The intimate products industry has a materials problem. Decades of minimal regulation allowed manufacturers to use cheap, potentially harmful materials while marketing them as safe. Even now, the terms “body-safe,” “non-toxic,” and “hypoallergenic” are largely unregulated — anyone can print them on a product label without certification.
The materials to avoid
Phthalates are plasticising chemicals used to make hard plastic soft and flexible. They’re endocrine disruptors — they interfere with hormone systems. They appear in products labelled “jelly,” “rubber,” “PVC,” or “realistic feel.” Avoid completely.
Porous materials — including most rubber, jelly, latex, and some cyberskin-type products — have microscopic holes or channels where bacteria, mould, and viruses can live even after cleaning. The safest approach: avoid porous toys intended for internal use.
The materials to choose
Medical-grade silicone (also called platinum-cured or pharmaceutical-grade) is non-porous, hypoallergenic, and chemically inert. It doesn’t leach chemicals, can be boiled or bleach-soaked, and is compatible with water-based lubricants. All LUXE silicone products use this grade.
Borosilicate glass is completely non-porous, temperature-stable, and compatible with all lubricant types. It’s the only sex toy material that can be safely shared between users after proper sterilisation.
Stainless steel (316-grade surgical steel) shares the properties of glass: non-porous, sterilisable, all-lubricant compatible. Heavy and conducts temperature well — ideal for temperature play.
Hard ABS plastic is non-porous and body-safe, though it can’t be sterilised as easily. Fine for external use or in toys with a condom applied.
What certifications actually mean
CE marking and RoHS compliance confirm a product meets EU safety standards for electrical components. They do not specifically certify body-safe material composition. “Dermatologist tested” simply means a dermatologist examined the product — not that they found it safe. Independent third-party lab testing of material composition is more meaningful. At LUXE, every batch is tested before production and results are available on request.
