Materials Matter: What Your Sex Toy is Made Of and Why It Counts

When shopping for a sex toy, most people focus on shape, function, or features — but one of the most important (and often overlooked) factors is material. What your toy is made of affects your comfort, safety, sensation, and how long it lasts.

Here's a breakdown of the most common sex toy materials — what makes them great, what to watch out for, and real, body-safe picks in each category from our Singapore range.

1. Silicone: The Gold Standard

Why it matters: Silicone is non-porous, hypoallergenic, easy to clean, and body-safe. It retains heat for temperature play and delivers a silky, smooth finish.

• ✔ Body-safe and hypoallergenic
• ✔ Can be sterilized (boilable or bleach-safe, if motor-free)
• ✔ Durable and long-lasting
• ✔ Smooth, velvety texture
• ✘ Use only water-based lubricants (silicone lube can degrade the surface)
• ✘ Slightly more expensive than other materials

Great silicone picks:

• Hot Kiss Duo — Dual-Ended Vibrator — from foreplay to G-spot, clitoral and nipple play, this dual-ended silicone toy does it all.
• Ace — Vibrating Cock Ring — a stretchy, body-safe silicone ring that adds vibration for couples.
• Frederick — Realistic Silicone Dildo — a lifelike liquid-silicone dildo with a suction base for hands-free play.

Browse more in vibrators, dildos and cock rings & sleeves.

2. ABS Plastic: Sleek, Hard, and Reliable

Why it matters: ABS plastic is rigid, non-porous, body-safe, and excellent for transmitting strong vibrations. It's often used for bullet vibes, toy handles, or hybrids.

• ✔ Non-porous and body-safe
• ✔ Good for firm, focused stimulation
• ✔ Usually more affordable
• ✔ Often paired with silicone for versatility
• ✘ Not flexible
• ✘ Can feel too firm for some preferences

Top picks:

• Maruko — Female Mini AV Vibrator — a compact, powerful mini wand that delivers deep vibration in a discreet, travel-friendly body.
• Midnight Reverie — Rabbit G-Spot Vibrator — rotating beads and a pointed tip for combined G-spot and clitoral stimulation.
• KISSTOY Lala Pop — Mini Clitoral Vibrator — a pastel, lollipop-inspired clitoral vibe with multiple modes and magnetic charging.

3. Glass: Elegant, Firm, and Great for Temperature Play

Why it matters: Borosilicate (pyrex-style) glass toys are non-porous, completely body-safe, and compatible with all lubricants. They offer a firm, weighty feel and work beautifully for temperature play — warm or cool them under running water first.

• ✔ Non-porous and ultra-hygienic
• ✔ Compatible with all lubes
• ✔ Can be heated or cooled
• ✔ Smooth, aesthetic finish
• ✘ No vibration
• ✘ Handle with care (though quality glass is shatter-resistant)

Glass pick:

• Glass String Beads — smooth borosilicate beads designed for temperature play and compatible with every lubricant.

4. Stainless Steel: Heavy-Duty Pleasure

Why it matters: Stainless steel toys are ultra-durable, non-porous, and excellent for firm pressure. Their weight adds intensity, and they're ideal for G-spot or prostate stimulation, and outstanding for temperature play.

• ✔ Body-safe and easily sterilized
• ✔ Compatible with all lubricants
• ✔ A long-lasting investment
• ✔ Excellent for temperature and pressure play
• ✘ Heavier and more intense
• ✘ Typically more expensive

Stainless steel picks:

• Stainless Steel Urethral Sounding — polished, weighty and body-safe, easily sterilised for hygienic play.
• Enchanting — Fox Tail Plug — a smooth stainless-steel plug with a playful tail, giving that signature metal weight and coolness.

Explore more weighted and metal options in our anal toys range.

5. Jelly, Rubber, and TPR/TPE: Use With Caution

Why it matters: These materials are porous, meaning they can trap bacteria and degrade over time. While they may feel soft or squishy, they're not ideal for long-term internal use.

• ✔ Soft, flexible texture
• ✔ Very affordable
• ✘ Porous and can't be fully disinfected
• ✘ May contain phthalates or allergens
• ✘ Often has a strong chemical smell
• ✘ Shorter lifespan

If you use one: always use a condom over the toy, avoid sharing, and replace it regularly.

A quick word on lube compatibility

Material choice and lubricant go hand in hand — the wrong pairing can ruin a good toy. Water-based lube is the safe all-rounder for every material here, while silicone lube should never touch silicone toys. Our complete lube guide breaks down exactly what to use with what.

Final Thoughts: Choose Pleasure and Safety

Your body deserves the best. Whether it's a silky silicone vibrator, a weighty glass or steel piece, or a firm ABS bullet, knowing what your toy is made of lets you play safer, cleaner, and more confidently. Quality materials simply lead to a better experience. Browse body-safe toys across the full sex toys collection, or see our best sex toys in Singapore guide for the standout picks.