01 — How would you like it to feel?
Soft, firm, rigid, flexible, smooth or textured? Start with the sensations you’re drawn to, then compare them with the product description.
The Remedia guide
How to choose the right material
Sex toy materials can vary in feel, flexibility and care. Compare silicone, TPE, TPR, ABS, glass and metal, and find out what to check on each product page.
Looking for a sex toy and not sure where to start? The material is one thing to look at, but it isn’t the only one.
This guide takes you through materials, feel and product features, so you can read product details with more confidence and compare items based on what you’re looking for.
Find out what to look for →The Remedia Method
The Remedia Method
Before looking at the material, consider these five things.
02 — How would you like it to behave?
Are you looking for something flexible, structured, elastic, stable or more or less pliable? The shape and construction matter alongside the material.
03 — What does the product page actually say?
Check the stated material, features, cleaning instructions and the manufacturer’s guidance. The product page is the reference for that specific item.
04 — Which features are stated?
You may see terms such as Body Safe, Medical Grade, Latex Free, Phthalate Free, Dual Density, Stretchy, Ribbed or Quiet. Read each one in the context of the specific product.
05 — Which product matches what you’re looking for?
Material is a starting point, not a ranking. Compare the product information with your preferences and choose the item that feels right for you.
Finding your way around materials
A guide to sex toy materials
The same material can be used in products with different shapes, feels and construction. Use this guide to get your bearings, then read the product page for the item you’re considering.
When comparing sex toy materials, consider how each product feels, its surface and construction, and its care instructions.
Silicone
The word alone doesn’t always tell you how the product will feel.
What to look for →TPE
Consider it alongside feel, elasticity and construction.
Go to TPE →TPR
A term distinct from TPE: check the details for the specific product.
Go to TPR →ABS
A rigid material with a stable structure.
Go to ABS →Glass
Rigid and inflexible; shape and size are useful things to compare.
Go to glass →Metal
Rigid and structured. The product page will clarify whether it refers to the whole item or one component.
Go to metal →PVC
When you see PVC listed, check the stated features and care instructions.
Go to PVC →Latex
If you need to avoid latex, look for the Latex Free feature.
Go to latex →Material
Silicone
“Silicone” on its own doesn’t necessarily describe the full experience of a product. The way it feels can also depend on density, thickness, shape, structure, construction, surface and whether it has dual density.
In the catalogue and product details, you may come across terms such as Silicone, Premium Silicone, Medical Grade Silicone, Body Safe Silicone, Dual Density Silicone, Liquid Silicone and Platinum Silicone. They aren’t automatically equivalent, and they aren’t a quality ranking: read how the manufacturer describes each product.
When comparing two items, look at their stated feel and surface, and consider the product as a whole.
What to check on the product page
- the full material description;
- density, thickness and shape, where stated;
- structure, surface and any dual-density construction;
- cleaning instructions and the manufacturer’s guidance.
These details can help you build a clearer picture of the specific product.
Flexible materials
TPE and TPR
TPE and TPR are distinct materials. The name alone, however, can’t tell you exactly how the finished product will feel: its design and construction matter too.
TPE
Think of TPE as one useful detail among several. Check the stated feel, elasticity, surface, density, shape, construction and the manufacturer’s instructions. Together, these details give you a better sense of the item.
TPR
TPR is a term distinct from TPE. Here too, the name alone doesn’t describe how the product will feel or how to care for it. Look at the stated feel, surface, shape and the manufacturer’s specific guidance.
Rigid materials
ABS, glass and metal
If you prefer a rigid structure, these materials are a place to start. There’s no ranking: compare the shape, finish and stated features of each product.
ABS
ABS is a rigid material with a generally smooth surface and a stable structure. Check the product description and its specific instructions.
Glass
Glass is rigid and inflexible. Shape and size are useful details to compare; follow the product page and manufacturer’s guidance for use and care.
Metal
Metal is rigid and structured. Check whether the product page describes the material of the whole item or just one component.
Other materials
PVC and latex
PVC
You may see PVC listed across different types of product. The name alone doesn’t describe the feel or finish: check the stated features and care instructions on the product page.
Latex
If you need to avoid latex, look for the stated Latex Free feature. Don’t assume it applies when it isn’t listed on the product page.
Browse the Latex Free tag →Information beyond the material
Material ≠ feature
Silicone, TPE, TPR, ABS, glass and metal are materials.
Body Safe, Medical Grade, Latex Free and Phthalate Free are features or terms you may find on product pages.
They aren’t the same thing and shouldn’t be read in the same way.
The material tells you what it’s made of.
