Here's something the intimate-products industry doesn't advertise: many toys on the market are made from cheap, unregulated materials that were never meant to touch your body for long. The good news is that telling the safe ones from the questionable ones is easier than you'd think once you know what to look for.
Why Material Matters
Unlike food or cosmetics, sex toys sit in a regulatory gray zone in much of the world. That's why you'll often see the word "novelty" on cheap products — it's a loophole that lets manufacturers skip safety standards. The materials used in those products can contain phthalates (chemical softeners), which have been linked to irritation and longer-term health concerns, along with BPA, glycerin, and parabens.
The Body-Safe Materials to Look For
A handful of materials are non-porous, easy to sanitize, and widely considered body-safe:
- Medical-grade silicone — soft, non-porous, and the gold standard for most toys.
- Borosilicate glass — body-safe, easy to clean, and temperature-friendly.
- Stainless steel — durable, non-porous, and fully sanitizable.
- ABS plastic — hard, non-porous, common in vibrators.
The Materials to Avoid
Be cautious with jelly rubber, PVC, TPR/TPE blends from unknown makers, and anything labeled "novelty use only." Porous materials can trap bacteria no matter how well you clean them.
Five Quick Checks Before You Buy
- Look for "phthalate-free" and "body-safe" stated clearly.
- Choose a named, reputable brand over an anonymous listing.
- Favor silicone, glass, or steel.
- Avoid anything labeled "novelty."
- Check that there's a real cleaning and care guide.
At Dark Orchids, every product we carry is vetted for body-safe materials — no phthalates, BPA, glycerin, or parabens, ever. If you're not sure about a specific item, you can ask a doctor for free before you buy.