Category: Care & Safety

Adults 18+ only. Pleasure Proper may earn a commission when you buy through links on this site, at no extra cost to you. This content is general information, not medical advice. See our affiliate disclosure.

Disclosure: Pleasure Proper is reader-supported. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.

Adults 18+ only. This article is general educational information, not medical advice.

If there were a single item every well-mannered nightstand ought to contain, it would be a good lubricant. Lube reduces friction, improves comfort, and, according to Cleveland Clinic, is used for many reasons, from fun and added comfort to easing menopause-related dryness or making anal sex more comfortable (Cleveland Clinic).

But the shelf is crowded. Let’s sort it out with three questions: What base? What are you using it with? And what’s in it?

1. The three main bases

Cleveland Clinic groups drugstore lubricants into three categories, each with clear trade-offs (Cleveland Clinic):

Water-based

• Pros: Often the least irritating; compatible with latex condoms and nearly all toy materials; washes off easily; doesn’t stain most fabrics.
• Cons: Dries out faster, so you may need to reapply.
• Best for: First-time buyers, use with silicone toys, anyone with sensitive skin.

Silicone-based

• Pros: Lasts much longer than water-based; stays slippery in water; safe with all types of condoms per Cleveland Clinic.
• Cons: Can be harder to wash off; may degrade some silicone toys; can make shower floors slippery.
• Best for: Longer sessions, use in water, people who find water-based lube too short-lived.

Oil-based

• Pros: Long-lasting; pleasant for external massage.
• Cons: Breaks down latex, making condoms and dental dams more likely to tear (Cleveland Clinic, Condoms); can be harder to clean from skin and fabric.
• Best for: External massage when no latex barriers are involved.

Hybrid lubes

Some products blend water and silicone to balance glide and easy cleanup. Treat them like silicone for toy-compatibility purposes unless the maker states otherwise.

2. Compatibility: the etiquette chart

	Latex condoms	Polyurethane / nitrile condoms	Polyisoprene condoms	Silicone toys	Glass / steel / ABS toys
Water-based	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Silicone-based	Yes	Yes	Yes	Avoid (unless toy is covered with a condom)	Yes
Oil-based	No	Generally yes	No	Check maker	Yes

Rule of thumb: when in doubt, water-based is the universally polite guest. Condom compatibility per Cleveland Clinic and Planned Parenthood; toy compatibility per Planned Parenthood.

The silicone-on-silicone question comes up constantly. Planned Parenthood’s advice is simple: don’t use silicone lube with silicone toys unless you put a condom on the toy, because silicone lube can react with the toy’s silicone and damage it. Water-based lube is a safe bet with any toy and any condom (Planned Parenthood). If a toy maker explicitly approves a specific lube, follow the maker.

3. Ingredients worth reading

You don’t need a chemistry degree, but a few terms are worth knowing.

Osmolality (the one most people have never heard of)

Osmolality describes how concentrated a lube is relative to body tissue. The World Health Organization, UNFPA, and FHI360 note that many commercial lubricants are far more concentrated than body fluids, and that very high osmolality may damage the delicate cells lining the vagina and rectum. WHO guidance says lubricants should ideally not exceed 380 mOsm/kg, and recommends that procurement agencies source products under 1,200 mOsm/kg on an interim basis (WHO/UNFPA/FHI360; UNFPA).

Most brands don’t print osmolality on the bottle. Some do publish it on their websites, and that is a sign of a transparent maker.

Glycerin and propylene glycol

These humectants keep water-based lubes moist. WHO’s guidance notes that glycol concentration is the main driver of high osmolality (WHO/UNFPA/FHI360). Warming lubes often contain high levels of propylene glycol, per the same source. Cleveland Clinic’s gynecologist also notes glycerin may lead to yeast infections and some people are sensitive to propylene glycol (Cleveland Clinic). If you’ve experienced irritation, a glycerin-free formula may be worth trying.

pH

A 2025 WHO/UNFPA draft specification sets a pH range of 4.0 to 7.0, and the WHO/UNFPA/FHI360 advisory notes that around 4.5 is preferable for vaginal use and 5.5 to 7 for rectal use (WHO draft specification). UNFPA also notes that low buffering capacity is preferred, as it minimizes temporary pH shifts (UNFPA).

Preservatives

Water-based lubes need preservatives to prevent microbial growth, and WHO notes these can cause irritation or sensitization in some people. Common ones include parabens, sorbates, phenoxyethanol, and benzoic acid (WHO/UNFPA/FHI360).

