Is Polymer Clay Safe?

If you spend any time online reading about polymer clay you will doubtless read the ominous warnings that other clayers tell you. “Don’t use polymer clay with food.” “Use dedicated tools with polymer clay.” There is much talk of “contamination”. The labels tell you to wash your hands and don’t eat while claying. And yet we read on the label that polymer clay is non-toxic. What is going on here? What is safe? What is not? I’ve looked into the issue and I’ll try to bring some clarity and eliminate some of the fear and confusion around the question, “Is polymer clay safe?”

Is Polymer Clay Safe?

  • Major brands of polymer clay have been tested and are certified to be non-toxic when used as directed.
  • Some plasticizers used in vinyl manufacturing have been associated with health risks, but polymer clay has not included those chemicals for many years. Non-toxic plasticizers are now used.
  • It is perfectly safe to cure or bake polymer clay in your home oven.
  • If you burn polymer clay, small amounts of irritating vapor can be emitted, so ventilate the room if this happens. (Prevent this by learning to bake polymer clay properly.)
  • Manufacturers cannot certify their material for making food utensils, so polymer clay is not certified to be used for food contact. Here’s more about what “food safe” means.
  • It’s best if you don’t use your polymer clay tools with other crafts and in the kitchen.
  • Polymer clay is vinyl, and is therefore similar to the material used to make beach balls, vinyl tablecloths, aquarium tubing, and baby dolls.
  • All of this is discussed in more detail below….

Is Polymer Clay Safe with Food?

If you’ve ever worked in food service, you know how there are regulations about sterilizing utensils and surfaces. Cutlery, bowls, and plates need to be washed in suitably hot water and need to be dipped in a disinfecting bath if washed by hand. Or run through a hot dishwasher. Polymer clay can readily withstand a few trips through the dishwasher, but the heat and caustic soap of a dishwasher can cause polymer to change color or break down over time. The bleach of a sterilizing solution can cause polymer clay to change color and/or degrade. The manufacturers of polymer clay don’t make it for this purpose. They make and sell polymer clay, not utensils. If you were to make bowls and want them to be food safe, then YOU would have to test your bowls. Sculpey can’t do that! And because they haven’t tested for it, they can’t recommend or endorse it for that purpose.

But just because bars of Sculpey are not certified as food safe doesn’t necessarily suggest that polymer clay is toxic. That’s a weird jump in logic!

Also, a polymer clay manufacturer can’t guarantee how a crafter will make a bowl, for instance. One person might make one that’s super smooth, but another person might use overlapping cane slices with lots of nooks and crannies. Such a bowl is impossible to be adequately cleaned and therefore unable to be considered “food safe”.

By the way, you’ve probably read people mention that “microscopic food particles get trapped and bacteria can grow”. Well, take it from the old microbiologist here (that’s me). Bacteria isn’t going to grow in your polymer clay. It doesn’t work that way. But it can certainly hide in the crevices, cracks, and surface pits. And the next thing that goes in the bowl could certainly be contaminated with it. Think Salmonella. Ew. You need to be able to fully clean and sanitize your item if you’re going to use it with food, and polymer clay just isn’t made for that. Period.

Could you use a sealer, such as Varathane, and would a bowl then be food safe? Well…Varathane isn’t designed to be used for food contact purposes either. And also, Varathane won’t hold up to a trip through the dishwasher.

Realistically, though, is polymer clay safe to make a decorative bowl to hold some nuts or bananas or wrapped candies on your table? Probably. It’s not toxic any more than many other plastics. It’s not like polymer clay will ruin your food. But in general, polymer clay is just not suited for making food-contact items. It’s vinyl modeling putty, not a food-bowl-making material!

polymer clay covered spoon and mug by Klio
Polymer clay covered mug and spoon by Klio Tsaliki.

Covering Cutlery and Glasses with Polymer Clay

But you see lots of times where polymer clay is used to cover the handles of cutlery or the outsides of glasses. Is polymer clay safe for that? Yes, it is absolutely safe to use polymer clay in this manner. As long as it’s not a food-contact region, you’re fine. So go ahead and decorate your wine glasses and coffee cups. Go ahead and make big chunky handles for children’s cutlery. But leave the polymer clay off of the food-contact region. Leave that area clear so that it can be adequately cleaned and sanitized. Remember that anything decorated with polymer clay needs to be hand washed, too. The dishwasher isn’t kind to any hand-decorated art kitchenware!

These are polymer clay covered cutlery by Flo Laplace of Talismans.
Polymer clay covered handles on this cutlery set by Flo Laplace of Talismans.

