Waterproof Sex Toys: What IPX Ratings Mean and What to Buy

"Waterproof" is one of the most frequently misused terms in sex toy marketing. A device described as waterproof might be fine for a splash, dangerous in a bath, or genuinely submersible — the word alone tells you nothing useful. The IPX rating system exists precisely to solve this, and understanding it takes about two minutes.

What the IPX Rating System Is

IPX stands for Ingress Protection (water) — it's part of a broader international standard (IEC 60529) that classifies how well a device is protected against water. The number after IPX indicates the level of protection tested. Sex toy manufacturers don't always publish IPX ratings, but when they do, this is what they mean:

IPX4 — protected against splashing water from any direction. This means a light spray or splashes are fine. It does not mean the device is suitable for shower use, and absolutely does not mean you can submerge it. Many sex toys marketed as "waterproof" or "water-resistant" are IPX4.

IPX5 — protected against water jets from any direction. Better than IPX4, but still not submersible. Running it briefly under a tap is probably fine; leaving it in water is not.

IPX6 — protected against powerful water jets. More robust than IPX5 but still not submersible. Uncommon in sex toys.

IPX7 — protected against submersion in up to 1 metre of water for 30 minutes. This is the meaningful waterproofing standard for sex toys. A genuine IPX7 toy can be used safely in the bath or shower and cleaned by submerging.

IPX8 — protected against prolonged submersion beyond 1 metre. The most robust rating; uncommon in sex toys but occasionally seen in premium devices.

Why the Distinction Matters

Using an IPX4 toy in a bath is likely to damage it. Water will enter the casing around charging connectors, buttons, and seams. The damage may not be immediately apparent — the toy might work for a few days after getting wet and then fail. This is why "splash-proof" and "waterproof" are not interchangeable, even though marketing often treats them as if they are.

Cleaning Benefits of True Waterproofing

Beyond shower and bath use, IPX7 waterproofing makes cleaning significantly easier. A genuinely waterproof toy can be rinsed under a running tap or briefly submerged to clean it thoroughly. An IPX4 toy needs to be wiped carefully around seams and charging ports, which is less effective.

For body-safe use — particularly for insertable toys — thorough cleaning is important. This is a practical reason to prioritise genuine IPX7 waterproofing even if you don't plan to use the toy in water.

Charging Ports and Waterproofing

The charging port is almost always the point of failure for waterproofing. Toys with exposed USB ports are not waterproof — they typically have a rubber flap that needs to be sealed when in use. Toys with magnetic charging (no exposed port) or USB-C ports with sealed covers achieve better waterproofing more reliably.

How to Check the Rating

Look for the explicit IPX rating (e.g. "IPX7") in the product specification. If the listing says only "waterproof" without an IPX number, that's a marketing claim rather than a tested standard. If the listing says "splash-proof" or "water-resistant," assume it's IPX4–5 at best.

Independent reviews often mention if a toy failed during water use — this is a useful secondary check.

What to Buy

If water use or easy rinsing is important to you, make IPX7 a firm requirement rather than a preference. At mid-range price points (£30+), genuine IPX7 toys are widely available from reputable brands. Below £25, the rating may be present but less reliably tested.

Avoid any toy with an exposed charging port or unsealed USB connector for water use, regardless of what the marketing claims.

See also: Vibrator Buying Guide, How to Clean Sex Toys, Vibrator Material Guide