Body-Safe Sex Toys: The Complete UK Guide
Walk into any UK sex shop — online or on the high street — and you'll be met with hundreds of toys in every colour, shape, and price point imaginable. What most people never think to ask is: what exactly is this thing made from?
It turns out, that question matters enormously. The material of a sex toy determines whether it's hygienic, how long it lasts, whether it can harbour bacteria, and — crucially — whether it's safe to use on or inside your body at all. Some materials used in budget toys have been linked to hormone disruption and skin irritation. Others are fine for external use but shouldn't go anywhere near a mucous membrane.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We'll walk you through exactly which materials are genuinely body-safe, which ones to avoid entirely, and how to spot the difference — even when the product description is doing its best to mislead you.
Why the Material of Your Sex Toy Actually Matters
Sex toys sit in a regulatory grey area in the UK. Unlike food packaging or children's toys, they aren't subject to strict material safety standards. That means manufacturers are largely free to use whatever they like — and some do exactly that, using cheap, potentially harmful compounds to keep costs down.
There are two key concepts to understand:
Porous vs Non-Porous
A porous material has microscopic holes that trap bacteria, bodily fluids, and lubricant residue. Even thorough cleaning won't fully eliminate what's lurking inside — meaning porous toys can never be truly sterilised. Share one with a partner and you're sharing bacteria too.
A non-porous material has a smooth, sealed surface. Bacteria have nowhere to hide. Non-porous toys can be thoroughly cleaned and many can be sterilised entirely, making them safe to share (with appropriate care) and far longer-lasting.
Phthalates and Chemical Concerns
Phthalates are chemical plasticisers used to make hard plastics soft and flexible. They're common in cheap "jelly" toys and some TPE/TPR products, and have been linked to endocrine disruption — meaning they can interfere with hormone function. While the EU restricts phthalates in children's toys, no such regulation covers adult products in the UK.
The tell-tale sign? That distinctive chemical smell of a cheap toy fresh out of the packet. It's not just unpleasant — it's a warning.
A good rule of thumb: if a toy smells strongly of plastic, rubber, or chemicals straight out of the box, put it back. Body-safe materials are largely odourless.
The Body-Safe Materials You Can Trust
1. Medical-Grade Silicone
This is the gold standard. Medical-grade (or platinum-cured) silicone is non-porous, hypoallergenic, and completely free from phthalates and latex. It's the same class of material used in surgical implants and medical devices — which tells you something about how safe it is for your body.
It's wonderfully soft, flexible, and warms quickly to body temperature. It holds its shape over years of use, doesn't degrade, and is incredibly easy to clean. Most silicone toys can be boiled for three minutes, run through the dishwasher (without detergent), or wiped down with a 10% bleach solution — making them genuinely sterilisable.
One important caveat: never use a silicone-based lubricant with a silicone toy. The two can bond at a molecular level, degrading the surface of the toy over time. Stick to water-based lubricant and you'll be absolutely fine.
What to look for on the packaging: "medical-grade silicone", "platinum-cured silicone", or "body-safe silicone" from a reputable brand. Vague claims like "silicone-feel" or "silky-smooth" are red flags — the material is likely something else entirely.
Our Medical-Grade Silicone Picks
LELO Gigi 3 App-Controlled G-Spot Vibrator — £129.99
Crafted from premium body-safe silicone with a precisely angled head for G-spot targeting. App-controlled with multiple intensities, a whisper-quiet motor, and fully waterproof. An investment piece that genuinely earns its place in your collection.
Svakom Margot G-Spot Vibrator — £86.99
A beautifully balanced option at a more accessible price point. Body-safe silicone, flexible neck, and a deeply satisfying range of vibration patterns. Perfect for those new to G-spot play who don't want to compromise on quality.
LELO Smart Wand 2 Large — £179.99
The definitive wand massager for those who want serious power with premium materials. Body-safe silicone head, fully waterproof, and smart enough to sense the pressure you're applying and adjust intensity accordingly. Works brilliantly for both solo and partnered play.
Mina Veil Panty Vibrator — £49.99
A discreet wearable vibrator made from body-safe silicone that sits perfectly in your underwear. Magnetically charged remote makes it ideal for couples who enjoy a little mischief. Quiet, comfortable, and genuinely made with your body in mind.