Fragrances, flavors, and “sensation” additives

Warming, cooling, tingling, flavored, and scented lubes are fun for some and irritating for others. A courteous approach: start with a plain, unscented formula, then experiment.

4. What about kitchen-cabinet substitutes?

A Cleveland Clinic gynecologist says some plain natural oils (such as coconut, olive, or sunflower) can work as lube when no latex is involved, but advises avoiding lotions, soaps, saliva, sugary or animal-derived substances, baby oil, and petroleum jelly, which can irritate tissue or raise infection risk. Any oil breaks down latex (Cleveland Clinic; UNFPA). A purpose-made lubricant is inexpensive and far more reliable.

5. A simple decision path

1. Using latex condoms? Choose water-based or silicone-based. Never oil.
2. Using a silicone toy? Start with water-based.
3. Want long-lasting or water-friendly glide? Consider silicone-based (with condoms or non-silicone toys).
4. Sensitive or prone to irritation? Look for unscented, glycerin-free, and, where published, lower-osmolality formulas.
5. External massage only, no latex? Oil-based or massage-specific products are fine (see our massage-oil guide).

6. Where to shop

Specialty sexual-wellness retailers usually list full ingredient lists and base types clearly.

Mainstream personal-care lubricants are also widely sold in drugstores and online.

7. When to see a clinician

Persistent dryness, pain, burning, itching, unusual discharge, or irritation that doesn’t resolve after switching products are all good reasons to see a clinician. Dryness can have many causes, including hormonal changes and medications, and a professional can help identify the right approach.

FAQ

What’s the safest lube for beginners?
A plain, unscented water-based lubricant is the most widely compatible choice: safe with latex condoms and nearly all toys.

Can I use silicone lube with a silicone toy?
Planned Parenthood advises against it unless the toy is covered with a condom, since silicone lube can damage silicone toys. Use water-based lube, or follow the toy maker’s explicit guidance.

Is coconut oil okay as lube?
Oils break down latex (and polyisoprene), so never use them with those condoms or with latex dental dams. Without latex, Cleveland Clinic’s gynecologist lists coconut oil among acceptable natural options, though a purpose-made lube is the more predictable choice.

What does “osmolality” mean on a lube label?
It’s a measure of concentration. WHO guidance suggests lower-osmolality lubes are less likely to irritate the delicate tissue they contact.

Why does my lube sting?
High glycerin or propylene glycol, fragrances, warming agents, or preservatives can irritate some people. Try a simpler formula, and see a clinician if irritation persists.

Sources

• Cleveland Clinic, What Can You Use Instead of Lube?: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-can-i-use-instead-of-lube
• Cleveland Clinic, Condoms: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9404-condoms
• Planned Parenthood, Condoms: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/condom
• Planned Parenthood, Sex Toys: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sex-pleasure-and-sexual-dysfunction/sex-and-pleasure/sex-toys
• WHO/UNFPA/FHI360, Use and procurement of additional lubricants for male and female condoms: https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/c0d0726b-e941-4d63-9647-fe2c2a52438a/content
• UNFPA, Safe Lubricants: https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/UNFPA_Lubricants%20Specs_web%20v2.pdf
• WHO/UNFPA lubricant specifications (2025 draft): https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/medicines/norms-and-standards/current-projects/20250508_qas25.977_unfpa_specs_lubricants.pdf?sfvrsn=c457b7e3_3

Adults 18+ only. Pleasure Proper may earn a commission when you buy through links on this site, at no extra cost to you. This content is general information, not medical advice. See our affiliate disclosure.

Disclosure: Pleasure Proper is reader-supported. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.

Adults 18+ only. This article is general educational information, not medical advice.

Good manners extend to the things we own, especially the ones that touch the most sensitive parts of our bodies. Cleaning your intimate products properly protects your health, extends their life, and frankly, is just good form.

Health educators are consistent: clean products before and after every use (QUIN; Healthline). Unclean items can introduce bacteria and other microbes and collect lint and dust. Here’s how to do it right.

1. Start with the material

How you clean depends almost entirely on what the product is made of. Materials fall into two camps (QUIN):

Non-porous (easiest to clean)

• Body-safe silicone
• Borosilicate glass
• Stainless steel
• ABS hard plastic

Porous (harder to clean)

• Jelly rubber
• TPE / TPR (“elastomer”)
• PVC and vinyl
• Latex

Porous materials have tiny surface holes that can hold bacteria. QUIN advises keeping porous products for solo use, or using a condom over them if sharing. Not sure what yours is? Check the maker’s product page or packaging. If it says only “jelly” or “skin-like,” assume porous.

