If you’re shopping for a dildo for the first time and feeling a bit lost among the material names and size charts, here’s the short version: the material matters more than almost anything else on the listing page. Body-safe options like silicone, glass, stainless steel and ABS plastic are non-porous and easy to keep clean, while cheaper jelly or PVC-based toys can be harder to sanitise properly and sometimes contain phthalates that many buyers prefer to avoid.
Beyond material, the two other things worth getting right before you buy are size (there’s no benefit to buying bigger than you’re comfortable with) and lubricant compatibility, since the wrong lube can degrade certain materials over time.
This guide covers exactly what to look for, current UK prices, cleaning and storage, the legal side of buying in the UK, and the questions people ask most before making a purchase.
What Is a Dildo Made Of? A Materials Guide
Material is the single biggest factor in comfort, hygiene and how long a toy lasts, so it’s worth understanding the main options before you buy.
Silicone: the most widely used material in UK sex toys today. Medical-grade silicone is non-porous, meaning it doesn’t harbour bacteria the way porous materials can, it’s flexible, body-temperature responsive, and generally considered one of the safest and most comfortable options available.
Glass: typically borosilicate glass, the same type used in lab equipment and some cookware, engineered to resist pressure and thermal shock. It’s completely non-porous, compatible with any lubricant type, and can be used for temperature play by warming or cooling it beforehand, though it obviously requires more careful handling than flexible materials.
Stainless steel: medical-grade steel toys are non-porous, very durable, and often used by people who enjoy a firmer feel or want a toy with genuine heft. They tend to sit at a higher price point than silicone equivalents.
ABS plastic: a hard, chemically stable plastic often used for firmer toys or as an internal core beneath a silicone outer layer. It’s non-porous and compatible with all lubricant types, though it doesn’t flex the way pure silicone does.
Materials to be cautious with: jelly rubber, PVC and some cheaper “skin-like” TPE or TPR blends are porous, meaning they can absorb bacteria over time even with regular cleaning, and some older or budget products in these categories have been found to contain phthalates, plasticising chemicals that many buyers choose to avoid. If a listing doesn’t clearly state the material, that’s generally a sign to look elsewhere.
How to Choose the Right Size
There’s no universally “right” size, and starting smaller is a perfectly sensible approach if you’re new to a particular type of toy.
Most UK retailers list both total length and insertable length separately, and insertable length is the figure that actually matters for comfort. A toy with a long handle or suction cup base will have a much shorter insertable length than its total length suggests.
Girth (circumference) tends to matter more for comfort than length for most people, so it’s worth checking diameter measurements rather than focusing purely on length. If you’re unsure, many UK retailers including Lovehoney publish detailed size charts and comparison tools on their product pages, which are worth checking before buying.
Lubricant Compatibility
Getting the pairing right between toy material and lubricant matters, since using the wrong combination can damage a toy over time.
Silicone-based lubricants should not be used with silicone toys, since they can degrade the silicone surface over prolonged contact. Several UK retailers, including product listings on Amazon UK for Lovehoney’s own silicone lubricant range, carry an explicit warning that the product is not suitable for use with silicone toys.
Water-based lubricants are compatible with every toy material, including silicone, glass, metal and ABS plastic, making them the safest general-purpose choice if you’re using a mix of toys or aren’t sure what you’ll need long-term.
Oil-based lubricants are fine with glass and metal toys but shouldn’t be used with silicone toys, and should never be used alongside latex condoms, since oil breaks down latex and can cause it to fail.
If in doubt, a water-based lubricant is the safest default for almost any material combination.
How to Clean and Store a Dildo Properly
Proper cleaning matters for hygiene, and it also extends the life of the toy itself.
Non-porous materials (silicone, glass, metal, ABS plastic): wash with warm water and a mild, unscented soap after every use, rinse thoroughly, and allow to air dry fully before storing. Non-porous toys can generally be sanitised more thoroughly than porous ones, which is a big part of why they’re the recommended default.
