Body-Safe Materials 101: What to Look For (and What to Avoid)

The intimate wellness industry is barely regulated. That means a toy can be sold as "safe" without any independent testing, and "body-safe" can mean almost anything. Before you spend money on something that's going to spend time on (or in) your body, here's what to actually look for.

What "body-safe" really means

A body-safe material is non-porous, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic. Porous materials trap bacteria you can't fully clean out — even with soap and water. Toxic materials leach chemicals (phthalates, latex, BPA) into your most sensitive tissue. Hypoallergenic just means it won't trigger reactions in most users.

The 3 materials worth your money

• Medical-grade silicone — the gold standard. Soft, warm to the touch, non-porous, body-safe, dishwasher-safe (top rack), and lasts 10+ years. Slightly more expensive — worth every cent.
• ABS plastic — hard, smooth, non-porous, and easy to sanitize. Common in bullet vibrators and the rigid parts of toys. Affordable and durable.
• Stainless steel & borosilicate glass — premium, non-porous, temperature-responsive (warm with body heat or chill in the fridge), and effectively last forever.

The 3 materials to skip

• Jelly rubber & PVC — porous, often contain phthalates, and can cause irritation or worse with regular use.
• TPE / TPR (thermoplastic elastomers) — squishy and cheap, but porous. Fine for short-term use, never for shared toys or anything internal.
• "Skin-safe" without specifics — a vague label is a red flag. A trustworthy brand names the exact material.

Quick test: how do you know?

Look at the product page. A reputable brand will name the material explicitly (e.g., "100% medical-grade silicone"). If a listing just says "premium" or "luxury" without naming the polymer, treat it as a no.

Why we only sell body-safe

Every product at Six Muse is made from medical-grade silicone, ABS, stainless steel, or glass. No PVC, no jelly, no mystery materials. Your body deserves the same standard as the products in your bathroom cabinet.

Browse our body-safe bestsellers →