Silicone, ABS, glass and steel versus jelly, TPE and PVC. What body-safe actually means, why porous materials matter, and how to spot a bad one.
The adult industry is not tightly regulated, which means “body-safe” is not a legally defined term. It is still a meaningful one, and knowing what to look for is the single most useful thing you can learn before spending money.
The core idea: porous versus non-porous
A non-porous material has no microscopic holes. It can be properly cleaned, it does not absorb anything, and it lasts indefinitely with basic care.
A porous material has a structure that traps moisture and bacteria which cannot be fully removed by washing. That is the whole issue, and it is why the distinction matters more than brand or price.
The good list
- Platinum-cured silicone. The benchmark. Non-porous, flexible, warms to body temperature, available in every firmness. Use water-based lubricant with it.
- Borosilicate glass. Completely non-porous, works with any lubricant, can be warmed or cooled. Inspect for chips before use.
- Stainless steel. Non-porous, heavy, holds temperature, effectively indestructible.
- Hard ABS plastic. Non-porous and inexpensive. Common as the outer casing on bullets and vibrators.
The be-careful list
- TPE and TPR. Soft and realistic-feeling, and very common in more affordable toys. Porous. Use with a condom and replace periodically.
- Jelly and soft PVC. Porous, and often softened with phthalates. Strong chemical smell is the tell.
- Latex. Porous, and an allergy risk for some people.
How to spot a poor material
A strong chemical or plastic smell is the clearest warning sign. So is an oily or sticky surface out of the packaging, a very low price for a very large item, and packaging that will not say what it is made from. If a description avoids naming the material, assume the answer is porous.
Practical rules
- If you can only remember one thing: buy silicone.
- Use water-based lubricant unless you have a specific reason not to.
- Put a condom over anything porous, especially if it is shared.
- Replace porous toys periodically. They do not last forever, whatever the price.
Any questions?
If you are still not sure, ask us. Call the shop or come in to 177 Unley Road, Unley, open seven days from 10am until midnight. We give straight, shame-free advice and we will happily talk you out of something that is wrong for you.
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