When purchasing adult products, the material is the most important factor to consider. High-quality adult products are usually made of silicone. Whether it’s safety, comfort, or durability, silicone is the best choice. But what exactly is “good” silicone? This is a common question, and this blog will explain it in detail.
What Types of Silicone Are Used in Adult Products?
The most commonly used and safest silicone materials in adult products are mainly divided into two types: medical-grade silicone and food-grade silicone.
There is also regular industrial silicone, but it is not designed for direct contact with the human body and has lower safety standards, so it is not recommended for intimate products.
1. What Is Medical-Grade Silicone?
Medical-grade silicone is high-purity silicone produced according to strict medical safety standards. It is mainly used for products that come into contact with the human body, such as medical devices, and is also the highest safety-level material used in adult products.
It usually meets strict standards such as ISO 10993, USP Class VI, FDA 21 CFR, China GB/T 16886, and YY/T 0334. It must pass tests for cytotoxicity, skin irritation, allergic reactions, systemic toxicity, and implant response.
It is typically produced using a platinum curing process in cleanroom environments, with strict control over impurities like heavy metals and volatile substances.
2. Advantages of Medical-Grade Silicone
1. Soft and Skin-Like Feel:
It is soft, smooth, and feels similar to human skin. It has good elasticity, is not easy to deform, and provides a comfortable fit.
2. Non-Toxic and Odorless:
It does not contain harmful substances or additives. It has no smell and does not release toxic materials. It is safe for contact with skin and sensitive areas, and is unlikely to cause allergies or irritation.
3. Stable and Heat-Resistant:
Medical-grade silicone can handle temperatures from about -50°C to 200°C. It has excellent resistance to aging and remains stable even after repeated high-temperature sterilization.
4. Easy to Disinfect and Long-Lasting:
It can be disinfected using boiling water, alcohol, or other methods. It does not easily degrade, become sticky, or fade over time, making it much more durable than regular materials.
3. Why Choose Medical-Grade Silicone?
Adult products often come into direct contact with sensitive areas of the body, so safety is critical. Medical-grade silicone is non-toxic and non-irritating, helping reduce the risk of allergies or infections. It is the standard material for high-end adult products and is safer for long-term use.
4. Common Hardness Levels of Medical-Grade Silicone
The hardness of silicone is usually measured by Shore A.
Most adult products use silicone in the range of Shore A 5 to 30, with the most common range being Shore A 10 to 20.
5–10 Shore A: Very soft, close to real skin, high realism
10–20 Shore A: Balanced softness and support, most commonly used
20–30 Shore A: Slightly firmer, good for products that need structure and shape
5. Curing Process and Certifications
Medical-grade silicone is usually made using a platinum curing process, which ensures high purity and no chemical residue.
Common certifications include FDA, LFGB, ISO 10993, ISO 3533, and CE. Only silicone that meets these standards can truly be considered safe and compliant medical-grade material.
1. What Is Food-Grade Silicone?
Food-grade silicone meets safety standards for food contact, such as FDA, LFGB, and GB 4806. It does not contain harmful substances like plasticizers, BPA, or heavy metals. It is heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and does not release toxic materials.
It was originally used for kitchen products and baby items. Because of its safety and stability, it is also widely used in adult products, especially for external (non-insertable) use.
2. Advantages of Food-Grade Silicone
Safe and Non-Toxic:
Food-grade silicone is safe enough to touch food, so it is also safe for the body. It does not contain harmful chemicals or strong odors. It is gentle on the skin and unlikely to cause irritation or allergies.
Heat and Cold Resistant:
It can handle temperatures from -40°C to 200°C. You can clean it with hot water, alcohol, or warm water without any problem. It will not deform or release harmful substances, making cleaning and sterilizing easy.
Soft and Skin-Friendly:
The common hardness is Shore A 10–20. It feels soft, smooth, and elastic, with a natural skin-like touch. It fits well and does not cause discomfort during use.
Durable and Long-Lasting:
It has good resistance to aging. After long-term use, it does not easily deform, become sticky, or crack. It also does not release harmful substances, making it a cost-effective and durable choice.
3. Why Choose Food-Grade Silicone?
For adult products that are only used externally and do not go inside the body, food-grade silicone is already safe enough. It is more affordable while still offering good softness and durability, making it a good balance between safety and cost.
How to Choose Between Medical-Grade and Food-Grade Silicone?
Choose medical-grade silicone for:
Products that go inside the body or directly contact sensitive areas, such as insertable vibrators, dildos, and massage wands.
Choose food-grade silicone for:
Products used externally only, such as bullet vibrators, external massagers, and wearable stimulation devices.
How to Identify Good Silicone (Simple Tips)？
1. Smell:
High-quality silicone has little to no smell. Low-quality silicone may have a strong or chemical odor.
2. Touch:
Good silicone feels smooth, soft, and not sticky, with quick rebound. Poor silicone may feel sticky, oily, or rough.
3. Check Certifications:
Reliable products will list certifications like FDA, LFGB, or ISO.
4. Wipe Test:
Wipe with alcohol—if the color does not fade and the surface does not become sticky or shed particles, the material is stable and safe.
Final Advice
When choosing silicone for adult products, it depends on the type of product:
For internal use, always choose platinum-cured medical-grade silicone for maximum safety and comfort.
For external use, food-grade silicone is a practical and cost-effective option.
Always look for trusted certifications and avoid low-quality materials with strong odors to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
