What Does Body Safe Sex Toys Mean?

In recent times a term called ‘body safe’ has been going around a lot, especially on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and WhatsApp ‘school’. But what does it even mean?

The term “body safe” generally refers to materials or practices that are non-toxic and safe for use on or near the human body. We keep a close eye on whether our clothes are acrylic or pure wool or whether our jewellery is ‘hypoallergenic’ or not. Now imagine if you put a material near, on or in your genital area. Would you not want that to be safe for your body?

Just like with the cosmetics you apply and the food you eat, making informed decisions about what you use is essential and hence it becomes very important to learn about the safety of the sex toys. Read on ahead to learn about what is meant by body safe sex toys.

Why Would A Sex Toy Not Be Safe?

The problem with the sex toy industry is that there are no regulations, so there’s no clear standard for what “body safe” actually means. This means there’s no guarantee that the toy you’re buying is truly safe to use on or inside your body.[1] Reliable sex toy sellers try to separate themselves from shady companies that take advantage of this lack of oversight. To make matters worse, many manufacturers shrug off the responsibility entirely by simply labeling their products as “Novelty Item – not for use on the body.”
One of the users on Reddit posted that while browsing on the internet for beginner sex toys, she noticed that many products were made of a vague “soft plastic.” After further research, she realized just how many toys on these websites are not body safe and found very limited choices available.

What Qualities To Look For In A Safe Sex Toy?

The properties of a good sex toy can be divided into 3 major part, specially with respect to its stricture:

1. Porosity – This is about whether the material of a sex toy can trap bacteria and fungus. Some materials are porous, meaning they have tiny- tiny holes where bacteria can hide and grow—even if you clean, scrub, wash or even brush the surface.[2]
2. Chemical Composition – This refers to the chemicals in the toy and whether they’re actually safe for your body. Some sex toys contain chemicals that can cause itching, burning, or even tissue damage. For example glycerin in lube, which can increase the chances of yeast infections.[3]
3. Safe Design – This is all about whether a toy’s shape and features make it safe to use. For instance, toys made for anal play should always have a wide, flared base—otherwise, they can get stuck, which is definitely not something you would want to deal with.

Think of sex toys like toothbrushes—you wouldn’t want to share, you wouldn’t want them made of questionable materials, and you definitely wouldn’t want to skip cleaning them. Your body deserves safe, high-quality materials, so always choose wisely!

— Dr. Paavas Sharma

What Are Safe Materials For Sex Toys?

What Materials To Avoid In A Sex Toy?

Phthalates

• Used to make plastic softer and more flexible.
• Linked to hormone disruption, fertility issues and can cause issues with development of babies in pregnant women. [5]
• Can leach out of toys over time, posing health risks.
• Found in many low-quality sex toys—best to avoid.

BPA

• Known to disrupt hormones and may impact health.
• Common in food containers, baby bottles, and some sex toys.
• Best to choose BPA-free materials for safety.

Jelly or Rubber

• A cheap but low-quality material used in many toys.
• Highly porous, making it difficult to clean and prone to bacteria buildup, can lead to infections.
• Often has a strong plastic smell—a sign of poor materials.
• Not body safe, so better alternatives like silicone or ABS plastic are recommended.

PVC and TPE

• Plastic-based materials that may contain phthalates and other harmful chemicals.
• Even “phthalate-free” versions can have toxic additives like phenol or cadmium.[6]
• Porous and can trap bacteria, making them hard to sanitize.
• Degrade over time, reducing their safety and lifespan and can cause rashes or burning.

Checklist for Choosing a Safe Sex Toy Material

• Check for labels like ‘phthalate-free’ and ‘BPA-free’ – This ensures the toy is made without harmful chemicals.
• Avoid strong odors – If a toy has a powerful plastic smell, it could contain unsafe materials.
• Invest in quality – Cheaper toys are often made from questionable materials that may not be body safe.
• Watch out for overly soft or sticky textures – A squishy or jelly-like feel could mean the presence of harmful chemicals like phthalates.
• Read ingredient lists – Always check what materials the toy is made from to ensure safety.
• Look for ‘medical-grade silicone’ – This is one of the safest, non-toxic materials for sex toys.
• Stick with trusted brands – Well-known manufacturers prioritize safety and use high-quality materials.

No Matter the Material, Hygiene Is Key

Even the safest sex toy material won’t do you any good if you’re not keeping it clean. Proper hygiene is essential to prevent infections, irritation, and bacteria buildup. Here’s what you need to know:

• Wash Before and After Use – Always clean your sex toys before and after each use with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Some materials may require special cleaners, so check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Use the Right Cleaning Method – Non-porous materials like silicone, glass, and metal are easier to clean and can often be boiled or sanitized. Porous materials (like jelly rubber or TPE) trap bacteria and are harder to clean, so they should be avoided.
• Dry Thoroughly – After washing, let your toy air-dry completely before storing it. Bacteria love moisture, so make sure it’s fully dry to prevent mold or unwanted germs.
• Store Properly – Keep your toys in a clean, dry place, preferably in a storage pouch or container to avoid dust and bacteria. Avoid tossing them loose in a drawer where they can collect dirt.
• Use Condoms for Porous Toys – If you have a porous toy that you don’t want to part with just yet, using a condom over it can add an extra layer of protection.
• Check for Wear and Tear – Regularly inspect your toys for any cracks, discoloration, or changes in texture. Damaged toys can harbor bacteria and should be replaced.