In sexual wellness products, silicone is classified as a body-safe, non-porous material. It is considered the gold standard in the industry due to its safety, durability, and hygiene.
Here is how silicone is classified and broken down in sexual wellness products:
- Medical-Grade vs. Food-Grade Silicone
Medical-Grade Silicone: This is the highest quality silicone available. It is biocompatible, hypoallergenic, and rigorously tested to ensure it does not react with human tissue or body fluids.
Food-Grade Silicone: Often used in mid-tier or budget products. While it is completely safe for body contact and non-toxic, it meets slightly lower regulatory standards than medical-grade silicone. - Physical Properties
Platinum-Cured: High-quality sexual wellness products use platinum-cured silicone. This curing process ensures the material remains stable, odorless, and completely free of toxic byproducts.
Non-Porous: Unlike materials like jelly, PVC, or rubber, silicone has no microscopic pores. This means it cannot trap bacteria, viruses, or fungi, making it exceptionally easy to sterilize.
Firmness (Shore Durometer): Silicone products are classified by their hardness, ranging from ultra-soft and squishy to firm and rigid. - Safety and Compatibility
Lube Compatibility: Sexual wellness silicone products are only compatible with water-based lubricants. Silicone-based lubricants will chemically bond with the toy and permanently degrade or melt the surface.
Phthalate-Free: Silicone naturally contains no phthalates (harmful plasticizers often found in cheap PVC toys), making it safe for long-term internal use.