A Guide to Sex Toy Materials, How to Play It Safe

Sex Toy Materials, Play Safe, Avoid Allergic Reactions

At MoodTime, we love a wild ride but not when it ends in a rash, a burn, or an allergic meltdown halfway through your sexy session. From silky vibrators and steel chastity cages to rubbery gimp masks and latex condoms, sex toys and kink gear come in a wild variety of materials. While all are body-safe and built for pleasure, some might irritate your skin or trigger an allergic reaction if you’re sensitive to that specific material.

So let’s pull back the latex curtain and dive deep into what your favourite pleasure gear is made from, what could go wrong (and how to fix it), and how to keep your playtime safe, sexy, and drama-free.

Common Sex Toy Materials – and What You Need to Know

Silicone

Used in: Dildos, vibrators, butt plugs, chastity cages, cock rings

Pros: Body-safe, non-porous, hypoallergenic, easy to clean

Watch out for: Cheap knockoffs that aren’t pure silicone

Silicone is the gold standard of sex toys for a reason. It’s non-porous, doesn’t harbor bacteria, and feels oh-so-good against the skin. If you're prone to sensitivity, high-quality silicone is your bestie.

Stainless Steel

Used in: Anal hooks, metal dildos, cock rings, chastity cages

Pros: Heavy, smooth, body-safe, temperature play potential

Watch out for: None, unless you’re allergic to certain metals

Sleek, cold, and seriously dominant stainless steel screams luxury kink. It's ideal for those who like precision and control, but some people with nickel allergies might get irritation.

TPE/TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomer/Rubber)

Used in: Sleeves, strokers, some vibrators

Pros: Super soft, squishy texture

Watch out for: Porous material, can cause irritation or harbor bacteria

These materials can feel realistic but are porous and more likely to cause irritation if not cleaned meticulously. Not ideal for anyone with sensitive skin or who shares toys. Always use with a condom if you’re unsure!

Latex

Used in: Condoms, gloves, rubber wear, inflatable plugs

Pros: Cheap, stretchy, kink-tastic

Watch out for: Latex allergy very common and sometimes serious

Latex allergies range from mild itching to full-blown anaphylactic reactions. If you’ve had issues with balloons, rubber gloves, or condoms in the past don’t risk it. Stick to silicone, glass or metal alternatives.

Leather

Used in: Collars, restraints, floggers, harnesses

Pros: Durable, sexy, smells divine

Watch out for: Chemical tanning agents, sweat-related irritation

Most people tolerate leather well, but the tanning process can leave behind residues that irritate sensitive skin. Also, leather traps sweat so always clean and condition your gear after intense sessions.

PU Leather (Polyurethane Leather)

Used in: Many BDSM products including restraints, harnesses, collars, and even spanking paddles. It looks like leather, feels like leather, but it’s made from synthetic materials, often layered over fabric or plastic.

Pros: Cruelty-free, affordable, easier to clean than genuine leather. Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants the leather look without the leather price tag.

Watch out for: Some PU leathers are made with chemical compounds or adhesives that can irritate sensitive skin, especially when worn tightly or for extended periods.

Generally safe however is Irritation shows up as redness, rash, or itchiness often made worse by sweat or friction during play, take it off and clean the area with mild soap.

Plastic (ABS or PVC)

Used in: Vibrators, dildos, bullet vibes, cock rings, anal beads, chastity cages

Pros: Affordable, firm, lightweight, smooth texture, easy to mold into fun shapes

Watch out for: Porous or phthalate-filled plastics; always choose “ABS plastic” or “phthalate-free” options

Plastic toys are the budget-friendly babes of the bedroom firm, durable, and often the stars of vibrators and bullet vibes. ABS plastic is body-safe and non-porous, making it a solid choice for beginners. But not all plastics play nice avoid cheap PVC toys that contain phthalates or have a strong chemical smell. When in doubt, stick to a reputable adult store like MoodTime .

PVC & Jelly Rubber

Used in: Cheaper toys, fetish wear, plugs

Pros: Bright colours, cheap, flexible

Watch out for: Strong smell, skin reactions

These materials are safe but are cheap for a reason and are porous. They can cause burning, rashes, or even infections if not used carefully. Make sure they are cleaned before and after every play session. Don't share PVC or Jelly Sex Toys

Glass (Borosilicate or Tempered Glass)

Used in: Dildos, anal toys, butt plugs, G-spot stimulators

Pros: Body-safe, non-porous, hypoallergenic, smooth, firm, easy to clean, temperature play-friendly

Watch out for: Cheap or thin glass that can break; always check for quality and brand reputation

Glass toys are the sleek, sophisticated lovers of the sex toy world firm, ultra-smooth, and completely body-safe. Borosilicate or tempered glass is non-porous and hypoallergenic, perfect for those with sensitive skin. Plus, glass is fantastic for temperature play heat it or chill it for a new kind of sensation. Just make sure it’s high-quality, because nothing kills the mood like a cracked toy.

Signs of an Allergic Reaction or Skin Irritation

Sexy time should feel good not like you rubbed poison ivy on your privates. Here's what to watch for:

🔥 Burning or stinging

🥵 Redness, rash, or welts

🐘 Swelling (especially around the genitals)

😬 Itching that doesn’t go away

🥶 Cold, clammy skin or shortness of breath (in rare, severe reactions)

If you ever experience difficulty breathing, swelling in the face or throat, or hives all over your body after using a sex toy or condom seek emergency help immediately. That’s not foreplay; that’s a medical emergency.

How to Treat & Prevent Reactions

🚿 Wash new toys very well before first use – They might have manufacturing residue

💧 Use plenty of lube – Water-based is safest with silicone, oil can break down condoms and rubber

🧼 Keep toys clean – Use toy-safe cleaners or mild soap and warm water before and after use

🩹 Stop use immediately if irritation begins

❄️ Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling

💊 Antihistamines (like Benadryl or Allagex) can help with itching or hives

🩺 See a doctor if the issue doesn’t clear up in a day or two

Pro Tip: Patch Test Your Toys!

Worried about a reaction? Dab a small amount of lube or the toy’s material on the inside of your elbow or wrist and leave it for 24 hours. If there’s no redness or itching you’re probably in the clear!

Allergies: How Common Are They, Really?

While allergic reactions to sex toy materials are relatively rare, they do happen and some people are more prone than others. For example, latex allergies affect about 1% to 6% of the general population, with higher rates among healthcare workers and people with frequent exposure. Nickel sensitivity, often triggered by cheap metal alloys, affects roughly 10% to 15% of people especially women. As for PPD (paraphenylenediamine), the chemical dye found in some black plastics, fewer than 1% of users show reactions. The good news? Hypoallergenic alternatives like silicone, stainless steel, and glass offer safe, sexy play for almost everyone. Still, if you know your skin is sensitive, always do a patch test better to be cautious than covered in cortisone.

Wrap-Up: Know What You’re Putting in (or on) Your Body

Whether you're locking yourself in stainless steel, sliding in a glow-in-the-dark silicone dildo, or flogging your partner with pu leather, knowing your body and what your gear is made of can save you a lot of discomfort (and embarrassment). Pleasure should never come at the cost of your health and with a little knowledge, you can stay kinky and careful.

At MoodTime, we only stock high-quality, body-safe toys that are designed for real-world use and real-world bodies. Alway remember no matter how high-quality an item is if you are allergic to that specific material it won't matter. Whether you're looking for a beginner's vibe or a full stainless steel chastity set, we’ve got the goods and the guidance to keep your play safe and satisfying.

🔗 Explore our collection of body-safe sex toys now! - Online Store