Silicone is a common ingredient in many things, like sex toys and lubricants. In lubricants, it’s preferred because it feels slicker, lasts longer, and does not get as tacky as water-based lubricants. Silicone lubricants are condom compatible, and you can even use them as a massage product. If you’re looking for a recommendation, Uberlube is the best silicone lube I’ve ever used.
To some, silicone can feel unnatural, however. For them, a hybrid or water-based lube might be the better option. Silicone personal lubricant may also stain linens, so be careful about spills.
However, silicone lubricants should not be used with some silicone sex toys because they can cause a reaction. It’s most likely to occur when you use lower-quality silicone lube with a softer silicone toy. You can perform a spot test with your silicone lube and toys by applying a small amount on the base and rubbing vigorously for 5 to 10 minutes to simulate use. If the toy becomes tacky, it is not compatible with that lube, although you can protect a toy from a reaction by using it with a condom if possible.
Silicone is a high-quality and body-safe ingredient for sex toys. Silicone toys can be soft like jelly or nearly rigid and retain body heat. This makes silicone ideal for realistic toys, especially those with dual-density formulas (I recommend VixSkin). Unlike jelly, silicone does not contain the potentially harmful chemicals known as phthalates, which cause a rubbery smell. You’re less likely to find translucent toys made from silicone than you are jelly, but silicone is available a variety of colors.
Pure silicone is also nonporous, so toys can be thoroughly disinfected by boiling or running through the dishwasher (top shelf, no soap)–only if they are waterproof and not mechanical, of course. Disinfecting is important when sharing with partners or if you use a toy for both anal and vaginal penetration. Disinfecting this way kills microscopic bacteria that may remain on a toy even after washing with soap and water.
Some people believe storing silicone toys together can cause a reaction, although Dangerous Lilly busted that myth. Your softer toys may become a bit misshapen or want to stick together, but those toys are also the most likely to collect lint, so storing them in some sort of pouch or bag is smarter, anyway.
Manufacturers sometimes use silicone for various BDSM goodies, including blindfolds, cuffs, paddles and impact play toys, gags, and nipple suckers because of the same benefits that make it ideal for insertable toys.
Because silicone toys are of higher quality than other materials, they may also cost more. However, many companies now make affordable silicone vibrators and dildos.
Remember that a toy must only contain 10% silicone to be labeled as silicone. Be wary if the toy is labeled as TPR silicone, as it is slightly porous.
