Silicone is one of the most popular materials for sex toys, and for good reason. It's smooth, non-porous, easy to clean and built to last. You'll often see it described as platinum cured, food grade or medical grade, and each of those terms tells you something a little different. Here's a simple guide to what they mean and how they compare, so you can choose the silicone toy that's right for you.
The Quick Answer
Standard silicone is what most silicone toys are made from. It's non-porous and body safe when it's 100% silicone. Food grade silicone meets the safety standards for materials that touch food. Platinum cured describes how the silicone was made, and it's known for being extra pure and stretchy, which is why it's popular in premium toys. Medical grade silicone is tested for contact with skin and the body, making it the highest grade available. A toy can be more than one of these, like platinum cured food grade silicone.
Silicone Comparison Chart
| Standard Silicone | Food Grade Silicone | Platinum Cured Silicone | Medical Grade Silicone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | 100% silicone with no food or medical grade claim | Silicone that meets food contact safety standards | Silicone that was set (cured) using a platinum catalyst | Silicone that passed testing for contact with the human body |
| How it's cured | Varies by maker (platinum, peroxide or tin) | Platinum or peroxide cured | Platinum (addition) cure | Usually platinum cured |
| Safety standard | None required for toys | FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 in the US, EU 1935/2004 and LFGB in Europe | None on its own (it's a process, not a grade) | USP Class VI and ISO 10993 |
| Purity | Good | High | High, with little to no byproducts | Highest, often made in clean rooms |
| Odor | Little to none | Little to none | Little to none | None |
| Body contact testing | Not certified | Tested for food contact | Not by itself | Yes |
| Common uses | Most silicone toys, phone cases and household goods | Toys, bakeware, ice trays and kitchen tools | Premium toys, medical tubing, baby products and food molds | Toys, menstrual cups, pacifiers and medical devices |
| Price | Most affordable | Moderate | Higher | Highest |
| Body safe for toys? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Great value and everyday play | Extra peace of mind on materials | Soft, stretchy feel and long life | Sensitive skin or the highest grade available |
Standard Silicone
Most silicone toys are made from standard silicone. That simply means the brand doesn't claim a food or medical grade certification. As long as it's 100% silicone, it's non-porous, easy to clean, long lasting and body safe. It's also the most affordable option, which makes it a great choice for trying something new or building your collection.
Food Grade Silicone
Food grade silicone (sometimes called FDA silicone) meets the safety standards for materials that touch food. In the US that's FDA regulation 21 CFR 177.2600, which covers rubber items meant for repeated food contact. In Europe it's EU 1935/2004 and Germany's LFGB standard. These tests confirm the silicone doesn't release harmful substances, even when it's heated or cooled.
It's the same silicone used in spatulas, baking molds and ice cube trays. Many well-known toy brands use food grade silicone because it's clean, durable and easy to care for.
Platinum Cured Silicone
Curing is the step that turns liquid silicone into a solid, flexible material. Platinum cured silicone uses a platinum catalyst to do that, which leaves little to no byproducts behind. The result is very pure silicone that's soft, stretchy and tear resistant. It's naturally translucent unless color is added, and it costs a little more to make, so you'll often find it in premium toys.
Platinum cured is a process, not a grade. Most food grade and medical grade silicone is platinum cured, so you'll often see these terms together.
Platinum vs Peroxide vs Tin Cured
- Platinum cured: The purest cure method, with a soft and flexible feel.
- Peroxide cured: Very durable and heat resistant, and more affordable to make.
- Tin cured: The most budget friendly cure method.
Medical Grade Silicone
Medical grade silicone goes through biocompatibility testing to confirm it's safe against skin, tissue and body fluids. The two main standards are USP Class VI and ISO 10993, which check for things like irritation and allergic reactions. It's often made in clean rooms to keep it as pure as possible.
In sex toys, "medical grade" means the silicone itself meets these medical standards. Toys are sold as consumer products rather than medical devices, so the label describes the material, not FDA approval of the toy. It's a great pick if you have sensitive skin or simply want the highest grade of silicone available.
What About Silicone Blends?
Some toys are made from silicone blends, which mix silicone with other materials like TPE. Blends are often softer, squishier and more affordable. They're slightly porous, so give them a little extra care: wash them after every use, let them dry fully and store them on their own.
How to Tell What Your Toy Is Made Of
- Check the materials list. "100% silicone" means pure silicone. Terms like "silicone blend," "sil-a-gel," TPE or TPR mean the toy is a blend.
- Look for the grade. If a toy is platinum cured, food grade or medical grade, it's usually listed in the product details.
- Notice the feel. Silicone feels smooth and silky with little to no smell.
How to Care for Silicone Toys
- Use water-based lube. Silicone lube can break down the surface of silicone toys over time. If you love silicone lube, test it on a small spot first.
- Wash after every use. Warm water with mild unscented soap or a toy cleaner works well.
- Check before you boil. Solid silicone toys with no motor can often be boiled to sanitize them. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions first.
- Store them separately. Keep each toy in its own pouch to protect it from dust and lint.
Silicone FAQs
Are silicone sex toys body safe?
Yes. 100% silicone is non-porous, so it doesn't hold onto bacteria and is easy to clean. That's true for standard, food grade, platinum cured and medical grade silicone.
Is food grade silicone safe for sex toys?
Yes. Food grade silicone is non-porous, passes strict safety testing and is used by many trusted toy brands.
Is platinum cured silicone the same as medical grade?
Not exactly. Platinum cured describes how the silicone was made. Medical grade means it passed biocompatibility testing. Most medical grade silicone is platinum cured, but not all platinum cured silicone is medical grade.
Which silicone is best for sensitive skin?
Medical grade silicone is tested for skin irritation and allergic reactions, so it's a great choice for sensitive skin. True silicone allergies are rare, so most people enjoy any 100% silicone toy without issues.
Is FDA compliant the same as FDA approved?
No. FDA compliant means the silicone formula meets FDA requirements for food contact. It doesn't mean the FDA reviewed or approved a specific product.
Why can't I use silicone lube with silicone toys?
Silicone lube can bond with the surface of a silicone toy and slowly wear it down, leaving it tacky. Water-based lube is the easy, safe choice for any silicone toy.
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This guide is for general information only and isn't medical advice. Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions for your product.