Medical-grade silicone is safe for BDSM toys and is one of the preferred materials because it is non-porous, hypoallergenic, easy to sanitize, and body-safe. Silicone toys can be cleaned with soap and water or boiled for sterilization. Silicone should not be used with silicone-based lubricants.
Medical-grade silicone is one of the safest materials for BDSM toys and is preferred by most practitioners and retailers. Its advantages are significant. Silicone is non-porous, which means it does not harbor bacteria inside the material the way porous materials like jelly rubber or TPE do. It is hypoallergenic for most people and does not contain phthalates or other chemicals that leach from cheaper materials. It can be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water, disinfected with diluted bleach or hydrogen peroxide, or boiled for full sterilization (for fully silicone toys without motors or electronics). It is durable, flexible, and tolerates a wide range of temperatures. There are important caveats. Not all toys labeled 'silicone' are medical-grade silicone; some are silicone blends that retain porosity. Buying from reputable manufacturers matters. Silicone should not be used with silicone-based lubricants because they can degrade the material; water-based lubricants are safe. Silicone toys can be shared between partners when properly sterilized, though using condoms on toys during sharing adds a layer of protection for STI prevention.