Sex toys and sexual health: why material quality changes everything

Choosing a sex toy is first and foremost a question of material and health, not just pleasure. We often look at the shape, the color or the promised sensations. Yet it is the material that determines whether the object is truly safe for your body. Co-written with a doctor in microbiology, this article explains in plain language why material quality is not a marketing detail, and how to recognize a sex toy you can trust.

Contents

Intimate mucous membranes are among the most permeable and sensitive tissues in the body. They absorb easily, and their microbial balance is fragile. An object in prolonged contact with these areas must therefore meet a simple requirement: be made of a stable, non-irritating material that can truly be cleaned.

This is where microbiology comes in. Not all materials behave the same way with microorganisms. Some offer a smooth, closed surface where bacteria cannot take hold and which can be disinfected in seconds. Others, on the contrary, are riddled with micro-cavities invisible to the naked eye, where moisture and residue settle: an ideal breeding ground for microbes, which surface washing is not enough to remove.

If you only remember one thing, let it be this: a good sex toy is made of a non-porous material.

Non-porous materials (the ones to choose)

Their closed surface retains neither moisture nor residue. They can be cleaned thoroughly, sometimes even disinfected, and they do not degrade over time. The main ones:

  • Medical-grade silicone (also called platinum silicone): soft, smooth, warm, odorless. The benchmark for intimate use.
  • Borosilicate glass and stainless steel: smooth, sturdy, perfectly hygienic.
  • ABS (a medical-grade hard plastic), often used for rigid parts and motors.

Porous materials (to avoid for internal use)

They can often be recognized by a chemical smell, a sometimes sticky feel and a very low price. TPE, TPR, soft PVC and the infamous "jelly" fall into this category. Their open microstructure makes them impossible to fully sanitize, and some contain plasticizers such as phthalates, which are best kept away from mucous membranes. These are not materials suited to insertion.

This risk is not theoretical. A study published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections detected human papillomavirus (HPV) on vibrators after use: after standard cleaning, it was still present 24 hours later on some thermoplastic elastomer models (a porous material), but on none of the silicone models [1]. Other research has found phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors, in the sex toys tested, with silicone showing the safest profile [2]. And exposure to phthalates is associated, in the scientific literature, with effects on reproductive health [3]. Material is therefore not just a matter of comfort: it determines what can really be cleaned, and what the body may absorb.

The simple rule: a material that smells strongly of plastic, feels sticky or costs next to nothing for a large size almost always hides a porous composition. When in doubt, avoid it for internal use.

Beyond the material, a few signs never lie:

  • The material is stated clearly and openly ("silicone", ideally "medical-grade silicone" or "platinum"). A product page that stays vague on this point is a warning sign.
  • "Phthalate-free" / "body-safe": claims that serious brands are happy to display.
  • An established brand that documents its materials and complies with European standards. Renowned manufacturers such as Lelo, Womanizer or the French brand Love to Love have made this their signature.
  • A waterproof rechargeable model rather than a cheap battery-powered one: often the sign of more careful design, and easier to clean.

If you are just starting out and want a healthy foundation, our My first sex toy selection only includes models made of reliable materials.

The best material in the world only protects you if it is properly cared for. The right material and the right habits go hand in hand.

The stakes are real: among women who have sex with women, sharing sex toys has been associated with changes in the vaginal flora, with a decrease in protective lactobacilli [4]. One clinical case even documented a Trichomonas infection transmitted by an unwashed sex toy, used solo [5]. In other words: the material makes cleaning possible, and cleaning does the rest.

  • Clean your sex toy before and after each use, with lukewarm water and mild soap or a dedicated cleaner. Our guide on how to clean your sex toy details the right steps for each material.
  • On silicone, use a water-based lubricant: silicone-based lubricants can damage the surface over time.
  • Dry it and store it away from dust, in a clean pouch.
  • Any sharing calls for dedicated protection or thorough cleaning between each person.

It is precisely because material affects your health that we do not sell just anything. Our catalogue is curated to favor non-porous, body-safe materials, brands that document their composition, and finishes worthy of intimate use. Pleasure should never come at the cost of safety: here, luxury starts with what touches your skin.

Sexologists and sex therapists also place their trust in us: they use our products and recommend them to their patients. When sexual health professionals rely on a selection to support their patients, it is the best possible proof of seriousness.

Want to go further on a specific type? Our guide to choosing a vibrating egg applies exactly the same quality logic.

Should "jelly" really be avoided?

For internal use, yes. Jelly and very cheap soft materials are porous and may contain unwanted plasticizers. They cannot be cleaned thoroughly. Medical-grade silicone is a better choice.

What is "medical-grade" or "platinum" silicone?

It is a high-purity, stable, non-porous silicone, also used in the medical field. Soft and odorless, it absorbs nothing and cleans perfectly: it is the reference material for a sex toy.

How can I tell if a sex toy is porous?

Check the product page: a non-porous material (silicone, glass, steel, ABS) is clearly stated. A strong chemical smell, a sticky feel or a very large size at a rock-bottom price are signs of porosity.

Is a quality sex toy necessarily expensive?

A good material has a cost, but "quality" does not mean "unaffordable". There are excellent silicone models at reasonable prices. What matters is the material and the brand's reliability, not just the price tag.

  1. Anderson TA et al. "A study of human papillomavirus on vaginally inserted sex toys, before and after cleaning, among women who have sex with women and men." Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2014. PubMed
  2. "Sex toys for pleasure, but there are risks: in silico toxicity studies of leached micro/nanoplastics and phthalates." 2024. ScienceDirect
  3. "Exposure to phthalates and female reproductive health: a literature review." 2022. PubMed
  4. "Prevalence and Risks for Bacterial Vaginosis in Women Who Have Sex With Women." Sexually Transmitted Diseases. PMC / NIH
  5. "Partner Not Required: A Case Report of Trichomonas Self Inoculation via Fomite Transmission." ScienceDirect
About this article. Co-written with a doctor in microbiology. The Oh My God'Z selection is built on this standard: healthy, documented and safe materials, for pleasure without compromise.
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