The Truth About Platinum Silicone vs. TPE/PVC: What You Don't See

At first glance, two toys may look identical: both red, both soft, both serving the same purpose. But one costs €20 and the other €80. Why?

Many people think it's just branding, but the reality lies in chemistry. At ClimaxLab we believe it's vital that you know what you're putting inside your body. That's why today we explain in simple terms the battle between Platinum Silicone (what we use) and "low cost" materials.

1. TPE and PVC: The Problem of Pores

Most budget toys are made from plastic and rubber blends (TPE/TPR or PVC). They're still manufactured for one reason only: they're incredibly cheap to produce.

The Problem: The Sponge Analogy

Although they may feel smooth to the touch, under a microscope these materials are like a sponge. They have thousands of invisible pores.

• Hygiene: Fluids and bacteria get trapped in those pores. No matter how much you wash the toy, it's very difficult to clean what has seeped "into" the material.

• The Chemicals: To make that plastic soft, softening oils are added. Over time, these oils migrate to the surface (that's why they sometimes smell strongly of rubber or become sticky if left in a drawer for a long time).

2. Platinum Silicone: Like Glass, But Flexible

Silicone is not a plastic — it derives from silicon (like sand or glass). In our workshop we exclusively use Platinum-Cure Silicone.

What does that mean? For liquid silicone to solidify, it needs an ingredient to trigger the reaction.

💡 Artisan's Note: Platinum silicone is expensive because the catalyst (platinum) is a precious metal. But it's the only way to guarantee that what you put in your body is 100% safe.

Why is it safer?

1. Sealed Surface: Unlike TPE, platinum silicone has no pores. It's like glass: nothing can enter it. Bacteria stay on the surface and are removed with a simple soap-and-water wash.

2. Heat-Resistant: Cheap plastic melts when heated. Platinum silicone withstands over 200°C. This means you can boil your toys in a pot for 5 minutes to fully sterilise them, just as baby bottles or medical equipment are sterilised.

3. Inert: It doesn't react with your body or leach substances over time. It's hypoallergenic and will last years exactly as it was on day one.

3. How to Tell Them Apart at Home

If you have toys and don't know what material they're made of, try these simple tests:

• The Memory Test: Press your nail into it or stretch the toy.

  • If the mark lingers or it takes a while to return to shape, it's likely TPE/PVC (cheap material).

  • If it snaps back instantly and forcefully, it's Silicone. It has "memory" — it always wants to return to its original state.

• The Touch Test: If after washing and drying it still feels slightly greasy or sticky, it's likely a porous material leaching plasticisers. Clean silicone feels dry and smooth.

Conclusion: An Investment in Peace of Mind

Choosing Platinum Silicone isn't a luxury — it's basic hygiene.

While porous materials degrade and are difficult to disinfect thoroughly, a ClimaxLab piece is a safe, long-lasting tool. We'd rather explain why our materials cost more than sell you something we wouldn't use ourselves.

[Discover our Medical-Grade Silicone pieces]