23 June 2026 · Sam

Dildo Materials and Body Safe Options

Ava Noir — Dildo Guides

What Are Dildos Made of and Which Are Body Safe?

A complete guide to dildo materials — what each one feels like, which are safe for your body and which carry health risks you need to know about.

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No UK lawno regulation requires sex toy materials to be certified safe
Non-porousthe key property — bacteria cannot penetrate the surface
4 safesilicone, glass, steel and hard ABS plastic are body safe
Avoid jellyporous materials harbour bacteria regardless of cleaning
The material your dildo is made from is the single most important factor in choosing a safe toy — yet there is no UK law requiring manufacturers to certify their materials as body-safe.

This means the responsibility for choosing a safe material falls entirely on you as the buyer. The good news is that the distinction is simple: non-porous materials are safe; porous materials are not. This guide explains every common dildo material, what it feels like, how to clean it and whether it belongs in your body.

Porous vs Non-Porous: Why It Matters

A porous material has microscopic holes in its surface. These holes absorb bacteria, lubricant residue and bodily fluids that cannot be cleaned out no matter how thoroughly you wash the toy. Over time this creates a reservoir of bacteria that can cause infections every time you use it.

A non-porous material has a sealed surface that bacteria cannot penetrate. These toys can be fully cleaned and, for non-motorised versions, even sterilised by boiling. Non-porous materials are the only safe choice for any toy used internally.

Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly found in jelly, rubber and some TPE sex toys. They have been linked to hormone disruption and health concerns. The UK has no requirement for manufacturers to disclose their use in adult toys — another reason to choose transparent, reputable retailers who specify their materials clearly.

Medical-Grade SiliconeNon-porous, soft, flexible and the most widely recommended material. Can be boiled to sterilise. Safe for all body areas. The gold standard for dildos.
Borosilicate GlassNon-porous, smooth and very firm. Shatter-resistant borosilicate glass is used in cookware and lab equipment. Excellent for temperature play. Can be sterilised.
Stainless SteelNon-porous, heavy and very firm. Hypoallergenic and extremely durable. Excellent for temperature play. Can be boiled or dishwashed. A lifetime investment.
Hard ABS PlasticNon-porous, rigid and lightweight. Chemically stable and body safe. Often used in budget-friendly designs and vibrator casings. Cannot be boiled.
Jelly / PVC / RubberPorous — bacteria cannot be fully removed. Commonly contains phthalates. Often has a chemical smell. Cannot be properly sterilised. Avoid for internal use.
Cyberskin / TPE / TPRPorous — feels realistic but harbours bacteria. Degrades over time. Not possible to fully sterilise. If you already own one, always use a condom with it.

Material Comparison at a Glance

Material Body Safe? Porous? Feel Can Sterilise? Price Range
Medical-grade silicone Yes No Soft, flexible, skin-like Yes — boil Mid to premium
Borosilicate glass Yes No Very firm, smooth, cool Yes — boil or dishwasher Mid to premium
Stainless steel Yes No Very firm, heavy, smooth Yes — boil or dishwasher Premium
Hard ABS plastic Yes No Rigid, lightweight Soap and water only Budget to mid
Jelly / PVC / rubber No Yes Soft, squishy Cannot sterilise Budget
Cyberskin / TPE / TPR No Yes Very realistic, soft Cannot sterilise Budget to mid

Shop Body-Safe Dildos at Ava Noir

Every dildo in our collection uses clearly labelled, non-porous body-safe materials. Silicone, glass and steel options available for discreet UK delivery.

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A Closer Look at Each Material

Medical-grade silicone is the most popular dildo material for good reason. It is soft enough to feel comfortable, non-porous enough to be safely cleaned, and flexible enough to work in any position. It comes in a wide range of firmnesses from very soft to almost rigid. Platinum-cured silicone is considered the highest quality. Avoid anything labelled only as "silicone blend" — this term is often used to disguise a mixture that includes cheaper porous materials.

Borosilicate glass is the same material used in laboratory equipment and oven-proof cookware. It is engineered to resist pressure, heat and thermal shock. Glass dildos are smooth, hard and have a unique weight that some people find extremely pleasurable. They can be heated in warm water or cooled in the fridge for temperature play. They will not shatter under normal use.

Stainless steel is the firmest and heaviest option. It is hypoallergenic, extremely durable and completely non-porous. Steel dildos are often highly polished and visually striking. Like glass, they hold temperature well, making them excellent for temperature play. They last essentially indefinitely with basic care.

Jelly, rubber and TPE should be avoided for internal use. These porous materials cannot be properly sterilised. Jelly toys in particular frequently contain phthalates. If you currently own porous toys, use a fresh condom over them for every session.

Watch Out for These Red Flags

When reading a product listing, the following are warning signs that a toy may not be body-safe:

  • "Silicone blend" or "skin-safe silicone" without specifying medical-grade or platinum-cured
  • "Jelly," "soft rubber," "realistic feel material" or "cyberskin" in the materials section
  • A strong chemical or plastic smell on arrival — non-porous toys should have no noticeable odour
  • An unusually low price for a toy claiming to be silicone — genuine medical-grade silicone has a cost floor below which it cannot be produced
  • No material information at all in the product listing

For more on how to identify safe products and what to avoid on unregulated marketplaces, see our guide to are cheap dildos safe.

Related Guides

How to Choose a Dildo Are Cheap Dildos Safe? How to Clean a Dildo Back to All Dildo Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest material for a dildo?Medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass and stainless steel are the three safest materials. All are non-porous, can be fully cleaned and — for non-motorised versions — sterilised by boiling. Medical-grade silicone is the most widely recommended for its combination of safety, comfort and versatility.
Is TPE body safe?No. TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) and the related TPR are porous materials that cannot be fully sterilised. They may feel pleasant but bacteria accumulate in the microscopic pores of the surface and cannot be washed away. Always use a condom over TPE toys if you choose to use them.
Can glass dildos break inside the body?Quality dildos use borosilicate glass which is shatter-resistant under normal use. However, inspect glass toys for chips or cracks before each use and dispose of any toy that shows damage. Never use a cracked glass toy. Do not subject glass toys to extreme thermal shock — very hot to very cold instantly.
What does "silicone blend" mean?Silicone blend typically means the toy is made from a mixture of silicone and cheaper porous materials rather than pure medical-grade silicone. This term is frequently used to make a porous toy sound safer than it is. Avoid anything labelled as a blend and look for toys that specify medical-grade or platinum-cured silicone.
Do I need to worry about phthalates in UK dildos?Yes. There is no UK regulation requiring adult toy manufacturers to disclose or avoid phthalates. Phthalates are commonly found in jelly, rubber and some TPE toys and have been linked to hormone disruption. The only reliable protection is to choose toys made from materials that do not contain them: silicone, glass, steel and ABS plastic.