Whether you're feelin’ yourself, or feel like making love to your partner - you can feel amazing knowing you choose the right vibrator to integrate into your good time. At PinkCherry, we love giving you pleasure product advice and tips from industry experts when it comes to picking out your play things. Especially on topics that can be a bit more difficult to understand - such as vibrator materials. We want to help you understand how a textured vibrator differs from a realistic vibrator. We want you to know why silicone vibrators are popping up everywhere and what about old favorites like “jellies.” So many questions, one handy dandy guide!
In this easy-to-follow reference guide, you’ll learn how vibrator materials and textures affect your experience and so much more.
Now get ready to feel the vibration.
Full Affecting Effects
Your sex toy materials affect more than just the feel of a vibrator on and in your body. They also factor into how strongly the intensity of a vibration’s power is conducted, the cost of your vibrator, its longevity, what lubes are safe to use - and how you use it.
Material World
The most important categories when it comes to vibrator textures and materials are porous vs. non-porous. Every delightful device you ever try will fall into one of those two categories.
Porosity is important when it comes to vibrator materials because if your vibrator comes in contact with a liquid of any variety, you need to know whether or not it will absorb any of it. Even the most microscopic absorption amount, over time, will inevitably affect the longevity, cleanliness and sanitation of your toy. And seeing as how most great sexual activities and orgasms usually include some juicy bodily fluids and/or some fantastic lube, there’s a strong chance your toys will face the porosity challenge. Especially internal vibes.
We won’t get into all the formulas or sciency stuff about each material, we’re just focusing on the cool stuff like pliability and whether or not the wrong lubricant could melt it. If this still feels like vibrator TMI, remember that all of the products on PinkCherry have descriptions that will serve as a refresher course as needed.
Porous Vibrators:
Porous vibrators tend to be much less expensive than their non-porous counter parts and if you’re looking for an orgasm-maker that with a lower price point, these bad boys are awesome. Please don’t mistake cost-effective for cheap. For example, an elastomer rabbit vibrator is a lovely item to own with power and amazing performance that can last for a long time when cared for properly. And within the world of porous products, some materials will be less expensive than others.
At one point, pretty much all toys were porous. That was just part of the history of sex toys. As things evolve, more options have become available. But the bigger issue back in the day was not just that the toys could store germs or bacteria over time- it was that most of these products had phthalates. Which are chemical compounds that give rubber or plastic a pliable softness but are not recommended because of toxicity and their association with reproductive health risks. Phthalates can still be found in some products (not just sex toys; things like baby products and shower curtains, among others) but overall they are becomming increasingly rare. So when you see a PinkCherry description saying, “phthalate free” you can rest assured.
But the most important thing to know is that your porous toy might store microscopic amounts of fluid, dust, or even bacteria. So even if you’re cleaning your toy regularly, you will likely see the integrity of the material change over time, which is your signal that it’s time for a new one. Watch for changes in coloration, texture, or even odor. Again, porous mean absorption which includes smells. If you have a product that has a bit of a scent when you take it out of the packaging, that’s totally normal. Let it air out a bit but also keep in mind that many of these materials (such as rubber) have a smell. Usually the slight scent becomes less noticeable once you start masturbating or engaging sexually with your lover.
Types of Porous Vibrator Materials:
**Note that any latex condoms are not a good match with any porous material.**
Hard Plastic Vibrators:
Less porous than other “softer” materials. Typically rigid with simple shapes but the ability to conduct a strong transfer of vibration. A lot of non-porous toys will have ABS plastic details or handles so you get the best of both worlds.
Latex, Rubber and PVC Vibrators:
Semi-porous, often more dense (which can buffer the intensity of vibration), can have a more sticky texture and are best with lubricant, however they are incompatible with petroleum-based lubricants.
Jelly Vibrators:
Usually colorful toys that used to be hugely popular but are now being replaced with comparable materials that are phthalate free. Sometimes a product can be referred to as or look like a jelly, so just make sure you look for “phthalate free” in the description.