Use Clay Dedicated Tools

If you’ll check the label of a bar of polymer clay, the instructions will tell you to use clay-dedicated tools and to wash your hands before eating. That has led many people to fear that polymer clay creates some sort of toxic contamination. First off, let me assure you. Polymer clay has been tested and is certified to be non-toxic. It is not something that’s going to make you sick when used as directed. There’s the key right there. When used as directed.

You see, polymer clay is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and a plasticizer (that makes it soft…many plastics have plasticizers, even chewing gum). And because we use PVC pipes for our water supply, there are well-established tolerances for how much ingested PVC is considered to be toxic. It’s a lot, by the way, so don’t worry. But if a manufacturer didn’t discourage you from using your kitchen tools with clay…and then using them for food again…how could they know how much PVC and plasticizer a customer might ingest? I might be very careful and clean my knife well. But another person might pick up their clay knife, with particles of clay, and cut their kids’ sandwiches. The manufacturer can’t control that!

And because polymer clay isn’t food, and toxic levels are possible if you ate enough of it, they must tell you to wash your hands and use clay dedicated tools. Does that make sense?

If you happen to be claying and walk through the kitchen one time and your hands end up in the bag of chips, I would not be concerned in the slightest. You’re not going to die. But don’t make a habit of it. And you really should wash your hands before eating anyway, right? If you need to use a specific kitchen tool for a project, go right ahead. Just clean it thoroughly before it goes back to the kitchen. And I mean thoroughly. Polymer clay is not water-soluble and won’t come off with a quick wash.

What about Plasticizers?

There is much fear around the term “plasticizers” when it comes to polymer clay. First off, a plasticizer is a chemical that is used to make a substance more “plastic” or soft and bendy. Many plastics have plasticizers. Vinyl hoses have them. Plastic bowls have them. Your shoes have them. Even gum has plasticizer…yes…there are edible plasticizers.

And one of the chemical characteristics of a plasticizer is that it tends to migrate out of the plastic over time (some faster than others). That’s why old plastic becomes brittle. It’s because the plasticizer has evaporated out of the material, leaving it brittle. Years ago, they used plasticizers with a small molecular weight (smaller molecules) that would easily migrate out. Modern plasticizers have much larger molecules and stay put inside the plastic better. That leads to longer life of the plastic. The most modern plasticizers used with polymer clay are locked up between the PVC molecules when they fuse during baking, assuming it’s baked adequately.

One class of plasticizers, called phthalate esters, came under fire back in late 90’s and early 2000’s as being an endocrine disruptor. (Many cancers are affected by endocrine tissue, so this is worrisome.) Because those plasticizers migrate, it was found that it was possible for phthalate esters to be ingested. Of particular concern were baby bottles and children’s toys (because kids chew on their toys). So there was a campaign to eliminate those suspect phthalates in such materials.

In 2009, the US passed a law outlawing specific phthalates in children’s items. And because polymer clay is considered a toy, the formulation was changed and those suspect phthalate esters were no longer the plasticizer used. Several companies, such as FIMO, switched to other plasticizers well before this date.

Be aware that much of the scary information on the internet about the safety of polymer clay, such as a 2002 article written by a Vermont lobbyist organization, are outdated and refer to phthalates which are no longer used.

Many major brands of polymer clay now use a citrate based plasticizer. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe to use in children’s toys, medical products, and any sort of PVC.

Baking Polymer Clay Safely

Of course, discussions of the toxicity of polymer clay always bring up the question of using a clay-dedicated polymer clay oven for baking. This is absolutely and unequivocally unnecessary. Please take a moment to read this safety information provided by Polyform, the makers of Sculpey and Premo. You’ll see that polymer clay does not release toxic fumes when baked properly. Or even when baked a little hotter than directed. (In fact, it’s well-known among pros that baking 10-20 degrees hotter makes the clay stronger, as does baking longer, but only if you are VERIFYING the temp with a themometer.)

When polymer clay burns, however, it does release hydrogen chloride gas, which is caustic and will burn your lungs (but is not exactly toxic). But polymer clay doesn’t burn until it reaches temperatures near 350°F (175°C). So if your oven is accurate, this will not be a concern for you.

For more information on baking polymer clay, including how to get the best results, how to minimize any smells, and how to prevent browning and color change, refer to the tutorial Baking Polymer Clay.

Many people find that the smells from baking polymer clay are unpleasant and some sensitive people might get headaches. If this is a concern for you, then by all means put your clay oven in the garage or porch. And cover your project during baking, taking the pan outside to open it up. But be assured that baking polymer clay does not produce toxic fumes.

