Introduction: Ideally, You Shouldn’t Smell Your Toys
Imagine walking into a store to buy a water bottle. You have two options. One is made of high-grade stainless steel; it’s clean, odorless, and durable. The other is made of a sticky, gummy plastic that emits a strong chemical odor—like a new shower curtain or gasoline. Which one would you choose to drink from?
Most people would choose the steel. Yet, when it comes to sex toys, millions of consumers inadvertently choose the “gummy plastic” option every year. Why? Because the packaging looks fun, the price is low, and nobody has ever explained the difference to them.
The material a sex toy is made of is not just about texture or price; it is a critical health decision. The wrong materials can harbor bacteria, cause yeast infections, trigger allergic reactions, and even leech potential carcinogens into your body. This post is your definitive guide to navigating the complex world of toy materials, separating the safe from the sketchy.
The Core Concept: Porous vs. Non-Porous
Before we list specific materials, you need to understand one scientific concept: Porosity.
Porous Materials: Think of a sponge. Even if it looks smooth, it is full of tiny, microscopic holes. Porous sex toy materials are similar. You cannot see the holes with the naked eye, but they are there.
- The Danger: These microscopic holes are the perfect hiding spots for bacteria, microscopic fecal matter, and fungi. No matter how much you scrub, you cannot fully sterilize a porous toy once it has been used.
- The Result: Reusing porous toys can lead to recurring Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, or urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Non-Porous Materials: Think of a glass window. It is solid and smooth all the way through. Nothing can penetrate the surface.
- The Benefit: Bacteria sits on the surface, meaning it can be completely washed away with soap and water. These toys can be fully sterilized and safely shared between partners (if cleaned in between).
The “Bad” List: Jelly, TPR, and PVC
If you walk into an adult store and see a bin of brightly colored dildos selling for $10, they are almost certainly made of these materials.
1. Jelly (and PVC): This is that translucent, gummy, sticky material. It often has a strong chemical smell.
- Why avoid it: To make the plastic soft, manufacturers add chemicals called phthalates. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can mess with your hormones. In many countries, phthalates are banned in children’s toys, but regulations for adult toys are looser.
- The “Burn”: Many users report a slight burning or itching sensation after using jelly toys. That is a chemical reaction with your sensitive mucous membranes.
2. TPR / TPE (Thermoplastic Rubber/Elastomer): These are slightly better than Jelly but are still porous. They feel softer and more skin-like (often used in realistic sleeves or dolls).
- The Verdict: They are okay for single-use or very careful maintenance, but they degrade over time. If you use these, you must use a condom over the toy to create a barrier between the porous material and your body.
The “Good” List: Silicone (The Gold Standard)
When in doubt, choose silicone. But be careful—you want 100% Medical Grade or Platinum-Cured Silicone.
- Characteristics: Silicone feels velvety, warms quickly to body temperature, and is very durable. It is non-porous and biologically inert, meaning the body rarely reacts to it.
- The “Silicone Blend” Trap: Be wary of packaging that says “Silicone Blend.” This usually means a tiny bit of silicone mixed with cheap TPR. A real silicone toy will not have a strong chemical smell.
- The Lube Rule: As mentioned in our previous post, never use silicone lubricant with silicone toys. The chemical similarity causes the lube to fuse with the toy, making the surface tacky and ruining it. Stick to water-based lube.
The “Hard” List: Glass, Metal, and Stone
For those who enjoy firm pressure or temperature play, hard materials are the ultimate in hygiene and sensation.
1. Borosilicate Glass: This isn’t the glass from your window. This is the same hardened glass used in Pyrex baking dishes. It is incredibly strong and shatter-resistant.
- The Superpower: Temperature play. You can run a glass dildo under hot water or place it in a bowl of ice water before use. The glass retains the temperature for a long time, adding a thrilling new sensory dimension to intimacy.
- Hygiene: Glass is completely non-porous and can be boiled or run through the dishwasher.
2. Stainless Steel: Heavy, sleek, and beautiful. Steel toys are often weighted, which provides a unique sensation of fullness without needing a large size.
- The Aesthetic: They look high-end and discreet.
- The Feel: Steel is naturally cool to the touch but warms up with body heat. Like glass, it is excellent for temperature play and is the easiest material to keep 100% sterile.
3. Stone and Ceramic: Less common, but excellent for aesthetics. Polished stone is heavy and holds cold extremely well. Just ensure the surface is perfectly smooth with no cracks or chips.
How to Test Your Current Toys
Do you have a toy in your drawer and aren’t sure what it’s made of? Here are two quick tests:
- The Smell Test: Take the toy out of the bag. Does it smell like a tire shop or a shower curtain? If the chemical odor makes you wrinkle your nose, it is likely Jelly or PVC. Silicone has no smell.
- The Flame Test (Careful!): (Only do this if you are willing to potentially ruin a small spot on the toy). If you hold a flame near silicone, it will not melt; it will eventually turn into white ash. If you hold a flame near Jelly/TPR, it will melt, drip, and smell like burning plastic.
Summary Checklist for Buyers
When shopping online or in-store, look for these keywords in the description:
- YES: “100% Medical Grade Silicone,” “Borosilicate Glass,” “Stainless Steel,” “Non-porous,” “Phthalate-free.”
- NO: “Novelty use only” (this is a legal disclaimer used for unsafe toys), “Jelly,” “Rubber,” “Realistic feel” (often code for porous TPE), “Cyberskin.”
Conclusion
Your body is a temple, and the most sensitive parts of it deserve the highest quality materials. While a $10 jelly toy might be tempting for your wallet, a $50 silicone toy is an investment in your long-term health. High-quality toys last for years, feel better against the skin, and give you the peace of mind to focus entirely on pleasure, not safety hazards.
