The Quick Answer

  • Silicone is vastly safer than petroleum-based plastics because it does not contain estrogen-mimicking bisphenols (like BPA) or phthalates. However, cheap, low-grade silicone can contain fillers and chemical byproducts called siloxanes that can leach when heated or exposed to high-fat foods. To guarantee safety, you must strictly buy "Medical-Grade" or "Platinum-Cured" silicone, passing the "pinch test" to ensure purity.
Editor's NoteThis review distinguishes between peroxide-cured and platinum-cured siloxanes.

The Pinch Test

How do you know if your expensive silicone baby plate is pure? You pinch it.

Take a thick piece of the silicone, pinch it tightly, and twist. If the color remains consistent, you likely have high-quality pure silicone. If the pinched area turns white, the manufacturer used cheap plastic fillers to bulk up the product and save money. Those plastic fillers can leach exactly the chemicals you were trying to avoid by buying silicone in the first place.

Section Summary

  • Pure silicone maintains its color when pinched.
  • White creases indicate cheap plastic fillers.
  • Fillers compromise the heat-stability of the material.

The Bottom Line

  • Silicone is an excellent, heat-stable alternative to plastic, but you must be a discerning buyer. Look explicitly for Medical-Grade, LFGB-certified (the ultra-strict European standard), or Platinum-Cured silicone.

What We Recommend

Evidence-based alternatives that address the concerns above.

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Platinum Cured Silicone

Cured using platinum instead of peroxide, resulting in zero toxic off-gassing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about toxicology: plastics answered by our research team.

QDoes silicone retain smells?

Yes, pure silicone can occasionally retain soap odors. To remove them, boil the silicone for 10 minutes or bake it at 250°F for 20 minutes to off-gas the trapped oils.

R

Renee, R3 Founder

Environmental Toxins Analyst

Renee is the founder of R3 and a lead researcher in environmental toxins. She specializes in translating complex toxicology reports into actionable advice for families.

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