Toys with a motor or electronic components: check the manufacturer’s instructions before submerging in water, since not all vibrating toys are fully waterproof even if parts of them feel silicone-coated. Many UK retailers explicitly label their products as “wipe clean only” rather than fully washable, so it’s worth reading the specific product description rather than assuming.
Storage: keep toys in a clean, dry pouch or box away from direct sunlight and away from other toys touching directly, particularly if they’re made of different materials, since some materials can react against each other in prolonged storage contact.
Is It Legal to Buy a Dildo in the UK? What You Need to Know
There’s no specific legal age restriction written into UK law on buying a dildo itself, according to a UK sexual health information source and confirmed by a UK Parliament petition response on this exact question. However, in practice, nearly every UK retailer, both online and in physical shops, applies an 18+ policy for purchasing sexual wellness products, and access to physical sex shops themselves is restricted to over-18s.
On product safety, adult toys sold in the UK fall under the General Product Safety Regulations, and depending on the specific product, sometimes the Cosmetics Regulation as well if the item is intended for use with the body in a way that overlaps with cosmetic product rules. Trading Standards enforcement in this category has increased in recent years, with growing scrutiny of counterfeit CE and UKCA safety markings and undisclosed phthalate content in cheaper imported products.
If you’re buying from a well-known UK retailer such as Lovehoney, Ann Summers or a major pharmacy-linked retailer like Superdrug’s adult wellness range, you’re generally on safer ground for both material transparency and genuine safety certification than with unbranded listings on general marketplace sites.
How Much Do Dildos Cost in the UK?
Prices vary widely depending on material, brand and features, but here’s a general sense of the UK market in 2026.
Budget non-vibrating silicone dildos: typically start around £15 to £30 for a basic, body-safe option from established UK retailers.
Mid-range dildos with added features such as suction cup bases, dual density silicone or curved designs for specific stimulation: generally £25 to £50.
Premium materials and brands such as stainless steel, borosilicate glass, or established premium silicone lines: often £40 to £90 or more, depending on size and craftsmanship.
Prices change fairly often with retailer sales and promotions, so it’s worth checking current listings directly before buying rather than relying on older price guides.
FAQs
What material is best for a first dildo?
Medical-grade silicone is generally the best starting point, since it’s non-porous, body-safe, comfortable, and works with water-based lubricant, which is the safest all-purpose option. It also tends to sit at a reasonable price point compared with glass or metal alternatives.
Do I need a specific lubricant with a silicone toy?
Yes, avoid silicone-based lubricants with silicone toys, since they can degrade the material over repeated use. A water-based lubricant is compatible with silicone and every other common toy material, making it the safest default choice.
Is it legal to buy a dildo at 18 in the UK?
Yes, there’s no specific legal age restriction on buying sex toys written into UK law, though in practice nearly every UK retailer applies an 18+ purchasing policy, and physical sex shops are legally restricted to over-18 customers only.
How do I know if a toy contains phthalates?
Check the product listing for a clear material statement, ideally “phthalate-free silicone,” “borosilicate glass,” “medical-grade steel” or similar. If a listing doesn’t specify the material at all, that’s a reasonable sign to look elsewhere, since phthalate content is more commonly a risk with unlabelled jelly rubber or PVC-based toys.
Can you clean a dildo with normal soap?
Yes, a mild, unscented soap and warm water is generally suitable for non-porous materials like silicone, glass, metal and ABS plastic. Avoid antibacterial or heavily fragranced soaps, since they can sometimes cause irritation with repeated use.
What’s the difference between total length and insertable length?
Total length includes the entire toy, including any handle, base or suction cup, while insertable length only counts the portion actually intended for use. Insertable length is the more useful figure to check when comparing sizes across different products.
Are vibrating dildos fully waterproof?
Not always. Many UK retailers explicitly label vibrating products as “wipe clean only” rather than fully submersible, so it’s worth checking the specific product description before getting it wet, even if parts of the toy are silicone coated.
How long do silicone dildos typically last?
With proper cleaning and storage, a good-quality medical-grade silicone toy can last several years of regular use. Signs it’s time to replace one include visible tears, a sticky or tacky surface texture, or persistent odour that doesn’t clear with washing.