This being said, remember that toxicity is situation dependent. Polymer clay is safe to be baked in your home as a hobby or craft material. If you work production-style, you’ll probably want to use professional ventilation. While nobody worries about baking bread at home, a production bakery has industrial-level ventilation, right? Please keep such measures in mind. Your home’s air quality should be taken seriously. I can’t advise you on that. It’s beyond the scope of this website!

polymer clay decorated wine glasses by Melody Tallon
These wonderful wine glasses were decorated with polymer clay by Melody Tallon

Polymer Clay Safety Risks

Polymer clay is a plastic, and as such, isn’t a whole lot different from any other plastic we use in our lives. It is PVC, the very same plastic that is used in our water pipes. But even though polymer clay is tested and certified to be non-toxic, there will always be the question, what if?

What if “they” haven’t discovered yet that one of its components will cause problems years down the line? What if the plasticizers are more toxic than “they” know? Well, you can’t know. Not for sure.

But that’s true for everything. You have to be rational and logical and not give in to scary rumors and myths you might read. Find out the information that you can. Fear has no place here. And take reasonable precautions for your body’s safety, as you hopefully do every day in your life, whether you’re working with polymer clay or not.

Regardless of your chosen hobby, you should be using good ventilation, appropriate protection (gloves or mask), and wash your hands afterward. It’s part of taking care of your body and being healthy. But you have to be logical about it. It’s just plain silly to freak out about “polymer clay contamination” and then ignore the many, many other plastics, industrial adhesives, carpets, and petroleum product outgassing that we encounter each day.

I suppose I could write a philosophical piece here about the risks we take in life. All plastic is nasty stuff, and it probably does cause issues for our bodies. But then so do food-borne illnesses and the dangers of improper food storage. Is it better to store milk in a plastic jug, a paper carton (dioxin), or a glass bottle that might not have been adequately sterilized?

We are surrounded with dangers in life, both by chemicals and by things that happen to us. We do what we can to minimize the risks that we can control. We don’t smoke, we eat organic produce, and we avoid GMO’s. But we use cell phones and breathe exhaust and get into our cars which are filled with plastic. Some risk is unavoidable. But you have to evaluate the relative importance of these risks. And from what I can tell, working with polymer clay as a hobby isn’t a very big monster on this list of risks.

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144 thoughts on “Is Polymer Clay Safe?”

  1. Hi Ginger-I have a pasta machine I used for a project with fimo and sculpey, but really need it now for pasta! Can I take it apart and run it through a dishwasher to use again for food? Thank you!

    1. Officially, no. It’s too hard to remove all the bits of polymer clay and plasticizers. If you took it apart and cleaned every bit with alcohol, yes, it might be possible. But you’ll have to add lubricant again. And don’t put any pasta machine parts through a dishwasher! Not only does it not remove the clay, but it will damage the metal.

  2. Hello,

    I am fairly new to polymer clay and was wondering if you have any additional information around the reformulation of polymer clays with alternative plasticizers to comply with CPSIA of 2008. I can find patent literature to support that FIMO utilizes a citrate based plasticizer, but sculpey’s website indicates that product lines such as premo and soufflé are not certified in accordance with CPSIA of 2008. This could just be that those lines are not marketed as children’s toys and therefore do not need to undergo proof of compliance and are in fact reformulated without the phthalates of concern or in reduced quantities, but I have not been able to confirm.

    Thanks!

    1. I don’t have specific information on that. You’d have to talk with Sculpey to get confirmation. But I can say that I’ve been told privately that Sculpey’s products do have a citrate based plasticizer. Not sure if all of them do.

  3. Hi,
    If I use a mug and decorate it with Polymer Clay, can it be put in microwave for warming drinks? And also, would Sculpey bond and bake glue the clay to mug while baking, or would I have to use a different glue after baking? Thanks in advance for your advice!

  4. Great article! Super useful 🙂
    I am completely new to polymer clay and wanted to make handles so cutlery. I figured it was safe, but it is good to be sure.
    I also wonder if it was possible to fix a chipped mug with polymer clay. It is not an issue when you try for the sections on the handle, but mine also has one spot on the rim that needs to be food safe. I don’t think this will have any crease that will contribute to bacteria formation. The idea is for it to be smooth, so if I understand correctly, si should be safe?

  5. I was wondering if there would be an issue using polymer clay to make an aquarium decoration? I don’t want to kill my husband’s fish!

    1. There’s no reason to believe that polymer clay is toxic. But it’s not certified to be safe for this purpose. Polymer clay is vinyl. Many people do use polymer clay for this purpose.

  6. Kathleen F Broadstreet

    Thank you for your article but I have a slightly different concern. I am planning to make ergonomic but pretty handles for my crochet hooks. I have several aluminum hooks that I inherited from my MIL but after I work them for awhile, the handle rubs a sore spot in my palm. I’m hoping that a more rounded, larger handle will prevent this. I plan to seal them with polyurethane after baking to give them a glossy shine.
    Anyway, I find that the most economical starter kits with lots of small blocks in different colors are available on Amazon but it’s next to impossible to determine where it was made. I’m worried about toxic chemicals in the clay from countries that have less strict safety laws. Is this possible or am I concerned about nothing? How can I be sure that the clay is pure and meets US safety standards?

