You will see "body-safe" on a lot of listings. It sounds reassuring, but it is a label that anyone can print. The useful question is not whether the box says it. It is whether the maker tells you what the toy is made of.
Non-porous is the point
Some materials are full of microscopic pores. Those pores can hold on to bacteria, and they are hard to clean properly. Non-porous materials do not have that problem, so a wash with soap and water does the job.
Materials that are commonly used for toys, and are non-porous, include:
- Silicone. Soft and smooth. The most common choice.
- ABS plastic. A hard plastic used for the body of many electronic toys. Many toys use it for the casing, with silicone where the toy touches you.
- Stainless steel and glass. Hard, smooth, and easy to clean.
What to be wary of
- Soft, rubbery materials sold as "jelly". These are often porous, and can contain additives you would rather avoid.
- A strong chemical smell. If a new toy smells sharply of chemicals, that is worth a second look.
- Vague descriptions. "Skin-friendly material" tells you nothing. "Liquid silicone" tells you something.
How to check a listing
Before you buy anything, from us or anywhere else, look for these:
- The material is named, not just described.
- The parts are explained. Many toys have a hard core and a soft cover, and a good listing says which is which.
- The care instructions make sense. The waterproof rating and cleaning advice should match the material.
- You can ask a question and get a real answer.
What we do
We list what a toy is made of on the product page, so you can see it before you buy. Kama, for example, uses ABS and liquid silicone. If a detail is missing, ask us and we will find out.
betterbmy sells products for adults aged 18 and over. This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you have a health concern, talk to your doctor or nurse.