Is silicone plastic? Our answer, and why
Silicone is a synthetic polymer, so we count it as plastic — but we always label it separately so you can decide.
By PlasticFreeHome Research Team · Reviewed by Khalid · Updated 26 September 2026 · 1 min read
Yes — under our definition, silicone is plastic. It is a synthetic polymer (polysiloxane), and a product with silicone touching food cannot be called plastic-free on PlasticFreeHome.
Why we count it
Our definition of plastic covers any material whose main ingredient is a synthetic polymer. Silicone fits. Leaving it out would let "plastic-free" labels hide silicone seals, teats and bakeware.
Why we label it separately
Silicone behaves differently from most plastics: it is more heat-stable and lasts a long time. Plenty of people are happy to use it. So we always name it as silicone on product pages, so you can make your own call.
Where it hides
- Seals in "leak-proof" glass and steel containers
- Baby bottle teats and soothers
- Menstrual cups
- Reusable food bags and baking mats
- Lids on reusable cups and bottles
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