How to Choose a Body-Safe Sex Toy (and Spot an Unsafe One)
Not everything sold as a toy belongs against delicate skin. Here's how to choose a body-safe sex toy — the materials to trust, the red flags to avoid, and how to keep it clean.
Not everything sold as a "toy" is made to sit safely against the most delicate skin on your body. Cheap, porous materials can trap bacteria and leach chemicals you'd never knowingly choose. The good news: learning how to choose a body-safe sex toy takes about two minutes, and the rules are simple.
The short version: buy non-porous, medical-grade silicone (or glass or steel) from a seller who'll tell you exactly what it's made of — and skip anything vague, cheap and strong-smelling.
What "body-safe" actually means
"Body-safe" isn't marketing fluff — it's a real material standard. It means the toy is non-porous (it has no microscopic holes for bacteria to hide in) and free of harmful chemicals like phthalates, the softeners used to make cheap plastics squishy. A body-safe toy is one you can genuinely sanitise and reuse without worry.
The safe materials to look for
Three materials are the gold standard:
- Medical-grade silicone — soft, non-porous, phthalate-free and easy to clean. The most common and most versatile safe material.
- Glass — non-porous, body-safe, and easy to sterilise. Firm, smooth and long-lasting.
- Stainless steel — non-porous, hygienic and durable, with a satisfying weight.
Everything in our collection, from the air-pulse Rose to the Wand and the rechargeable bullet, is body-safe silicone and phthalate-free — so the safety question is settled before you even choose a style.
Materials and red flags to avoid
Walk away when you see any of these:
- Strong chemical or "plastic" smells — a sign of off-gassing softeners.
- Vague materials — "jelly", "TPR" or "TPE" with no safety information, or no material listed at all. Some are fine; many are porous and cannot be fully cleaned.
- Suspiciously cheap, unbranded items with no cleaning guidance.
- A seller who can't answer a simple "what is this made of?"
Porous toys aren't just lower quality — because they can't be fully sanitised, they're the ones most likely to cause irritation.
How to check a listing before you buy
Run through this quick checklist:
- Material stated clearly? It should say body-safe or medical-grade silicone (or glass/steel).
- Phthalate-free? Reputable sellers say so.
- Cleaning guidance included? A good sign the seller understands the product.
- Waterproof or splash-proof? Makes cleaning far easier.
If a listing is coy about any of these, treat that as your answer. New to buying entirely? How to choose your first sex toy walks through the rest of the decision.
Cleaning and care keeps it safe
A body-safe toy stays safe only if you look after it. Wash before and after use with warm water and a mild, toy-safe cleanser, dry it, and store it somewhere clean and private. And always pair silicone toys with water-based lubricant — silicone lube can degrade the surface over time. Our guides to lubricant myths and water-based vs silicone lubricant explain exactly why.
The bottom line
Choosing a body-safe sex toy comes down to one habit: buy non-porous, clearly-labelled materials from a seller who's transparent about what they sell, and clean it properly. Get that right and the rest is just picking the style you like. Not sure which type suits you? Read bullet vs wand, and reach out on WhatsApp any time for a private recommendation.
Intimova offers wellness products and general education, not medical advice.
Frequently asked
What does "body-safe" actually mean?
It means the material is non-porous and free of harmful chemicals like phthalates — so it doesn't trap bacteria and is genuinely easy to keep clean. Medical-grade silicone, glass and stainless steel are the gold standards.
Is silicone safe for sex toys?
Yes — medical-grade, non-porous silicone is one of the safest materials available. It's easy to sanitise, phthalate-free, and gentle on skin. Just pair silicone toys with water-based lubricant, not silicone lube, which can degrade the surface over time.
Are "jelly" or unlabelled TPE toys safe?
Be cautious. Porous materials and vaguely-labelled 'jelly'/TPR/TPE items can harbour bacteria and sometimes contain softeners you don't want against delicate skin. If a seller can't tell you exactly what it's made of, walk away.
How do I clean a body-safe toy?
Wash before and after use with warm water and a mild, toy-safe cleanser, dry it, and store it somewhere clean and private. Always pair silicone toys with water-based lubricant to protect the material.
Keep reading
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