Silicone products are widely used in kitchenware, baby products, and daily essentials due to their eco-friendliness, heat resistance, and durability. However, as silicone products gain popularity, some unscrupulous sellers are cutting corners by using "fake silicone" or inferior materials to mimic 100% pure silicone, luring customers with low prices. These products not only have a short lifespan but may also pose safety risks!
As a professional silicone product manufacturer, we’re sharing 4 simple and practical methods to help you distinguish real silicone from fake and avoid scams!
1. Smell Test: Real Silicone is Odorless, Fake Silicone Has a Chemical Smell
✅ 100% Pure Silicone: Made from natural silicone materials, it has almost no odor after high-temperature vulcanization and won’t release harmful fumes even when heated.
❌ Fake/Low-Quality Silicone: Often mixed with PVC, plasticizers, or fillers, it emits a strong chemical smell, especially when exposed to heat (e.g., during steaming or boiling).
How to Test: Smell a newly purchased silicone product—if it has a noticeable plastic or rubber odor, be cautious!
2. Burn Test: Real Silicone Leaves White Ash
✅ 100% Pure Silicone: An inorganic material, it burns without black smoke, leaving behind white ash (silica) and no toxic fumes.
❌ Fake Silicone/Plastic Blends: Produces black smoke, a pungent odor, and may melt or drip, leaving black residue.
How to Test (with caution): Cut a small piece and burn it with a lighter (perform in a well-ventilated area).
3. Elasticity Test: Real Silicone Bounces Back Quickly
✅ 100% Pure Silicone: Highly elastic—stretches or folds and quickly returns to its original shape without permanent deformation. Feels soft and smooth.
❌ Fake/Low-Quality Material: Poor elasticity, slow recovery, may deform permanently, and feels stiff or rough.
How to Test: Pinch or fold the silicone product—check if it regains its shape or leaves creases.
4. Heat Resistance Test: Real Silicone Withstands High Temperatures
✅ 100% Pure Silicone: Heat-resistant (typically -40°C to 230°C), safe for boiling, steaming, and sterilization (e.g., silicone baby nipples, steamer liners) without deforming or releasing toxins.
❌ Fake Silicone/Low-Quality Material: Softens, deforms, or emits odors under high heat, posing health risks with long-term use.
How to Test: Boil the silicone product for 3-5 minutes—check for deformation or strange smells.
How to Avoid Fake Silicone?
Don’t Fall for Cheap Prices: Extremely low-cost "silicone" products are likely adulterated.
Check Certifications: Look for FDA, LFGB, or SGS certifications.
Buy from Reputable Brands: Choose trusted manufacturers with transparent sourcing.
Test It Yourself: Use the methods above to verify quality.