If you’re shopping for a toy for the first time, the product description probably mentions a material — usually silicone or ABS plastic — and moves on without explaining what that actually means for you. But material matters more than almost any other spec. It affects safety, feel, cleaning, durability, and how the toy holds up over time. Here’s a straightforward breakdown.
Why Material Matters More Than You’d Think
Not all plastics are created equal, and not everything labeled “body-safe” actually is. Since these products come into contact with sensitive skin, the material determines:
- Whether it’s porous (and can harbor bacteria over time)
- Whether it reacts with certain lubricants
- How it feels — soft and skin-like, or firm and rigid
- How long it lasts with proper care
- How you need to clean and store it
Silicone: Soft, Body-Safe, and Widely Recommended
Medical-grade silicone is one of the most popular materials in this category, and for good reason.
Pros:
- Non-porous — when it’s genuine, high-quality silicone, it doesn’t have microscopic holes that trap bacteria, making it easier to clean thoroughly
- Body-temperature responsive — it warms up quickly and feels more natural against skin
- Hypoallergenic — a good fit for people with sensitive skin, since it’s generally odorless and doesn’t leach chemicals
- Flexible yet durable — it can bend and flex without losing shape over time
- Easy to sterilize — many silicone toys can be cleaned with mild soap and water, or boiled/sterilized depending on whether they have electronic components
Things to know:
- Silicone toys should generally be used with water-based lubricant. Silicone-based lubricant can degrade silicone toys over time, causing a sticky or gummy texture.
- Not all “silicone” is equal — cheaper products sometimes blend in fillers, which can affect texture and safety. Quality matters, and this is often reflected in price.
ABS Plastic: Firm, Affordable, and Precise
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic is another common material, often used for the firmer components of a toy or for the toy’s core structure — sometimes with a silicone sleeve layered on top.
Pros:
- Rigid and precise — good for toys where firmness matters, like certain vibrators or textured designs
- Non-porous when properly manufactured, similar to silicone in this respect
- Compatible with both water-based and silicone-based lubricants, giving you more flexibility
- Generally more affordable than premium silicone products
- Glossy, easy-to-clean surface
Things to know:
- It doesn’t have the same soft, skin-like give as silicone — it stays rigid rather than flexing
- It won’t warm to body temperature the way silicone does
- Because it’s firmer, it’s often used for the shaft or handle rather than as the primary contact surface, sometimes paired with a softer silicone or TPE layer
Quick Comparison
| Silicone | ABS Plastic | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Soft, flexible | Firm, rigid |
| Feel | Body-temperature responsive | Stays cool |
| Lubricant compatibility | Water-based only | Water- or silicone-based |
| Best for | Realistic feel, sensitive skin | Precision, firmness, affordability |
| Typical price point | Mid to premium | Budget to mid |
What About Other Materials?
You may also come across:
- TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer): Soft and stretchy like silicone but more porous, meaning it requires more careful cleaning and typically has a shorter recommended lifespan.
- Glass or stainless steel: Non-porous, body-safe, and compatible with any lubricant — but firm and unyielding, so texture-wise they’re a different experience entirely.
- Jelly/PVC materials: Generally best avoided. These are often porous and may contain phthalates, which have raised health concerns. If a product description doesn’t clearly state the material, it’s worth asking before buying.
How to Choose
Ask yourself:
- Do I want something soft and flexible, or firm and precise? → Silicone leans soft; ABS leans firm.
- What lubricant do I already have or prefer? → If you’re set on silicone-based lube, ABS gives you that flexibility; silicone toys need water-based.
- What’s my budget? → ABS products are often more accessible for first-time buyers, while premium silicone tends to cost more.
- How important is easy cleaning and hygiene long-term? → Both are non-porous when well-made, but silicone generally has the edge for aftercare simplicity.
The Bottom Line
There’s no universally “better” material — it depends on what you’re looking for. Silicone offers a soft, realistic feel and easy hygiene; ABS plastic offers firmness, precision, and often a lower price point. Many toys actually combine both, using ABS for internal mechanics and silicone for the outer, skin-contact layer.
Whatever you choose, check the product description for material specifics before buying, and always follow the cleaning instructions that come with it — proper care is what keeps any toy safe and long-lasting, regardless of what it’s made from.
Have questions about a specific product’s material? Our product pages list full material specs, or feel free to reach out to our support team before you buy.