LELO Tiani 3 — SenseMotion Couples Massager — £139.99
Designed to be worn during intercourse, this body-safe silicone couples toy stimulates both partners simultaneously. The SenseMotion remote responds to movement, meaning intensity changes naturally as you move together. One of the most thoughtfully engineered couples toys available in the UK.
2. Borosilicate Glass
Before you raise an eyebrow — glass sex toys are far more robust than they sound. Borosilicate glass is the same material used in laboratory equipment and high-end cookware. It's extremely resistant to thermal shock, almost impossible to break under normal use, and completely non-porous.
Glass toys offer a firm, smooth sensation that silicone simply can't replicate. They're ideal for temperature play — run them under warm water for a sensual heat, or cool them in the fridge for a thrilling contrast. And because glass is completely non-porous, they can be sterilised in boiling water or even the dishwasher.
Safety check: always inspect a glass toy before use. A toy with a chip, crack, or rough spot should be retired immediately. With proper care and storage, a quality glass toy can last a lifetime.
Spectrum Nubby Textured Glass Dildo — £24.99
An excellent entry point into the world of glass. Borosilicate construction with a raised nubbed texture for added internal stimulation. Completely non-porous and compatible with all lubricant types. A brilliant choice if you're curious about firm-feel toys.
Spectrum Ribbed Glass Dildo — £29.99
The ribbed design delivers a distinctly different sensation — every ridge is felt as the toy moves. Perfect for temperature play and suitable for all bodies. Sterilisable, long-lasting, and genuinely gorgeous.
3. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is dense, weighty, and completely non-porous. It produces a uniquely satisfying firm pressure — particularly for anal play, where weight and fullness are part of the appeal. Like glass, it's superb for temperature play and compatible with all lubricant types.
Toosh Gold Metal Butt Plug Set — 3 Sizes with Jewel
Three graduated sizes — ideal for beginners working up gradually, or experienced users who want options. Polished stainless steel with an ornate jewelled base. Non-porous, completely sterilisable, and built to last.
4. Hard ABS Plastic
ABS plastic is a hard, non-porous material commonly used in the external casing and handles of vibrators. It's body-safe, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean. You'll typically find it as a component rather than the sole material — the handle of a vibrator might be ABS while the insertable portion is silicone.
Materials to Steer Clear Of
TPE and TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomer / Rubber)
These materials are porous. However carefully you clean a TPE or TPR toy, bacteria can survive in the microscopic channels running through the material. They cannot be sterilised and they degrade over time, developing small tears that harbour even more bacteria.
They're extremely common in budget toys because they're cheap to manufacture and produce a "realistic" feel. If you do own TPE or TPR toys, use them only for solo play and replace them regularly.
⚠ Watch out for: descriptions that say "realistic feel", "skin-like texture", or "super soft" without specifying the exact material. This is almost always TPE or TPR.
PVC and Rubber (Jelly Toys)
These are among the most concerning materials in adult products. Many cheaper PVC and rubber toys contain phthalates — chemical softeners that can leach out during use. The "jelly" toys that were everywhere in the 1990s and 2000s are almost always made from PVC with phthalates. They've never been banned in the UK adult industry despite the known risks.
The defining characteristic is that unmistakeable sweet-chemical smell. If you've ever opened a bag of cheap rubber toys and been hit by it, now you know what it is.
Mystery Materials and Misleading Language
Be particularly wary of products that describe themselves as "body safe" without specifying what they're made from. These terms have no regulatory definition in the UK. Reputable brands are specific about materials. If a product description avoids naming the exact material, that's reason to be cautious.
Quick Reference: Body-Safe vs Materials to Avoid
| Material | Safe? | Porous? | Sterilisable? | Lube Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical-Grade Silicone | ✔ Yes | No | Yes (boil/bleach) | Water-based only |
| Borosilicate Glass | ✔ Yes | No | Yes (boil/dishwasher) | All types |
| Stainless Steel | ✔ Yes | No | Yes (boil/bleach) | All types |
| Hard ABS Plastic | ✔ Yes | No | Wipe-clean only | All types |
| TPE / TPR | ✘ Risky | Yes | No | Water-based |
| PVC / Rubber / Jelly | ✘ Avoid | Yes | No | Avoid entirely |
| Cyberskin / UR3 / Fanta Flesh | ✘ Avoid | Yes | No | Avoid entirely |
How to Check If a Sex Toy Is Body-Safe Before You Buy
- Check the material listing: it should state the exact material — "medical-grade silicone", "borosilicate glass", "stainless steel". Vague terms like "silky smooth" are not material descriptions.