TPE and TPR Vibrators:
These are extremely popular materials that are distinct to one another, but both share soft, yet firm pliability and were created as a phthalate free alternative to jelly toys. TPE/TPR toys are softer than rubber
UR3, Cyberskin Vibrators:
The realistic vibrators! They often have a smooth skin-like texture… and not just any skin- penis skin! Not to mention the realistic toys often have two layers. One is a firm core, the other an external softer layer so when you squeeze them they feel like (you guessed it) a penis! They do require extra TLC with treatment powders to keep them soft. Fun fact: the treatment powders are just talcum powder but most companies don’t try to hide this fact and typically keep a low cost for the stuff. These are not necessarily the toys that will last forever but that just means you can try a realistic vibrator in all types of shapes and sizes.
“Realistic vibrators” can come in non-porous materials that look and feel fantastic… but the really real feeling materials are almost always a UR3 or Cyberskin. To be blunt, if you want the soft touch of a sex toys that feels like a penis, then you best be gettin’ one of these bad boys. Or get several! Just remember to have your favorite PinkCherry Water Based Lubricant and Toy Cleaner to pair with all those realistic vibrators. Hey, variety is the spice of life remember?
Non-Porous Vibrators:
When you have a smooth vibrator that’s not absorbing anything- that includes germs and bacteria. With non-porous sex toys. You don’t have to worry about that bacteria growing or staying stored in your intimate device. While these items can cost a bit more on average, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can wash and sanitize them without the risk of mold spores is often worth way more.
Types of Non- Porous Vibrator Materials:
Silicone Vibrators:
Ah the darling of sex toys! At one point silicone sex toys were relegated to the very expensive realm of luxury vibrators, but now you can find a wide range of silicone products. They can be rechargeable or battery operated, or have no vibration at all. Smooth vibrators are often silicone and have a soft velvety feel. Silicone is hypo-allergenic, lasts forever, and will warm to the body. Silicone comes in gorgeous colors and trendy styles.
Stainless Steel Vibrators:
Warms easily wto your personal body temperature, which can be incredibly pleasurable. Stainless steel sex toys can also be cleaned in a dishwasher, with boiling water, toy cleanser, or simply soap and water. The material is obviously rigid but comes in gorgeous designs and formidable weights that can have an incredible power to really work your or your partner’s g-spot.Borosilicate Glass Vibrators:
Think Pyrex, but for sex toys. Glass dildos perform in ways that are similar to stainless steel but are typically lighter weight. They are also very pretty.
Lucite Vibrators
This material is much less common than the others listed here, however if you find yourself attracted to a lucite sex toy, there’s a good reason. The gorgeous material is especially hard, making it ideal for PC muscle strength-building Kegel exercises. They are also incredible prostate stimulators, if you are a person with such anatomy. Lucite can be cleaned in putting the item into boiling water or the dishwasher. Using an anti-bacterial toy cleanser also works wonderfully.
Free to Feel Good
Now that you know what’s what when it comes to sex toy materials, you’re free to shop knowing how to choose what will likely feel best for you and your partner. From smooth vibrators made of silicone, to realistic vibrators made of dual-density cyberskin- you can pick what feels right. Of course, trying a few items in various materials offered at a range of price points, always feels especially nice!
Explore our huge selection of vibrators in all shapes, sizes, and textures. Everybody really is free to feel good!
We at PinkCherry hope that you’ve enjoyed this guide and because we love you, we’ve included a playlist to get you feelin’ yourself. Listen while you shop or while you try your new items. And be sure to let us know if they got you feelin’ some kind a way! xoxo
Feel It Music Playlist
- “Make Me Feel” Janelle Monáe
- “In My Feeling” Drake
- “Feeling Alright” Warpaint
- “Can’t Stop the Feeling” Justin Timberlake
- “Feeling Myself” Nicki Minaj (featuring Beyoncé)
- “More than a Feeling” Boston
- “The Way You Make Me Feel” Michael Jackson
- “Feel Good Inc.” Gorillaz
- “Feel Like Makin’ Love” Bad Company
- “Feeling Good” Nina Simone
- “Electric Feel” MGMT
- “Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good)” Rozalla
- “What a Feeling” Irene Cara
- “I Feel Fine” The Beatles
