Notes from the Book
Understanding Product Materials
Silicone, glass, steel, ABS and the porous family, explained without oversimplifying.
- Reading time
- 9 min
- Last reviewed
- September 10, 2026
Material is the single most useful piece of information on any listing, and the one most often buried under marketing. This note explains what the common materials are, what they are good at, and what claims deserve a second look.
The one distinction that matters most
Every material in this category is either porous or nonporous. Nonporous materials have no microscopic surface openings, so they can be cleaned thoroughly and do not retain moisture. Porous materials do have such openings, which means residue and moisture can remain after washing.
This does not make porous materials unusable. It makes them products that require more care, should not be shared without a barrier and should be replaced when they show wear.
Silicone
Silicone is the most widely recommended material: nonporous, flexible, heat-stable and free of phthalates. Terms such as “platinum-cured” and “medical-grade” describe the curing process or intended purity, and are supplied by the manufacturer rather than certified on the listing. They are useful signals, not guarantees.
Two practical cautions. Silicone-based lubricants are widely reported to affect some silicone products, so water-based lubricant is the conventional pairing. And silicone products stored in contact with other soft materials can react over time, so keep them in separate pouches.
Borosilicate glass and stainless steel
Both are nonporous, rigid, silent and compatible with every lubricant family. Both can be gently warmed or cooled in water. Because they do not flex, diameter matters more than with silicone. Glass should be inspected for chips before use and retired if damaged; reputable manufacturers use borosilicate glass and say so.
ABS plastic
ABS is a hard, nonporous plastic used for control housings and for some small hard-bodied products. It cleans easily and feels firm. Many products combine an ABS housing with a silicone body; the listing should say which parts are which.
TPE, TPR, PVC, jelly and proprietary blends
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE and TPR) are soft, inexpensive and generally porous. Proprietary skin-like blends sold under brand names are usually TPE-based, with formulations that are not always fully disclosed. PVC and jelly rubber are older, cheaper materials that historically used phthalate plasticisers; look for an explicit phthalate-free statement.
All of these can be reasonable choices when cleaned diligently, dried completely and used with water-based lubricant only. Manufacturers' own care instructions are the authority for any proprietary material, because formulations differ between brands.
Claims worth checking
“Body-safe” and “hypoallergenic” are not regulated certifications in most markets. “Medical-grade” is a manufacturer's description. None of these is dishonest, but none replaces a named material and a full ingredient list. If a reaction occurs, stop using the product; if it persists, speak with a professional.
- Is the material named specifically?
- Is it nonporous, and if not, does the listing explain care?
- Is there an explicit phthalate-free statement for any soft plastic?
- Does the manufacturer publish cleaning instructions?