Not only are there many different options of sex toys, there are also many different types of sex toy materials. How do you know which material is right for you? Learn how to determine which sex toy material would work best for your needs.

100% Silicone*

• Medical-grade silicone is made form the highest grade of polymers
• Pliable, durable material that does not contain phthalates
• Non-porous and hypoallergenic
• Retains heat
• Easy to clean with soap & water or toy cleaner and can be sterilized in boiling water or top rack of dishwasher
• Only use water-based lubricants 

*A toy only has to be 100% silicone to say silicone on the label

Elastomers

• Very porous phthalates-free and hypo-allergenic (use a condom if you plan to share the toy or use vaginally or anally)
• Soft & flexible and very durable
• Suitable for people with allergic reactions or chemical sensitivities
• Easy to clean with soap & water or toy cleaner
• Only use water-based lubricants

Glass - Borosilicate/Pyrex Glass

• Non-porous and hypoallergenic
• Excellent for temperature play
• Easy to clean with soap & water or toy cleaner and can be sterilized in boiling water or top rack of dishwasher
• Can be used with any lubricant

Glass - Soft

• Heavier (than Borosilicate) for a fuller feeling
• Non-porous and hypoallergenic
• Can withstand extreme changes in temperature - Excellent for temperature play
• Easy to clean with soap & water or toy cleaner and can be sterilized in boiling water or top rack of dishwasher
• Can be used with any lubricant

Hard Plastic, Lucite and Acrylic

• There are a variety of hard plastics used to make sex toys and do not contain phthalates.
• Non-porous (use a condom if you plan to share or use vaginally or anally)
• Hard, shiny, transmits vibration very well
• Usually safe for people with sensitivity issues
• Easy to clean with soap & water or sex toy cleaner
• Can be used with any lubricant

Jelly

• Made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), often contain phthalates and have a plastic smell
• Very porous (not safe to share or use vaginally or anally without a condom)
• Inexpensive, soft and flexible
• Easy to clean with soap & water or toy cleaner
• Only use water-based lubricants

Organic Wood

• Carved from exotic woods and basic woods
• Waterproof, hypo-allergenic and phthalate-free
• Splinter free-super smooth finish
• Suitable for people with allergic reactions or chemical sensitivities
• Easy to clean with soap & water or toy cleaner
• Can be used with any lubricant

Stainless Steel

• Composed of medical grade stainless steel (and sometimes chromium) and will not rust
• Non-porous and phthalate-free
• Excellent for temperature play
• Easy to clean with soap & water or toy cleaner and can be sterilized in boiling water or top rack of dishwasher
• Can be used with any lubricant

Stone

• Polished semi-precious stone like quartz, marble, and granite
• Somewhat porous (not safe to share or use vaginally or anally without a condom)
• Excellent for temperature play
• Easy to clean with soap & water or toy cleaner
• Can be used with any lubricant

TPR & TPE

• Heat molded plastic that can resemble jelly, silicone or plastic
• Porous (not safe to share or use vaginally or anally without a condom)
• Flexible, elastic and durable
• Not always phthalate-free
• Easy to clean with soap & water or toy cleaner
• Only use water-based lubricants

Don't let the different types of sex toy materials confuse you. Some are definitely better than others. Just like anything else, buy the best you can afford because you always get what you pay for.