1. First, clarify three concepts
. - Medical-grade silicone: mainly platinum vulcanization (add-on type), has passed ISO 10993 biocompatibility testing, has no odor, does not fade, can be sterilized at high temperatures, is the optimal solution for contact products, and is the most expensive;
- Food-grade silicone: complies with GB 4806 and other food contact standards, is non-toxic and odorless, and sufficiently safe, but may not have undergone biocompatibility testing, so it is considered "adequate";
- TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer): Not silicone, but oil-containing thermoplastic material. It is soft and cheap, but it produces oil, becomes sticky, and cannot be sterilized at high temperatures.
2. Understanding the differences
in one table:
Medical-grade silicone
, food-grade silicone
, and the
essence of TPE
Silicone (platinum vulcanized) Silicone
Thermoplastic Elastomer
Odor
: Almost odorless
Basically odorless
, with plastic/oil smell
, touch
: dry, quick
rebound, dry
, oily, sticky
Temperature
Resistant Can Be Boiled or High-Temperature Disinfected
Good Temperature Resistance
Generally < 70°C, Do Not Avoid
High Temperature Oiling and Staining
Non-oily, stain-resistant
, slight
, obvious oiliness, easy to stain
, lifespan
over
3 years, 2–3 years
1–2 years
Three, 5 tips for on-site identification
: 1. Smell: Smell closely; silicone is almost odorless; TPE has a noticeable oily or plastic smell;
2. Touch: Silicone is dry, non-sticky, and rebounds quickly when pressed; TPE feels oily and smooth, but after a while, it picks up dust;
3. Check the label: The details page clearly states "Platinum Silicone," "ISO 10993," "GB 4806" for higher credibility; most pages only mention "silicone texture" for TPE;
4. Test temperature resistance: silicone can withstand scalding and washing with boiling water without deformation; TPE softens and deforms when exposed to high temperatures;
5. Check the edges: cut a small piece of edge sample and burn it (ensure safety and ventilation); the silicone appears white ash with little smoke; TPE emits black smoke, drips oil, and has a pungent odor.
4. How to choose without losing
- Products that come into contact with the skin, long-term use → Prioritize medical-grade/platinum silicone, expensive but worry-free;
- Limited budget, short-term use→ TPE is available, but it should accept regular powder application, stored away from light, and replaced every 1–2 years;
- Do not touch oily lubricants on any material, especially silicone.
Summary
in one sentence: Grade depends on certification (medical-grade >food-grade), material depends on essence (silicone≠TPE). Smell, touch, and check labels—these three tricks can help you avoid most inferior products.
