Buying Guide

What Are the Best Waterproof Sex Toys?

A complete guide to waterproof sex toys: what IPX ratings actually mean, the difference between splash-proof and truly submersible and how to get the best experience in the shower or bath.

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IPX7The rating you need for bath use — fully submersible in up to 1 metre of water for 30 minutes
IPX6Shower-safe but not bath-safe — handles direct water jets but not full submersion
Lube depletesWater washes away water-based lube — reapply more frequently or use silicone lube on non-silicone toys
Non-slip matA bath mat is safety-critical when using toys in the shower — involuntary muscle contractions during orgasm on a wet floor are a fall risk

A waterproof sex toy opens up two of the most popular and practical environments for toy use: the shower and the bath. Both environments offer natural privacy and relaxation, and many people find their first positive experience with a new toy happens in the bath for exactly this reason. Knowing which toys are genuinely waterproof (rather than just splash-resistant) and how to use them safely in water makes the difference between a good experience and a ruined toy.

IPX Ratings Explained: What Each Level Actually Means

IPX ratings are international standards for water ingress protection. The number after IPX indicates the level of water resistance. For sex toys specifically:

IPX4 (splash-resistant). Protected against water splashing from any direction. Safe to use near water or to briefly rinse. Not safe for shower use under running water and definitely not bath use. Many budget toys claim this rating and market it as "waterproof." It is not.

IPX6 (water-resistant / shower-safe). Protected against powerful water jets from any direction. Safe to use in a shower and to rinse under a running tap. Not designed for full submersion. Good for shower use; not appropriate for bath use. Cannot be dropped into a tub of water.

IPX7 (waterproof / fully submersible). Protected against immersion in up to 1 metre of water for 30 minutes. Fully safe for bath use. Can be dropped in the tub without damage. Safe for thorough rinsing under running water. This is the rating you need for bath use specifically.

IPX8 (submersible beyond IPX7). Greater depth or duration than IPX7, specified by the manufacturer. Not commonly seen in mainstream UK sex toys but occasionally appears in premium products.

The practical takeaway: IPX7 is the target. Anything below this — including IPX6 and especially IPX4 — is not bath-safe. Any toy claiming "waterproof" without an explicit IPX rating should be assumed to be splash-resistant only.

Why Lube Matters More in Water

Water is not a lubricant. Despite the intuitive sense that water adds lubrication, it actually washes away natural lubrication more effectively than it replaces it. In a shower or bath, natural lubrication disperses quickly and is not supplemented by the surrounding water. This makes applied lubricant more important in water use than in dry use — not less.

Water-based lube in water: Washes away quickly. For shower use, reapply every few minutes as needed. For bath use, a water-based lube applied inside the vagina rather than on the toy surface will deplete more slowly than lube on the toy exterior. For suction toys: apply a small amount of water-based lube inside the suction tip before use to help maintain the seal — this helps significantly in water where the seal is otherwise harder to form.

Silicone-based lube for glass or steel toys in water: Silicone lube does not dissolve in water and maintains lubrication throughout shower or bath use without reapplication. This makes it the most practical lube for glass or steel toy use in water specifically. Do not use silicone lube on silicone toys — it degrades the surface.

Best Toy Types for Water Use

Toy Type Water Compatibility Notes
Glass dildo (borosilicate) Fully safe — any lube, any water environment All non-vibrating glass toys are naturally waterproof — no electronics to protect. Use silicone-based lube for extended water use. Completely safe to boil for post-use cleaning
Stainless steel toy Fully safe — any lube, any water environment All steel toys are naturally waterproof. Use silicone-based lube for water environments. Heavy weight means extra care when used in the bath or shower
IPX7 vibrator Fully safe for bath and shower Confirm IPX7 specifically before bath use. Use water-based lube only if toy is silicone material. Dry the toy after use before storing
IPX6 vibrator Shower-safe only; not bath-safe Do not submerge. Safe for shower use with caution. Rinse carefully rather than soaking. IPX6 should not be treated as bath-safe regardless of marketing language
Suction cup dildo (silicone) Fully safe if non-vibrating; check rating if vibrating Non-vibrating silicone suction cup dildos are fully waterproof. The suction cup adheres well to smooth bathroom tile or glass shower walls. Use water-based lube only with silicone material
Non-waterproof vibrator Not safe for any water use Any toy without an explicit IPX rating should not be used in or near water. Water damage to the motor is not covered by manufacturer warranty and produces a safety risk if the charging system is compromised

Shower Safety: Non-Slip Is Not Optional

Orgasm produces involuntary muscle contractions throughout the body including the legs and core. In a standing shower, this can cause a loss of footing. A non-slip bath mat in the shower is non-negotiable for shower toy use — it is a safety consideration that belongs alongside the toy choice itself. Shower suction handles can also help with stability.

