The Ultimate Guide to Body-Safe Dildo Materials (and What to Avoid)
Are you overwhelmed by the number of sex toy materials out there? Worried about toxins, strange odors, or bacteria hiding in your favorite toy? This guide will cut through the confusion and show you exactly what’s safe, what’s sketchy, and what your body deserves.
What Are the Safest Materials for Dildos?
Body-safe dildo materials are non-porous and hypoallergenic, meaning they don’t trap bacteria or leach harmful chemicals. The safest options are platinum-cured silicone, borosilicate glass, and stainless steel. These materials can be sterilized, reused safely, and are free from phthalates or mystery additives.
Why Material Matters
A dildo isn’t just about shape or size. The material it’s made from can affect your health. Unsafe materials can harbor bacteria, release endocrine-disrupting chemicals, or irritate sensitive skin. A 2020 NIH study confirmed that porous materials like PVC and jelly rubber often contain harmful phthalates and degrade over time.
Can toy materials really affect your health?
Yes. Unsafe materials may release plasticizers or trap bacteria, increasing risk of infections, irritation, and hormonal disruption.
Non-Porous Champions
These materials consistently rank as the best for safety, feel, and durability:
Platinum-Cured Silicone
- Medical-grade, hypoallergenic
- Fully non-porous and boil-safe
- Soft, flexible, and customizable
- Certified for skin safety (USP Class VI)
- Used in surgical tools and FDA-cleared medical devices
- Addition-cured, leaving no peroxide byproducts
According to Stockwell Elastomerics, platinum curing results in a cleaner product with superior resistance to microbial growth.
Borosilicate Glass
- Shatter-resistant and completely non-porous
- Safe to boil or put in the dishwasher
- Holds temperature for temperature play
- Often colored with body-safe pigments
Stainless Steel
- Medical-grade 316 or 304 recommended
- Completely smooth and non-porous
- Excellent for firm pressure or temperature play
- Heavy feel; may not suit beginners
The Gray Zone
Not all materials are obviously good or bad. Some fall into a gray area:
Medical-Grade vs Food-Grade Silicone
- “Medical-grade” implies clean-room production and strict purity tests
- “Food-grade” can still be non-porous but may allow some additives
- Not all labels are regulated — always verify with the brand
Can you trust the label “medical grade”?
Sometimes. Look for brands that back it with lab test results or certifications like ISO 10993 or USP Class VI.
Materials to Avoid or Replace Fast
These materials might be cheap, but they come with serious risks:
PVC with Phthalates
- Softened with plasticizers that can leach out
- Common in low-end toys
- Often has a strong chemical smell
- Cannot be sanitized or boiled
- Linked to endocrine disruption and immune suppression (NIH, 2020)
Jelly Rubber
- Highly porous and degrades quickly
- Sticky surface traps bacteria after first use
- Not sterilizable
- Often sold with no safety info
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
- Softer feel but very porous
- Not safe to boil or put in the dishwasher
- Often marketed without clear labeling
Greenopedia lists TPE and jelly rubber among the highest-risk materials for sex toys.
Cleaning & Care Cheat-Sheet
Want to make your body-safe toy last? Here’s how to clean it right:
For Platinum Silicone, Glass, Steel:
- Boil for 3–5 minutes to sterilize (Brown University Health Services)
- Use mild soap and warm water for daily cleaning
- Top-rack dishwasher safe (no soap residue)
- Air dry before storing in a clean bag
Lube Compatibility:
- Use water-based lube with silicone toys to avoid surface breakdown
- Oil-based lubes may be safe with glass or steel
Why Erotixxx Only Uses Platinum Silicone
At Erotixxx Toys, every toy is hand-poured in the U.S. using only platinum-cured silicone. We don’t compromise on safety. No jelly. No mystery ingredients. No porous corners. Just lab-certified, hypoallergenic pleasure that ships in a plain, unbranded box within 2–5 days.
Explore our collections:
FAQ: Body-Safe Toy Materials
Is medical-grade silicone always body-safe?
Not always. It depends on how it’s tested. Platinum curing and USP Class VI certification are more reliable indicators.
How do I know if a toy is non-porous?
Check the materials list. If it’s platinum silicone, glass, or steel, it’s non-porous. Avoid toys that don’t disclose materials.
Can I use the same cleaning method for all toys?
No. Porous toys can’t be boiled. Non-porous toys like platinum silicone, glass, and steel can be fully sterilized.
What’s the safest lube for all materials?
Water-based lube is universally safe and won’t degrade any toy material.
What’s the fastest way to ruin a good toy?
Using silicone lube on a silicone toy, storing it dirty, or keeping it next to lower-grade plastics.
References
- Stockwell Elastomerics – Platinum Cure vs. Peroxide Cure Silicone
- NIH PMC – Toxicological Risks of Phthalates in Adult Products
- Greenopedia – Body-Safe Sex Toy Materials List
- Brown University Health Services – Cleaning Recommendations for Sex Toys
Tags: body-safe sex toys, Erotixxx Toys, platinum silicone, safe sex toys guide