Buying guide
Sex-toy materials: silicone, ABS, TPE and the feel of the thing
Soft and yielding, smooth and firm, or somewhere deliciously in between: material makes a big difference to how a toy feels. The initials on the product page are simply a shortcut to understanding what you are buying.
Silicone is common on vibrators, ABS gives handles and bodies their structure, TPE makes soft sleeves, and glass holds its shape. Start with the feel you enjoy, then consider how the toy bends, cleans and fits into your routine.
The materials at a glance
| Material | What it brings | Where you will find it |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone | A smooth surface, with firmness that varies by design | Vibrator surfaces, contact rings, flexible bases and attachments |
| ABS plastic | A firm, lightweight structure | Vibrator bodies, handles and controls |
| TPE / thermoplastic elastomer | A soft, stretchy feel | Masturbator sleeves and realistic-feel toys |
| Glass | A smooth, rigid surface | Dildos, wands and plugs |
| Mixed materials | Different jobs in one toy | A soft contact surface paired with a firm body or base |
The whole design matters. A thin silicone covering over a rigid body feels different from a solid flexible silicone toy, even when both lead with the same material name.
Silicone: smooth does not always mean squishy
Silicone can be soft at the surface while the toy underneath stays firm. It can also form a flexible neck, a removable head or a substantial one-piece dildo. Look at the shape and construction as well as the material.
The Satisfyer Pro 2+ Vibration pairs an ABS body with a soft silicone contact ring. That gives you a firm handle to hold and a softer rim where the toy meets the body. You do not need the whole toy to bend for the contact point to feel comfortable.
For lubricant, water based is the usual first choice for silicone toys. Use silicone lube only when the exact toy permits it; our lubricant compatibility guide makes the pairing easier.
ABS: the firm part has a job
ABS is the hard plastic used in many handles and powered toy bodies. It provides structure around motors and controls, and gives your hand something steady to hold.
Think about how you will position the toy. Do you want a firm handle, a flexible shaft, a soft contact point—or a combination? Those details tell you more about everyday use than choosing a material in isolation.
TPE and TPR: soft sleeves, different recipes
TPE means thermoplastic elastomer. TPR is another label used for soft, rubber-like materials. They are material families, so the amount of stretch, firmness and surface feel can vary from one product to another.
The TENGA Flip Hole has a TPE inner sleeve inside a polycarbonate case. The sleeve provides the soft internal texture; the case gives your hand a firm grip. Its opening design also lets you reach the sleeve for washing and drying.
Use the lubricant and cleaning routine made for the sleeve. Soft material is not automatically silicone, and a cleaner suited to one sleeve may be unsuitable for another. If easy care is high on your wish list, look for a design that opens fully or has a removable sleeve.
Glass: shape takes the lead
Glass keeps its shape, so curves, bulbs and ridges become the main event. Choose a profile you like and pay attention to width as well as length; there is no flexible shaft to bend around your movements.
Our Icicles No. 86 combines a glass shaft with a removable silicone suction base. The rigid shaft and flexible base have different jobs, which is a good reason to read the complete construction rather than the headline material alone.
Keep glass pieces protected from knocks and check the surface for chips or cracks. For washing or temperature play, use the directions for that model. A glass body with a motor, coating or attached soft part needs different consideration from a plain glass piece.
Mixed materials make useful combinations
A toy may include a soft head, rigid body, buttons, charging contacts and a separate remote. Each part contributes something to the experience, but the complete toy's instructions set the care routine.
A waterproof toy does not make its charger waterproof, and a glass shaft does not mean its silicone base should be treated the same way. Remove parts only when they are designed to come off, then clean and dry them as directed.
Our cleaning and storage guide covers these differences with everyday examples.
Choose for the experience you want
For a softer contact point with a steady grip, look at silicone-over-plastic designs. For a yielding sleeve inside a handheld case, explore TPE masturbators. For a shape that stays exactly as it is, browse glass.
Then compare the toy's dimensions, texture and controls. Material helps you choose the feel; the design turns it into something you will reach for again.
Frequently asked questions
Is TPE the same as silicone?
No. TPE is a thermoplastic elastomer, while silicone is a different material. Both can feel soft, but they can have different lubricant, cleaning and storage needs.
Are silicone toys always flexible?
No. Silicone may be a flexible solid body or a thin surface over a rigid structure. Look at the complete design and its flexibility description.
What is ABS in a sex toy?
ABS is a rigid plastic often used for a toy's body, handle or control area. A toy can combine ABS with a silicone surface or contact ring.
Can I use silicone lube with every soft toy?
No. Silicone and soft elastomer toys can have different compatibility rules. Choose the lubricant recommended for your model; water based is a common choice.
Does a glass toy need special care?
Protect it from knocks and check for chips or cracks. Follow the model's cleaning directions, especially if it also has silicone parts, a coating or electronics.
Which sex-toy material is best?
Choose by the feel and routine you want. Silicone varies from soft to firm, TPE is common in yielding sleeves, ABS provides rigid structure, and glass gives a smooth shape that stays firm.
