Sex Toy Materials Explained: Silicone, TPE, ABS, Glass & Steel
Sex toys come in more materials than most kitchen cupboards. Silicone, TPE, ABS plastic, glass, stainless steel… and they all feel, clean and age a little differently.
So what is actually the difference? And does it really matter which material you choose?
Yes, a little. But it does not have to be complicated. Here is the simple version.
Why does sex toy material matter?
The material affects how a toy feels, how flexible it is, how easy it is to clean and how long it is likely to last.
Some materials feel soft and skin-like, while others are firm, smooth or heavy. There is no single “best” material for everyone — it mostly depends on what kind of sensation you enjoy.
Silicone: soft, smooth and very popular
Silicone is one of the most common materials used for higher-quality sex toys. It can feel soft, silky and slightly flexible, although firmness varies a lot between products.
It is popular because it is comfortable, durable and generally easy to clean.
- Soft and smooth feel
- Available in very flexible or firmer designs
- Easy to clean
- Does not usually absorb liquids or smells
- Common in vibrators, dildos and anal toys
Best lubricant: water-based lubricant is the easiest choice for silicone toys.
Silicone-based lubricant can sometimes interact with silicone surfaces, so water-based lube keeps things simple.
TPE and TPR: soft and realistic
TPE and TPR are soft, flexible materials often used when a toy is designed to feel more skin-like.
You will often find them in strokers, masturbators and softer realistic toys.
- Very soft and flexible
- Can feel more realistic than harder materials
- Usually more affordable
- Needs a little more care when cleaning and storing
TPE and TPR can be more porous than materials such as silicone, glass or steel. That means they can hold onto moisture more easily.
Wash them gently, let them dry completely and store them somewhere clean and dry.
Best lubricant: water-based lubricant.
ABS plastic: firm, smooth and practical
ABS plastic is a hard, smooth plastic commonly used in vibrators and other toys with motors inside.
It does not flex much, which means vibrations can feel quite direct and powerful.
- Firm and smooth
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Good at transferring vibrations
- Often used together with silicone parts
ABS may not sound very glamorous, but it is actually a very practical material. Sometimes boring is useful.
Best lubricant: water-based lubricant works well and is the safest all-round option.
Glass: smooth, firm and surprisingly strong
Glass sex toys are usually made from strong borosilicate glass. They are completely firm, very smooth and often feel heavier than silicone toys.
Because glass does not flex, even gentle pressure can feel more intense.
- Hard and completely smooth
- Easy to clean
- Does not absorb liquids or smells
- Can be warmed or cooled for temperature play
- Very durable when handled properly
And yes, glass toys are supposed to be made from strong glass — not the same thing as grabbing a wine glass from the kitchen cupboard. Please leave that one for the wine.
Best lubricant: water-based lubricant works perfectly. Silicone lubricant is also generally suitable for glass.
Stainless steel: heavy, smooth and intense
Stainless-steel toys are firm, polished and usually noticeably heavier than other materials.
That extra weight can create a very different sensation compared with silicone or plastic.
- Very firm
- Smooth polished surface
- Heavy and durable
- Easy to clean
- Excellent for temperature play
Steel toys can feel cool at first, but they warm up quickly against the body. They can also be gently warmed or cooled before use.
Best lubricant: water-based or silicone-based lubricant.
Which material feels the softest?
If you want something soft and flexible, silicone or TPE are usually the most obvious choices.
TPE often feels softer and more realistic, while silicone is usually easier to care for and tends to stay in good condition for longer.
Which material feels the firmest?
Glass and stainless steel are completely firm. ABS plastic is also hard, but much lighter.
If you prefer strong pressure and very direct sensation, firmer materials can be a great choice.
Which material is easiest to clean?
Glass, stainless steel, ABS plastic and good-quality silicone are generally straightforward to clean because their surfaces do not easily absorb moisture.
TPE and TPR need a little more attention. Clean them soon after use, rinse them well and allow them to dry completely before storing them.
Quick comparison
| Material | Feel | Flexibility | Cleaning | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Soft & smooth | Low to high | Easy | Most types of toys |
| TPE / TPR | Soft & realistic | High | Needs extra care | Strokers & realistic toys |
| ABS plastic | Hard & smooth | None | Easy | Vibrators |
| Glass | Hard & silky smooth | None | Very easy | Firm pressure & temperature play |
| Stainless steel | Hard, smooth & heavy | None | Very easy | Firm pressure & temperature play |
So, which sex toy material should you choose?
There is no need to overthink it.
- Want something soft and easy to maintain? Choose silicone.
- Want something very soft and realistic? Try TPE or TPR.
- Want strong, direct vibrations? ABS plastic works well.
- Want something hard and ultra-smooth? Try glass.
- Want weight and very firm pressure? Stainless steel is worth a look.
The best material is simply the one that gives you the kind of sensation you enjoy.
One simple rule for lubricant
If you do not want to think about material compatibility every time you reach for a bottle, use a good water-based lubricant. It works with almost every type of sex toy and keeps things nice and simple.
Explore our sex toys or take a look at our lubricants to find something that suits you.