The Ultimate Guide to Dildo Materials: Silicone, PVC, and TPE

It can be very exciting to navigate your way through the world of sex toys, but with so many choices it can sometimes be hard to select the ideal one for you. What if the secret to your perfect pleasure experience was actually all about the material on which it was to be delivered? It’s the materials made up of your dildo that determine how it feels, how safe it is, and how durable it will be. Making an informed choice when it comes to materials such as silicone, PVC, and TPE is key to making a decision you’ll be happy with.

There are three types of dildo materials in use today, so let’s break them down in this ultimate guide. Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to know about silicone, PVC, and TPE, from the safety and feel to the care and compatibility. Discover what would be the best material to suit your needs, and let’s see what type of material would be the best for your application.

Silicone: The Gold Standard of Pleasure

It is likely that when you think of a sex toy that is both high quality and safe for the human body, something made of silicone comes to mind. Many excellent reasons contribute to this material being one of the most popular choices; sex toy enthusiasts and even some form of expert advice point towards silicone as the ideal option. Smoothness, near infinite versatility, and most importantly a near complete safety profile for the body are what set it apart. Considering all aspects of ‘cosmetic’ safety, silicone is for me the best possible material for any skin contact sex toy.

What is Silicone?

Within the world of synthetic polymers, silicones are synthetic materials made from silicon, oxygen, and various other components. Referred to as “body-safe” or “medical-grade” specifically in the context of sex toys, they possess several desirable properties; non-porous, hypoallergenic, and completely free from phthalates, latex, and to a point BPA. The non-porous aspect is the major plus – tiny, near-imperceptible holes (if any exist) that bacteria could use to hide within the material itself are eliminated. Exceptional hygienicity is a direct result of this quality.

Benefits of Silicone

• Incredibly Durable: Built for lasting use, these toys are made to hold years (of fun at least). Degradation is not something you worry about.
• Silky-Smooth Feel: High quality silicone has this near perfect soft, velvety type of touch; skin contact is always a plus.
• Holds Temperature: Great for all forms of temperature play. Warming up the toy in hot water or cooling it down are both possible and desirable sensations.
• Supreme Body Safety: Medical-grade silicone is non-toxic and will not leach any form of chemical into your body. The same material is used in numerous medical implants if I recall correctly.
• Easy to Clean: A non-porous surface is what makes cleaning so simple. Warm water and some sort of toy specific cleaner is all that is needed.

Drawbacks to Consider

With silicone, the most important thing to keep in mind is the way in which it interacts with the lubricant. The only lubricant that should be used on silicone toys is water-based lubricants. A silicone-based lube is susceptible to a chemical reaction that can cause the material to break down over time, making it harder to use and making it more sticky.

“Silicone is my top recommendation for beginners and experienced users alike. Its safety profile is unmatched, and the variety of firmness levels means there’s a silicone toy for every preference. Just remember: water-based lube is its best friend!” – A Sexual Wellness Educator

TPE: The Soft and Squishy Contender

TPE, or Thermoplastic Elastomer, is another very popular material within the sex toy world. Soft, stretchy, and often extremely lifelike in feel, it has become a go-to material. If you’ve seen a near-perfectly squishy, realistic-feeling dildo, it was most likely made from some form of TPE.

What is TPE?

TPE itself is a blend of both plastic and rubber; this gives it that near ‘jelly-like’ texture. More affordable to produce than silicone, the lower price point associated with TPE toys is a primary reason for their widespread use. Many, if not all, TPE formulas are considered body-safe; reputable brands should and do guarantee the absence of phthalates, parabens, and/or latex.

Benefits of TPE

Realistic Texture: The soft fleshy feel mentioned above is what TPE is primarily praised for.

Affordability – again, a huge plus.

Stretchy/Flexible: Near constant pliability is always a good thing, comfort being one of the main drivers of using this material.

Drawbacks to consider

The all encompassing drawback is its porous nature. Microscopic pores within the surface trap bacteria – complete and proper cleaning is near impossible.

• Porous Nature (reiterated): Sharing TPE toys is to my mind the worst possible scenario. Cleaning must be thorough.
• Lube limitations: Some or all lubes will damage TPE, water based being the only truly safe option.
• Durability: TPE breaks down, heat or otherwise, over time. Silicone will always win in my book.

PVC: The Budget-Friendly but Risky Option

PVC, or Polyvinyl Chloride, is often found in very cheap, brightly colored “jelly” dildos. The low price and fun colors can be tempting, but PVC as a material should be approached with serious caution.

What is PVC?

PVC is a type of plastic; soft and flexible forms are achieved through the addition of specific chemicals – phthalates. These plasticizers are linked to various health concerns, definite avoidance being desired in any sensitive area of the body.

Benefits of PVC

Very Inexpensive: This is the primary appeal of PVC dildos.

Drawbacks to Consider

The list of drawbacks is long, health and safety centered as always.

Contains Phthalates: Soft PVC toys most commonly contain these harmful (to some extent) chemicals.

Highly Porous: Near constant breeding ground type bacteria development occurs within the porous material, full sterilization being impossible.

Chemical Smell: That distinct PVC odor is a near universal red flag.

Breaks Down Easily: Sticky/oily breakdown products form over time.

Lube Incompatibility – oil based or otherwise, all forms of lube will to some degree degrade PVC.

For your own health and simple peace of mind, avoiding PVC entirely is the better recommendation. Silicone and similar body safe materials are the future of toys and/or body care.

Dildo Materials at a Glance

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which material is right for your needs.

How to Choose the Right Material for You?

So, which dildo material should you choose? Think about your priorities.

Safety and hygiene should be your top concerns when choosing silicone for your kitchen. As far as safety, hygienic, and durability are concerned, it’s the best option that you could choose. In my opinion, it is an investment that will bring you pleasure and health in the long run.

If you are on a budget but still want a safe option, you should look for a reputable brand of TPE dildo that is explicitly labeled as phthalate-free and body-safe so as to assure your health. If you want to keep your house clean, you will have to follow a more rigorous routine.
In the case of a jelly-like toy that seems cheap and cheap: It is best to steer clear of it. There is no doubt that PVC dildos might be cost-effective in the short run, but given the potential health risks, they simply aren’t worth it.

Conclusion:

Dildos should satisfy your sexual needs, not cause you any problems. With confidence, you can choose a dildo that is made from the materials you know, and you can be sure that it will give you years of joy and pleasure.