What Are Squishy Toys Made Of? A Complete Safety Guide (TPR vs Silicone vs PU)

If you've ever squeezed a squishy toy and wondered "what exactly is this made of?" — you're not alone. With squishy toys exploding in popularity (Amazon's "squishy" search ranks #16 platform-wide with 800,000 weekly searches), more parents, teachers, and adult buyers are asking important questions about materials, safety, and certifications.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about what squishy toys are made of, which materials are safest, and how to make sure you're buying quality products.

The Three Main Squishy Toy Materials

1. TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) — The Most Common

TPR is the material used in the vast majority of modern squishy toys, including all of Gytera's squishy collection. It's a hybrid material that combines the properties of rubber with the moldability of plastic.

Pros:

• Excellent slow-rising effect (3-5 second return time)

• Soft, skin-friendly texture

• Non-toxic when properly formulated

• Durable — withstands hundreds of squeeze cycles

• Easy to clean with soap and water

Cons:

• Can feel slightly sticky in humid conditions

• Lower-cost TPR variants may have a rubbery smell initially

• Not biodegradable

Safety profile: TPR is generally recognized as safe for consumer products. When manufactured to meet CPC (Children's Product Certificate) and ASTM F963 standards, TPR squishies are tested for phthalates, heavy metals, and other harmful substances.

2. Silicone — The Premium Option

Food-grade silicone is used in higher-end squishy toys and baby teething products. It's the same material used in silicone bakeware and kitchen utensils.

Pros:

• Exceptionally safe — food-grade, BPA-free, phthalate-free

• Heat resistant and dishwasher safe

• Non-sticky surface

• Long-lasting and doesn't degrade over time

Cons:

• More expensive to manufacture

• Less "squishy" feel — tends to be firmer

• Limited slow-rising effect

• Fewer design options due to manufacturing constraints

Safety profile: Silicone is the gold standard for safety in squeeze toys. It's FDA-approved for food contact and widely considered the safest option for young children.

3. Polyurethane (PU) Foam — The Original Squishy Material

PU foam was the original material used in Japanese squishy toys (the trend started in Japan around 2015). It's a soft, foam-like material that provides excellent slow-rising action.

Pros:

• Best slow-rising effect of all materials

• Very lightweight

• Wide range of designs and colors

• Soft, cushion-like feel

Cons:

• Can tear more easily than TPR or silicone

• May contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in lower-quality versions

• Not washable — water can degrade the foam

• Shorter lifespan with heavy use

Safety profile: PU foam safety varies significantly by manufacturer. High-quality PU squishies from reputable brands are tested and safe, but cheap, unbranded versions may contain harmful VOCs. Always look for safety certifications.

Which Material Is Safest?

For most consumers, TPR that meets CPC and ASTM F963 standards offers the best balance of safety, durability, and squish satisfaction. Here's how the three materials compare:

Material	Safety Rating	Durability	Slow-Rise Effect	Price
TPR (certified)	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	$$
Silicone (food-grade)	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆	$$$
PU Foam	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★	$

Understanding Safety Certifications

When shopping for squishy toys, look for these certifications:

CPC (Children's Product Certificate)

Required by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for all children's products. A CPC certifies that the product has been tested by a CPSC-accepted laboratory and meets all applicable children's product safety rules, including:

• Lead content limits (≤100 ppm in surface coatings)

• Phthalate limits (≤0.1% for specified phthalates)

• Mechanical and physical properties testing

ASTM F963

The American Society for Testing and Materials standard for toy safety. ASTM F963 testing covers:

• Flammability testing

• Toxicity testing

• Small parts hazards

• Sharp edge and sharp point testing

• Use-and-abuse testing

At Gytera, all our products are tested for CPC and ASTM F963 compliance. Browse our safety-tested squishy collection →

Common Safety Concerns About Squishy Toys

"Do squishy toys contain harmful chemicals?"

When manufactured to CPC/ASTM standards, squishy toys are tested for phthalates, heavy metals, and other regulated substances. However, extremely cheap, unbranded squishies from unknown sellers may not undergo proper testing. Always buy from brands that openly share their safety certifications.

"Why does my squishy toy smell?"

A slight rubbery smell is normal for new TPR products and typically fades within a few days. However, a strong chemical or gasoline-like odor may indicate the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which is a red flag. If your squishy has a strong chemical smell that doesn't fade, discontinue use.

"Are squishy toys safe for toddlers?"

Most squishy toys are labeled for ages 3+ or 18+ due to small parts and choking hazards. For toddlers, choose silicone teethers specifically designed for mouthing. Never leave a young child unattended with a squishy toy that could be torn into small pieces.

"Can squishy toys cause allergic reactions?"

True allergies to TPR or silicone are rare. However, some people may experience mild skin irritation from prolonged contact with certain rubber compounds. If you notice redness or itching, discontinue use and switch to a silicone-based product.

How Material Quality Affects the Squishy Experience

Not all TPR is created equal. The quality of the TPR compound determines:

1. Slow-rise time — Premium TPR provides 3-5 seconds of slow, satisfying rise. Cheap TPR snaps back almost instantly.

1. Texture consistency — Quality TPR feels smooth and uniform. Low-grade TPR can feel grainy or have air bubbles.

1. Durability — Good TPR withstands hundreds of squeeze cycles without tearing or losing its shape.

1. Stickiness — Premium TPR has minimal surface stickiness. Cheap TPR can become excessively sticky, attracting dust and lint.

Want to keep your squishies non-sticky and clean? Check out our complete guide to cleaning squishy toys →

Material Guide by Product Type

Different squishy styles work best with different materials:

• Dumpling squishies → TPR (best for the soft, dough-like texture)

• Animal squishies → TPR (detailed molding needs TPR's flexibility)

• Stress cubes → TPR or silicone (cubes benefit from firmer materials)

• Sensory toys → TPR with textured surfaces (maximizes tactile feedback)

The Bottom Line

Squishy toys made from certified TPR are safe, satisfying, and durable — making TPR the best all-around material for most buyers. Always check for CPC and ASTM F963 certifications, buy from reputable brands, and avoid suspiciously cheap unbranded products.

At Gytera, we're committed to transparency about our materials. Every product in our store is made from premium TPR and tested for safety compliance. Shop our safety-tested squishy collection →

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FAQ

Q: What is the white powder on some squishy toys? A: That's typically talcum powder or cornstarch, applied at the factory to prevent sticking. It's harmless and can be washed off. For ongoing non-stick maintenance, see our cleaning guide.

Q: Can I microwave my squishy toy to clean it? A: No. Never microwave a squishy toy. TPR and PU foam can melt or release harmful fumes when heated. Clean with mild soap and warm water only.

Q: Why do some squishies cost 2 and others cost 15? A: Price differences reflect material quality, safety testing costs, and manufacturing standards. Cheaper squishies may skip safety certifications or use lower-grade materials. Investing in certified products ensures both safety and better performance.

Q: Are biodegradable squishy toys available? A: Truly biodegradable squishies are not yet widely available. TPR and silicone are recyclable but not biodegradable. If environmental impact is a concern, choose durable products that will last years rather than disposable ones.