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Material picker.
There is no UK regulator for sex toys, the material is your safety net. Pick what you want it for, what matters most, and any sensitivities; get the ranked body-safe materials with full scorecards.
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Pick a use case and a priority to see ranked materials.
The full reference
Every material we recommend, with the same scorecard. 0-10 across each attribute, higher is better.
| Material | Body Safety | Realism | Temp | Clean | Cost | Lifespan | UK Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum-cure silicone Most users, most use cases. The default premium material and the universal "buy this first" recommendation. | 10 | 7 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 9 | £25-£200 |
| Borosilicate glass Sensation play, temperature play, easy-clean, second-toy upgrade for experienced users. | 10 | 4 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 9 | £30-£90 |
| Stainless / surgical steel G-spot or P-spot focused users, weight-as-feature seekers, lifetime-purchase buyers. | 10 | 3 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 10 | £50-£250 |
| ABS plastic (hard plastic) Budget first-toy buys, bullets, vibrator shafts where contact area is small. | 9 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 7 | £10-£60 |
| Sealed hardwood Collectors, aesthetes, gift-grade purchases, sensation play with natural warmth. | 9 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 9 | £60-£300 |
| TPE / TPR / jelly Budget-conscious buyers who want realistic skin-feel and accept the shorter lifespan. | 5 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 4 | £10-£40 |
| Glazed ceramic Aesthete buyers who want the look of ceramics, temperature-play enthusiasts. | 9 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 7 | £40-£120 |
Frequently asked
- What does "body-safe" actually mean in sex toys?
- Non-porous, chemically inert, and free of plasticisers that leach over time. The four materials that meet all three criteria are platinum-cure silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless or surgical steel, and properly-sealed hardwood. Anything else either traps bacteria (TPE, jelly) or risks chemical transfer (PVC with phthalates).
- Why is platinum-cure silicone the default recommendation?
- It is the only material that combines body-safe non-porous behaviour with a soft skin-like feel and decades of lifespan. Glass and steel are also fully body-safe but rigid; TPE feels soft but cannot be sterilised. Silicone is the best-of-both compromise for most users.
- Is TPE actually unsafe, or just inferior?
- TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is porous, which means it cannot be fully sterilised between uses or between partners. For solo use with conscientious cleaning it is reasonable for a 6 to 12 month lifespan; for partner use it should be covered with a condom. Avoid it entirely if you have any kind of sensitivity.
- Can I put glass and steel toys in the dishwasher?
- Borosilicate glass: top rack only, no detergent residue. Stainless and surgical steel: dishwasher safe at any rack position. Both can also be boiled for 3-5 minutes for full sterilisation. Silicone can be boiled but not dishwashered (the heat can warp some designs).
- Are there any materials I should avoid entirely?
- Yes. Anything labelled "jelly" without a clear TPE or silicone designation, anything labelled "phthalate-free" without naming the actual material (the disclosure is meaningless without it), and any unsealed wood or porous stone. If the brand will not tell you the material, treat it as a red flag.
- How long does each material last with normal use?
- TPE and jelly: 6-12 months. ABS plastic: 3-5 years. Sealed wood: 5-10 years with proper care. Platinum silicone: 10+ years. Borosilicate glass: indefinite if undropped. Stainless steel: indefinite. Investment-grade materials pay back in lifespan; the £25 TPE buy is rarely cheaper per use than the £80 silicone.