What Does “Body Safe” Really Mean? A Guide to Adult Toy Materials

📖 Reading Time: 7 min read

"The best choices are made with confidence, knowledge and products designed with your wellbeing in mind."

When shopping for an adult toy, you’ll often see words like “body safe,” “premium materials,” “skin friendly” or “luxury silicone.”

But what do these terms actually mean?

With so many different materials, textures and finishes available, choosing the right toy can sometimes feel confusing - especially if you’re purchasing your first vibrator, couples toy or intimate wellness product.

The good news is that understanding toy materials doesn’t have to be complicated.

Knowing what your toy is made from helps you make informed choices and select products that suit your preferences and lifestyle.

At LubeLady, we believe intimate wellness should always feel comfortable, positive and empowering. This guide will help you understand what “body safe” means and what to look for when choosing your next adult toy.


What Does “Body Safe” Mean?

The term body safe generally refers to materials that are suitable for intimate use, easy to clean and designed to minimise the risk of irritation or contamination.

One of the most important things to look for is whether a material is non-porous.

A non-porous material has a smooth surface that does not absorb moisture, bacteria or bodily fluids. This makes it easier to clean thoroughly and maintain good hygiene.

Popular body-safe materials include:

✔ Medical-grade silicone,
✔ Stainless steel,
✔ Borosilicate glass,
✔ ABS plastic,

These materials are commonly used in quality adult toys because they are durable, easy to maintain and designed with user comfort in mind.


Why Do Adult Toy Materials Matter?

Adult toys come into contact with some of the most sensitive areas of the body, which means the material matters.

A high-quality toy should feel comfortable, be easy to clean and be made from materials you can trust.

Choosing a body-safe toy can help you:

✔ Feel more confident about your purchase,
✔ Maintain better hygiene,
✔ Extend the life of your toy,
✔ Enjoy a better overall experience,

Think of buying an adult toy the same way you would choose skincare, cosmetics or personal care products - the ingredients and materials matter.


Medical-Grade Silicone: The Favourite Choice

Medical-grade silicone is one of the most popular materials used in premium adult toys.

It has become a favourite because it is:

✔ Soft and comfortable against the skin,
✔ Non-porous,
✔ Easy to clean,
✔ Long-lasting,
✔ Free from many unwanted additives,

Silicone toys often have a smooth, luxurious feel and are available in a wide range of designs, from beginner-friendly vibrators to advanced couples toys.

Many people choose silicone because it offers a balance between comfort, quality and easy care.

Looking after silicone toys:

Most silicone toys can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap or a specialised toy cleaner. Always check the manufacturer's instructions, especially for rechargeable or electronic toys.


ABS Plastic: Lightweight and Reliable

ABS plastic is a hard, non-porous material commonly used in many adult toys, especially the outer casing or handles of vibrators.

Benefits include:

✔ Durable construction,
✔ Easy cleaning,
✔ Smooth finish,
✔ Lightweight design,

ABS plastic is often combined with silicone components to create toys that offer both comfortable touch points and reliable internal technology.


Stainless Steel: Smooth, Durable and Luxurious

Stainless steel is another popular body-safe material known for its durability and sleek finish.

It is:

✔ Non-porous,
✔ Extremely long-lasting,
✔ Easy to clean,
✔ Suitable for temperature play,

Because stainless steel has a naturally smooth surface, many people enjoy the unique sensation and weight it provides.

It is often found in products such as intimate massage tools and specialty wellness products.


Borosilicate Glass: Beautiful and Body Safe

Borosilicate glass is a specially designed type of glass known for being strong, smooth and resistant to temperature changes.

Quality glass toys are:

✔ Non-porous,
✔ Easy to clean,
✔ Compatible with different lubricant types,
✔ Designed for long-term use,

Many people love glass toys because they combine functionality with beautiful designs that can feel more like a personal wellness item than a traditional adult product.


Materials to Be More Careful With

Not every adult toy is created with the same quality standards.

Some cheaper toys may be made from softer, porous materials that are more difficult to clean thoroughly.

Materials that may require extra caution include:

Jelly Rubber

Jelly-style toys are often soft, flexible and inexpensive, but they may be porous and can contain plasticisers.

They may also develop a noticeable smell over time.

TPE and TPR

These materials are commonly used because they can create a soft, skin-like feel.

However, many versions are porous, meaning they can absorb moisture and are harder to clean completely.

If choosing these materials, always check the manufacturer's information carefully.

PVC and Unknown Soft Plastics

Some soft plastic toys may contain additives to create flexibility.

If a product does not clearly state what material it is made from, it is worth considering another option.


