Curious what your toys, lube and lingerie are actually made of? We think you should be able to find out easily. Here’s a plain-language guide to the materials, fabrics and ingredients across our range — what each one is, how to care for it, and what’s good to know if you have a specific allergy.
Beginner-friendly picks
Lovense Max 2 Rechargeable Male Masturbator w/White Case – Clear Sleeve Original price was: $130.00.$119.00Current price is: $119.00.Add to cart- Blush Luxe Beginner Plug Kit – Black$28.99Add to cart
- My 1st Virgin Pussy & Ass Original price was: $69.20.$48.44Current price is: $48.44.Add to cart
- ROMP Piccolo 3 Color 5.5″ Dildo Pegging Kit – Blue$49.99Add to cart
- Cheap Thrills The First Mate – Ivory Original price was: $54.99.$38.49Current price is: $38.49.Add to cart
- Zero Tolerance Intro To Prostate Kit w/Download$43.98Add to cart
Where to go next
- Her First Vibrator Kit — an easy starting point
- All Bundles & Kits — curated sets for every occasion
- More from Learn · Buying Guides
This article is general educational information, not medical advice. Everyone's body is different — if you have pain, a health condition, or specific concerns, please talk to a qualified healthcare provider.
Toy materials
Silicone — Silicone is a smooth, flexible polymer (a polysiloxane). It’s non-porous, so it doesn’t absorb fluids and wipes clean easily, and it warms to body temperature. Wash with mild soap and water or a toy cleaner. Pair with a water-based lube — silicone lube can affect silicone over time.
Abs Plastic — ABS is a rigid, lightweight, non-porous plastic used for firm surfaces, handles and bullet casings. It doesn’t absorb fluids and works with any lube. Wipe with mild soap and water or a toy cleaner.
Thermoplastic Elastomer (tpe) — TPE is a soft, stretchy, skin-like blend prized for a lifelike feel. It’s more porous than silicone, so thorough cleaning matters and many people use a condom when sharing. Clean well before and after use and dry fully. Use a water-based lube.
Thermoplastic Rubber (tpr) — TPR is a soft, flexible, skin-like blend valued for a realistic feel. It’s more porous than silicone, so clean it thoroughly and consider a condom when sharing. Clean well before and after, dry fully, and use a water-based lube.
Pvc — PVC (vinyl) is a firm, glossy, non-porous plastic used for a shiny finish. It can carry a scent when new, which airs out. Wipe clean; store flat and separate from other materials, which can mark it.
Vinyl — Vinyl (PVC) is a firm, glossy, non-porous material used for a shiny look. Wipe clean; store flat and separately.
Glass — Body-safe toys use tempered borosilicate glass — a smooth, non-porous, sturdy material compatible with any lube and lovely for temperature play. Inspect for chips before use and wash with soap and water. Warm or cool it gently — never boiling or in a dishwasher unless the maker says so.
Stainless Steel — Stainless steel is a smooth, weighty, non-porous metal compatible with any lube and responsive to temperature. Wash with soap and water. Some metal alloys and findings can contain nickel; if you have a nickel allergy, check the product details.
Metal — A smooth, weighty, non-porous metal, responsive to temperature and compatible with any lube. Wash with soap and water. Some metal alloys and findings can contain nickel; if you have a nickel allergy, check the product details.
Latex — Latex is a stretchy natural rubber with a distinctive shine and feel. Wipe clean and store away from light, heat and oils. Latex is a common allergen — if you have a latex allergy, avoid latex items. Latex is also not compatible with oil-based products.
Rubber — Rubber is a soft, stretchy material with a firm grip and flexible feel. Wipe clean and dry fully. If a product contains natural rubber latex and you have a latex allergy, avoid it — check the product details.
Genuine Leather — Genuine leather is a firm, supple material used in bondage gear and apparel, which softens with use. Wipe with a damp cloth, condition occasionally, and keep dry.
Faux Leather — Faux leather (a polyurethane material) is a firm, supple vegan alternative to leather. Wipe with a damp cloth and keep dry.
Pu Leather — PU leather is a polyurethane-coated vegan alternative to leather — supple and easy to wipe clean. Wipe with a damp cloth and keep dry.
Neoprene — Neoprene is a soft, cushioned, water-resistant synthetic rubber used for comfortable cuffs and straps. Wipe clean and air-dry.
Polyurethane (pu) — Polyurethane is a versatile polymer used as a coating, cushioning foam, or a non-porous surface. Wipe clean per the maker’s guidance.
Nitrile — Nitrile is a synthetic rubber often chosen where a non-latex alternative is wanted. Wipe clean and dry.
Ceramic — Glazed ceramic is a smooth, firm, non-porous material that holds temperature well. Inspect for chips and wash with soap and water.
Polycarbonate — Polycarbonate is a tough, clear, non-porous plastic used for firm, durable parts. Wipe clean with mild soap and water.
Lingerie fabrics
Spandex — Spandex (also called elastane or Lycra) is a synthetic fibre known for exceptional stretch and recovery, usually blended with other fibres for a comfortable, flexible fit. Hand-wash or gentle cycle; avoid high heat, which shortens the life of the stretch.
