Sexual wellness glossary: materials, care and lube terms

A label used for materials considered suitable for intimate use, usually non-porous materials that can be cleaned well. It is a marketing term, so check what the item is actually made of.

A non-porous material used for some toys. Quin lists glass with silicone, stainless steel and hard plastic as the materials that are easiest to clean.

A rigid, non-porous plastic. Quin groups hard plastic with silicone, glass and stainless steel as the easiest materials to clean.

A label for silicone made to a standard used in medical products. Silicone is non-porous, but the label is set by the maker, so check the product page.

A smooth surface with no tiny holes, so it does not absorb fluids or bacteria. Quin lists silicone, glass, stainless steel and hard plastic.

Chemicals used to soften some plastics such as PVC. Many stores label items "phthalate-free" so buyers can avoid them.

A surface covered in tiny holes that can absorb bacteria. Quin lists jelly rubber, TPE, PVC and vinyl, and says porous items need extra care and can't be boiled.

A non-porous metal used for some toys. Quin lists it among the materials that are easiest to clean, and it tends to feel heavier than silicone.

Thermoplastic elastomer, a soft and flexible material. Quin lists it as porous, so it needs extra care when cleaning.

A toy that uses changes in air pressure around the clitoris instead of direct vibration. Womanizer calls its version Pleasure Air, and some models combine it with vibration.

A toy you or a partner can control from a phone app, usually over Bluetooth. Many work without the app too, so check what permissions the app asks for before you pair it.

A vibrator designed to be worn or used by two people together, often with a remote or app so either partner can change the settings.

A toy one partner wears while the other controls it with a handheld remote. Some brands sell remotes with sealed battery compartments to meet Australian button battery safety rules.

A toy that uses a small motor to make vibrations. It is the most common first toy, and it comes in many shapes, sizes and materials.

Cleaning that goes beyond soap and water to remove bacteria and viruses. Quin says soap and water alone won't necessarily remove all of them, which matters when items are shared.

A fabric bag or case that keeps an item clean and dust-free. Quin says to dry items fully first and keep porous items stored separately.

A spray or wipe made for cleaning intimate products. Quin suggests mild, fragrance-free soap and water or a toy cleaner for non-porous items.

A maker's statement of how far an item can be exposed to water, such as splash-proof or fully submersible. It decides whether you can wash it under running water.

A lube made without glycerine. Quin suggests glycerine-free, fragrance-free or hypoallergenic water-based lube for sensitive skin.

A natural rubber used in most external condoms. Sexual Health Victoria says oil-based lube can damage latex, and that non-latex condoms are available for people with a latex allergy.

A thick, long-lasting lubricant. Sexual Health Victoria says it cannot be used with latex condoms, as it can damage the latex.

A long-lasting lubricant that is safe with latex condoms. Sexual Health Victoria says not to use it with silicone products, as it may damage them.

An easy-to-clean lubricant that Quin says is safe with latex and silicone barriers. It washes away quickly in water.

The business name that appears on your card or bank statement. Some stores use a neutral name, which is a store policy, not a rule.

Basic rights under the Australian Consumer Law, such as acceptable quality and matching the description. The ACCC says a business can't take them away.

Delivery in packaging that doesn't show the store or what is inside. Check the sender name on the label and the billing name on your card statement too.

A store rule that limits returns of intimate items once opened, for hygiene reasons. It sits on top of your consumer guarantees, which still apply to faulty items.

A brand's own promise to repair or replace a faulty product for a set time. It can be longer than the store's warranty, and some brands only honour it for products bought from authorised sellers.

Outer packaging with no store name or product details on it. Stores set their own packaging and sender name rules, so check before you order.