When you buy adult sex toys online, the material should be one of the first things you check because it can affect comfort, cleaning, durability, storage, and everyday care. Materials such as silicone, glass, stainless steel, ABS plastic, TPE/TPR, PVC, and rubber have different properties, so understanding whether a material is porous or non-porous and reviewing the manufacturer’s care and safety information can help you make a more informed choice.

At Xtoysmart, we provide clear product information to help you compare materials and choose an adult toy based on its intended use, construction, comfort, and care requirements.

Table fo Content

1. Why Does Adult Toy Material Matter?
2. Is Silicone a Good Material for Adult Toys?
3. Are Glass and Stainless Steel Good Choices?
4. Why Are Porous Materials Different?
5. What Should You Look for When You Buy Adult Sex Toys Online?
6. How Does Material Affect Cleaning?
7. How Does Material Affect Durability?
8. Does Material Affect Comfort?
9. How Should Different Materials Be Stored?
10. How Can Material Affect the Price?
11. How Can We Help You Shop With More Confidence?
12. Frequently Asked Questions
    

Key Takeaways

Material affects more than how a toy feels. It can affect cleaning, storage, durability, flexibility, odour, and how suitable the product may be for your needs.

• Silicone is a popular choice because it is non-porous and generally easy to clean.
• Glass and stainless steel are also non-porous materials when properly manufactured and finished.
  
• Porous materials can absorb fluids and may be harder to clean completely.
• “Body-safe” should not be treated as a vague marketing phrase. Look for clear material information from the manufacturer.
  
• If a product listing does not clearly identify its material, we recommend asking the seller or manufacturer before purchasing.
  
  

Why Does Adult Toy Material Matter?

The material matters because adult toys can have direct contact with skin and, depending on the product, more sensitive areas of the body. Different materials have different physical properties, including porosity, flexibility, hardness, heat retention, and resistance to cleaning products.

We also recommend looking beyond simple labels such as “soft” or “premium”. Those words do not tell you exactly what a toy is made from.

Health Canada specifically advises consumers to read labels and manufacturer directions and, where appropriate, choose products labelled phthalate-free or PVC-free. 

Several materials are widely used in adult toys, and each has different characteristics.

Material	Main characteristics	Cleaning
Silicone	Soft, flexible, durable, non-porous	Usually easy
Glass	Smooth, firm, non-porous, can retain temperature	Easy
Stainless steel	Firm, durable, non-porous	Easy
ABS plastic	Firm and lightweight	Usually easy
TPE/TPR	Soft and flexible, but often porous	More care needed
PVC	Flexible; formulation varies	Depends on product
Rubber	Flexible, but may be porous	More difficult

This table is a general guide. The exact safety and care requirements depend on the finished product, its formulation, coatings, construction, and intended use.

Is Silicone a Good Material for Adult Toys?

Silicone is one of the most popular materials because quality silicone can be soft, flexible, durable, and non-porous. It is also relatively simple to clean when the product's instructions allow washing with soap and water.

However, we do not recommend assuming that every product described simply as “silicone” has identical properties. Product quality, manufacturing, additives, coatings, and construction can differ.

When shopping through an adult toys online store, check the full product description rather than relying only on photographs.

Are Glass and Stainless Steel Good Choices?

Glass and stainless steel can be useful choices when you want a firm, smooth, non-porous material. Their smooth surfaces can make cleaning straightforward, provided the product is designed for the intended use and is free from damage.

Glass products should be made from an appropriate, durable type of glass and inspected regularly for chips, cracks, or other damage. A damaged product should not be used.

Stainless steel is valued for its strength and smooth surface. It can also be easy to clean. As with any material, we recommend following the manufacturer's cleaning and care instructions.

Why Are Porous Materials Different?

Porous materials can absorb moisture and other substances, which can make thorough cleaning more difficult.

Materials such as some TPE, TPR, rubber, and similar soft compounds may have microscopic pores or a surface structure that differs from non-porous materials. This does not mean every product made from these materials is automatically unsafe. It does mean you should understand the material and care instructions before purchasing.

We recommend paying particular attention to the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning, drying, and storage. Health Canada also advises consumers to read product labels and manufacturer directions when considering exposure to certain chemicals, and specifically recommends looking for clear information such as phthalate-free or PVC-free labelling when relevant.

What Should You Look for When You Buy Adult Sex Toys Online?

The best online listings clearly identify the material and provide useful care information.

Before placing an order, we suggest checking these points

• Material: Is the exact material named?
• Cleaning: Does the manufacturer explain how to clean it?
• Use: Does the product information clearly explain its intended use?
• Construction: Is the surface smooth and free from obvious defects?
• Manufacturer: Is there enough information to identify who made the product?
• Care: Are storage and charging instructions provided where relevant?
• Warnings: Are there clear product warnings and limitations?
  

If a listing only says “soft material” or “premium material” without giving a more specific description, we recommend asking for clarification before purchasing.

Things to Know Before You Shop Sex Toys Online

How Does Material Affect Cleaning?

Non-porous materials are generally easier to clean because they do not absorb fluids in the same way as porous materials.

