Safe Materials in Intimate Toys: What to Check Before You Buy

When choosing an intimate toy, most of us focus first on shape, color, or functions. The material, however, is what really determines both safety and how good the experience actually feels. A toy that looks great but is made from low quality materials can irritate the skin, harbor bacteria, or wear out within months. Knowing which materials are safe, and which ones to avoid, lets you buy with confidence and look after your intimate health from day one.

Materials worth avoiding, and why

Not all plastics are equal, and in the sexual wellness industry this matters more than usual because these products come into direct contact with mucous membranes. Here are the materials that tend to cause the most problems:

• Porous materials (jelly, low grade TPE or TPR): these contain microscopic pores, invisible to the eye, where moisture, fluids, and bacteria can build up even after careful cleaning.
• PVC with phthalates: phthalates are plasticizers used to make plastic flexible, but they have been linked to skin irritation and hormonal disruption. The EU restricts them in children's toys, though regulation for intimate products is not always as clear or consistently enforced across markets.
• Low quality plated metals: repeated use and cleaning can cause corrosion or release nickel, a metal that triggers allergic reactions in many people.

The good news is that reputable brands rarely use these materials anymore, but they still turn up in very cheap products sold with little to no information about what they're actually made of.

High quality silicone: the industry standard

High quality silicone, also known as platinum silicone, is now the reference material for quality intimate toys. It is non porous, hypoallergenic, heat resistant (so it can be sterilized in hot water), and warms naturally to body temperature, which improves the feel. Because it doesn't absorb odors or fluids, it also makes daily cleaning far simpler.

At Intoyou this is the material used across almost the entire catalog, precisely because it combines safety with durability. A good example is Bulby, a vibrating egg made from a single piece of high quality silicone with no seams where residue could build up. You can read more about our manufacturing standards on our brand page.

How to check a toy is genuinely safe before you buy

You don't need a chemistry degree to make a good choice. These signs help you tell a reliable product from one that isn't:

• The product listing states the exact material (high quality silicone, rigid ABS, surgical steel, or borosilicate glass), not vague terms like "soft material" or "jelly".
• It explicitly states the product is phthalate free and latex free.
• The surface is completely smooth, with no visible seams or rough patches.
• The retailer provides specific care and hygiene information for that material, a sign they actually know what they're selling.

If you're just starting out with these products, it also helps to choose models designed with beginners in mind, using safe materials and easy to clean shapes from the start. Take a look at our beginner friendly selection to start with reliable options. And if you already own a toy, our guide on caring for and cleaning intimate toys will help you keep it in good condition for longer. If your interest goes beyond materials and you're also curious about the safety of Bluetooth connected toys, this article on myths about connected toy safety answers the most common questions.

Spending a couple of minutes reading the product spec sheet before buying makes the difference between a toy you look after for years and one you throw away after a few weeks. If you're unsure which material suits what you're looking for, you're welcome to reach out to Intoyou and we'll help you choose.