What Makes a Sex Toy Body-Safe?

Body-safe isn't one feature—it's the result of several things working together.
Many people assume a toy is body-safe simply because the packaging says so. Unfortunately, it isn't that simple. Unlike terms such as "organic" in some food categories, "body-safe" isn't a universally regulated label for sex toys in many markets. That means two companies can both use the phrase while manufacturing products very differently.
So what actually makes a sex toy body-safe? It comes down to several factors: the material it's made from, whether that material is porous or non-porous, whether harmful chemicals can migrate out of the material, how easy it is to clean, how the product is manufactured, and whether the company is transparent about what it's selling.
A body-safe toy isn't defined by a marketing claim. It's defined by how safely it interacts with your body over time.

Why the Material Matters More Than the Shape

A rabbit vibrator and a dildo can have identical shapes. One may last for years without causing problems. The other may become sticky, develop cracks, trap bacteria, or release chemicals as it ages. The difference usually isn't the design—it's the material.
Your skin is remarkably good at protecting you. The tissues inside the vagina and rectum are different. They're thinner, more absorbent, and more vulnerable to irritation. That makes material choice far more important than many people realize.
Your body doesn't know whether a toy is expensive. It only knows what it's touching!!!

Why Non-Porous Materials Are Usually Recommended

Some materials contain microscopic spaces that can trap moisture, lubricant, bacteria, and fungi even after washing. These are called porous materials. Others have smooth, sealed surfaces that are much easier to clean thoroughly. These are non-porous materials.
Imagine washing a ceramic dinner plate. Now imagine trying to wash a kitchen sponge. Both can look clean. Only one traps moisture deep inside. That's the difference porosity makes.
Non-porous materials are smoother and have a water-resistant surface. They do not harbor bacteria because they can be sterilized with boiling water, bleach, or in a dishwasher.

Which Materials Are Generally Considered Body-Safe?

Rather than ranking materials from "best" to "worst," it's more useful to understand why they're commonly recommended.

Platinum-cured silicone. Medical-grade and platinum-cured silicone are widely regarded as among the best materials for intimate products because they're flexible, durable, non-porous, and free from phthalates when properly manufactured. The highest quality is medical-grade silicone, which means it's safe enough to be implanted into your body. It requires extra biocompatibility testing, which drives up the cost. Platinum cure silicone uses platinum as an ingredient in the curing process, so it's a bit more expensive.

ABS plastic. The hard plastic used in many bullet vibrators and suction toys is non-porous and easy to clean. ABS plastic offers an affordable alternative to silicone.

Borosilicate glass. Many beginners are surprised to learn that properly manufactured borosilicate glass is extremely smooth, non-porous, and can be safely warmed or cooled.

Stainless steel. Medical-grade stainless steel is durable, non-porous, and one of the easiest materials to sanitize.

These materials are recognized as standard body-safe sex toy materials. As Gigi Engle, a COSRT-certified sex and relationships psychotherapist, explains, "Generally speaking, it is safe to use household items that are made from body-grade or medical-grade silicone, ABS plastic, stainless steel, or glass". Dr. Karen Toubi, a board-certified OB-GYN, similarly notes that body-safe materials include medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, glass, and ABS plastic.
Here's something many people don't know: a hard material isn't automatically less comfortable. Because hard toys don't absorb pressure, they often allow much more precise stimulation with less overall force.

Why Are Jelly, PVC, and Some TPE Toys More Controversial?

Not every inexpensive toy is unsafe. And not every expensive toy is safe.
The concern with some materials—particularly certain PVC and jelly products—is that they may contain plasticizers such as phthalates. Phthalates have been linked to health concerns in scientific research. As sex toys break down with use, they may release harmful chemicals, like phthalates and microplastics, inside the body. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors. In one study, phthalates known to be endocrine disruptors were present in all tested sex toys at levels exceeding hazard warnings. The European Union restricts phthalates classified as toxic for reproduction in toys above 0.1% by weight and bans them in cosmetics.
Another issue is porosity. Some softer materials are more difficult to clean thoroughly, meaning they may wear more quickly or retain microorganisms over time. Porous materials include TPE, jelly rubber, TPR, latex, PVC, vinyl, and leather.
That doesn't mean every TPE or PVC toy is dangerous. It means consumers should pay closer attention to the manufacturer and product information. Porous materials harbor bacteria, risking infection and limiting effective cleaning. If you choose to use a porous sex toy, always use it with a condom.

Can a Toy Smell? And Should That Worry You?

