Are Glow in the Dark Dildos Safe?

June 4, 2025

Glow-in-the-dark dildos are eye-catching, fun, and a bit mysterious. Whether you’re looking for a toy that lights up your night or just love the novelty factor, glowing toys can be an exciting addition to your collection. But as more people try them out, one big question comes up: Are glow in the dark dildos actually safe to use?

What Makes Glow in the Dark Dildos Glow?

Most luminous dildo use something called phosphorescent pigments, often known as "glow powders." These pigments absorb light and then slowly release it, making them glow when it’s dark.

In regular products like toys, stickers, or even glow-in-the-dark paint, this powder is often made with compounds like strontium aluminate or zinc sulfide. These are generally considered safe in industrial use—but how they interact with body-safe silicone in sex toys is a little more complicated.

So, do glow-in-the-dark dildos contain phosphors? The answer is: most likely, yes. But here's the twist—most manufacturers don’t list their pigments or colorants in the product materials. That includes glow pigments.

This lack of transparency can make it hard for buyers to know exactly what’s inside the toy.

Shop Luminous Dildo from Anesidora

How Is the Glow Added to Silicone?

According to indie sex toy makers and user reports on Reddit, the glowing effect comes from powdered pigments that are mixed into the silicone before it cures.

That powder stays “trapped” in the toy once the silicone hardens. In high-quality products, especially those using firmer silicone, the glow particles stay locked in and don’t come into contact with your skin.

However, some very soft silicone toys may allow tiny amounts of pigment to migrate—or even break down over time. This is why some makers avoid using glow pigments in extra-soft toys.

A user even mentioned that the speckled look of some glow toys isn’t a flaw—it’s just the glow particles showing through the silicone!

Is It Safe for Your Body?

Here’s where things get real. Silicone is widely considered body-safe, especially when it’s 100% medical-grade. But when other materials—like glow powders, glitter, or colorants—are mixed in, the safety depends on two things:

Whether the pigment stays sealed inside the silicone
Whether your body reacts to it

If the pigment is fully encapsulated (meaning it can’t escape), it’s likely safe. Think of it like a bead trapped in Jello—it’s there, but it’s not touching you. But if the pigment can break down, leach out, or irritate your skin, that’s a problem.

Some indie sex toy makers have mentioned that glow pigments can cause irritation in rare cases, especially for people with sensitive skin. One even offers sample patches to test before you commit to a full toy.

Are There Any Regulations?

Here’s the tricky part: Sex toys aren’t tightly regulated.

Unlike lube or condoms, which are often FDA-regulated in the U.S., dildos fall into a legal gray area. That means manufacturers don’t have to fully disclose every material used. And unless a company voluntarily follows strict guidelines, there’s no requirement to test glow pigments for skin safety.

Some brands may take inspiration from other products, like FDA-approved glow-in-the-dark condoms. For example, Trojan’s "Night Light" condoms use a glow pigment sealed between two latex layers to avoid direct contact with skin. That’s a good safety model—but not all toy makers follow it.

Neo Elite By Blush® | Lavo Glow In The Dark Neon Orange: 7.5-Inch Long Dildo - Made with Purio™ Silicone & SensaFeel® Dual Density Realistic Technology

Does the Glow Last Forever?

Unfortunately, no.

Glow pigments aren’t rechargeable forever. Over time, they lose their ability to absorb and release light. Just like a glow-in-the-dark sticker that fades after a year, your dildo’s glow might get weaker with use and age.

That said, many glow toys can still shine brightly for several years, especially if you “charge” them under a strong light source before use. Just know that the glow won’t last forever.

Tips for Buying a Glow-in-the-Dark Dildo

If you're excited to try a glowing toy but want to stay safe, here are a few tips:

✅ Buy from a trusted brand or indie maker: Indie makers often list their materials, including glow pigments.
✅ Choose firmer silicone: Firmer textures are more likely to hold the pigment safely inside.
✅ Check for body-safe labeling: Look for terms like “platinum-cure silicone” or “100% body-safe.”
✅ Patch test if you’re sensitive: If you have sensitive skin or are unsure, contact the seller and ask for a sample piece.
❌ Avoid mystery materials: If the toy doesn’t say what it’s made of, or if it's unusually cheap, it might be using unsafe materials.

Final Thoughts

So, are glow in the dark dildos safe?

Generally, yes—but with a few caveats. If made properly with body-safe silicone and encapsulated glow pigments, they’re unlikely to cause harm. But because sex toy manufacturing isn’t closely regulated, it’s important to do your homework, especially if you have skin sensitivities.

Item added to your cart