A feature tells you something more about the product.
If the manufacturer doesn’t state it, we don’t assume it.
The catalogue also includes tags such as Dual Density, Stretchy, Ribbed and Quiet. Explore the products associated with each tag, then read the product page to see what the feature means for that particular item.
Body Safe
A feature stated on some product pages. Check the manufacturer’s information to see what it refers to for that specific item.
View Body Safe →Medical Grade
A term you may see for certain materials or components. The product page explains which part is being described.
View Medical Grade →Latex Free
This means the product is stated to be free from latex. If this matters to you, look for the feature explicitly.
View Latex Free →Phthalate Free
A statement about the absence of phthalates. Check that it appears on the page for the product you’re considering.
View Phthalate Free →Dual Density
A term indicating two densities. Open the product page to see how this is described for that particular model.
View Dual Density →Stretchy
A stated feature relating to elasticity. The product description provides more useful context.
View Stretchy →Ribbed
A surface feature. Check the product page to see how its texture is described.
View Ribbed →Quiet
A stated feature relating to noise. Read the details for the specific model.
View Quiet →From preferences to product details
Not sure which material to choose?
That’s absolutely fine: you don’t need to know every term. Start with what you’re looking for, then follow the links to explore the details that matter to you.
I’m looking for something soft
Look at the product’s feel, density, shape and construction, not just the material name.
What to look for in silicone →I’d prefer a rigid structure
Start with the rigid materials section and compare ABS, glass and metal.
See rigid materials →I’m looking for flexibility
Check the stated Stretchy feature and the product-specific information.
Explore Stretchy →I want to avoid latex
Look for the Latex Free feature on the product page.
Explore Latex Free →I’m looking for a particular surface
Check features such as Ribbed and read how the product surface is described.
Explore Ribbed →I’m looking for a particular feel
Check the material, density, any Dual Density feature and the product description.
Explore Dual Density →Answers to help you choose
Frequently asked questions about materials
What is the best material for a sex toy?
There isn’t one best material for everyone. It depends on what you’re looking for: feel, flexibility, structure, surface, care and the features stated for the product.
What is the softest material for a sex toy?
It doesn’t depend on the material alone. Density, thickness, shape and construction can make a big difference to how a product feels.
What is the difference between silicone and TPE?
They’re different materials, and the name alone doesn’t describe the full experience. Compare the stated feel, surface, shape, density and instructions on the product pages.
What is the difference between TPE and TPR?
TPE and TPR are distinct terms. To understand how an item is made and feels, also check its elasticity, surface, shape, construction and the manufacturer’s guidance.
What does Body Safe mean?
It’s a feature stated on some product pages. Read the manufacturer’s information to see which material or part of the product it refers to.
What does Medical Grade mean?
It’s a specification that may refer to a material or a component. The product page should tell you exactly what is being described.
What do Latex Free and Phthalate Free mean?
They’re different statements. Latex Free means the product is stated to be free from latex; Phthalate Free is a statement about the absence of phthalates. Look for the relevant term on the product page.
How do I check what a sex toy is made from?
Look for the materials and features section and read the manufacturer’s notes too. If something isn’t stated, you can’t reliably work it out from the product name or photo.
Which lubricant can I use with my sex toy?
Check the guidance from both the toy and lubricant manufacturers. If you can’t find clear advice for the specific product, ask for help before use. You can also browse the lubricant categories below.
How do I clean a sex toy?
Follow the instructions on the product page and those supplied by the manufacturer. Care can vary depending on the material and construction, so check the guidance for your specific model.
Your next step
You’ve found the material. Now find the product.
Now you know what to look for. Explore the catalogue, compare materials and features, and open the product page for anything that interests you.
Vibrators
Explore different models and compare the materials and features listed on their product pages.
Explore Vibrators →Glass Toys
Check the shape, size and information provided for each item.
Explore Glass Toys →Dildos
Compare different models and read the features listed for each product.
Explore Dildos →Plugs
Open the product pages to compare features, materials and instructions.
Explore Plugs →Cleaning and Maintenance
Find products for cleaning and care, and follow the instructions for your toy too.
Explore the category →Water-based Lubricants
Explore water-based lubricants and check the relevant product guidance.
Explore the category →Silicone-based Lubricants
Browse the silicone-based selection and check the manufacturer’s guidance.
Explore the category →Now you know what to look for.
Explore the catalogue, compare materials and features, and open the product page for anything that interests you.
Explore sex toys →Remedia Amoris · Discreet seduction, pleasure delivered to your door.
Before use, always read the specific instructions on the product page.