If you’re starting to explore using gay sex toys, it can feel like there’s a whole new language to learn. Silicone, glass, stainless steel, TPE, “jelly”, ABS plastic… and then there’s the phrase “body-safe” on top. It’s easy to focus on shape and size and forget that what a toy is made from is just as important for your comfort and long-term health.
This guide breaks down the main materials you’ll see in gay sex toys, what “body-safe” actually means, and how to choose toys that are kind to your skin and easy to care for – with examples you’ll find on AllGayToys.com.
What does “body-safe” actually mean?
When we talk about body-safe toys, we usually mean three things:
- Non-porous or very low porosity – so the material doesn’t soak up lube, bacteria or bodily fluids.
- Free from questionable additives like certain phthalates or mystery plasticisers.
- Suitable for use on sensitive areas and mucous membranes (like the anus), with proper cleaning between uses.
Body-safe materials tend to be easier to clean thoroughly and less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. For most internal gay sex toys, silicone, stainless steel and glass are considered gold standard options.
Silicone: the flexible all-rounder
Silicone is the workhorse of modern sex toys and a brilliant option for most people using gay sex toys for anal play, prostate play or external stimulation. Good-quality silicone is:
- Non-porous
- Hypoallergenic
- Soft or firm depending on the blend
- Matte or silky in finish
- Easy to clean with mild soap and warm water
On All Gay Toys you’ll see silicone in everything from prostate massagers like the We-Vibe Vector to smaller toys such as the Nexus GPlay Plus Small Massager and silicone cock straps and rings.
Silicone toys are ideal for regular anal use because they’re forgiving, come in a wide range of sizes, and feel warm and “fleshy” once they’ve been in contact with your body for a few minutes.
A key point with silicone is lube compatibility:
- Water-based lubes are usually the safest choice and work with all silicone toys.
- Silicone-based lubes can sometimes react with silicone toys, making them tacky or damaged over time, so they’re best avoided unless the manufacturer explicitly says they’re safe together.
Cleaning is simple: wash with warm water and a gentle, fragrance-free soap, or use a dedicated toy cleaner such as Me You Us Spritz Toy Cleaner, and let the toy air dry fully before storing.
Glass: sleek, firm and great for temperature play
Glass sex toys – usually made from toughened borosilicate glass – are popular with people who like a very smooth, firm feel and the option to play with temperature. Good quality glass toys are:
- Completely non-porous
- Extremely easy to clean
- Compatible with all types of lubricant
- Naturally firm, giving very precise pressure
All Gay Toys features glass anal plugs such as the Crystal Clear Glass Plug – a good example of how glass can be both visually striking and very functional.
Because glass holds temperature well, you can gently warm the toy under lukewarm water or cool it under cold water before use for different sensations (never use extremes of heat or cold). As always, check there are no chips or cracks before inserting a glass toy; if you spot any, retire it.
Cleaning is straightforward: warm soapy water or toy cleaner, and you can sterilise non-vibrating glass toys by soaking in a mild bleach solution or boiling water if the manufacturer approves.
Stainless steel and other metals: weighty and ultra-durable
Metal toys – especially stainless-steel plugs, dildos and hooks – are favourites for people who enjoy a strong sense of weight and pressure. High-quality metal toys are:
- Non-porous and highly polished
- Very durable and long-lasting
- Excellent for temperature play
- Incredibly easy to sanitise
On AllGayToys.com you’ll see stainless steel in products such as the Rouge Stainless Steel Anal Hook, the Rouge Stainless Steel Hegar Dilator Set and jewelled or plain metal plugs.
Because metal is heavier than silicone or glass, it can feel very “present” inside the body. That can be fantastic for experienced users; beginners might want to start smaller and work up. Again, these toys can be warmed or cooled under water for added sensation.
Cleaning is similar to glass: wash with warm soapy water and, if there are no motors or glued parts, you can usually sterilise stainless steel with boiling or appropriate disinfectant soaks.
Cyberskin, TPE and other “real feel” materials
Many strokers, masturbators and sleeves sold as gay sex toys aim for a soft, skin-like texture. These are often made from TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), TPR or branded “cyberskin” style blends. On All Gay Toys you’ll see this in products like the Me You Us Ultra Masturbator and other realistic masturbators and strokers.
Pros of these materials:
- Very soft and stretchy
- Often feel extremely lifelike
- Great for solo play and edging
However, they are usually porous, which means:
- They can absorb lube, sweat and bodily fluids over time
- They need extra-careful cleaning and thorough drying
- It’s best not to share them between partners, or to use a condom if you do
To care for these toys, clean them promptly with warm water and mild soap or a toy cleaner that’s specifically labelled as safe for the material. Let them air dry completely, then dust lightly with renewal powder or plain cornflour if recommended, to prevent stickiness.
ABS plastic and hybrid toys
ABS plastic is a hard, non-porous plastic often used in bullets, wand massagers and toy handles. You’ll see it across the All Gay Toys range in vibrators, wands and combination toys, sometimes paired with silicone tips or sleeves for comfort.
ABS is body-safe when made to modern standards, easy to wipe down, and compatible with all types of lube – although if a toy also has silicone parts, you should still treat it as a silicone toy for lube purposes.
Hybrid toys that mix materials (for example, a hard plastic core with a silicone or TPE outer layer) can give you the best of both worlds, but always check the product description so you know which part is going where and how to clean it.
What about “jelly”, rubber and cheap unknown materials?
Cheaper toys sometimes use soft PVC or “jelly” rubber. These can feel squishy at first, but they’re often porous and may use plasticisers you’d rather not have inside your body, especially for regular anal use.
If a toy description is vague – “soft rubber”, “novelty use only”, strong chemical smell out of the box – it’s generally better to skip it for anything more than external play. One of the advantages of shopping with a specialist retailer like All Gay Toys is that the focus is on body-safe materials like silicone, glass and stainless steel for internal gay sex toys, with clear descriptions on product pages and in their blog guides.
Quick tips for choosing skin-kind toys
When you’re browsing and using gay sex toys, a few simple rules of thumb help keep things comfortable and safe:
- For anal and prostate toys, prioritise non-porous materials like silicone, glass and stainless steel, with a flared base for safety.
- Check the material list on each product; if it’s unclear, look for a clearer alternative.
- Use water-based lube with silicone toys unless the manufacturer specifically allows others.
- Clean toys thoroughly after every use and let them dry completely before storing.
- If you share toys internally, non-porous materials are much easier to disinfect between partners.
The bottom line
The more you explore using gay sex toys, the more you’ll discover your own preferences for firmness, weight and texture. But whatever you’re into, choosing body-safe materials makes everything smoother – from cleaning and care to how comfortable your body feels afterwards.
Whether you’re drawn to a silky silicone prostate massager, a weighty stainless-steel plug or a sleek glass toy, AllGayToys.com gives you plenty of body-safe options to experiment with. Start with materials that are kind to your skin, look after your toys properly, and you’ll be free to focus on what matters most: pleasure that feels good during and after you play.