Before you buy any intimate toy, there's one question worth asking above all others: what is it actually made of?
It isn't the most glamorous question — but it's the one that protects your body, your comfort, and your investment. The good news is that once you know what to look for, you can size up a toy in about five seconds. Here's the quick, judgment-free version.
Why Material Matters More Than Anything Else
A toy comes into contact with some of the most delicate, absorbent tissue in the body — tissue that reacts to irritants far more readily than the skin on your hands, and can't tell a premium toy from a bargain-bin one until it's too late. The material determines whether a toy can truly be cleaned, whether it harbors bacteria, and whether it's quietly releasing anything you'd rather not have near you. Get the material right, and almost everything else takes care of itself.
The Gold Standard: Non-Porous Materials
Non-porous materials have no microscopic pores for bacteria, fluids, or residue to hide in. That makes them the easiest to clean, the safest for your body, and the longest-lasting. Four to look for:
- Platinum (medical-grade) silicone — soft, flexible, hypoallergenic, and the most popular body-safe material for good reason.
- Borosilicate glass — sturdy, beautiful, and wonderful for temperature play. Yes, it's tougher than it looks.
- Stainless steel — weighty, sleek, and virtually indestructible.
- ABS plastic — the smooth, hard plastic used for many bullet vibrators; body-safe and easy to wipe down.
If a toy is made of one of these, you're in great shape.
Handle With Care: Porous Materials
Porous materials — think jelly, TPR/TPE, PVC, and many inexpensive "novelty" toys — have tiny pores that can trap bacteria no amount of washing fully removes, and some carry softening chemicals with a distinctive smell. They aren't automatically off-limits, but they call for extra caution: pair them with a condom, keep them for solo use, and replace them more often. When in doubt, it's worth spending a little more on a non-porous piece you'll keep for years.
How to Spot a Red Flag
You don't need a chemistry degree — just a little awareness. Be cautious when you notice:
- A strong chemical or "plastic" smell straight out of the package.
- An oily film that keeps returning no matter how you wash it.
- Packaging that lists no material at all, or hides behind the phrase "for novelty use only."
- A price that seems too good to be true — because it usually is.
Cleaning Follows the Material
Once you know what a toy is made of, caring for it is simple. Non-motorized silicone, glass, and steel can be washed with warm water and a mild, unscented soap (many fully waterproof pieces can even be boiled). Motorized or rechargeable toys should be wiped down rather than submerged, unless the label clearly says they're waterproof. Let everything dry completely before it goes away, and store your toys somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight.
When in Doubt, Just Ask
Here's the shortcut to all of the above: shop somewhere that can tell you exactly what a toy is made of. Online listings are often vague (or flat-out wrong), but in person you can hold a toy, feel the material for yourself, and get a straight answer. That's a big part of what we do every day — helping you choose something body-safe, comfortable, and built to last, without a hint of judgment.
Have a toy at home and you're not sure what it's made of? Bring it by — we're always happy to take a look. And when you're ready for something new, come see us at our boutiques in Huntsville, Decatur, or Nashville, and we'll help you find a piece you can feel good about, inside and out.