There are many silicones in our modern world. Silicone can be found in cars, cell phones, airplanes and computers, as well as cosmetic, hair care, medical and baby products. A Tylenol gelcap is made of a type of silicone. Silicone Valley and the silicone chip have changed the world; silicone is the primary ingredient behind the microprocessor industry.
Silicone has been used in the medical industry for more than 40 years. For medical use, only high, pure grades are used. The highest medical grades were first formulated in Germany, and the German company Wolker still is the leader in the field.
Consumers have used pure silicone-both inside and outside their bodies-for decades. For more than 35 years, 85 percent of condoms have been lubricated. This is why condoms are so slippery with such small amounts of lubrication and have a five-year shelf life. The compatibility of pure silicone and latex is very high.
Silicone for personal and intimate use was introduced in the early 1990s in Germany by Pjur Group Luxembourg, formerly CSC of Germany. The first product was composed of the highest, purest medical grades of silicone. The technology and refinement have continued to advance, and Pjur Group still is at the forefront. Many AIDS organizations around the world endorse pure-silicone lubricants as the safest to use with latex condoms. Deutsche AIDS Life was the first of many to endorse this safe, condom-friendly formula. Using silicone lubricants with condoms reduces error, as silicone products do not dry or absorb through skin like water-based products.
For silicone lubricants, being completely pure and containing no additives are key to safety. Pure silicone-with no other ingredients-is inert, which means it has a balanced pH. This characteristic makes it neutral and impossible for bacteria to attach and grow. Some silicones can stay in the body's internal cavities for two to 10 days; since pure silicone is inert, it is safe inside the body. Many years of research have concluded that pure silicone has no immunological or toxicological effect on the body. Its structure is such that it cannot migrate though tissue and will naturally flush through the body. Internal use of pure silicone has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European TÜV. Silicone products that are not pure are for topical, external or cosmetic use only; many products are labeled as such.
Many silicone products use cyclomethicones-a family of silicones-as primary ingredients. There are varying grades and levels in the cyclo family. A higher level is a family called cyclopentasiloxanes or cyclohexasiloxanes. Each family has many grades of cleanliness; medical grades are in classes D3 and higher. New preliminary research conducted in the EU indicates that the safest cylos are cyclopentasiloxanes. Compared to the cyclomethicone family, this class of cylos is more refined and feels softer. Pjur Group is among the few adult companies that use cyclopentasiloxanes; most use cyclomethicones.
Since the adult market now has hundreds of silicone brands with varying grades and formulas, when merchandising these products, it is important to let customers know whether the products are safe for internal use or meant for external, topical or cosmetic use.
Silicone lubricants and toys are only compatible when higher grades are used. Novelty lines such as Fun Factory and Tantus are compatible with pure silicone. To test for compatibility, apply a small amount to the toy or cover the toy with a condom.
Silicone has revolutionized the adult business. It has yielded lubricants and novelties that are the most comfortable and the safest, if properly manufactured using pure, high grades.
Richard Harris is CEO and marketing director of Pjur Group USA. He also serves as the managing partner in Lucom USA, a brand management and consulting firm.
