eye. Therefore, look at the material description. Silicone, glass, and stainless steel are usually non-porous. Jelly, TPE, TPR, and many realistic skin-materials are more often porous.
Can I use a condom over a less safe material?
That can reduce risks, but it doesn't suddenly make a porous or unstable material equivalent to a non-porous dildo. If you are truly looking for body-safe dildo materials, better material quality is the strongest solution.
Which dildo materials are best for beginners?
For beginners, silicone dildos are usually the most accessible. They often feel softer, are comfortable to use, and combine safety with pleasant flexibility.
When should I replace a dildo?
Replace a dildo if the material changes or is damaged. Think of cracks, stickiness, discoloration, strong odor, peeling coating, or cracks in glass or ceramic.
The safest choice in brief
If you want to make a better choice without a doubt, focus mainly on silicone, glass, stainless steel, and well-finished ABS or ceramics. These are, in practice, the most logical materials if you are looking for a body-safe dildo that is pleasant, hygienic, and durable. Materials such as jelly, PVC, TPE, TPR, and many realistic skin variants are usually less attractive if safety and maintenance are important considerations.
At LoveSecret, you will find dildos made from various materials, including silicone, glass, metal, and plastic. By critically examining the material, finish, and maintenance, you can more easily choose a toy that suits your preferences and ensures safe use.