What Material Should You Choose for a Dildo? A Comparison and Buying Guide

When choosing a dildo, size and shape matter—but the material is just as important. The right material ensures safety, hygiene, and durability, while the wrong one can pose health risks or be difficult to maintain.

Some materials are non-porous and hypoallergenic, making them ideal for safe and easy use, while others may contain toxic chemicals or retain bacteria.

In this guide, I’ll compare the most common dildo materials, explaining their pros, cons, and maintenance tips, so you can make an informed choice.

Available Materials

Silicone

Silicone is the gold standard for high-quality sex toys and is widely used by premium brands.

Pros:

• Non-porous: doesn’t trap bacteria, highly hygienic
• Hypoallergenic: safe for sensitive skin
• Soft and flexible: adapts well to movement
• Easy to clean: washable with warm water and soap, can be boiled for full sterilization
• Durable and long-lasting

Cons:

• Incompatible with silicone-based lubricants, which can degrade the material
• More expensive than lower-quality materials

Recommended Care: Wash with mild soap and warm water or boil for deep sterilization.

Glass

Dildos made from borosilicate glass (such as Pyrex) are elegant, durable, and completely body-safe.

Pros:

• Non-porous and hypoallergenic
• Compatible with all lubricant types
• Can be cooled or heated for temperature play
• Extremely easy to clean and disinfect

Cons:

• Fragile: can break if dropped
• Very rigid, which may not be comfortable for everyone

Recommended Care: Wash with warm water and soap or boil for sterilization.

Metal

Metal dildos (often made of stainless steel) offer a unique experience due to their weight and firmness.

Pros:

• Non-porous and hypoallergenic
• Very easy to clean and sterilize
• Heavy for intense stimulation
• Compatible with all lubricants
• Can be cooled or heated for temperature play

Cons:

• Completely rigid, no flexibility
• Higher price point

Recommended Care: Wash with soap and hot water, sterilize with alcohol or boiling water.

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

TPE is a synthetic material known for its realistic texture and flexibility.

Pros:

• Soft and flexible, mimicking real skin
• More affordable than silicone
• Very lifelike feel

Cons:

• Porous, traps bacteria and cannot be fully disinfected
• Shorter lifespan, degrades over time
• May contain unidentified chemicals

Recommended Care: Wash with warm water and soap, dry thoroughly, and use a condom to minimize health risks.

Rubber

Rubber dildos are among the cheapest available but come with significant health risks.

Pros:

• Soft and flexible
• Low price

Cons:

• Often porous, making them harder to clean
• May contain phthalates, toxic chemicals banned in some countries
• Less durable, wears out quickly

Recommended Care: Avoid this material or use a condom to reduce bacterial exposure.

PVC

PVC is still commonly used in low-end sex toys, but it comes with serious safety concerns.

Pros:

• Cheap
• Lightweight and flexible

Cons:

• Porous, making it a breeding ground for bacteria
• May contain phthalates, known endocrine disruptors
• Short lifespan, can become sticky over time

Recommended Care: Like rubber, using a condom is strongly advised.

Material Comparison Chart

Conclusion

The choice of material is essential for safety and hygiene. The best options remain silicone, glass, and metal, while TPE, rubber, and PVC come with significant health risks.

If you’re looking for a silicone, glass, or metal dildo, check out my selection of premium XXL dildos available in Europe.

Browse all XXL premium dildos here