Silicone vs. jelly: how to read a materials label
The single most useful thing to check before you buy, and the one most product pages bury.
Porous vs. non-porous
This is the whole distinction. Non-porous materials have a sealed surface — nothing gets into them, so they can be properly cleaned and sterilised. Porous materials have microscopic openings that trap bacteria you cannot wash out, no matter how carefully you clean.
| Non-porous — safe | Porous — needs extra care |
|---|---|
| Medical-grade silicone | Jelly rubber |
| Borosilicate glass | PVC / vinyl |
| Stainless steel | TPE / TPR (partially) |
| ABS plastic | “Cyberskin” and similar blends |
The phthalate question
Phthalates are plasticisers used to soften hard plastics. They were common in cheap jelly toys and have been linked to hormone disruption. Reputable manufacturers dropped them years ago, but they persist in unbranded imports. If a product doesn’t declare its material, assume the worst.
Why “100% silicone” isn’t always true
Some products are labelled silicone but are a silicone blend with cheaper filler. Real medical-grade silicone is matte rather than glossy, slightly drags against skin instead of feeling slick, and won’t soften or go sticky over time.
What silicone doesn’t get along with
Never use silicone lubricant on a silicone toy. The two bond and degrade the surface permanently. Water-based lubricant is safe with everything. Silicone lube is fine with glass and steel.
Glass and steel
Borosilicate glass is the same material as laboratory glassware — genuinely strong, and it holds temperature, which some people specifically want. Stainless steel is heavier, completely non-porous, and lasts effectively forever. Both are dishwasher-safe, which silicone is not.
What we stock
Many products in our store are made from non-porous materials: silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel and ABS plastic. We also sell products made from porous materials: TPE, TPR, PVC, jelly-type rubber and skin-like blends sold under names such as CyberSkin, ULTRASKYN and Real Skin. The material shown on each product page comes from the manufacturer or distributor. If it isn’t listed, email elite305studio@gmail.com and we’ll check before you buy.
Caring for porous products (TPE, CyberSkin, ULTRASKYN and similar)
- Use a condom over insertable porous toys. Change it between partners and between anal and vaginal use.
- Don’t share them. Porous materials can’t be fully disinfected, so keep each one for one person.
- Clean before and after every use with warm water and mild unscented soap or a toy cleaner, then rinse well. Don’t boil them, put them in a dishwasher or use alcohol or bleach.
- Dry completely before storing: pat dry, then let it air-dry. Some skin-like materials keep their texture better with a light dusting of renewal powder, if the manufacturer recommends it.
- Use water-based lubricant only. Silicone- and oil-based lubricants can damage these materials.
- Store separately, in a breathable pouch or the original packaging, away from heat, sunlight and other toys. Soft materials can react with each other and discolor.
- Replace it if it turns sticky, cracks, changes color or keeps a smell after washing.
Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for your specific product.