The world of dildo materials is as diverse as their application, from self-pleasure and couple sex to escort services and kink play. With different materials offering a range of sensations, flexibility, and features, browsing the options might become overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the world of sex toys.
To take some of this burden off your shoulders and help you make a better and more informed decision, this article will cover the different dildo materials the sex toy market offers. Stick with us to get familiar with them and what they are all about.
The Most Common Dildo Materials
Silicone
Silicone is one of the most popular materials for dildo manufacturing. It’s a body-safe, soft, flexible substance that provides a lifelike feel, making it a great material for various dildos, especially flexible ones.
It’s hypoallergenic and generally considered safe for the body, and since silicone is non-porous, you can easily clean your dildo with mild soap and water. Many silicone dildos have additional features like suction cups or dual-density construction, enhancing the user experience.
These dildos are compatible with water-based lubes, but you should avoid using silicone lube to prevent damage to the dildo. They are typically somewhat expensive due to the durability and high-quality construction they offer.
Pros
- Lifelike and flexible
- Non-porous
- Easy to clean
- Hypoallergenic and body-safe
- They come with additional features like suction cups
- Versatile, catering to a wide range of preferences
Cons
- Typically somewhat expensive
- Can’t be used with silicone lubricants
Glass
Glass dildos offer elegance and functionality for those who want an attractive-looking sex toy. Typically made from borosilicate glass, they are hard and smooth and respond well to temperature changes.
Glass dildos are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal, as they are available in many colors and elaborate shapes. While some users may worry about the glass breaking, high-quality glass dildos are very durable, so that risk is minimal.
Glass dildos are non-porous, which means that you can use them with any type of lube and clean them easily with soap and water. On the downside, they can be expensive due to their complex designs and quality.
Pros
- Elegant designs and functionality
- Hard and smooth
- Can be heated or cooled for temperature play
- Non-porous and dishwasher-safe
- Can be paired with any type of lube
- Very durable with proper care
Cons
- Can be expensive due to their elaborate designs
- May not appeal to those seeking a softer feel
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel dildos are popular for their aesthetic appeal and durability. Similar to glass dildos, they have a hard and weighty construction, making them suitable for various sexual activities, including temperature play.
Their non-porous surface allows you to clean them in the dishwasher or run them underwater. They can also be paired with any type of lube but are not lifelike and don’t have additional features.
While stainless steel dildos may have a higher price, their durability and easy maintenance justifies the cost.
Pros
- A hard and weighty construction for a unique sensation
- Non-porous for easy cleaning; they’re even dishwasher-safe
- Can be heated or cooled for temperature play
Cons
- A higher price tag
- May not appeal to those seeking a softer feel
- They don’t usually have additional features
ABS Plastic
ABS plastic is an affordable material that is hard and adaptable, making it a great option for various sexual activities. However, it’s less lifelike compared to softer substances.
These dildos are often straightforward and without additional features — a budget-friendly choice. Their porous surface requires cleaning with a gentle solution to prevent degradation.
It’s best to choose phthalate-free options for body safety, while the #1 lube option for ABS plastic dildos is a water-based lubricant.
Pros
- Affordable and versatile
- Adaptable to various sexual activities
- Budget-friendly option
Cons
- Porous and require careful cleaning
- Less lifelike than softer materials
- Some options may contain phthalates
PVC
PVC is another affordable option for dildos. This material is softer than ABS plastic, providing flexibility and a more realistic feel, texture, and details.
They are generally more budget-friendly, offering a cost-effective choice for those looking to balance realism and price. Since the material is porous, PVC dildos require careful cleaning with a gentle solution or sex toy cleaner to prevent damaging the surface.
You should also prioritize phthalate-free options for body safety and consider using a condom to extend the toy’s life.
Pros
- Soft and flexible
- Realistic textures and features
- Budget-friendly option
Cons
- Porous and require careful cleaning
- Some options may contain phthalates
TPE/TPR
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and thermoplastic rubbers (TPR) are soft and flexible materials that mimic human skin, providing a lifelike experience. However, TPE/TPR dildos can be porous, so it’s recommended to use a condom for safety and clean them thoroughly after each use.
Water-based lubricants are the most compatible with these dildo materials. TPE/TPR dildos are typically budget-friendly, making them accessible to many users, but you should always favor phthalate-free options, as mentioned earlier.
Pros
- Soft and flexible
- Realistic features
- Budget-friendly option
Cons
- Porous and require careful cleaning
- Some options may contain phthalates
Synthetic Skin
Synthetic skin, often made from materials like Cyberskin or UR3, replicates the feel of real skin. These dildos are soft, elastic, and have realistic textures, making them an excellent option for users who want a toy that looks and feels like a real penis.
However, synthetic skin is porous, so make sure to clean your dildo only with mild soap and water, and possibly use a condom for added protection. In terms of lubricants, water-based is the best option.