For many silicone, glass, stainless steel, and suitable plastic products, cleaning may involve mild soap and water. However, cleaning instructions vary, so we always recommend following the manufacturer's directions.

Do not assume that every waterproof product can be boiled, placed in a dishwasher, or exposed to strong cleaning chemicals. Waterproofing and heat resistance are different properties.

A simple routine is usually best: clean the product according to its instructions, rinse properly when required, and allow it to dry fully before storage.

How Does Material Affect Durability?

Material can have a major effect on how long a toy remains in good condition. Hard materials such as stainless steel and glass can be very durable when handled correctly. Silicone can also provide long-lasting performance when it is properly manufactured and cared for.

Soft materials may be more likely to change over time, especially when exposed to heat, sunlight, unsuitable cleaning products, or poor storage.

We recommend checking your toys regularly. If you notice cracks, tears, major changes in texture, unusual odour, damaged surfaces, or other signs of deterioration, stop using the product and follow the manufacturer's advice.

Does Material Affect Comfort?

Yes. Material can change the overall feel of a product. Some shoppers prefer soft and flexible materials because they feel more forgiving. Others prefer firmer materials because they provide a different type of contact and are easier to clean.

For beginners, there is no single “best” material. Comfort is personal. We recommend considering flexibility, firmness, surface texture, size, and intended use together rather than choosing a product based on material alone.

How Should Different Materials Be Stored?

Clean, dry, and appropriate storage helps protect adult toys regardless of material.

We recommend:

• Clean the product before storage according to its instructions.
• Let it dry completely.
• Keep it away from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
• Follow the manufacturer's battery and charging instructions.
• Keep products separated when the manufacturer advises it.
• Use the supplied storage pouch or another suitable clean storage solution.
• Avoid placing products together if their materials may react with each other.

If you are unsure about storage, the manufacturer's instructions should be your first source of information.

How Can Material Affect the Price?

Material can affect price, but a higher price does not automatically mean a better or safer product.

Manufacturing quality, design, motor technology, electronics, brand, testing, packaging, and other factors can all affect the final price.

When comparing products through a website for adult toys, we suggest comparing the complete product rather than judging it only by its price or material name.

A reasonably priced product with clear material information and good care instructions may be a better choice than a more expensive product with vague specifications.

How Can We Help You Shop With More Confidence?

Canada's sex toys market is likely to grow at a rate of 6.85 percent from 2026 to 2031. This shows how popular these products are in the market, and online shopping has made it much easier to get them. 

At Xtoysmart, we want online shopping to be straightforward. When you browse our adult entertainment products, we encourage you to look at the material information, product specifications, care instructions, and intended use before making your decision. Browse our site for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which adult sex toy materials are body-safe?

Commonly used materials such as quality silicone, stainless steel, and suitable glass can be appropriate choices, but “body-safe” should not be treated as a blanket guarantee based only on the material name. The finished product, intended use, construction, and manufacturing quality matter. 

2. What is the easiest material to clean?

Smooth, non-porous materials such as silicone, stainless steel, and suitable glass are generally among the easiest to clean. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions because cleaning methods can vary between products.

3. Is silicone better than other toy materials?

Not necessarily. Silicone is popular because it can be soft, flexible, durable, and non-porous, but glass, stainless steel, and other materials may suit different preferences. We recommend choosing based on the product's intended use, care requirements, feel, and construction.

4. How does material affect toy durability?

Material can affect resistance to wear, heat, moisture, and physical damage. Hard materials such as stainless steel can be very durable, while some soft materials may need more careful storage and handling. Proper cleaning and storage can also help extend product life.

5. What materials should you avoid when shopping online?

We recommend avoiding products when the material is unclear or the seller cannot provide adequate material and care information. Be cautious about vague descriptions such as “jelly” or “soft plastic” without a specific material specification. Health Canada recommends reading labels and choosing products labelled appropriately, including phthalate-free or PVC-free where relevant.

6. Are soft or flexible materials better for beginners?

Not automatically. Some beginners may prefer softer or more flexible products because they can feel less firm, while others may prefer a smooth, firm material. Personal comfort, product design, size, and intended use are all important.

7. How can you identify body-safe materials online?

Look for the exact material name, manufacturer information, product specifications, care instructions, and clear warnings. If important information is missing, contact the seller or manufacturer before ordering. Avoid relying solely on phrases such as “premium” or “body-safe” without supporting product details.

8. Does material affect the price of adult sex toys?

Yes, it can, but material is only one part of the price. Manufacturing quality, design, electronics, brand, features, and testing can also affect cost. A more expensive material does not automatically make a product better for every shopper.

9. How should different toy materials be stored?

Clean and dry products before storing them. Keep them away from excessive heat and sunlight, follow battery instructions, and use the supplied storage pouch when provided. If the manufacturer gives specific storage instructions, follow those instructions.

9. Can material cause skin irritation?

Yes. Some people can experience irritation or sensitivity from particular materials, coatings, lubricants, or cleaning products. Irritation and sensitization are among the biological responses that may need evaluation for products that contact the body. If irritation occurs, stop using the product and seek appropriate medical advice if symptoms persist.