When people ask what they should prioritize when buying a dildo, the most consistent, evidence-based answer is always: start with the material. A silicone dildo from a reputable brand isn't just a product choice. It's a health decision. Here's why that's not an exaggeration.
The Non-Porous Difference
Silicone is non-porous. That single fact is the foundation of everything that makes it the right material for intimate products. Non-porous means that bacteria, fluids, and lubricant residue don't penetrate below the surface. They sit on top, where soap and water can reach them and remove them completely. After a thorough clean, a silicone toy is genuinely clean.
Porous materials, including PVC, some rubber formulations, and cheaper TPE, have microscopic gaps that trap biological material even after surface cleaning. Over time, this creates hygiene issues that surface cleaning simply can't resolve. For a product used in contact with sensitive internal tissue, this matters significantly.
Phthalate-Free Silicone: The Added Assurance
Body-safe silicone in intimate products should specifically be phthalate-free. Phthalates are chemical plasticizers sometimes added to make softer plastics. They've been associated with hormonal disruption at high levels of exposure, and while a single product likely represents minimal exposure, there's simply no good reason to choose a product that contains them when alternatives without them are readily available.
The NS Novelties dildo range uses phthalate-free silicone throughout. Of the 32 products, 17 are standard silicone and 1 is liquid silicone, the softest silicone formulation available. That liquid silicone option, which mirrors the feel of skin more closely than any other silicone formulation, represents the highest end of the material quality spectrum within this range.
How Silicone Quality Varies Between Products
Not all silicone intimate products are equal. Firmness, smoothness, and how faithfully the surface holds molded detail all vary based on formulation. The Colours Pleasures line uses a standard firm silicone that holds shape well and provides consistent pressure during use. The ColourSoft range uses a softer silicone formulation that yields more readily to touch.
Finding the right dildo within the NS Novelties collection often means trying different silicone formulations to understand which physical quality you respond to most. The range gives you genuinely diverse options within the same material safety standard.
Cleaning Silicone: Simpler Than You Think
Wash with mild soap and warm water before and after every use. For non-motorized silicone dildos, boiling briefly or running through a dishwasher cycle without detergent provides a deeper sanitization option. For motorized or vibrating silicone options, stick to soap and water or toy-specific cleaner to protect the motor components.
Let the toy air dry completely before storing. Store in a fabric pouch or the original packaging in a clean, dry location. Keep different silicone toys separated during storage as some formulations can react with each other over time.
The Environmental Dimension
Silicone dildos, properly maintained, last significantly longer than products made from porous TPE or cheaper synthetic materials. A well-cared-for silicone toy can remain in excellent functional condition for many years. In a world increasingly attentive to consumption patterns and waste, this longevity is a genuine advantage. You buy less frequently and generate less product waste over time.
Conclusion
A silicone dildo is the investment that pays for itself through longevity, safety, and consistent performance. The NS Novelties range offers 18 silicone options across a variety of sizes, textures, and price points, making it easy to find a body-safe starting point or upgrade regardless of your budget or experience level.