The great silicone debate

So, what about silicone? Can you use silicone lube with a silicone toy or not? Can you store two toys together? Let's settle the debate and separate fact from fiction!

Fact or fiction: Silicone lubricant doesn't work well with silicone toys.

Fiction. Our own Vice President of Product Development, Erin Harris, explained it this way:

“There are no statistics or hard data to support the claim that silicone toys and lubricants can no longer be used together. When we started thinking about it in depth and receiving questions, we decided that yes, we needed to look further into this and put the rumors to rest.”

So where did the big silicone lube scare come from? Harris said:

"I think this was due to the sudden increase in demand for sex toys at the time and dishonest manufacturing and marketing practices. Many companies started making toys with cheap, unsafe plastics and calling them 'silicone,' when they weren't."

Inevitably, someone had a problem with a silicone lubricant melting a toy made of some type of unstable plastic. Companies began blaming silicone lubricants, claiming it was a material incompatibility issue. 100% silicone toys don't just melt.

And so, other companies, let's say, went too far and started promoting the same incompatibility information in general warnings. Mystery solved.

It's fine to want to protect customers, but it's not so good to do so by repeating what others say. Many toy companies still do this today. We also issued warnings at the time, but education is a fundamental principle of Pure Romance's philosophy, and in the end, we weren't satisfied. That's why we tested our own products.

In 2019, Pure Romance collaborated with an independent laboratory to test the compatibility of our silicone-based Pure Pleasure lubricant with silicone products. The results? Over an extended period of time, Pure Pleasure did not alter the silicone or affect the material's durability any more than water.

Fact or fiction: Toys should be stored separately.

Fact or fiction. This is probably an extension of the fear of them melting. Now that we know silicone doesn't melt randomly (unless you're partying at Mount Doom or something), rest assured that your toys can tango in your trunk all they want, as long as they're made of 100% quality silicone.

Repeat. Quality silicone is key.

When I asked about materials and toy storage, Harris clarified:

“Silicone can be used together, but toys made from other materials, such as TPR or TPE, for example, should be stored separately. Non-silicone materials can react with each other.”

What exactly does it mean when toys are made of TPR and TPE? They're made from a mixture of plastic and rubber. Unfortunately, toys made with these substances are porous and can harbor bacteria (especially if not properly cleaned after use!) and aren't hypoallergenic. But if you've decided on a toy made of TPR, TPE, or even PVC, go for it! Just do some research on proper care for the material in question.

Getting back to our main point, this brings us to some obvious ideas…

How to find quality silicone toys and lubricants? Do your research and shop wisely. Toy bloggers often have lists of brands and websites they recommend if you need help. Many companies, like Pure Romance, stand behind the silicone they use in their products.

Fact or fiction: All silicones are the same.

FICTION. No way.

Quick tips for finding/using quality silicone toys and lubricants:

1. Do not purchase products labeled "silicone rubber," "silicone blend," "SEBS silicone," "silicone," "silica gel," or "gelatin."*
2. Buy directly from well-known and established brands through their own websites instead of third-party websites.**
3. Look for words like “food grade” (or “medical grade”), “body safe,” and “platinum cured” in relation to silicone. It’s also a good idea to avoid parabens, phthalates, added flavors, and fragrances!
4. Do a spot test. If the lubricant changes consistency dramatically or starts to feel gummy, it may not work well with your toy.***

In conclusion, don't believe the hype! Now that we've covered the main points of the great silicone debate, you have everything you need to shop and play worry-free.

If you need a recommendation for the ideal silicone toy for you, don't hesitate to contact us. Or, if you already have a silicone toy or lubricant that has kept you on the fence, take advantage of your newfound knowledge and give it a go!

* Don't settle for anything that sounds like a silicone derivative. If it's not 100% silicone, who knows what else is in it? If you're going to use it inside your body or your partner's, find out what's in it!

** Third parties are fine if you can vouch for them. Again, do your own research.

***When you have your period, hormonal fluctuations can affect the feel of lubricant. If you still want to play, consider sticking with tried-and-tested combinations and leaving the experimentation for later.

Author: Serena Clement / Pure Romance