#AskEden - TPR, TPE, TPR Silicone and their safety

Contributor: Zombirella Zombirella
I was just wondering if there is any bad/scary reason to not own toys made of these materials: TPR, TPR Silicone and TPE. I read an article about how bad Jelly is and I just had a PVC toy 'melt' (or something like that) to one of my TPR toys I had it stored next to and I ended up throwing away both toys and the other PVC material toy I had because it freaked me out that it did this.
But with the 3 materials I mentioned, is anything bad like chemically going to happen from using these toys. I read about bad stuff put into the jelly and causing problems. There are some toys I like made of TPR and TPR Silicone and I also still own a few but if there are risks then I will reconsider keeping those and ordering more made of it.
04/11/2012
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Contributor: GingerAnn GingerAnn
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Contributor: Ghost Ghost
TPR = Thermoplastic rubber
TPR silicone = Silcione mixed with TPR
TPE = Thermoplastic elastomer (basically the same as TPR)

These materials are all porous and the use of plasticizers is required, although what exactly is used is up to the company and that information is not given to consumers for the most part.
04/12/2012
Contributor: AskEden AskEden
There isn't anything bad/scary about these materials, if you follow some basic guidelines.

You can find more information on them in the Materials section

TPE
TPR
TPR-Silicone

For the most part, you can use silicone lube with TPE and TPR, but not TPR silicone. A general rule of thumb is that you don't want to use silicone lube with any material that has silicone in it, except pure silicone. If you use silicone lube on a 100% silicone product, you shouldn't experience any problems. If in doubt, spot test no part of the toy you don't see (the bottom of the base, for example).

#AskEden
04/12/2012
Contributor: Zombirella Zombirella
I was just wondering if anything was dangerous in them like jelly. I am the only one that uses my stuff and I take care of them and clean them well. I just didn't know if any were harmful.
04/12/2012
Contributor: Rin (aka Nire) Rin (aka Nire)
Quote:
Originally posted by Zombirella
I was just wondering if anything was dangerous in them like jelly. I am the only one that uses my stuff and I take care of them and clean them well. I just didn't know if any were harmful.
Some may contain phthalates, but it's less common than in jelly. If it's a product from Eden, the product page will usually state if a toy is phthalate-free. Otherwise, avoid toys that feel greasy or slimy to the touch, even when properly washed. Greasiness is the result of phthalates leaking out of a toy (though be aware that a lack of leak doesn't necessarily mean the toy is completely safe). If you're ever worried or unsure, you can always use a condom.
04/12/2012
Contributor: Leil@ Leil@
The safe bet in using sex toys made from TPR or TPE as well as with any porous product is to protect yourself with a condom. The main danger here is their porousness makes them a good place for bacterial growth. At the same time, TPR&TPE have their advantages - they are flexible, soft and not too pricey.

Concerning PVC, Edenfantasys provides toys which made only from phthalate-free PVC, that is far safer than usual PVC.

To avoid melting or damaging your toys, you should store and take care of them properly. For example, never use silicone or oil lube with silicone toys, store toys separately, because some materials can react to others, wash toys before and after use, etc.

More interesting info about sex toys materials you can find in our wonderful Materials guide
07/10/2019