Elastane — Elastane (also called spandex or Lycra) is a stretchy synthetic fibre blended in for a flexible, comfortable fit. Hand-wash or gentle cycle; avoid high heat.
Lycra — Lycra is a brand of elastane — a stretchy synthetic fibre blended in for flexibility and recovery. Hand-wash or gentle cycle; avoid high heat.
Nylon — Nylon (a polyamide) is a strong, smooth, quick-drying synthetic fibre common in hosiery and lingerie for its silky feel and durability. Hand-wash or gentle cycle; lay flat or line dry.
Polyaminde — Polyamide (better known as nylon) is a strong, smooth, quick-drying synthetic fibre with a silky feel. Hand-wash or gentle cycle; lay flat or line dry.
Polyester — Polyester is a durable, wrinkle- and stretch-resistant synthetic fibre, often blended for shape retention and easy care. Machine or hand wash gentle; low heat.
Cotton — Cotton is a soft, breathable natural fibre, often used for gussets and everyday-comfort pieces. Machine or hand wash.
Silk — Silk is a smooth, lightweight, luxurious natural fibre with a signature sheen and soft drape. Hand-wash cool or dry-clean; avoid wringing and direct heat.
Satin — Satin is a weave (from polyester, nylon or silk) with a glossy face and soft back — smooth against the skin with an elegant sheen. Hand-wash gentle; low or no heat.
Lace — Lace is a delicate, openwork fabric — decorative and light, made in cotton, nylon or blends. Hand-wash gentle in a mesh bag and lay flat to dry.
Microfiber — Microfibre is an ultra-fine synthetic knit — smooth, soft, breathable and stretchy, common in comfortable everyday pieces. Machine or hand wash gentle.
Rayon — Rayon (viscose) is a soft, breathable, drapey fibre made from processed plant cellulose, with a silk-like feel. Hand-wash cool or dry-clean; it’s weaker when wet, so handle gently.
Viscose — Viscose (rayon) is a soft, breathable, silk-like fibre made from plant cellulose. Hand-wash cool or dry-clean; handle gently when wet.
Velvet — Velvet is a soft, dense pile fabric with a plush hand and subtle sheen. Hand-wash gentle or dry-clean; avoid crushing the pile.
Lube & cosmetic ingredients
Plain-language descriptions of ingredients you’ll see on our lube, oil and cosmetic products — what each one is and what it does.
Aloe vera — a plant-derived ingredient added for a soothing, conditioning skin feel.
Benzyl alcohol — a preservative and solvent, also a naturally occurring fragrance component; a sensitiser for a few people.
Caprylic/capric triglyceride — a light, coconut- or palm-derived emollient that gives a smooth, non-greasy skin feel.
Carbomer — a thickener that gives water-based gels their smooth, cushioned texture.
Carrageenan — a seaweed-derived thickener used to give a smooth, gel-like texture.
Cetyl alcohol — a fatty alcohol (not drying like ethanol) used to thicken and soften creams and lotions.
Citric acid — used in tiny amounts to adjust and stabilise a formula’s pH.
Cyclopentasiloxane — a light, fast-spreading silicone that leaves a silky, non-greasy finish. read the guide →
Dimethicone — a silicone fluid that gives a silky, long-lasting glide and a smooth skin feel. read the guide →
EDTA — used in tiny amounts to bind stray minerals so preservatives and the formula stay stable.
Glycerin — a humectant that attracts and holds moisture, giving lubes their smooth, cushioned feel; also a common food and cosmetic ingredient. Some people prefer to avoid added glycerin — check the list if that’s you. read the guide →
Hydroxyethylcellulose — a plant-cellulose-derived thickener that gives water-based lubes their gel-like body.
Methylparaben — a preservative from the paraben family used to prevent microbial growth. Paraben use is debated; regulators currently permit it within limits, and some people choose to avoid parabens — check the list. read the guide →
Phenoxyethanol — a widely used preservative, often chosen as a paraben alternative. read the guide →
Polysorbate 20 — an emulsifier that helps oils, fragrance and water blend smoothly.
Potassium sorbate — a widely used, gentle preservative that protects a formula from spoilage.
Propanediol — a plant-derived humectant and solvent, often used as a gentler alternative to propylene glycol. read the guide →
Propylene glycol — a water-soluble humectant and solvent that keeps a formula smooth and stable; widely used in foods and cosmetics. A small number of people are sensitive to it. read the guide →
Sodium benzoate — a common, mild preservative that keeps a product fresh and free of microbial growth.
Sodium chloride — common salt, used to adjust a formula’s thickness.
Sucralose — a no-calorie sweetener sometimes added to flavoured products for taste. read the guide →
Tocopheryl acetate — a form of vitamin E, added as an antioxidant that helps protect a formula and condition the skin.
Xanthan gum — a natural thickener (from fermented sugars) that gives water-based products their body.
General educational information about materials, not medical or safety advice — always read the product label and, if you have a specific allergy, check the product details. Material information here is compiled and written in-house, informed by open references including Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and PubChem.