Non-Porous Sex Toy Materials – Alternatives To Silicone
Some of the most popular sex toys are made of silicone, because it’s flexible, non-porous, and allows for the creation of toys in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. But did you know there are tons of other materials that are also used to make beautiful, body-safe sex toys?
Here’s an introduction to some of the non-silicone options out there, if you feel like broadening your sexual horizons!
STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel is one of the most popular firm sex toy materials, and for good reason: steel toys feel super luxurious, look great on your nightstand, and are so durable and long-lasting that you’ll probably never need to replace them. They also work with any kind of lube.
Steel’s heaviness and firmness make it uniquely well-suited to intense G-spot or prostate stimulation; the weight of a steel toy can help create momentum that’ll make your thrusting feel even more impactful. However, these same factors mean that steel isn’t ideal for people with hand strength issues, or people who prefer soft and flexible toys.
Temperature play is a major selling point of stainless steel toys. Soak your toy in a bowl of cool (not freezing cold) water if you want a shocking thrill, or leave it in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for a few minutes before playing if you’d prefer some relaxing internal heat.
GLASS
Glass has many of the same benefits of stainless steel – suitability for temperature play, unrelenting firmness, and playing well with all types of lube – but without the heaviness some people may find overly cumbersome.
Many companies create glass toys that look like works of art – see, for example, the intricately twisted design of the Crystal Twist dildo, or the confetti-esque colors of the Sparkle Glow dildo. Glass toys are some of the most dazzling ones on the market!
Depending on the quality of your toy, it may be prone to chipping or breaking if you drop it. This is a definite drawback of glass sex toys, but it shouldn’t stop you from trying one out if you’re curious – for the most part these toys are well-constructed and will last a long while if you take good care of them.
WOOD
Wood is a highly underrated sex toy material. When sealed properly – such as with the surgical-graded polymer sealant used by NobEssence on their toys – these products are smooth to the touch, water-resistant, non-irritating, and durable. You can use them with any kind of lube. They’re also absolutely beautiful, each toy being essentially one-of-a-kind due to the unique colors and grains of the woods used to make them.
Like steel and glass, wood is firm enough to put delicious pressure on key erogenous zones like the G-spot and prostate – but wood has the added benefit of being very light. So if you’re a person who struggles when using heavy toys, or if you just want to be able to thrust quickly without tiring yourself out, a wooden toy like the NobEssence Seduction could be just the thing. These don’t hold temperature as well or as long as steel or glass, but they’re gorgeous, long-lasting, and easy to use.
PORCELAIN
Porcelain is a super smooth and sleek sex toy material. While you might imagine porcelain would be fragile, the kind used for sex toys by companies like Désirables has a high mechanical strength and is unlikely to break (but you still shouldn’t drop yours if you can help it!).
Porcelain toys hold temperature well, and have a hyper-smooth surface that makes any kind of lube go a long way. These toys are easy to clean and often quite pretty. Who knew such a little-known material could be so lovely?
CRYSTAL
Crystal toys are popular in new-age communities, where they are thought to have unique spiritual and energetic benefits. Chakrubs’ rose quartz dildo, for example, is said to enhance love (including self-love!), while their jade dildo “instills a sense of optimism and zest for life.” Whether you believe in these benefits or just enjoy the thought of setting a specific emotional intention for each play session, these toys might help you get in touch with a deeper, more emotive side of your sexuality.
Like glass and steel, crystal toys are naturally cool to the touch but can be warmed up in water if you so desire. They work with all types of lubes, and have a smooth surface that helps them glide pleasurably against your skin during use. They also look like metaphysical statues, gleaming and elegant.
Have you tried any of these materials? What did you think?
