A silicone dildo is the safest, simplest choice for most people who want an insertable toy. Silicone is non-porous, so it washes clean, it warms to body temperature, and it lasts for years with basic care. This guide explains why it beats jelly and other soft plastics, how to spot a genuine listing, how to choose a size and firmness, and which four models we stock in Canada right now, from $29.71 to $264.89.
In this guide
- Why it is the safe choice
- Compared with other materials
- Spotting the real thing
- Our picks compared
- How to choose
- The four we stock
- Which lube to use
- Cleaning and storage
- FAQ
Why choose a silicone dildo?
Because it is body safe and easy to keep clean. A good one has no tiny pores for bacteria to hide in, so a proper wash leaves the surface truly clean.
A medically reviewed WebMD guide to dildos groups "body-safe silicone, glass, or metal" together as non-porous materials. It describes these models as "body-safe, smooth, can be soft or firm, and easy to clean."
This material also has a feel that glass and steel do not. It has a little give, it warms up quickly in your hand, and it comes in every firmness from squishy to rigid. That range is why it is the default material for most quality toys.
The same WebMD page adds a useful warning: it is "common for silicone dildos to contain a mix of other non-body-safe materials," so it recommends choosing medical-grade silicone. In plain terms, the material name on a box is a good start, but the details on the listing matter too.
How does silicone compare with other dildo materials?
It sits with glass and stainless steel as the non-porous group. Jelly, PVC, rubber and TPE are the porous group, and they need more caution.
| Material | Porous? | Feel | Can you boil it? | Our take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | No | Soft to firm, warms quickly | Yes, if it has no motor | The best all-round choice |
| Glass | No | Rigid, smooth, holds heat or cold | Follow the maker's advice | Great for firm pressure |
| Stainless steel | No | Heavy, rigid | Follow the maker's advice | Durable but pricey |
| Jelly or PVC | Yes | Soft, often sticky | No | Use a condom over it, or skip |
| TPE or TPR | Yes | Very soft, skin-like | No | Harder to clean well |
The concern with jelly is real, not marketing. When the Danish Environmental Protection Agency screened 16 sex toys, it found that "Jelly, which is a widely used material designation, has turned out to be plasticized vinyl (PVC)." It reported that the plasticizer content "may be very high up to 70%," including phthalates such as DEHP.
For a fuller breakdown of every material, see our guide to body-safe sex toy materials.
How can you tell if a toy is really silicone?
Read the listing, not the photo. A trustworthy product page names the material plainly and gives measurements.
- Look for the word "silicone" in the material line. "Silicone-like," "silky touch" or "skin-safe blend" are not the same thing.
- Check for "phthalate-free." It is a good sign on any soft toy.
- Be wary of no material at all. Retailer Francesca Cross told VICE: "If it's unclear what material a toy is made out of, stay away."
- Notice smell and stickiness. A strong chemical smell or a tacky surface out of the box suggests a softened plastic rather than the real thing.
- Be cautious with very cheap toys. Genuine material costs more to make, so a large, ultra-cheap toy with that label deserves a closer look.
Every product in this guide names that material on its listing in our store. We checked each one before writing.
Our picks compared side by side
All four are available to order today, with live prices in CAD from our store.
| Toy | Price | Size | Motor | Base | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NS Novelties 5-Inch Firm Silicone Dildo, Pink | $29.71 | 5.25 in insertable, 1.5 in wide | None | Suction | A first body safe dildo | $29.71In stock |
| Curve Toys 7 Inch Glow-in-the-Dark Rainbow Dildo with Balls | $35.47 | 6.5 in insertable, 1.5 in wide | None | Suction, harness compatible | Strap-on play and more length | $35.47In stock |
| Lovense Gravity App-Controlled Thrusting Dildo | $190.89 | 3 cm stroke | Thrusting and vibration | Suction | Hands-free motion | $190.89Save 8%In stock |
| Lovense Spinel App-Controlled Thrusting Dildo | $264.89 | 6.18 in total length | Thrusting, vibration and heating | Suction stand | Trying several shapes in one | $264.89In stock |
Our picks, with today's prices
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Our rule of thumb: buy a simple, non-motorized shape first, then upgrade to a motor once you know what size and firmness you enjoy. A $30 toy teaches you more about your preferences than any spec sheet.
How do you choose a silicone dildo?
Settle the material first, then decide on size, firmness, base and power. Each choice narrows the field quickly.
- Width first. Girth affects comfort more than length. About 1.5 inches wide is a sensible middle ground for many beginners, and both of our non-motorized picks sit right there.
- Insertable length, not total length. Balls and a suction cup add inches you will not use, so compare the insertable figure.
- Firmness. Firm models give clear, targeted pressure and hold their shape in a harness. Softer, flexible ones forgive awkward angles.
- Base. A suction cup allows hands-free play on a smooth wall or tub. For anal use, the base must be flared or wider than the shaft so it cannot slip inside.
- Motor or no motor. A plain toy is cheaper, quieter and can be boiled. Thrusting or vibrating models add sensation but need charging and gentler cleaning.
- Budget. A body safe dildo for beginners costs about $30 to $40 CAD here. Spending more buys motion, apps and heating, not better safety.
Not sure which shape suits you? Our types of dildos guide walks through realistic, curved, double-ended and fantasy designs.