2. Everyday cleaning, step by step

1. Check the manual first. Manufacturer instructions always win, particularly for electronics.
2. Remove batteries or confirm the product is switched off and charging ports are covered.
3. Wash with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap, or a purpose-made toy cleaner (QUIN).
4. Submerge only if waterproof. Otherwise, wipe with a damp, soapy cloth and avoid getting water near seams, buttons, or charging ports.
5. Rinse thoroughly so no soap residue remains.
6. Dry completely with a lint-free cloth or let it air dry. Moisture invites bacteria and mold (QUIN).

3. When you want to sanitize (not just clean)

QUIN notes that soap and water remove fluids and debris but won’t necessarily remove all STI-related bacteria or viruses. That matters most if products are shared.

Options QUIN lists for sanitizing:
– Boiling for 1–3 minutes, for non-motorized, fully non-porous items only (silicone without electronics, glass, steel).
– Isopropyl alcohol or a dedicated antibacterial toy cleaner, used per the label.
– Medical-grade sterilizing products.

Do not boil anything with a motor, battery, or charging port, or any porous material. Glass should be heated and cooled gradually to avoid thermal shock; check the maker’s guidance.

4. A material-by-material cheat sheet

Material	Everyday clean	Can be boiled?	Notes
Silicone (no motor)	Mild soap + water	Yes, if maker allows	Avoid silicone lube unless maker approves
Silicone (motorized)	Soap + water if waterproof; wipe otherwise	No	Keep ports dry
Glass	Soap + water	Some, per maker	Inspect for chips; discard if damaged
Stainless steel	Soap + water	Yes	Very durable
ABS hard plastic	Soap + water / wipe	No	Avoid harsh solvents
TPE / jelly / PVC	Soap + water	No	Porous; use condoms if sharing; replace sooner

5. Storage etiquette

Per QUIN’s guidance:
– Dry completely before putting away.
– Store individually in a fabric pouch, case, or separate compartment to keep items lint-free.
– Keep porous items separate so materials don’t react with one another (some materials can degrade when touching others).
– Keep away from heat, such as radiators or hair dryers.

Many makers include a storage pouch. If not, a lined, lockable case adds discretion.

6. Battery and charging care

• Charge using the supplied cable and follow the maker’s instructions.
• Don’t leave products charging unattended for long periods, and stop using any device that gets unusually hot or swells.
• If a rechargeable product sits unused, charge it periodically, and follow your maker’s storage guidance (Healthline).

7. When to replace

Replace a product if you notice:
– Cracks, chips, tears, or a sticky or changed surface
– Discoloration or persistent odor after cleaning (more common with porous materials)
– Damaged charging ports or exposed electronics

Body-safe, non-porous items generally last longest, one more reason to choose them (see Body-Safe Materials, Explained).

8. When to see a clinician

If you develop irritation, unusual discharge, sores, or symptoms of infection, pause use and see a clinician or sexual-health clinic. STI testing is a normal part of sexual health, especially when sharing products.

Common cleaning mistakes (and the proper alternative)

• Using scented or antibacterial hand soap. Fragrances and harsh additives can irritate sensitive skin and may leave residue. A mild, unscented soap or a purpose-made toy cleaner is gentler.
• Boiling anything with a motor. Heat and water will ruin electronics and can create a safety hazard. Boil only non-motorized, fully non-porous items, and only if the maker permits it.
• Storing items damp. Moisture trapped in a pouch invites mold and bacteria. Air-dry completely first.
• Tossing everything into one drawer together. Some materials can react when they touch, and lint and dust collect quickly. Individual pouches are the tidy solution.
• Skipping the pre-use rinse. Even clean, stored items gather dust. A quick wash before use is part of the routine, not optional.
• Using bleach or household cleaners. Strong chemicals can damage materials and irritate tissue. Stick to products made for the purpose, used as labeled.
• Ignoring the charging port. Wipe around ports carefully and let them dry before charging.

A five-minute care routine

1. Rinse under warm water right after use.
2. Wash with mild, unscented soap or toy cleaner, avoiding ports if not waterproof.
3. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth, then air-dry fully.
5. Return to its own pouch, away from heat and sunlight.

Keeping a small “care kit” in the same drawer (a toy cleaner, a lint-free cloth, and a few pouches) turns good hygiene into a thirty-second habit rather than a chore.

A note on sharing

If products are shared between partners, sanitizing between uses matters more, and porous products should be covered with a new condom each time (QUIN). Many people simply keep separate products for solo use and partnered use, which is the most straightforward approach of all.

FAQ

How often should I clean my toys?
Before and after every use, according to sexual-health educators.

Can I put sex toys in the dishwasher?
Only if the maker says so. Planned Parenthood notes some toys are dishwasher safe, and Healthline’s experts say non-motorized, non-porous toys (such as silicone, glass, or stainless steel) can be; never put anything with a motor or battery in the dishwasher (Planned Parenthood; Healthline).

Is toy cleaner better than soap?
Mild, unscented soap and water is fine for everyday cleaning. Toy cleaners are convenient, and some are formulated for sanitizing.

Can I boil silicone?
Only if it has no motor or battery and the maker permits it. Boil for 1–3 minutes.

How do I store toys discreetly?
A lined, lockable case or separate fabric pouches keep things clean, separate, and private.

Sources

• QUIN, Sex Toys: Care, Cleaning and Safer Play: https://www.quin.org.au/sex/sex-toys-care-cleaning-and-safer-play
• Planned Parenthood, Sex Toys: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sex-pleasure-and-sexual-dysfunction/sex-and-pleasure/sex-toys
• Planned Parenthood, Safe Sex Coloring Book (toy care tips): https://www.plannedparenthood.org/uploads/filer_public/ca/2c/ca2cc3d6-08d7-42d7-8f89-2efa631ed8f1/safe_sex_coloring_book.pdf
• Healthline, How to Clean Your Sex Toys and Accessories: https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/how-to-clean-sex-toys
• Bringing sex toys out of the dark: exploring unmitigated risks (PMC10034881): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10034881/

Adults 18+ only. Pleasure Proper may earn a commission when you buy through links on this site, at no extra cost to you. This content is general information, not medical advice. See our affiliate disclosure.

Disclosure: Pleasure Proper is reader-supported. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.

Adults 18+ only. This article is general educational information, not medical advice.

“Body-safe” may be the most important phrase in this entire category, and also one of the most loosely used. A properly informed shopper deserves to know what it means, what it doesn’t, and how to read between the lines of a product listing.

1. Why materials matter more than features

A product’s motor, shape, and color are matters of taste. Its material is a matter of health and hygiene. Two reasons:

1. Cleanability. Non-porous materials can be cleaned thoroughly; porous ones have microscopic holes that can hold bacteria (QUIN).
2. Chemistry. Some soft plastics contain additives such as phthalates, which researchers have flagged as a concern in this category (PMC10034881).

2. The regulation gap (a polite but important note)

In the US, the Consumer Product Safety Commission bans children’s toys and child-care articles containing more than 0.1% of certain phthalates, including DEHP, DBP, and BBP (CPSC). Those rules apply to children’s products, not adult intimate products.

A peer-reviewed review notes that sex toys “have not been subject to sufficient risk assessment or management,” and that prior analyses found phthalate concentrations of 24–60% by weight in most tested products (PMC10034881). In that 2023 study, endocrine-disrupting phthalates turned up in all four toys tested, including one sold as a silicone blend, which is one more reason to prefer 100% silicone from a brand that states it. The same authors note that phthalate effects on human health are not well studied, while several phthalates have shown reproductive and developmental toxicity in animals. In other words: the evidence is incomplete, but caution is sensible, and the labeling burden falls on you.

3. The materials, ranked by peace of mind

Non-porous: the recommended tier

Body-safe silicone. Smooth, flexible, warm to the touch, and the most common premium material. Non-porous when genuinely 100% silicone. Look for “100% silicone,” “platinum-cure silicone,” or “medical-grade silicone” from an established brand. Caveat: some silicone lubes can degrade silicone surfaces; water-based lube is the safe pairing.

Borosilicate glass. The same family of heat-resistant glass used in labware. Non-porous, easy to clean, and can be warmed or cooled for temperature play. Inspect regularly; discard if chipped.

Stainless steel. Weighty, extremely durable, non-porous, and easy to sanitize.

ABS plastic. A hard, non-porous plastic used in many vibrator bodies. Not flexible, but easy to clean.

Porous: the “proceed with care” tier

TPE / TPR (thermoplastic elastomer/rubber). Soft, inexpensive, often used for “realistic” textures. Often marketed as phthalate-free (check the listing), but porous, so it can’t be fully sanitized (QUIN).

