Silicone or TPE — a decision guide, not a lecture

The one rule that applies to both

Water-based lubricant. It is safe with silicone, TPE, ABS and metal, and it is the only lubricant that is. Silicone-based lubricant degrades silicone toys and can affect TPE surfaces over time.

You can stop reading here and be fine. The rest is about which material to choose.

Choose silicone when

• The product goes inside — dildos, plugs, anything with an insertable shape
• It will be shared between partners
• You want it to last years rather than months
• You want to be able to wash it thoroughly without worrying about the surface

Choose TPE when

• The product is a stroker, a sleeve or a moulded body piece — softness is the entire point
• You want the skin-like feel that silicone cannot reproduce at any price
• You are buying a first item and would rather spend less to find out what you like
• The product is large — TPE keeps weight and price down on moulded pieces

What changes in practice

Silicone needs a wash and a dry. TPE needs a wash, a full dry — including internal channels — and a dusting of renewing powder to replace the surface oils the wash removed.

That extra minute is the real difference. If you know you will not do it, buy silicone for anything that goes inside.