Understanding materials – what to look for in intimate products

When it comes to intimate products, materials matter more than most people realise. What touches your body should feel comfortable and be easy to keep clean, and you should never have to guess what something is made of. Understanding the basics makes choosing feel much simpler.

Porous and non-porous

This is the most useful distinction to know. Non-porous materials have a sealed, smooth surface that does not absorb moisture, so they can be cleaned thoroughly. Porous materials have tiny openings that can hold on to moisture, lubricant and bacteria, even when a product looks clean.

For something you will use again and again on intimate skin, a non-porous material is the better choice.

Common materials explained

Silicone is soft, flexible, warm to the touch and non-porous when well made. It is comfortable, durable and easy to clean, which is why it is so widely used. All Lovqa massagers, Seeds and Ring are made from smooth silicone.

Hard plastics such as ABS are often used for handles and casings. They are non-porous and fine for external parts when clearly described.

Glass and stainless steel made for intimate use are smooth and non-porous too. They feel very different, firm and weighty, and some people love that.

Jelly, rubber and soft PVC are often found in very cheap products. They can be porous, may contain softeners such as phthalates and can be difficult to keep clean.

How to check what you are buying

• Look for the material named clearly on the product page or packaging. Vague words like “skin-like” or “soft touch” on their own tell you very little.
• Check for safety markings on electronic products. In the UK that means UKCA or CE marking.
• Read the care instructions. A brand that explains how to clean and store a product is usually one that has thought about its materials.
• Be cautious if a product has a strong chemical smell or feels oily or sticky when new.

Materials and lubricant

Material also affects which lubricant you can use. Silicone products should be paired with a water-based lubricant, as silicone-based lubricants can damage the surface over time. Our Liquid Silk is water-based for exactly this reason.

Our approach

We believe feeling informed is part of feeling comfortable. That is why each Lovqa product page lists the material, water resistance, battery and care details in one place, and why every product comes with printed instructions in the box.

You do not need to become an expert to choose well. You only need to know which questions to ask, and to choose brands that answer them honestly.