A Plain Guide to Body-Safe Materials

Material is the only specification that cannot be improved after purchase. A motor can be forgiven; a porous surface cannot.

Non-porous, in one sentence

A non-porous surface has no microscopic openings for fluid or bacteria to settle into, which means it can be cleaned completely rather than approximately. Platinum-cured silicone, borosilicate glass, and polished stainless steel all qualify.

• Platinum-cured medical-grade silicone — soft, warm, entirely non-porous.
• Borosilicate glass — firm, temperature-responsive, easy to sterilise.
• Stainless steel (316L) — weighted, durable, non-reactive.

What to avoid

Jelly rubber, PVC and unspecified “TPE blends” are frequently softened with phthalates and cannot be fully cleaned. If a listing will not name the polymer, treat the omission as the answer.

A brand that discloses its material will disclose everything else too.

Certification marks worth reading

Within the EU, look for CE marking and REACH compliance, and for cosmetics a Regulation 1223/2009 reference. These are not marketing badges; they are documented obligations.