Comparison
Silicone vs TPE.
The single most confused materials choice in adult retail. Platinum-cure silicone is genuinely body-safe and lasts decades; TPE is a category of unregulated polymers ranging from acceptable to plasticiser-loaded. Marketing copy often blurs the line; the buyer pays the price.
| Spec | Platinum-cure silicone | TPE / TPR |
|---|---|---|
| Porosity | Non-porous | Porous (always) |
| Sterilisable | Yes; boil 5 min, dishwasher | No, surface only |
| Phthalate content | None | Unregulated; often present in bulk-import grades |
| Body-safe certified | ISO 10993 compliant | Rarely certified; varies wildly by manufacturer |
| Lifespan with care | 10+ years | 6-18 months before degradation |
| Compatible with all lubes | Water + hybrid; NOT silicone lube | Water-based only; oils and silicones degrade it |
| Off-gassing smell new | Effectively none | Often strong "vinyl" / "shower curtain" |
| Sharing between partners | Yes, after sterilisation | Single-user with condom only |
| Typical UK price (mid-size dildo) | ~£25-£90 | ~£8-£20 |
The verdict
Default to platinum-cure silicone. It is the only material that is reliably non-porous, biocompatible, sterilisable, and durable for years. TPE is acceptable only when the manufacturer explicitly certifies the specific grade as pharmaceutical or medical; the consumer-toy market almost never does. The £15 saved on a "skin-feel TPE" toy is the wrong saving.
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