Walk into any adult store or browse any online retailer and you’ll see sex toys made from an astonishing range of materials: silicone, TPE, TPR, jelly, rubber, PVC, LATEX, silicone “blends,” “body-safe polymers,” and more. Some of these are genuinely safe. Others can cause serious health problems.
This guide cuts through the confusion so you can make informed decisions every time you buy.
The Porosity Problem
The single most important property of a sex toy material is porosity—the presence of microscopic pores in the material.
Porous materials (jelly, rubber, TPE, TPR, PVC) have tiny holes throughout their structure. These pores can trap:
- Bacteria from previous uses
- Fungi and mold
- Body fluids and lubricants
- Dust and environmental contaminants
No amount of washing fully removes these contaminants from porous materials. The only solution is sterilization—but porous materials can’t be effectively sterilized because the pores go deeper than boiling or surface cleaners can reach.
Non-porous materials (liquid silicone, glass, stainless steel, hard plastic) have no pores. Surface cleaning removes 100% of contaminants. These materials are genuinely body-safe.
Materials to Always Avoid
Jelly
Jelly toys are some of the most dangerous on the market. They’re highly porous, often contain phthalates (plasticizers that make rubber soft), and can leach chemicals into your body. The strong chemical smell many jelly toys have is a sign of off-gassing—not a feature.
Rubber (Non-Medical Grade)
Non-medical-grade rubber is also highly porous and often contains harsh chemical additives. Unless clearly labeled as medical-grade or food-grade, it should not be used for internal play.
TPE & TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
TPE and TPR are often marketed as “safe” or “phthalate-free,” but they remain porous and cannot be properly sterilized. Over time, oils can leach out of the material, causing toys to become sticky or misshapen.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC requires phthalates to remain flexible—and those phthalates have been linked by scientific research to reproductive health concerns. Avoid any toy containing PVC entirely.
“Silicone Blends”
Some manufacturers mix silicone with TPE or TPR to cut costs. These blend materials aren’t pure silicone—the porosity problem still exists, just at a lower level. Always check the full material breakdown before buying.
Safe Materials Worth Considering
Liquid Silicone
The gold standard. Non-porous, hypoallergenic, boilable (except electronics), odorless, and long-lasting. Look for products labeled “100% liquid silicone.”
Glass
Non-porous, non-reactive, dishwasher-safe, and can be sterilized at high temperatures. Produces a pleasant weight and temperature sensation. Make sure to use borosilicate (heat-resistant) glass rather than soda-lime glass.
Stainless Steel
Non-porous, extremely durable, and can be sterilized at high temperatures. Odorless and completely non-porous. Use 316 medical-grade stainless steel for the best safety profile.
Hard Plastic (ABS)
Hard plastic (such as ABS) is safe in its pure form, but is often coated. Make sure any coating is phthalate-free and won’t chip or peel.
How to Check If Your Toy Is Safe
- Smell: Any toy with a chemical odor should be avoided. New silicone products should be odorless or nearly so.
- Stretch Test: Silicone bounces back without leaving marks when stretched. TPE will discolor and show marks.
- Price: If a toy claiming to be silicone looks too cheap to be true, it probably isn’t.
- Material Disclosure: Reputable brands clearly state their materials. Don’t buy if you can’t find a material description.
The Bottom Line
Material safety isn’t optional—it’s essential. Porous toys may seem harmless the first time you use them, but over time they accumulate bacteria and chemicals that can never be fully removed. Investing in body-safe materials—liquid silicone, glass, stainless steel—protects both your health and your wallet in the long run.
Every product at Mutanttoys is made from 100% liquid silicone—non-porous, hypoallergenic, and body-safe by design. Browse our silicone toys collection.