For bath use: the toy cannot drop far enough to matter if you are already in the bath. The main safety considerations are ensuring the toy is genuinely IPX7 before submerging and ensuring it is fully charged before use (do not plug in any device near water).

Waterproof Toy Buying Tips

IPX7 Means Bath-Safe; IPX6 Does NotThe distinction between IPX6 and IPX7 is the difference between shower-safe and bath-safe. If bath use is the goal, confirm IPX7 specifically before purchasing. Many toys marketed as waterproof are IPX6 only. Suction toys and bullets are frequently available in true IPX7 versions — check the spec before buying if bath use is intended.
Glass and Steel Are Always WaterproofNon-vibrating borosilicate glass and stainless steel toys require no waterproof rating because they contain no electronics. They are inherently waterproof in any environment. If bath or shower use is the primary use case and vibration is not essential, a glass or steel dildo is the most practical choice: truly waterproof by definition, compatible with silicone-based lube for sustained water-environment lubrication and easy to clean thoroughly.
Water Does Not Replace LubeApply lube before entering the shower or bath. Reapply during use, particularly with water-based lube that depletes quickly in water. Use silicone-based lube on glass or steel toys for the longest-lasting lubrication in water environments. This is the most important practical tip for water-environment toy use and the one most commonly overlooked.
Dry Before StoringStoring a waterproof toy in a sealed pouch while still wet creates a moist, enclosed environment where bacteria and mildew can develop. Pat the toy dry after use before storing in any case or pouch. A quick rinse after use, dried with a clean cloth, stored open to air briefly before pouch storage is the correct post-water-use care routine for any toy including IPX7 models.
Use a Non-Slip Mat in the ShowerStanding shower toy use produces muscle contractions during orgasm that can cause loss of footing on a wet floor. A non-slip bath mat in the shower is a basic safety requirement for shower toy use. It is as essential as the toy itself and worth specifying before the first session rather than discovering its absence at an inconvenient moment.
The Bath Is Often the Best First EnvironmentThe warm bath is consistently cited as one of the most comfortable and relaxed environments for a first use of any new toy. The warmth relaxes muscles, the privacy is complete, the position is naturally comfortable and the water adds a sensory element that enhances stimulation. If you are trying a new toy for the first time, an IPX7 model used in the bath often produces a better first experience than the same toy used in bed.

Waterproof Toys for Easy Cleaning

A secondary benefit of IPX7 waterproofing that is frequently overlooked: thorough cleaning. A non-waterproof toy can only be surface-cleaned with a damp cloth or toy cleaner spray — you cannot rinse it under running water. An IPX7 toy can be washed under warm running water with mild soap after every use, providing the most hygienically thorough clean possible for any toy with a motor. For toys used internally, this cleaning advantage is meaningful for ongoing hygiene. Glass and steel toys can be boiled or dishwasher-cleaned (top rack, no detergent) for full sterilisation — the most thorough cleaning available for any toy type.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does IPX7 mean on a sex toy?IPX7 means the toy is protected against immersion in up to 1 metre of water for 30 minutes. It is fully safe for bath and shower use and can be thoroughly rinsed under running water for cleaning. This is the minimum rating you should look for if bath use is the goal. IPX6 is shower-safe but not bath-safe. IPX4 is splash-resistant only and should not be used in the shower.
Can you use any sex toy in the bath?Only toys explicitly rated IPX7 or above, or non-vibrating toys (glass, steel, non-motorised silicone). Any vibrating toy without an explicit IPX7 rating should not be submerged. "Water resistant," "splash-proof" or IPX6 ratings do not mean bath-safe. Submerging a toy that is not rated for immersion risks water damage to the motor and creates an electrical safety risk if the charging system is compromised.
Is shower sex safe?Yes, with appropriate safety measures. Use an IPX6 or IPX7 rated toy (confirmed for shower use). Use a non-slip bath mat — this is non-negotiable for standing shower sex and toy use due to the fall risk from involuntary muscle contractions during orgasm. Take extra care with positions and footing. Do not plug in any electrical device near water. A properly sealed, rated waterproof toy on a non-slip surface is safe for shower use.
What lube should I use for shower or bath play?For silicone toys: water-based lube only (silicone lube degrades silicone surfaces). Reapply frequently as water washes it away — apply inside the vagina or inside a suction toy tip rather than on the external toy surface for better retention. For glass or steel toys: silicone-based lube, which does not dissolve in water and maintains lubrication without reapplication throughout a bath or shower session.
Are waterproof toys easier to clean?Yes, significantly. An IPX7 toy can be washed under warm running water with mild soap after every use — a thorough rinse cleans every surface. A non-waterproof toy requires surface wiping only, which is less thorough. Glass and steel toys can be fully sterilised by boiling or dishwasher (top rack) — the most hygienic cleaning available for any toy type. If hygiene and thoroughness of cleaning matters to you, waterproof and non-vibrating toys offer the best options.