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When it comes to sex toys, material matters. Silicone, especially, should be your first choice as it’s both body-safe and non-porous. But how do you know if your product is really silicone? Let’s get practical and find out how to spot a genuine silicone sex toy with the help of sexologist Rachel Sommer, PhD.
1. Check the Label and Packaging
Labels and packaging can tell you a lot. Genuine silicone sex toys from reputable brands will say “100% silicone” or “medical-grade silicone”. Dr. Rachel Sommer says: “Always buy from trusted manufacturers who are transparent about their materials. Look for certifications that say body-safe and medical-grade.”
Reputable manufacturers will often highlight the material on the packaging. This transparency is key to building trust and making sure customers know what they’re buying. Always check the packaging for details. If it’s vague or missing, it’s a red flag. The more information on the packaging, the more likely it’s made of real silicone.
2. The Smell Test
Real silicone is odorless. If your toy has a strong chemical smell, it’s not pure silicone or it’s mixed with other materials. Rachel Sommer says: “A strong smell is a red flag. Real silicone shouldn’t have a noticeable smell.”
A brand-new silicone product should be odorless (however, it absorbs odor over time). If you come across a product with a strong or plastic-like smell, be cautious. Such smells can mean the presence of other materials that aren’t safe. This simple sniff test can help you quickly rule out non-silicone items. When in doubt, trust your nose – an unpleasant smell means avoid using it.
3. Feel and Texture
Silicone toys should feel smooth and flexible, not sticky or tacky. Silicone is non-porous so it won’t absorb liquids or bacteria and will have a consistent texture with no small holes or inconsistencies.
Example: Compare it to high-quality kitchen utensils made of silicone – smooth and solid.
The surface should be blemish and hole free so it’s even and pleasant to the touch. This consistency in texture is important for comfort and hygiene. A non-porous surface prevents bacterial growth which is why many prefer silicone. When testing a toy, take your time, feel the surface, and make sure it meets these standards.
4. The Flame Test (With Caution)
If you’re comfortable, a small flame test can tell you a lot. Real silicone won’t hold a flame and will self-extinguish when removed from the flame source. It may turn to ash rather than melt. Dr. Sommer says: “This should be done with caution and only on a small part or an extra piece of material if you have one, such as the base of the toy. I also recommend using a yellow flame and not the hotter blue flame as it can damage the toy.”
Silicone’s ability to not burn is a big indicator of its authenticity. This means silicone is safe for high-heat environments and stable in all conditions. But always prioritize safety when doing this test to avoid damaging the toy or harming yourself. (You can read more about the flame test in this article.)
5. The Pinch and Pull Test
Silicone’s elasticity is another giveaway, and gently pinching and pulling the material will tell you a lot. Silicone will stretch a bit but won’t deform or tear easily. This is a tell-tale sign of real silicone.
Quick Test: Pinch a small area and pull gently – it should spring back to its original shape.
Other materials may stretch out of shape or tear but silicone’s elasticity means it will stay in shape. This is good for the longevity and safety of silicone toys. By doing this simple test you can quickly test the material and authenticity and make sure you’re getting a good product.
6. Heat Resistance
Silicone can handle high temperatures so you can try the boiling water test. Simply submerge the toy in boiling water for a few minutes. Real silicone won’t be damaged or changed. (But never do this with non-waterproof, motorized toys.)
Why It Works: Silicone’s heat resistance means it can withstand sterilization methods like boiling without degrading.
Silicone’s ability to not be damaged by boiling temperatures means it can be properly sanitized and is safer. This test not only verifies the material but also ensures the toy can be kept clean. Make sure it’s fully submerged and look for any changes in texture or shape.
7. Vendor Reputation
Buying from trusted sources is key because reputable sellers and manufacturers prioritize transparency and quality. Dr. Sommer says: “Buy from well-known brands or retailers with good reviews. They are more likely to sell real silicone toys.”
Trusted vendors invest in their reputation by providing good products and clear info. These vendors have a history of good customer feedback and good customer service. By buying from these sources you minimize the risk of getting counterfeit or substandard products. Do your research and choose vendors who value transparency and customer satisfaction.
Where to Look: Check specialized stores and websites that sell body-safe products.
8. Online Research
User reviews and forums are gold, especially the Sex Toy Subreddit. Real experiences from other users can tell you a lot about a product. Rachel Sommer says: “Join online communities. They often share info about the products they use.”
The collective wisdom of online communities is a powerful resource. Users often share detailed reviews, experiences, and warnings about different products. These can help you make informed decisions. Forums and review sites may also highlight products that work well or poorly so you can get a better idea of what to expect.
9. Professional Testing
When in doubt, professional testing services can test the material of your toy. Of course, this is not always necessary but an option for those who want to be 100% sure.
Professional testing is the ultimate proof of material composition. These services use advanced methods to test and confirm the presence of silicone so you get what you pay for. Although this option costs more, it’s worth it for peace of mind, especially for high-end or frequently used toys. An example of a company that performs material composition testing is Intertek.
Conclusions
Being sure your sex toy is real silicone is key to safety and pleasure. From checking labels to simple tests to online communities, there are many ways to verify the material. Follow these and you can enjoy silicone toys with peace of mind.
Remember, quality and safety are key to a good time. As Dr. Rachel Sommer says: “Invest in high quality, body safe materials for both health and pleasure.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if my toy has a strong chemical smell?
Don’t use it. A strong smell means it might not be real silicone. Return it or contact the seller.
Can I trust all certifications?
Most certifications are reliable, especially those bought from a reputable retailer. Look for well-known standards like “medical-grade” and “body-safe.”
Is the flame test safe?
Do it with caution and only on a small, inconspicuous part of the toy or an extra piece of material if available.
How can I find trustworthy sellers?
Check online, read reviews, and stick to established brands and stores (Lovehoney, Shevibe, and Peep Show Toys are all good, trusted options).
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