At some point you may wonder, "What is in this toy I'm putting inside my body?"  This is an excellent question to ask, because while some toys are made from high quality products meant to promote both pleasure and health, others can be made from more questionable materials.  This guide will offer some information and advice as to the various materials commonly found in adult products.


Metal toys are typically quite beautiful and durable; with these desirable qualities comes a high price tag.  However, the cost is definitely worth it when you consider that a metal toy will last a lifetime (and beyond) with proper care. 

Metal toys can be cleaned with soap and water, antibacterial toy cleaner, by boiling, or in the top rack of a dishwasher with no detergent. Avoid the use of abrasives in cleaning as these will dull the high shine of a metal toy. After cleaning these products can safely be shared between partners or can go from ass to vagina with no worries about the transmission of bacteria.  Metal will never absorb odors, stains or lube.  Any kind of lube is safe to use with a metal toy. 

Metal products feel weighty in the body and are perfect for temperature play.  Cool or warm a metal toy in a bowl of water; test on the wrist first to make sure the item is comfortable to the touch. 

Recommendations:  Njoy Pure Wand, Njoy Pure Plug


Silicone can be molded into a wide variety of realistic and non-realistic shapes; the detailing possible in a silicone product is amazing.  Prices tend to run high for silicone items, but like metal toys, they will last a lifetime if they receive proper care.

These items can be cleaned with soap and water or antibacterial toy cleaner.  Additionally, silicone toys with no motors can be sterilized by brief boiling or in the top rack of the dishwasher with no detergent.  They can safely be shared between partners or go from ass to vagina after a thorough cleaning.  Silicone will never absorb odors, stains or lube; these qualities make silicone dildos wonderful for anal play. 

Use only a water-based lube with a silicone toy.  Silicone lube bonds instantly to the surface of a silicone toy, leaving it sticky though not unusable.

Toys made from silicone range from very firm to realistic and lifelike.  They are capable of exerting firm but comfortable pressure on the g-spot or prostate and tend to feel quite realistic in the body.

Recommendations:  Lelo Iris, Paul and Paulina, Pandora


Glass can be blown or molded into beautiful, intricate and functional sex toys.  It's possible to spend several hundred dollars for an elaborate glass product, but simpler items are available at a fraction of that cost.  Glass may seem fragile, but the type of glass used in sex toys is the same used for laboratory glassware.  It's meant to resist chipping and cracking; there's little you could do during most sexual play that would harm a glass toy other than dropping it on a hard floor.  When your glass toy is not in use, it should be kept in a padded storage bag or wrapped securely in a towel.  If you manage to crack or chip your glass toy, you'll have to stop using it.

Glass toys can be cleaned with soap and water, antibacterial toy cleaner, by boiling, or in the top rack of a dishwasher with no detergent.  Don't use any abrasives on these products.  Any lube will work well with a glass toy, and because glass is non-porous, a little will last a long time.

Like metal toys, glass toys are ideal for temperature play.  A brief soak in a bowl of cold or warm water should provide a wonderful sensory experience.

Recommendations:  E-glass Plug, Curved Blue Swirl, Bent Graduate


Lucite/Acrylic toys are typically translucent with a glass-like shine.  Nearly as beautiful as glass products, toys made of Lucite/Acrylic will also resist breaking or chipping.  They are incredibly sturdy and long-lasting if cared for properly.

Toys made from Lucite/Acrylic are non-porous, so they will not absorb stains, odors or bacteria.  They can be safely shared between partners after sterilizing with soap and water, antibacterial toy cleaner, by boiling, or in the top rack of a dishwasher with no detergent.  Don't use any abrasives on these products, and avoid cleaning them with alcohol.  It's best to protect a Lucite/Acrylic toy with a plastic bag (or even wrapped in an old sock) between uses so that it does not get scratched.

Any kind of lube will work well with these toys; their non-porous nature means that a little lube will last for a long time.

Lucite/Acrylic products feel lightweight in the hand and warm quickly to body temperature.  As these toys are often more affordable than similarly designed glass toys, they are good choices for those new to sex toys.

Recommendations:  Crystal Wand, Acrylic Pleasure Wand, Isis


Plastic toys can have a smooth or a velvety finish.  Either option produces an item with a solid, unyielding surface perfect for firm stimulation.  As they are non-porous, plastic toys can be shared with partners after a thorough cleaning with an antibacterial toy cleaner.  However, keep in mind that many plastic toys have various parts including speed dials, buttons and battery compartments.  It may be difficult to clean all the cracks and crevices of these products, so use a condom if you plan on sharing.

All lubes will work with plastic products and will last a long time as plastic toys won't absorb lube.

Most plastic sex toys feel lightweight and smooth to the touch.  Plastic products are generally quite affordable and are therefore excellent choices for folks looking to experiment with new sizes, shapes or means of stimulation.

Recommendations:  Aneros, Daisy Vibe, Jenna's Velvet G


Cyberskin/Skin-Like products feature a texture that feels amazingly like actual skin.  Prepare one of these toys by running it under a stream of warm water and you'll be amazed at the realism.  However, the material is porous and cam therefore never be sterilized. Clean a Cyberskin/Skin-like product with soap and water or an antibacterial toy cleaner.  Use a condom with these toys if you plan on sharing or for ease of cleanup. 

Water-based lubes will work best with Cyberskin/Skin-like toys; plan on reapplying lube at intervals because it will be absorbed into the toy.

Recommendations:  Fleshlight Vagina, Fleshlight Mouth


Jelly/Rubber toys generally have a translucent, colorful appearance.  They are affordable and often make up a large proportion of the offerings in your typical sex toy store.  However, insertable jelly products can cause irritation in some folks, so it's best to use them with a condom.  Also, jelly breaks down over time.  When your toy begins to look cloudy or feel as thought it's "sweating" a watery or greasy substance, it's time to look for a replacement. 

Jelly toys cannot be sterilized.  Do not share them with a partner or use in both the ass and vagina unless a condom has been employed.  Cleaning can be accomplished with soap and water or an antibacterial toy cleaner, but keep in mind that the porous nature of these products means that they will pick up permanent stains, odors and bacteria unless you've used a condom.

Water-based lubes will work best with Cyberskin/Skin-like toys; plan on reapplying lube at intervals because it will be absorbed into the toy.

Enjoy jelly/rubber toys as an affordable way to experiment with different sizes and shapes, but don't plan on using one of these products forever.  Six months to a year of use (less if you're using it anally) is a good run from one of these products.

Recommendations: Krystal Wabbit, Jelly Anal Beads, Slim Jelly Fantasy Vibe


Each of the products listed above has its place in the toy box of a true pervert.  Just make sure that you use your product in a safe manner, clean it properly, and share it responsibly so that you'll get the best possible pleasure from your choice.