Given that many anal toys are designed for internal insertion, people often take it for granted that such devices are made from body-safe materials. However, this is far from always the case.
This means sex toy manufacturers can falsely advertise product materials without any consequences. Exploiting this regulatory loophole, numerous manufacturers brazenly produce counterfeit products using low-quality, prohibited materials—substances that can cause substantial harm to the human body.
A chilling early 21st-century study examining 16 randomly selected sex toys yielded alarming results:
4 contained phthalates, which can cause birth defects and endocrine disruption
5 contained phenol
1 contained trimethyltin
14 contained toluene — a known carcinogen and reproductive toxin
While this study is years old, some might assume the industry has since self-regulated. But when it comes to sexual health, any false sense of security is a risk. The wisest approach is to ensure 100% safety for all items that come into contact with your body. This means choosing trustworthy butt plug brands and developing your own material identification skills. Below are expert recommendations from BEISAR.
What to Look for When Choosing Body-Safe Anal Toys
Toxicity Concerns
First and foremost, ensure your sex toy contains no toxic ingredients. If the ingredient list includes phthalates, TPE, TPR, Cyberskin, jelly rubber, PVC, vinyl, or hard plastic—put it down immediately. These are all common harmful materials.
Porosity = Bacteria Hotel
Those small pores on your toy aren’t just texture—they’re like “Airbnb for bacteria,” providing lodging for mold and fungi. While science hasn’t fully explored the consequences of using bacteria-ridden toys, let’s be honest: no one wants to check into a moldy vacation home when “vacationing” down there.
With porous toys, regular cleaning isn’t enough. Washing a porous toy is like trying to vacuum the desert—useless. And because you can never fully sterilize these toys, they may transmit STIs, yeast infections, and other unpleasant “souvenirs.”
Shape = Safety
Design isn’t just about pleasure—it’s about safety. Anal toys without a flared base are just waiting to turn into an emergency room trip. Your anus acts almost like a vacuum; once past the external anal sphincter, it can suck objects dangerously deep—deep enough to make you on a first-name basis with your proctologist.
Best Body-Safe Materials for Anal Toys
100% Silicone
To ensure safety with silicone anal toys, always choose 100% pure silicone products—any mixing with other ingredients may create porous structures or toxicity risks. Prioritize products labeled "medical-grade," as they meet the same safety standards as hospital equipment, allowing worry-free use.
Why We Recommend It:
(1) Super soft yet highly durable
(2) Incredibly easy to clean (you can even boil it for disinfection!)
(3) Feels remarkably realistic
(4) Both flexible and elastic
Considerations:
(1) Typically more expensive than other soft materials
(2) Never compatible with silicone lubricant (it will ruin the toy!)
Lubricant Guidelines:
(1) Avoid pure silicone lubricant at all costs
(2) Water-based lubricants are your best friend
(3) Hybrid lubricants work too (as long as you clean thoroughly afterward)
Cleaning Method:
(1) Rinse with warm water and mild, unscented hand soap
(2) Disinfect with specialized toy cleaning spray
Recommendations by Experience Level
● Beginners: We recommend small-sized butt plugs with a narrow tip. Thumb-sized plugs work best—their smaller tip, when coated with lubricant, eases first-time insertion, making them an excellent choice for first-time anal play.
● Intermediate Users: Opt for butt plugs with rotating beads, which mimic the sensation of analingus (oral-anal stimulation) while helping relax the sphincter.
● Advanced Users: Choose larger toys with a comfortable, flexible neck for easy movement, delivering intense stimulation and weight. Look for butt plugs with a wide, tapered base and seamless, silky silicone to ensure safe, comfortable insertion and removal.
● All Users: Look for butt plugs with a wide, flared base and seamless, silky silicone to ensure safe, comfortable insertion and removal.
Metal/Stainless Steel
The durability champion among safe anal toy materials, stainless steel is prized for its excellent hardness and weight. As long as it’s 316 medical-grade stainless steel (the same material used in marine and medical equipment), you can rest easy—it’s completely safe and never rusts or corrodes.
Why We Recommend It:
(1) Firm texture
(2) Supports temperature play (hot and cold sensations)
(3) Satisfying weighty feel
(4) Easy to clean
(5) Heat-sterilizable
Drawback:
Not flexible
Lubricant Guidelines:
Compatible with all lubricant types (water-based, silicone-based, oil-based)
Cleaning Method:
(1) Non-electric models can be sterilized using any method (boiling, alcohol, UV light)
(2) For electric models, avoid cleaning the motor compartment
Glass (Borosilicate Glass)
The most common concern with glass sex toys is "Will it break?"—a valid worry, as shattering could scratch intestinal tissue. However, most glass toys are made from borosilicate glass, an extremely durable, shatter-resistant material that withstands extreme temperatures. It’s the same glass used in lab equipment and high-quality cookware, meaning with proper care, these toys can last for years.
