Body-Safe Materials Explained: Silicone vs the Nasties
You picked up a toy, gave it a sniff, and caught a sharp plasticky smell. That's your first clue. Body-safe means non-porous and non-toxic: 100% silicone, ABS plastic, borosilicate glass and stainless steel. Avoid porous, phthalate-laden materials like jelly, soft PVC and vague "rubber". They trap bacteria and can't be truly cleaned.
What Body-Safe Means
Two words do most of the work here: non-porous and non-toxic.
Non-porous means the surface has no microscopic holes for bacteria, mould or fluid to hide in. You can properly clean it and, for the right materials, sterilise it. Non-toxic means no phthalates or other softeners leaching onto some of the most absorbent skin on your body.
Porous materials fail both tests. Jelly, "rubber" and soft PVC feel cheap and squishy for a reason. They're often softened with phthalates, a group of chemicals many countries restrict in kids' toys but not always in adult ones. Since a vibrator isn't regulated like a medical device, the material label is on you to read.
Silicone: The Gold Standard (+Why Medical Grade Can Be Iffy)
If you buy one thing, buy 100% silicone. It's soft, warms to your body, holds no smell, and - the big one - it's non-porous. A quality silicone toy can be washed with warm water and mild soap and used for years.
You'll see "medical grade silicone" on a lot of listings. Honestly, it's a loosely used marketing phrase, not a certification you can look up. Platinum-cured (rather than tin-cured) silicone is the more meaningful signal of quality, but few South African product pages spell that out.
So treat "medical grade" as a green flag, not proof, and buy from sellers who state materials plainly. Our silicone vibrators collection lists the material on each product for exactly this reason.
One honest trade-off: real silicone costs more up front. A body-safe toy at R600-R900 will outlast three R150 jelly ones and won't need replacing every few months.
The Quick Sniff-and-Squeeze Test (That's What She Said)
No lab required. Before or just after buying:
- Smell it. A strong chemical or "new shower curtain" odour usually means porous PVC or jelly. Good silicone is nearly odourless.
- Squeeze it. Squishy, tacky, slightly sticky surfaces point to softeners. Silicone feels smooth and springs back.
- Read the listing. "100% silicone", "ABS plastic", "borosilicate glass" or "stainless steel" - clear terms are a good sign. "Body-safe rubber", "TPR/TPE", "PVC" or no material at all. Be cautious.
TPE and TPR sit in a grey zone: softer and cheaper than silicone, technically porous, and best treated as single-person, shorter-life items with a condom over them.
Body-Safe vs Porous: The Materials at a Glance
| Material | Body-safe? | Porous? | Phthalate risk | Care notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% silicone | Yes | No | None | Warm water + mild soap; many are boilable (check the motor) |
| ABS plastic (hard) | Yes | No | None | Wipe down; common on bullets and handles |
| Borosilicate glass | Yes | No | None | Very hygienic; inspect for chips before use |
| Stainless steel | Yes | No | None | Non-porous, temperature-play friendly |
| Jelly | No | Yes | High | Can't be sanitised; use a condom or skip |
| Soft PVC | No | Yes | High | Off-gasses; short lifespan |
| "Rubber" (unlabelled) | No | Yes | Unknown | Vague labelling - treat as unsafe |
| TPE / TPR | Caution | Yes | Low-medium | Use a condom; replace sooner |
Cleaning Depends on the Material
Non-porous doesn't mean maintenance-free. It means cleaning actually works.
- Silicone, glass, steel: warm water and a fragrance-free soap after every use. Many non-motorised silicone and glass pieces can be boiled or run through a sanitising cycle; anything with a motor or battery should never go in water past its seams.
- Porous materials: you can rinse the surface, but you can't reach what's inside. A fresh condom each time is the realistic safeguard.
- All toys: dry fully and store separately. Silicone can react with other silicone, so keep pieces in their own pouch or a cotton bag.
A light note, not medical advice: if a material ever leaves you itchy, irritated or with unusual discomfort, stop using it and check in with a doctor or clinic. This is general guidance, not a substitute for one.
Shopping Body-Safe in South Africa
Buying locally makes this easier. Many big global brands like Lovehoney don't ship to South Africa, or land you with customs delays and returns you can't action from Cape Town or Joburg. We're SA-based, price in rand, and ship within the country with local couriers - usually 3-7 days, in discreet plain packaging with nothing on the box that hints at what's inside.
It also means you can ask. If a product page isn't clear on materials, message us before you buy. Start with our body-safe wellness range or browse everything in one place.
FAQ
Is silicone actually safe? Yes. 100% silicone is non-porous, phthalate-free and one of the safest materials you can buy. The catch is blends - "silicone" cut with cheaper softeners isn't the same thing, so look for "100% silicone" and a seller who states it plainly.
What's wrong with jelly, PVC or "TPR" toys? They're porous, so bacteria and fluid get into the surface where no amount of washing reaches. Jelly and soft PVC are also often softened with phthalates that can leach onto very absorbent skin. TPE/TPR is the grey-zone version - safer than jelly, still porous, best used with a condom and replaced sooner.
How can I tell if a toy is body-safe before I buy? Read the material name first. "100% silicone", "ABS plastic", "borosilicate glass" or "stainless steel" are green flags. Vague terms like "body-safe rubber" or no material listed at all are your cue to ask us or move on. In person, a strong chemical smell or a tacky, sticky surface points to porous plastic.
Are "phthalate-free" or "non-toxic" claims trustworthy? Take them as a starting point, not proof. Adult toys aren't regulated like medical devices in South Africa, so those phrases aren't certified. A clear material name from a shop that lists it on every product page tells you more than a marketing sticker does.
Can I use any lubricant with a silicone toy? Stick to a water-based lube. Silicone lube can bond with and degrade silicone toys over time, leaving the surface tacky or pitted. Water-based works with every body-safe material; if you'd rather use silicone lube, keep it for glass or steel, or put a condom over the toy.