Synthetic skin dildos are usually more expensive but provide one of the most realistic feels and textures among dildos. You should always prioritize phthalate-free options for maximum safety.
Pros
- The material resembles human skin
- Soft and flexible
Cons
- Porous and require careful cleaning
- Some options may contain phthalates
Acrylic
Acrylic dildos offer a hard and smooth option for those who like rigidity. They are usually transparent or translucent, making them suitable for various sexual activities.
Acrylic dildos are body-safe and non-porous, so you can use them with any type of lube and clean them with soap and water. They are often straightforward, without additional features; a durable and versatile choice.
While acrylic dildos may be a bit pricey, their longevity and simple maintenance more than make up for it.
Pros
- Hard and smooth for rigidity
- Non-porous for easy cleaning
- Versatile and durable
Cons
- May be pricey
- They lack realistic features
Ceramic
Ceramic dildos blend elegance and functionality with a hard and smooth surface you can heat or cool for temperature play. While concerns about them breaking or chipping may arise, high-quality ceramic is durable and can withstand the pressure of rough play.
Their non-porous surface means that you can clean them with soap and water and pair them with any lube. However, ceramic dildos may have a higher price tag due to their complex crafting process.
Pros
- An elegant design and functionality
- Hard and smooth
- Suitable for temperature play
- Non-porous for easy cleaning
Cons
- There may be some breakage concerns
- A higher price tag
Jelly
Jelly is a soft, gel-like material commonly used in lower-quality dildos to enhance realism. However, the material is porous, potentially harboring bacteria, and may contain phthalates, making it less body-safe.
Because of this, the sex toy industry has minimized the use of jelly for dildos and sex toys in general.
Due to their porous nature, thorough cleaning is essential for jelly dildos, and using a condom is advisable for added protection. While they are very affordable, you should prioritize body safety when considering this material.
Pros
- Soft and gel-like for enhanced realism
- Budget-friendly option
Cons
- Porous and require careful cleaning
- Some options may contain phthalates
Emerging Materials in Dildo Manufacturing
Due to recent technological advancements, many manufacturers have started using new types of materials to make dildos. Among these, the most popular ones are biodegradable polymers, dual-density silicone, metal alloys, 3D-printed polymers, and smart materials.
Biodegradable Polymers
As environmental consciousness grows, some manufacturers use biodegradable polymers to make their dildos. These are eco-friendly, breaking down naturally over time.
While they are still in the early stages of adoption, biodegradable polymer dildos are great for those who support sustainability in sex toy manufacturing.
Dual-Density Silicone
Dual-density silicone is a groundbreaking development in realistic dildos. This material combines the firmness of traditional silicone with a softer outer layer, mimicking the touch of human skin.
Dual-density dildos offer a heightened experience through comfort and authenticity.
Metal Alloys
Metal alloys, like aluminum or titanium, are gaining popularity in premium dildo manufacturing. These materials are great for those who want hard and smooth toys or experiment with temperature play.
That being said, they are more expensive due to their durability, sleek design, and versatility.
3D-Printed Polymers
3D printing technology has allowed manufacturers to experiment with intricate designs and textures in 3D-printed dildos. This method allows many to customize the appearance of their dildo, providing a more personalized experience.
Smart Materials
Smart materials like shape-memory alloys that return to their original form after being manipulated and bent or responsive polymers that change based on their environment introduce a new dimension in dildo manufacturing.
While they are still in the early stages of development, smart materials hint at a future where dildos can offer a more interactive and customized experience.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Different Materials
Ensuring your dildo’s longevity involves proper care and maintenance, and different materials require different cleaning approaches.
Glass and stainless steel are some of the easiest materials to maintain. You can freely put them in your dishwasher without damaging the material.
You can clean non-porous materials like silicone with mild soap and water, while ABS plastic and PVC dildos should be cleaned with a gentle solution to avoid degradation. TPE/TPR and jelly dildos require thorough and careful cleaning because of their porous nature.
Some fragile materials, like ceramic, require careful handling to avoid damaging or breaking them. You should be careful when using abrasive cleaners that may damage the surface of dildo materials like ABS plastic and acrylic.
Sex toy cleaners are always a great option for maintaining dildos of all materials, while renewal powder helps substances like Cyberskin maintain their texture and realistic feel.
You should generally store your dildos in a dry, clean area, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. If a dildo arrives with a pouch in the package, that is its best storage container.
Bottom line, always prioritize using body-safe materials, and refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the best maintenance and care.
Conclusion
The dildo market is diverse, with many materials offering unique characteristics and features. Whether they’re opting for the softness and realism of silicone, the convenience of glass and stainless steel, or the affordability of ABS plastic and PVC, everyone can find a material that matches their needs and desires.
Additionally, new technological advancements provide exciting possibilities for dildo manufacturing, introducing fresh materials that feel more realistic than ever before.
