Body-Safe Sex Toy Materials — The Complete Canadian Buyer's Guide (2026)

Walk into any sex shop or scroll through any adult retailer and you'll see words like "skin-safe," "phthalate-free," and "non-toxic" used interchangeably. The problem is that none of these terms are regulated in Canada — which means they can be applied to almost anything. This guide explains what actually makes a material body-safe.

The Safe Materials (Non-Porous)

100% Medical-Grade Silicone

The gold standard. Silicone is non-porous, hypoallergenic, flexible, and extremely durable. Look for "100% medical-grade silicone" or "platinum-cured silicone." Silicone toys can be cleaned with mild soap and water, and non-motorized silicone toys can be boiled for full sterilization.

Borosilicate Glass

Non-porous, temperature-responsive, extremely smooth, and can be fully sterilized. Dishwasher-safe if non-motorized.

Stainless Steel

Non-porous, hypoallergenic, temperature-responsive. Ensure the product specifies 316-grade stainless steel.

ABS Hard Plastic

Hard, rigid, and non-porous. Safe, easy to clean, generally inexpensive. Good choice for external-use vibrators.

Materials to Avoid

Jelly / Rubber: Porous, often contains phthalates, cannot be properly sanitized. Avoid entirely. PVC: Requires plasticizers to remain flexible; those plasticizers can leach during use. TPE / TPR: Porous, cannot be sterilized — often marketed as "skin-safe" but the porosity issue remains.

Lube Compatibility

• Silicone toys: Water-based lube only
• Glass and steel: Any lube
• ABS plastic: Any lube
• TPE/TPR: Water-based only

Frequently Asked Questions

Are phthalates in sex toys regulated in Canada?

No — phthalates are regulated in children's toys but there are no specific federal regulations covering adult toys.

Is TPE the same as silicone?

No. TPE is porous and cannot be fully sterilized. Always check for "100% silicone" specifically.

Can I use any lubricant with silicone toys?

Use water-based lubricant only. Silicone-based lubes can degrade silicone toy surfaces over time.

What's the safest sex toy material overall?

Medical-grade silicone and borosilicate glass are the two most recommended by sexual health professionals.