Cyberskin and Synthetic "Skin" Materials: What It Is and How to Care for It

Cyberskin is a trade name for soft, skin-like polymer blends used in adult products. Many of these materials are porous, so they require careful cleaning with mild soap and warm water, avoidance of high heat, and light dusting with cornstarch rather than talc. Use water-based lubricants and consider condoms for sharing. Claims linking Cyberskin's origin to specific aerospace technology or precise formulations vary among sources and should be verified.

What Cyberskin is

Cyberskin is a trade name that came into use for soft, skin-like polymers used in adult products and novelty items. The material and similar blends were marketed for a lifelike touch and appearance. Many of these products are made from proprietary polymer blends (often thermoplastic elastomers or other soft polymers) rather than medical-grade silicone.

Some early marketing about Cyberskin linked the material's origin to aerospace engineering and named specific machines and companies. Those historical origin claims appear in older sources but are not universally documented and should be treated cautiously.

Material characteristics

Products sold as Cyberskin or "synthetic skin" typically feel soft and flexible. Many of these blends are porous at a microscopic level. That porosity affects cleaning, longevity, and how the material interacts with lubricants and other toy materials.

Older descriptions sometimes state the material is a combination of silicone and latex. That formulation detail varies by manufacturer and is not consistent across all products labeled Cyberskin. ¹

Cleaning and care

• Wash after each use with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Do not use harsh cleaners or household disinfectants that may damage the surface.

• Because many of these materials are porous, they cannot be fully sterilized. Avoid boiling or high heat; overheating can deform or damage the material.

• To reduce surface stickiness, many users dust the toy lightly with cornstarch. Cornstarch is preferred today over talc because of health concerns associated with talc powders.

• Store toys in a clean, dry place, ideally separated from other items (individual bags or cloth pouches work well). Some blends can transfer color or become tacky if stored touching other plastics or silicones.

• Use barrier protection (condoms) if sharing or when using with a partner to reduce cross-contamination.

Lubricants and compatibility

Use water-based lubricants with porous synthetic-skin materials. Avoid silicone-based lubricants if the product manufacturer advises against them - silicone lubes can degrade some materials, and they are unnecessary with water-based options. Check the manufacturer's guidance when available.

Safety and longevity

Porous synthetic-skin materials can discolor, absorb fluids, and tear over time. Proper cleaning, storage, and occasional replacement will extend life and reduce bacterial risks. If you want a nonporous, easy-to-sanitize alternative, consider medical-grade silicone products, which tolerate boiling or bleach disinfection (follow the manufacturer's instructions).

Bottom line

Cyberskin and similar synthetic-skin blends deliver a lifelike feel but require more careful maintenance than nonporous materials. Follow cleaning recommendations, prefer cornstarch over talc for storage, use water-based lubricants, and replace porous items as they age.

1. Verify historical claims that Cyberskin technology originated from NASA engineers and identify any primary sources or patents referencing an 'Aerospace 601' injection-molding machine.
2. Confirm whether the company named Topco was the first to combine silicone and latex under the Cyberskin brand or the accurate corporate origin of the Cyberskin trademark.
3. Confirm specific material formulations used historically for products marketed as Cyberskin (e.g., whether they were mixtures of silicone and latex versus other polymer blends).