- Look at the brand: reputable brands like LELO, Svakom, We-Vibe, and Spectrum invest in quality materials because their reputation depends on it.
- Give it a sniff: body-safe materials are largely odourless. A strong chemical smell straight out of the box is a warning sign.
- Buy from specialist UK retailers: shops like Naughty Nest curate their ranges and work directly with reputable manufacturers. You're far less likely to encounter unsafe products from a specialist adult wellness retailer.
How to Care for Your Body-Safe Toys
Silicone Toys Without a Motor
Boil for 3 minutes, run through the dishwasher on the top rack without detergent, or soak in a 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Silicone Toys With a Motor (Vibrators)
Don't submerge non-waterproof toys. Wipe down with warm water and a few drops of mild soap, or use a purpose-made toy cleaner. If your toy is rated as fully waterproof, it can be rinsed under running water.
Glass and Stainless Steel
Both can be boiled, run through the dishwasher, or cleaned with a 10% bleach solution. As straightforward as it gets.
Storage Tips
Store toys in individual fabric pouches or separate compartments to prevent silicone surfaces touching each other. Keep them away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Many premium toys come with their own storage bags — use them.
Don't forget lubricant compatibility: always use water-based lubricant with silicone toys. Silicone-based lube degrades the surface of silicone products over time. Glass, stainless steel, and ABS plastic are compatible with all lubricant types.
YES Coco — Organic Oil-Based Lubricant (6 × 5ml) — £22.99
A beautifully clean lubricant made from certified organic coconut oil. Ideal for use with glass, stainless steel, and ABS toys. Long-lasting, naturally moisturising, and completely free from synthetic chemicals. Note: not suitable for use with silicone toys or latex products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all silicone sex toys body-safe?
Not necessarily. Some manufacturers use the word "silicone" to describe blended or low-grade materials that aren't medical-grade. Always look for "medical-grade silicone" or "platinum-cured silicone" from a brand you recognise. If the description is vague, move on.
Can I use any lubricant with a silicone toy?
No — this is one of the most important things to remember. Silicone-based lubricants can chemically bond with silicone toys, degrading the surface over time. Always use a water-based lubricant with silicone toys. Glass, stainless steel, and ABS plastic are compatible with all lubricant types.
What sex toy materials should I avoid?
Avoid jelly rubber, PVC, TPE, and TPR. These materials are porous, cannot be fully sterilised, and some — particularly PVC — may contain phthalates linked to hormone disruption. Safe alternatives include medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and hard ABS plastic.
Are glass sex toys actually safe?
Yes — when made from borosilicate glass, they're exceptionally strong, non-porous, and safe. Always inspect for chips or cracks before use and retire any damaged toy immediately. With proper care, a glass toy can last a lifetime.
How do I clean a silicone sex toy?
Non-motorised silicone toys can be boiled for 3 minutes, run through the dishwasher without detergent, or soaked in a 10% bleach solution. Motorised toys should be wiped with warm soapy water or toy cleaner — only submerge if explicitly rated as waterproof.
Do cheap sex toys contain phthalates?
Many do, particularly jelly-style and PVC toys. There is currently no UK regulation requiring adult toy manufacturers to declare phthalate content. The safest approach is to buy only from brands that explicitly use phthalate-free, medical-grade materials.
The Bottom Line
Shopping for body-safe toys doesn't have to be complicated. Look for non-porous, named materials from brands that are transparent about what they use. Medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and hard ABS plastic are your friends. Jelly, PVC, rubber, and anything described only as "soft" or "skin-like" without a specific material name — are best avoided.
At Naughty Nest, every product in our range is chosen with your safety and pleasure in mind. We stock brands like LELO, Svakom, Spectrum, We-Vibe, and Toosh because they are as rigorous about materials as we are — and because they make products that genuinely earn their place in your collection.
You deserve toys that feel brilliant and look after your body. Browse our full body-safe range below: