Fantasy toy materials matter. Shape, colour and design may be what first catches the eye, but the material affects how a product feels, how it should be cleaned, how it should be stored and whether it is suitable for intimate use.
This guide explains the most common materials used in fantasy toys, including silicone, TPE, TPR, glass, metal, plastic and resin. It also explains the difference between porous and non porous materials, what “body safe” usually means, and what to check before buying.
If you are new to this category, you may want to start with our guide to what fantasy sex toys are before reading this more detailed materials guide.
Why material matters
Fantasy toys are often highly visual products. They may be inspired by dragons, tentacles, monsters, aliens, mythology, fantasy art or abstract creature design. But material is one of the most important details on any product page.
The material can affect:
- How soft or firm the product feels
- How flexible it is
- How easy it is to clean
- Whether it can be used with certain lubricants
- How it should be stored
- How long it is likely to last
- Whether it is suitable for intimate use
A product may look impressive, but if the material is unclear, hard to clean or poorly described, that should make you cautious. A good product page should tell you what the item is made from, how to clean it, what lubricants are suitable and whether there are any storage warnings.
Common fantasy toy materials
Fantasy toys can be made from a range of materials. The right choice depends on the product type, how it is intended to be used and what information the maker provides.
Common materials include:
- Silicone
- TPE
- TPR
- ABS plastic
- Glass
- Stainless steel
- Aluminium
- Resin
- PVC
- Hybrid or coated materials
Not all of these materials are suitable for every type of use. Some are better for decorative, collectible or external products. Others are more commonly used for products designed for intimate contact.
Silicone fantasy toys
Silicone is one of the most commonly discussed materials in higher-quality fantasy toys. It is popular because it can be soft, flexible, durable and easy to shape into detailed forms.
For fantasy toys, silicone is especially useful because it can hold sculptural detail. That makes it suitable for creature-inspired textures, ridges, scales, curves, knots, tentacles and abstract forms.
Silicone products may vary in:
- Softness
- Firmness
- Flexibility
- Surface finish
- Colour
- Density
- Texture
This means that two silicone fantasy toys can feel very different even if they are made from the same broad material category. One may be soft and flexible. Another may be firmer, denser and more intense in texture.
When browsing silicone fantasy toys, look for clear wording such as:
- 100% silicone
- Platinum cure silicone
- Body safe silicone
- Non porous silicone
- Phthalate free
- Latex free, where relevant
These phrases can be useful, but they should not replace careful reading. The best product pages explain the material, firmness, care instructions and lubricant compatibility clearly.
What is platinum cure silicone?
Platinum cure silicone is a type of silicone made using a platinum catalyst during the curing process. In adult product retail, it is often presented as a premium silicone option because it can produce a stable, flexible and durable material.
For users, the key point is not the technical chemistry alone. The key point is whether the product information is clear and trustworthy. If a product claims to use platinum cure silicone, the retailer or maker should still explain how to clean it, how to store it and which lubricants are suitable.
A useful glossary entry to create later would be: What Is Platinum Cure Silicone?
TPE and TPR fantasy toys
TPE means thermoplastic elastomer. TPR means thermoplastic rubber. These materials are often soft, flexible and less expensive than silicone.
They may appear in some adult products because they can feel soft and stretchy. However, shoppers should be aware that TPE and TPR are often described as porous materials. This means they may be more difficult to clean thoroughly than non porous materials.
That does not mean every TPE or TPR product is the same. Material quality varies by manufacturer. But if a product is made from TPE or TPR, read the care guidance carefully and be cautious about sharing, long-term use and storage.
If a product page does not clearly explain how to clean the material, it is better to choose something with clearer information.
Glass and metal
Glass and metal are less common in fantasy creature-style products, but they are used in some adult toy categories.
Borosilicate glass and stainless steel are often discussed as non porous materials. They can be smooth, firm, weighty and easy to clean when properly made. They are also less flexible than silicone, TPE or TPR, so they offer a very different feel.
Glass and metal products should be checked carefully before use. Avoid anything with chips, cracks, rough edges or unclear manufacturing information.
These materials may also feel colder at first contact and can hold temperature differently from silicone. Anyone using temperature play should follow product instructions and avoid extremes.
Plastic, PVC and resin
Plastic, PVC and resin may appear in fantasy product accessories, decorative items, handles, bases, display pieces or certain toy designs.
These materials vary widely. Some hard plastics can be suitable for external parts or certain products, while other materials may be less suitable for intimate use, especially if they are porous, coated, unclear or difficult to clean.
Resin is often used in decorative or collectible products. Unless a product is clearly described as suitable for intimate use, resin should not be assumed to be body safe.
The same rule applies across the category: do not rely on appearance alone. Read the material details and intended-use information.
What does body safe mean?
“Body safe” is a common phrase in adult product retail. In simple terms, it usually means the product is made from materials considered suitable for contact with the body when used as directed.
However, “body safe” is not always used consistently across the industry. Some retailers use the phrase carefully. Others may use it more loosely.
Rather than relying only on the phrase, check whether the product page gives practical details:
- What is the exact material?
- Is it porous or non porous?
- Is it phthalate free?
- Is it latex free, if relevant?
- How should it be cleaned?
- What lubricant is compatible?
- How should it be stored?
- Is it intended for intimate use or only display?
A trustworthy listing should make these points easy to find.
Porous vs non porous materials
Porosity is one of the most important material concepts to understand.
A non porous material does not absorb fluids in the same way as a porous material. This generally makes it easier to clean and more suitable for repeated intimate use when cared for correctly.
Commonly discussed non porous materials include:
- Silicone
- Glass
- Stainless steel
- Some hard plastics
Porous materials may be more difficult to clean thoroughly because tiny spaces in the material can retain moisture, residue or bacteria. TPE, TPR, PVC and jelly-like materials are often discussed as porous or more difficult to sanitise.
This matters because cleaning is part of safe use. NHS advice says sex toys should be kept clean, washed between uses if shared and used with a new condom each time when shared.
Lubricant compatibility
Lubricant compatibility is another important material issue.
Water-based lubricant is often the safest general option because it is widely compatible with condoms and most toy materials. Silicone-based lubricant can last longer, but it may damage some silicone toys. Planned Parenthood advises not using silicone lube with silicone sex toys unless a condom is used on the toy.
Oil-based products can also create issues, especially with latex condoms, and should only be used when clearly compatible with the product and barrier method.
Before use, always check the product instructions. If in doubt, choose a water-based lubricant and avoid mixing silicone lubricant with silicone toys.
Cleaning and care by material
Cleaning advice depends on the material and the product design. A smooth silicone item, a toy with electronics, a suction base, a porous material and a decorative resin item may all need different care.
As a general rule, many non electronic toys can be cleaned with warm water and mild, unscented soap, but always follow the maker’s instructions.
SH:24 advises checking toys for breaks or scratches, washing with warm soapy water when the instructions allow, avoiding scented soaps that may cause irritation, and drying toys properly before storage.
Good care habits include:
- Clean before first use
- Clean after each use
- Use mild, unscented soap when appropriate
- Rinse thoroughly
- Dry fully before storing
- Store separately in a pouch or clean container
- Keep away from dust, heat and direct sunlight
- Follow any material-specific instructions
If a product becomes sticky, cracked, discoloured, torn or difficult to clean, it may be time to replace it.
Why firmness is separate from material
Material and firmness are related, but they are not the same thing.
A silicone fantasy toy can be soft, medium or firm. A soft product may feel more flexible and forgiving. A firm product may make textures feel more pronounced. A heavily textured toy in a firm material can feel more intense than the same shape in a softer material.
This is why beginners should not choose by appearance alone. Size, shape, texture and firmness all matter.
Once your site has the article live, link this phrase to your next guide: fantasy toy firmness guide.
How to read a product page
When comparing fantasy toys, look for material information before focusing on colour or design.
A strong product page should include:
- Material
- Size
- Insertable length, where relevant
- Width or diameter
- Firmness
- Texture
- Cleaning instructions
- Storage advice
- Lubricant compatibility
- Whether the product is suitable for the intended use
If these details are missing, the product may be harder to assess.
Beginner material checklist
If you are buying your first fantasy toy, use this checklist:
- Choose a product with clearly listed materials
- Prefer non porous materials for intimate use
- Look for clear cleaning instructions
- Start with a manageable size
- Choose softer or medium firmness if unsure
- Avoid highly textured products until you know your preferences
- Use water-based lubricant unless the product says otherwise
- Store the product separately
- Do not share toys without cleaning and using a fresh condom
- Stop using the product if it causes pain, irritation or discomfort
Beginner material checklist
- Choose clearly listed materials.
- Prefer non porous materials for intimate use.
- Check cleaning and storage instructions.
- Use water-based lubricant unless the product says otherwise.
- Avoid unclear listings that do not explain the material.
Common material mistakes
The most common mistake is choosing by appearance alone. Fantasy toys are visual by nature, but material matters more than colour.
Other common mistakes include:
- Assuming all silicone toys feel the same
- Assuming “body safe” always means the same thing
- Using silicone lubricant with silicone toys
- Storing different materials touching each other
- Ignoring cleaning instructions
- Sharing toys without proper cleaning or condoms
- Buying products with unclear material descriptions
A good rule is simple: if the material is unclear, do not guess.
Why Fabled Pleasures includes material guides
Fabled Pleasures is designed as a product discovery site, but fantasy toys need more context than a standard product grid can provide. Materials, firmness, texture, size and cleaning all affect whether a product is suitable for a particular person.
That is why our guides explain the category as an industry and design space, not only as a set of individual products.
For a broader introduction, read our guide to what fantasy sex toys are. For practical care advice, read how to clean fantasy toys once that guide is live.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best material for fantasy toys?
There is no single best material for every person or every product. For intimate use, many shoppers prefer clearly described non porous materials such as silicone, glass or stainless steel. The best choice depends on intended use, comfort, firmness, cleaning needs and product quality.
Are silicone fantasy toys body safe?
Silicone fantasy toys can be body safe when made from suitable silicone and used as directed. Look for clear material information, cleaning guidance and lubricant compatibility. Avoid vague product listings that do not explain what the product is made from.
Are TPE and TPR safe?
TPE and TPR are soft and flexible materials, but they are often described as porous. This can make them harder to clean thoroughly than non porous materials. Read the care instructions carefully and be cautious about sharing or long-term use.
Can I use silicone lubricant with silicone fantasy toys?
Usually, it is safer to avoid silicone lubricant with silicone toys unless the product instructions say it is compatible or a condom is used on the toy. Water-based lubricant is often the safest general option.
What does non porous mean?
Non porous means the material does not absorb fluids in the same way as porous materials. Non porous materials are generally easier to clean when cared for properly.
How should I store fantasy toys?
Clean and dry the product first, then store it separately in a pouch, case or clean container. Keep it away from dust, heat, direct sunlight and other materials unless the maker says they can be stored together.
Sources and further reading
This guide is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. For health concerns, pain, irritation or infection symptoms, speak to a qualified medical professional.