One of the first things people notice after opening a low-quality toy is a strong chemical smell. A noticeable odor doesn't automatically mean a product is unsafe. However, a strong smell can indicate the presence of volatile compounds or additives that are being released from the material.
Your nose can't identify every harmful chemical—but it can sometimes warn you that a material deserves a second look. A high-quality silicone toy usually has little to no noticeable odor.

Can Body-Safe Toys Still Cause Allergic Reactions?

Yes. "Body-safe" doesn't mean every body will react the same way. For example, some people are sensitive to certain lubricants. Others have silicone sensitivities, although they're uncommon. Fragrances or flavoring ingredients may also cause irritation.
Body-safe means the material is generally considered appropriate for intimate use—not that it's guaranteed to suit every individual.
You may also want to learn about lubricants, including the different types, how to use them safely, how much to apply.
For more guidance, explore Pillar 3 of our playbook, where we clearly explain which lubricants are compatible with each type of toy material.

Does Price Tell You Whether a Toy Is Safe?

Not always. A higher price may reflect better materials, more testing, or stronger quality control. But price alone isn't proof of safety. Some affordable brands invest heavily in material quality. Some expensive products spend more on marketing than manufacturing.
Instead of asking "Is this expensive?", ask: What material is it made from? Is the company transparent? Are full specifications provided? Does the manufacturer explain its safety standards?

How Can You Tell If a Company Takes Safety Seriously?

One of the easiest clues is how openly the company talks about its materials. A trustworthy brand usually tells you exactly what material is used, whether it's phthalate-free, cleaning instructions, lubricant compatibility, storage recommendations, and warranty information.
Companies that simply say "premium material" without explaining what that means leave you with very little information to evaluate. Transparency is often a good sign of confidence.
In September 2021, ISO published the first-ever international standard for adult toys: ISO 3533:2021 – Sex toys — Design and safety requirements for products in direct contact with genitalia, the anus, or both. The standard considers risk assessment of physical hazard, electrical safety, chemical safety, and biocompatibility. A brand that references ISO 3533 or similar standards is demonstrating a commitment to safety that goes beyond marketing.
All GITMPLAYBOOK toys are made from body-safe silicone and ABS, and our products are FDA cleared.

So... What Really Makes a Sex Toy Body-Safe?

It's not the color. It's not the shape. And it certainly isn't just the words printed on the box!!!
A body-safe toy combines appropriate non-porous materials, careful manufacturing, transparency about ingredients and construction, easy cleaning, long-term durability, and compatibility with intimate tissues.
The safest toy isn't necessarily the most expensive one. It's the one that gives you enough information to understand exactly what you're putting against one of the most sensitive parts of your body.
When a company is proud of its materials, it usually tells you. When it avoids talking about them, that's worth noticing.
We've built two playbooks to help you understand your body and discover where to start your self-intimacy journey:
-GITMPLAYBOOK: Best Sex Toys for Vulva Owners: Beginner Buying Guide
-GITMPLAYBOOK: Penis Stimulation for Beginners: Guide to Solo Pleasure

Summary

A body-safe sex toy is defined by non-porous, phthalate-free materials that can be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized. The safest materials are medical-grade or platinum-cured silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and ABS plastic. Porous materials like jelly, PVC, TPE, and TPR can harbor bacteria and may contain phthalates—chemicals linked to endocrine disruption. Transparency from the manufacturer about materials, safety standards, and proper care is a strong indicator of a trustworthy product. Price alone is not a reliable measure of safety. Always prioritize non-porous, phthalate-free, and easy-to-clean materials when choosing a toy.
GITMPLAYBOOK, GUIDE YOU THROUGH.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided is based on general research and should not replace professional medical guidance. If you experience persistent irritation, allergic reactions, or any concerning symptoms, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.

References

• Gigi Engle, COSRT-certified sex and relationships psychotherapist, on body-safe materials
• Dr. Karen Toubi, board-certified OB-GYN, on body-safe materials
• Ubie Doctor's Note, on nonporous materials
• Women's Health, on sex toy materials
• LELO, on non-porous materials and phthalate-free labels
• Mindbodygreen, on porous vs non-porous materials
• Microplastics and Nanoplastics (2023), on phthalates in sex toys
• ISO 3533:2021, international standard for sex toy safety
• Public Health Post (2025), on phthalates and microplastics in sex toys
• NYMag (2026), on medical-grade vs food-grade silicone
• Cleveland Clinic, on safe sex practices and toy hygiene
• Mayo Clinic, on cleaning sex toys between uses