How Can You Tell If a Toy Is Body Safe?

When shopping online, look for transparency.

A trustworthy brand should clearly explain:

✔ The exact material used,
✔ How to clean the product,
✔ Whether it is waterproof or splashproof,
✔ What type of lubricant is compatible,

Be cautious of vague descriptions such as:

“Soft touch material”
“Luxury feel”
“Skin-like texture”

These descriptions may sound appealing, but they do not tell you what the product is actually made from.

A reputable brand will proudly share its materials.


Keeping Your Body-Safe Toys Clean: Why Toy Care Matters

A body-safe toy is designed to be easier to clean and maintain, but even the highest-quality materials need proper care.

Cleaning your toys after use is an important part of maintaining good intimate hygiene and helping your favourite products last longer.

A good toy care routine should include:

✔ Cleaning your toy according to the manufacturer's instructions,
✔ Using products specifically designed for adult toys,
✔ Allowing toys to dry completely before storage,
✔ Keeping toys stored in a clean, dry place,

For a convenient and effective cleaning solution, Wet Stuff Clean Toy Cleaner is a great addition to any toy care routine.

The Wet Stuff Clean 235g Toy Cleaner Spray Bottle is designed specifically for adult toys and hard surfaces. It is a broad-spectrum sanitiser suitable for many common toy materials including silicone, latex, plastic, rubber, glass, ceramic and painted surfaces. 

Unlike household cleaners, which may contain ingredients that are not suitable for intimate products, a dedicated toy cleaner is designed with adult toys in mind.

LubeLady Tip 💕:
Think of a toy cleaner as part of your intimate wellness routine - just like caring for your skincare products or personal belongings, looking after your toys helps keep them fresh, clean and ready for your next experience.


Does Price Matter When Choosing a Safe Toy?

While price alone does not guarantee quality, extremely cheap toys often cut corners when it comes to materials, design and manufacturing.

A well-made adult toy is an investment in comfort, durability and your overall experience.

Choosing quality materials often means:

✔ Better performance,
✔ Easier cleaning,
✔ Longer product life,
✔ Greater peace of mind,


Caring for Your Adult Toys

Even a body-safe toy needs proper care.

To keep your products in great condition:

✔ Clean before and after use,
✔ Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions,
✔ Store toys in a clean, dry place,
✔ Avoid sharing toys without proper cleaning,
✔ Replace toys if they become damaged, cracked or change texture,

Taking care of your products helps protect both your investment and your wellbeing.


Choosing Your Next Toy With Confidence

Finding the right adult toy is about more than appearance, features or price.

The best choice is one that fits your needs, feels comfortable and is made from materials you trust.

For beginners, a quality silicone toy is often a great starting point because it offers comfort, durability and easy care.

For experienced users, exploring different materials such as glass or stainless steel can add variety and new sensations.

The most important thing is choosing products from brands that value quality, transparency and customer wellbeing.



Perfect Pairing - Complete Your Toy Care Routine:

Choosing a quality toy is just the beginning. The right accessories can help you get the most from your products.

💧 Wet Stuff Lubricants

A quality lubricant can enhance comfort and enjoyment, especially when using intimate toys.

For many toy materials, a water-based lubricant is a popular choice because it is versatile and easy to clean.

LubeLady favourites include:

Wet Stuff Plain
A simple everyday water-based lubricant ideal for those who prefer a classic, smooth formula.

Wet Stuff Gold
A premium silky formula for those who enjoy a luxurious glide.

Wet Stuff Plus
A thicker option for those who prefer extra cushioning.

Remember: always check lubricant compatibility with your toy material, especially when using silicone toys.

🧼 Wet Stuff Clean Toy Cleaner

A great toy deserves great care.

Wet Stuff Clean makes maintaining your adult toys simple with an easy spray application designed for toy hygiene. 

Perfect for adding to your first adult toy purchase or upgrading your existing toy care routine.


🖤 Toy Storage & Protection

A clean toy is important - but storing it correctly matters too.

Consider:

  • keeping toys separate where appropriate,

  • protecting delicate surfaces,

  • avoiding storage in damp areas,

  • keeping rechargeable toys charged according to manufacturer instructions.


LubeLady’s Commitment to Quality

At LubeLady, we believe everyone deserves access to intimate products that feel safe, comfortable and empowering.

We carefully select products from trusted brands that prioritise quality materials, thoughtful design and enjoyable experiences.

Whether you’re exploring adult toys for the first time or adding something new to your collection, understanding materials helps you shop with confidence.

Because pleasure starts with feeling comfortable in your choices.

"Knowledge creates confidence. Confidence creates comfort. And comfort allows you to enjoy the experience."