Platinum-Cured Silicone Is Safest: Why We Use High-Grade Silicone
Platinum-cured silicone is superior: Simply the best material for soft, safe sex toys.
The most stable silicone polymer, platinum-cured silicone (or platinum silicone, for short) is formed via the catalyst platinum creating a cross-linked molecular structure. It lasts longer, emits less byproducts, and importantly, is more biocompatible!
That's why platinum silicone isthe quintessential choice formedical devices, andfor other applications that require direct contact with skin and mucous membranes(such as special-effects masks). Because:This silicone is non-irritating even when it rests against your skin for hours.
At Uberrime, we cast sex toys only from platinum-cured silicone for all these reasons: comfort, skin safety & biocompatibility, and no toxic byproducts.Keep reading for more information on how platinum compares to different silicone polymer types, peroxide-cured and tin-cured silicones; and for a discussion of skin safety as defined by scientific testing standards:
- Different Silicones, Explained
- Comfort and Skin Safety
- Biocompatibility and Scientific Testing
- Caring for Platinum Silicone
Understanding the Different Types of Silicone
Silicone materials can be cured through different processes, primarily categorized into platinum-cured, peroxide-cured, and tin-cured silicones.
Platinum-cured silicone is produced using a platinum catalyst, which facilitates a reaction that creates a highly stable and nontoxic end product. This method yields a silicone that is free of by-products, making it an excellent choice for products requiring a high level of purity and biocompatibility – like dildos, butt plugs, and clitoral grinders!
Platinum silicone’s molecular structure also repels water (it’s hydrophobic), so that any bacteria or fungi from the surroundings cannot survive on platinum cured silicone.
In contrast, peroxide-cured silicone uses a peroxide compound for curing. This process often results in a higher degree of leachables, which can lead to potential skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The by-products of this curing method can also compromise the material’s overall integrity over time.
Last, tin-cured silicone, also named condensation cure, employs tin as the catalyst. Production of tin-cured silicone results in various gasses being released. Tin leaching poses significant risks in applications where prolonged skin contact occurs, potentially resulting in adverse reactions. This type of silicone is simply unsafe for applications involving skin contact. It is for industrial use only!
Comfort and Skin Safety
When it comes to comfort, platinum-cured silicone is excellent. It can be both flexible and exceptionally soft!
We offer several density (firmness) levels for order, available to select on non-premade toys in single-density silicone. (Some fantasy dildos with intense texture are not available in the harder density, to ensure comfort.) Uberrime's density choices are:
- Soft & Squishy 0030. This is the squishiest and gentlest silicone! Fantastic for sensitive individuals, for stretching comfortably into wider toys, and for high-texture toys. Squish!
- Soft Shore 0050 or 5A. Uberrime's soft silicone is flexible and yielding. It adds slightly more rigidity (than soft & squishy 0030) for longer dildos, and a touch more impact to dildo ridges and expanding contours. 0050 is also used as the outer layer of Uberrime dual-density dildos. Very soft, slightly less squish.
- Medium Soft Shore 8A. One degree more firmness! This density is still flexible and will bend easily in longer toys. However, it adds more rigidity to dildo ridges and protruding textures, an extra hardness.Medium-firm: neither very squishy, nor extra-hard.
- Firm Shore 20A. Fairly firm, doesn't squish unless pressed into very hard (with your fingers). Uberrime "firm" densities will still have some flexibility in proportionally long dildos like the Pegging Dildo. Long toys just bend more easily! Firm: Pretty hard, but semi-flexible.
- Hard Shore 30A. Unyielding to the touch, and bends the least. Ideal for the firmest pressure for more-intense prostate and G-spot stimulation.The hardest & least yielding.
The lack of harmful by-products in platinum-cured silicone reinforces its safety for prolonged skin contact – and, importantly, lets you feel safe every time you use your toy.
Biocompatibility and Scientific Testing Standards
All Uberrime silicone is certified compliant as non-sensitizing to skin and nontoxic.Testing complies with the 1.) United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200); 2.) the Canadian Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and subsequent amendments; 3.) OECD 439, in accordance with the EU classification R38 and GHS category 2 requirements: Tests for irritation and skin sensitization; and 4.) the MatTek Corporation EpiVaginal in vitro toxicity testing system for vaginal tissue exposure for 20+ hours.
Certified skin safe silicone means the silicone shows no evidence of causing dermal contact sensitization. Strict scientific testing classifies it as a non-irritant, in both topical dermal applications and in vaginal applications.
Platinum-cured silicone is proven to be suitable for use in applications involving direct contact with skin and mucous membranes, like the epithelial lining of the vagina, rectum, and inner labia + clitoral tissues.
Overall, platinum silicone's inert properties ensure minimal risk of adverse biological responses, making it ideal for safe sex toy play. You may use Uberrime Dildos for an entire lifetime, knowing they'll remain nontoxic and germ-free.
Care and Cleaning of Platinum Grade Silicone
Due to Uberrime platinum-cured silicone's nontoxicity and hydrophobicity, cleaning is pretty simple.
All you need to do is: Wash a used dildo, plug, or grinder just like you'd wash your hands thoroughly.
You'll need any household soap and running water! Create a lather with the soap, then rub down the toy, washing it off with water at the endto remove the soap. Shake off any excess water, and let it air-dry.
For more: Read the full article on Washing and Sanitizing Platinum Cured Silicone.