The four we stock, reviewed
We chose these four because each covers a different need, from a low-cost starter to a full motorized system. Specs come from the product listings in our store.
1. NS Novelties 5-Inch Firm Silicone Dildo with Suction Base, Pink: $29.71
This pink starter toy is where we tell most beginners to start. The listing describes hypoallergenic, phthalate-free silicone with a realistic texture of ridges and veins, plus a suction base for hands-free play.
It measures 7 inches overall, with 5.25 inches insertable and 1.5 inches at its widest. That is a middle-of-the-road size, which makes it a low-risk first purchase. The maker says it can be washed with soap and water or in a dishwasher.
Who should skip it: anyone wanting a soft, squishy feel, because this one is firm. The pink finish also keeps it looking playful rather than clinical, which some first-time buyers prefer.
2. Curve Toys 7 Inch Glow-in-the-Dark Rainbow Silicone Dildo with Balls: $35.47
The Curve Toys rainbow model combines a realistic head, shaft and balls with a bright rainbow finish. After time in sunlight or under a UV light, it glows in the dark.
The listing calls the silicone firm yet flexible and phthalate-free. It is 8.2 inches overall, 6.5 inches insertable and 1.5 inches at the widest point, so it has the same width as the NS Novelties toy with an extra inch or so of reach.
It has a strong suction cup and is harness compatible, which makes it our pick for strap-on play. The maker says to use water-based lube only. Skip it if you want something discreet, since the colours are loud by design.
3. Lovense Gravity App-Controlled Thrusting Dildo: $190.89
The Lovense Gravity adds motion to the formula. According to the listing, it thrusts at up to 140 strokes per minute with a 3 cm stroke, while a second motor vibrates the tip.
A suction cup holds it on smooth surfaces, so you can use it without your hands. The Lovense app offers 3 steady levels and up to 10 vibration patterns, and the battery lasts up to 4 hours per charge. The body is described as silky, body-safe silicone.
The trade-off is price and upkeep: it costs over six times our starter pick and it needs charging. Because it has a motor, it cannot be boiled. It suits people who already know they like thrusting.
4. Lovense Spinel App-Controlled Thrusting Dildo: $264.89
The Lovense Spinel is a modular system rather than a single shape. The listing describes interchangeable attachments for G-spot, clitoral and classic dildo-style play, all in body-safe silicone.
It thrusts at up to 1,350 thrusts per minute, vibrates and has a heating feature meant to feel close to body temperature. A suction stand adjusts through 150 degrees for hands-free angles, and an extension handle helps with reach.
The listing gives a run time of up to 257 minutes and an IPX6 water-resistance rating, which means splash-proof rather than bath-ready. It is our most expensive pick, so it makes most sense for someone who wants several sensations from one device.
Browse the full dildos collection for every shape we carry. If motion is your main interest, our thrusting dildo guide compares the motorized options in more depth.
What lube should you use with a silicone dildo?
Water-based lube, every time. It is compatible with every toy material and easy to wash off.
Planned Parenthood Toronto notes that "silicone-based lubricants don't work well with silicone toys." WebMD explains why: silicone lube "can cause the material to break down." A damaged surface can turn tacky or rough, and then the toy is harder to clean.
If you love the glide of silicone lube, test a small dab on the base of the toy first, or keep that lube for toys made of glass or steel. Our silicone vs water-based lube guide compares the two in detail.
How do you clean and store a silicone dildo?
Wash it before and after every use with warm water and mild, unscented soap, or a toy cleaner. Rinse well and let it air dry.
- No motor? You can boil it. WebMD says models without a vibrating function can go "in boiling water for 5-10 minutes." Check that the maker does not say otherwise.
- Motorized? Never boil. Wash the surface with soap and water, keep the charging port dry and stay within the stated water rating.
- Sharing or switching? Wash between partners and between anal and vaginal use, or use a fresh condom over the toy.
- Store it on its own. Keep each toy in a pouch or clean box, away from other soft toys and dust.
Our toy cleaning guide covers every material step by step. Red Pleasures is an Ottawa-based online store with discreet shipping across Canada and the USA.
FAQ
Are silicone dildos body safe?
Yes, when the material is genuine. It is non-porous, so it can be cleaned thoroughly. Choose a listing that names the material and says phthalate-free.
Can you use silicone lube with a silicone dildo?
It is best not to. Silicone lube can break down the surface of these toys. Use a water-based lube instead.
Can you boil a silicone dildo?
Yes, if it has no motor or battery. Boiling for 5 to 10 minutes sanitizes the surface. Never boil a toy with electronics inside.
What size silicone dildo should a beginner buy?
Something around 5 to 6 inches insertable and about 1.5 inches wide. Width affects comfort more than length, so start modest and size up later if you want.
Is a soft or firm toy better?
It depends on what you want. Firm models give stronger, more targeted pressure and work well in a harness. Softer ones flex with your body and feel gentler.
Can a silicone dildo be used for anal play?
Only if it has a flared base or a suction base wider than the shaft, so it cannot slip inside. Use plenty of water-based lube and go slowly.
How long does a well-made one last?
Years, with good care. Wash it after each use, use water-based lube, store it on its own, and replace it if the surface cracks, tears or turns sticky.
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