Jelly rubber, PVC, and vinyl. Soft, cheap, and the materials most associated with phthalate concerns. Educators generally recommend avoiding them, or using a condom over them.

Latex. Porous, and a common allergen.

4. How to read a product listing

Listing says	What it may mean	Polite verdict
“100% body-safe silicone” from a known brand	Likely genuinely non-porous	Good
“Silicone blend” / “sil-a-gel” / “silicone-like”	Possibly mixed with cheaper materials	Ask or skip
“Jelly” / “skin-safe rubber” / “realistic feel”	Probably porous, possibly PVC	Skip for first purchases
“Phthalate-free”	No phthalates intended, but says nothing about porosity	Helpful, not sufficient
No material listed	Unknown	Skip

Reputable specialty retailers tend to list materials clearly.

5. The “flame test” myth

You may read online about holding a lighter to a product to test for real silicone. We don’t recommend it: results are unreliable, it can damage the product, and it’s a fire hazard. Buying from established makers and retailers is the more proper approach.

6. Signs a material is breaking down

• Sticky, tacky, or “melting” surface
• Cloudiness, discoloration, or persistent odor
• Cracks, tears, or bubbling

Replace the product. Store items separately, since some materials can react with each other over time (QUIN).

7. Allergies and sensitivities

If you have a latex allergy, choose silicone, glass, or steel, and latex-free barriers. If you notice irritation, itching, or rash after using a product, stop and consult a clinician.

8. A buyer’s checklist

• [ ] Material named specifically (silicone, glass, steel, ABS)
• [ ] “Phthalate-free” stated
• [ ] Established brand or retailer
• [ ] Warranty and clear care instructions
• [ ] Compatible with water-based lube

A short glossary of label terms

• Platinum-cure silicone: a silicone curing method that some premium makers name on their listings; ask the brand for details if it matters to you.
• Medical-grade: a label claim you can’t verify from the listing alone; useful only when the brand explains what it means.
• Non-porous: a surface without microscopic holes, so it can be cleaned thoroughly.
• Phthalates: chemicals used to soften plastics such as PVC; regulated in US children’s products but not adult products (CPSC).
• TPE / TPR: thermoplastic elastomer or rubber; soft, often marketed as phthalate-free, but porous.
• ABS: a rigid, non-porous plastic commonly used for vibrator housings.
• Borosilicate: a heat-resistant glass type.

Matching material to purpose

If you want…	Consider…	Why
Softness and flexibility	100% silicone	Non-porous, comfortable, durable
Temperature play	Borosilicate glass or stainless steel	Hold warmth or coolness well
Weight and firmness	Stainless steel	Dense and easy to sanitize
A budget first purchase	ABS or 100% silicone models from known brands	Better hygiene than jelly at a modest price
Something to share	Non-porous only	Can be sanitized between uses

Common material mistakes

• Buying the cheapest “realistic” product without checking its material.
• Pairing silicone lube with a silicone product without checking compatibility.
• Storing different materials pressed together.
• Keeping a product after its surface becomes sticky or cloudy.

Choosing well once usually means replacing less often, which is kinder to your budget and your body.

FAQ

Is TPE body-safe?
TPE is often sold as phthalate-free but is porous, so it can’t be fully sanitized. It’s acceptable for solo use with careful cleaning, or with a condom.

What is the safest sex toy material?
Non-porous materials: 100% silicone (not blends), borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and hard plastic such as ABS (Planned Parenthood).

Are phthalates banned in sex toys?
Not in the US. CPSC limits apply to children’s toys and child-care articles.

How can I tell if a toy is real silicone?
Buy from reputable brands and retailers that specify the material. Avoid “blends” and vague descriptions.

Do body-safe toys cost more?
Often somewhat more, but they generally last longer and are easier to keep clean.

Sources

• CPSC, Phthalates FAQ: https://www.cpsc.gov/FAQ/Phthalates
• CPSC, Phthalates Business Guidance: https://www.cpsc.gov/Business–Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Phthalates
• Bringing sex toys out of the dark: exploring unmitigated risks (PMC10034881): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10034881/
• QUIN, Sex Toys: Care, Cleaning and Safer Play: https://www.quin.org.au/sex/sex-toys-care-cleaning-and-safer-play
• Planned Parenthood, Sex Toys: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sex-pleasure-and-sexual-dysfunction/sex-and-pleasure/sex-toys