Why We Recommend It:
(1) Highly durable and resistant to damage
(2) Firm texture
(3) Supports temperature play
(4) Satisfying weight
(5) Easy to clean
(6) Fully sterilizable
Drawback:
Rigid, no flexibility
Lubricant Guidelines:
Glass toys are safe to use with all lubricant types
Cleaning Method:
Non-electric glass toys can be cleaned and sterilized using any method
Other Body-Safe Anal Toy Materials to Consider
Wood
First, using wooden sex toys won’t leave you with splinters—most undergo multiple rounds of fine sanding to ensure a silky-smooth surface. Sex toy reviewer Dangerous Lilly advises avoiding "naturally unfinished" wooden toys and dyed wood. She also emphasizes checking the coating used, noting that medical grade finishes tend to be the best option.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is generally safe for use as sex toys—after all, in pre-urban times during the Stone Age, we made everything from stone! However, there’s still no clear consensus on the porosity and safety of prolonged internal use of these minerals and rocks.
Crystal Anal Toys
For those seeking all-natural alternatives to silicone and rubber, or who want to enjoy potential spiritual benefits, crystals make an excellent, body-safe choice. Crystal wands are hand-carved from semi-precious stones and polished to a silky finish. Rose quartz, clear quartz, and amethyst are the most popular non-porous options. "Slim crystal wands" and "crystal G-spot wands" are standout choices in this category.
Ceramic
Like glass sex toys, ceramic toys are firm, body-safe, and perfect for temperature play—provided they’re glazed and kiln-fired to ensure a smooth, burr-free surface that won’t irritate skin.
Which Anal Toy Materials to Avoid?
Pinpointing every ingredient in anal toys is nearly impossible due to current lack of regulation. However, the following materials are more toxic, more porous, or more likely to leach toxins than others. As a general precaution, it’s best to avoid them entirely.
TPE and TPR
TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) and TPR (thermoplastic rubber) are often used interchangeably, referring to plastic-rubber blends that stretch and return to shape. These materials are porous, making them prime bacterial hideouts. Avoid butt plugs made from these.
These thermoplastic materials also contain phthalates, added to soften rigid plastics. Phthalates are banned in children’s toys and labeled by the FDA as "possible carcinogens," with links to hormonal disruptions, reproductive issues, and cancer.
Jelly Rubber
Despite its name and soft, elastic texture, jelly rubber has been found to contain phthalates and is porous. These chemicals harm health, while pores trap bacteria—best avoid inserting a "biohazard wand" into your body.
PVC
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is common in anal toys, especially dildos. It’s rigid by nature, so if your PVC toy is soft and flexible, it’s likely softened with phthalates—and it’s porous too. Both porosity and residual phthalates damage the body.
Vinyl
This material also contains phthalates and is porous.
Notice a pattern here?
Safety Precautions
Use Condoms
Just as condoms prevent STIs during partner sex, using them on anal toys avoids exposure to potential harmful chemicals or toxins.
Check Lubricant Compatibility
Another key tip: know your anal toy’s material and ensure compatibility with your lubricant. As mentioned, silicone toys shouldn’t be used with silicone lubricant, as it damages the material.
If using condoms, avoid oil-based lubricants—they weaken latex integrity, increasing breakage risk.
How to Clean Your Anal Toy?
Cleaning methods for anal sex toys vary, depending on factors like shared use, material, and whether the toy is electric.
Surface Cleaning
All sex toys can be cleaned by scrubbing, but note this is basic cleaning—not full disinfection or sterilization. For solo use, simple scrubbing suffices. First, if the toy has a motor or batteries, check if it’s waterproof or splashproof (usually indicated on packaging). For battery-powered toys, always remove batteries before cleaning. Wash with liquid soap and a cleaning brush, wipe with a damp cloth, then air-dry.
Boiling Sterilization
Non-electric toys made from 100% silicone, stainless steel, or glass can be sterilized by boiling. First, surface-clean the toy, then submerge in boiling water for three minutes. This works exceptionally well for shared toys. After three minutes, remove with tongs and place on a clean towel to dry.
Dishwasher Cleaning
Many non-porous, non-electric toys can undergo deep cleaning in the dishwasher. First, surface-clean the toy, then place it on the top rack and run the "sanitize" cycle—no soap needed.
While this kills 99.9% of bacteria, it’s less effective than boiling against heat-resistant viruses and fungi, making boiling the more reliable choice.
Sex Toy Cleaners
When applicable, first rinse the toy surface with water. Apply specialized toy cleaner, wipe the surface with a soft cloth, rinse again with water, dry with a clean cloth, then store properly for next use.
How to Safely Store Your Anal Toy?
Before storing anal toys, ensure they’re thoroughly cleaned and completely dry. Storing damp or dirty toys leads to bacterial growth, which can cause skin irritation, toy malfunction, or even infections during use. Generally, store toys separately in breathable individual bags, in a dry environment. When ready to use, simply apply lubricant.
Conclusion
Choosing a toy means considering not just material, but also shape and porosity. Opting for a trustworthy, reputable brand saves most people unnecessary hassle—with such brands, you can confidently pick toys that fit your size and stimulate your G-spot or P-spot. At BEISAR, we balance pleasure with material safety—we’re always worth choosing!
