The material your intimate wellness device is made from matters more than most people realise. Here is what to know and what to look for.
The intimate wellness industry has made significant progress over the past decade, but not all products on the market are created equal. One of the most important and least discussed differences between products is material safety.
This guide explains what makes a material body-safe, why it matters, and what to look for when choosing an intimate wellness product.
Why Material Safety Is a Priority
The intimate area contains some of the most absorptive tissue in the body. Unlike skin on your hands or arms, mucous membranes absorb substances readily and with minimal barrier. This means the material of your intimate wellness device is in direct contact with tissue that can absorb chemicals, harbour bacteria, and react to certain compounds.
Choosing a body-safe material is not a premium consideration. It is a health consideration that applies to every intimate wellness product purchase.
What Makes a Material Body-Safe?
Four properties define a body-safe material for intimate use:
Non-porous: Porous materials have microscopic holes that trap bacteria, bodily fluids, and cleaning agents. Even thorough cleaning cannot fully remove bacteria from a porous surface. Non-porous materials have no such holes and can be fully sanitised.
Hypoallergenic: The material should not provoke allergic responses in sensitive tissue. Some materials, particularly certain rubbers and plastics, contain compounds that cause irritation for many people.
Free of harmful additives: Certain older materials contain phthalates, plasticisers added to make plastics flexible. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors linked to hormonal interference. Reputable brands no longer use them, but they are still found in lower-cost products.
Chemically stable: The material should not degrade, off-gas, or react with water, body chemistry, or cleaning products over time.
Medical-Grade Platinum-Cured Silicone: The Gold Standard
Medical-grade platinum-cured silicone meets all four criteria above. It is the material used in medical implants, surgical tools, and baby products. For intimate wellness, it is the clearest indicator of a manufacturer who has prioritised user safety.
Key properties of medical-grade silicone:
Non-porous: Can be fully cleaned and sanitised.
Hypoallergenic: Suitable for the most sensitive skin types.
Phthalate-free: Contains no harmful plasticisers.
Thermally stable: Does not degrade under normal use or cleaning temperatures.
Soft and flexible: Comfortable for extended use without stiffness or rigidity.
Durable: Maintains its properties over years of regular use with proper care.
All four devices in the Paradise Pleasure Products Illumination Series are constructed from medical-grade platinum-cured silicone. This applies across the entire range regardless of device type or price point within the range.
Materials to Approach with Care
TPE and TPR
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and thermoplastic rubber (TPR) are porous materials. They feel soft and silicone-like, which leads to frequent confusion, but they are fundamentally different. Because they are porous, they cannot be fully sterilised and should be replaced more regularly than silicone products.
PVC and Jelly Rubber
Older PVC and jelly rubber products may contain phthalates. Many responsible manufacturers have moved away from these materials, but they remain available in lower-cost market segments. If a product does not clearly state its materials, that is useful information in itself.
ABS Plastic
ABS plastic (used for hard plastic components) is non-porous and generally body-safe. It appears commonly in vibrator casings and buttons. It is a safe material when used as intended, but lacks the flexibility and comfort of silicone for extended contact areas.
How to Clean and Care for Silicone Products
One of the practical benefits of medical-grade silicone is how straightforward cleaning is:
After every use: Wash with warm water and a mild unscented soap, or a dedicated toy cleaner. Rinse thoroughly.
Deep cleaning (non-motorised): Boil in water for 3 minutes, or run through the top rack of a dishwasher without detergent.
Motorised devices (all Illumination Series): Wash by hand with soap and water. The IPX7 rating means full submersion under a running tap is completely safe.
Storage: Store in a clean, dry pouch or case. Keep silicone products away from other silicone products or sharp edges during storage.
Avoid silicone-based lubricants with silicone toys. They can degrade the surface over time. Water-based lubricants are the correct choice for silicone products.
The Illumination Series: Full Material Transparency
Every Paradise Pleasure Products device is medical-grade platinum-cured silicone with ABS plastic components. No phthalates. No porous materials. Full IPX7 waterproofing, which supports thorough cleaning as standard.
