Dildo Materials Guide Australia - Silicone, Glass, Metal & Rubber Overview

Dildo materials are the foundation of adult sex toys, shaping their texture, firmness, and how they perform during solo or partnered play. Each material—from soft silicone to rigid glass or weighted metal—offers different sensations, temperature response, and care needs. Knowing what each feels like helps you match sensation to your body and play style.

About Dildo Materials

Dildo materials are the substances that form the body of your sex toy, and each one changes how the sex toy feels, moves, and responds to your body. Medical-grade silicone is smooth, flexible, and completely non-porous—ideal for everyday use and easy cleaning. Jelly PVC is soft and translucent with bright colours, but needs more careful washing. Borosilicate glass is rigid and ultra-smooth for firm, controlled motion. Metal (stainless steel or aluminium) is heavy and durable, perfect for weighted stimulation. TPE and TPR blends are warm and elastic but require powder maintenance. Dual-density silicone combines a soft outer layer with a firmer core for realistic feel and strong internal support.

The right material depends on what sensations you enjoy, how much pressure you want, and what cleaning routine fits your life. Some people need body-safe, non-porous materials for sensitive skin or long-term use. Others prioritise the look and feel of jelly or the thermal control of glass. Browse Teddies and other lingerie to pair with your choice. Your comfort, play style, and care habits should guide your decision.

What makes Dildo Materials different

What sets dildo materials apart is how directly they shape your physical experience. Each substance has its own texture, weight, flexibility, and thermal properties—so two dildos of the same shape can feel completely different depending on their material. Glass stays cool and firm; silicone warms to body heat and flexes; metal holds temperature extremes longest. Material choice also affects hygiene, durability, and how much maintenance they need between uses. Unlike other lingerie categories such as Pantyhose, dildo materials directly contact your body, so safety and cleanliness are non-negotiable.

Types of Dildo Materials

The main dildo materials each offer distinct advantages and suit different play styles and preferences.

Medical-grade silicone. Smooth, flexible, non-porous, and fully body-safe. It retains its shape while adapting to movement, warms to body heat, and is the easiest to clean thoroughly. Ideal for everyday use, harness wear, and vibrating dildos.

Jelly PVC (phthalate-free). Soft, colourful, and translucent with a bendy feel. Great for visual appeal and light pressure play, but mildly porous so it needs extra cleaning care and powder maintenance to stay smooth and clear between uses.

Borosilicate glass. Completely rigid, ultra-smooth, and perfect for temperature play—you can warm or cool it safely for sensory variation. Offers precision and firm control, and is excellent for users who enjoy structured, exact motion. It also pairs beautifully with Stockings and Garters for aesthetic appeal during partnered play.

Metal (stainless steel or aluminium). Heavy, durable, and designed for weighted stimulation and deep pressure. Holds heat or cold longer than any other material and offers solid, unforgiving feedback. Ideal for slow, deep penetration and intense sensations.

TPE and TPR blends. Warm, soft, and elastic with a compressive feel. Great for gentle, flexible motion, but requires drying and powder maintenance to stay smooth. Lower cleaning ease compared to silicone, but offers a unique tactile experience.

Dual-density silicone. Combines a soft outer skin with a firmer core for realistic feel and shape stability. Offers the flexibility of softer silicone with the internal support of firmer materials, making it popular for lifelike designs.

How they compare

How to choose a dildo material

Start by thinking about what sensations matter most to you. Do you want firmness and precision, or softness and flex? Glass and metal offer unwavering pressure and temperature control—ideal if you enjoy structure and intensity. Silicone sits in the middle: hygienic, balanced, and adaptable to different play styles. Jelly and TPE provide cushion and flexibility, but require more maintenance. Consider your body too: sensitive skin or long-term internal use calls for non-porous, body-safe materials like medical-grade silicone or glass.

Next, think about your cleaning routine. Silicone and glass are the easiest—soap, water, and a quick dry. Jelly PVC and TPE need powder between uses and careful drying to stay smooth and prevent mildew. Metal needs minimal care but is heavy to handle. Finally, match the material to your play context. Solo exploration might call for something gentle and easy to clean. Partnered play with Lingerie Sets might prioritise visual appeal or realistic feel. Temperature play demands glass or metal. There's no single "best" material—only the one that fits your body, your habits, and your desires.

Tips from the Adultsmart team

Hard-won pointers from the Adultsmart team, alongside our panel of sexologists, educators, and adult-industry contributors. Meet our experts →

After years of helping customers choose dildo materials, we've noticed the most common mistake is picking by appearance alone. A beautiful jelly dildo can look amazing, but if you're not prepared to powder it regularly and dry it thoroughly, it'll degrade fast and may harbour bacteria. Medical-grade silicone or glass might look plainer, but they'll last years with basic soap-and-water care. If visual appeal matters to you, look for dual-density silicone or coloured medical-grade silicone—you get both looks and longevity.

For first-timers, we always recommend starting with medical-grade silicone. It's forgiving on sensitive tissues, doesn't require special maintenance, warms to body heat naturally, and works with or without lubricant. Glass is a close second if you want firm, controlled sensation. Many people assume they need something "soft," but softness isn't always safer—it's actually about material porosity and how well you can clean it. A non-porous glass dildo is far safer long-term than a porous jelly one, even though glass feels harder.

Temperature play is genuinely transformative, but only glass and metal deliver it safely. If you're curious, start with glass—it's cheaper than metal, won't rust, and warms and cools faster for quicker sensation shifts. Run it under warm water, not boiling, to avoid thermal shock. Metal is heavier and holds temperature longer, which some people love for deep, slow play, but it's a bigger investment. TPE and silicone won't hold temperature well enough to notice, so don't buy them expecting that feature.

Care and cleaning

Cleaning method depends entirely on your material. Medical-grade silicone and borosilicate glass can be washed with warm soapy water, wiped dry, and stored in a clean, dry place—or popped in the dishwasher on a low heat cycle. Jelly PVC and TPE need hand-washing, thorough drying with a soft cloth, and a light dusting of talc-free body powder to prevent stickiness and mildew. Metal dildos are the easiest: wash, dry, and store. Never use bleach or harsh chemicals on any material. Always check the maker's care instructions, and replace any dildo that shows cracks, discolouration, or odour that won't wash out.

Learn more

Ready to explore your options? Read My Top Dildo Choices for detailed reviews and real-world insights into how different materials perform during actual use. Our blog covers material comparisons, care routines, and honest feedback from customers and staff.

Why shop Dildo Materials at Adultsmart

Want a confident, no-guesswork choice? Adultsmart stocks a full range of dildo materials in every shape, size, and firmness, each clearly labelled with material type, care instructions, and body-safe credentials. We ship discreetly in plain packaging with confidential billing, so your purchase stays private. Body-safe, clearly labelled, and chosen by people who use this gear.