    1. To an extent, we’re all at the mercy of the systems that enforce these legal systems. But craft materials sold in this country are SUPPOSED to meet US safety standards. The simplest solution is to stick with name brands.

  7. Sarah Hennessey

    Fantastic article. I just wish you had left out that last part about eating organic and avoiding GMO’s. As someone who seems very scientifically literate, I’m surprised you would fall prey to the myths about benefits of organic and fears about GMO’s. There are thousands of scientific studies backing up the safety of genetic engineering and confirming the safety and nutritional equivalence of non-organic foods.

    I know this is a polymer clay site, but since you mentioned it, I figured I would encourage you to look closer at the science on these topics. There is no reason to fear GMO’s, and absolutely no reason to buy organic from a safety or nutrition standpoint.

    Cheers!

    1. Don’t worry. I haven’t fallen prey. As someone who was educated in biology and has worked doing molecular biology research, I fully understand that GMOs are not dangerous. I was speaking more generally, stating that humans (ie. we) avoid things that we perceive to be dangerous. Sadly, many people do perceive these harmless things to be dangerous, which was exactly my point.

  8. Hello Ginger! Your articles are so informative!

    Question: Does PC leach any type of oils that would stain paper after proper bake?

    Thanks for all you do!

      1. What type of masks is needed to keep the ‘not so likely’ toxins out? Would a surgical one be enough?

  9. Hi, I’m looking to make some toys for babies out of polymer clay. so my question is if it is ok for babies to bite/put polymer clay in their mouths when it is set?

  10. Hi Ginger,

    Thanks for another great article! When people ask me for tips on getting into PC I always direct them to your site, describing it as the Bible for PC haha.

    Not sure if you’ve covered this before but wondered if you can help. I just purchased some gold liquid FIMO which I was hoping to use to create gold joins in my clay pieces (similar to Kintsugi style) and also use it to cover pre-baked clay for a marble effect. In the instructions it advises you bake it for 20-30 mins at 130 degrees Celsius / 265 Fahrenheit. however it also states “do not exceed hardening time of 30 mins”. I haven’t seen this on FIMO polymer clay before, it usually just says do not heat over so many degrees. As I bake my FIMO clay for 1 hour at 130 degrees Celsius do you think it would be suitable to also bake this liquid FIMO with the clay for that amount of time?

    Any advice is appreciated!

    1. I haven’t worked with it specifically. All I can suggest is that manufacturer’s instructions often reflect safety concerns rather than processes for optimal results. Take that into consideration when choosing your baking times and temps. Always monitor and use good ventilation!

  11. Hello, please bear with me. I made my friend a joint holder(modeled after a vintage cigarette holder) out of this type of clay before even thinking it might not be safe. I’m curious if would if it be safe to use considering it’s just holding the joint and not actually smoking from it directly or being heated in any way. If it is okay to use and I wanted to finish it to make it look shiny what would be the best/safest thing to use? Thank you!

  12. Hi, I was wondering if I make a spoon rest from polymer clay and then seal it with epoxy resin, will it be safe?

    Thank you

    1. Polymer clay isn’t unsafe. It’s just not a suitable food-storage material. Generally, it’s not a suitable material for food-contact purposes, but then neither is epoxy resin. 🙂 It would make a fine coaster or place to rest a spoon, sure. But it’s not good for HOLDING food that you will consume.

  13. I want to make a Fruit Bowl but don’t have access to a pottery studio (especially now, due to Covid restrictions). Do you think this would be safe to use to store fruit on the counter once it has been baked? If not, do you know of a food save sealant i might be able to coat the fruit bowl with?

    1. Polymer clay is vinyl and that’s not a material that works well or is suitable for making food vessels. It’s too flimsy and flexible to hold fruit. However, you can decorate the outside of a clear glass bowl. Try that.

  14. jacquelyn Parish

    I am making Tea bag holders, sealing them with Mineral Oil(not spirits), they hang off the outside of the cup, mostly animals, with the clay legs hanging into the cup roughly 1/4” to 1/2”, if the tea doesn’t come in contact with the clay, and is removed before the tea is drank, and with using the mineral oil, would it be safe to use for a tea bag holder

      1. jacquelyn Parish

        Thank You for responding so quickly, mineral oil is food safe, doctors her me giving it to my disabled daughter(internally), Thank You for the information, learning as I go,

        1. jacquelyn Parish

          will it be ok to share you answer on some fb pages I am on, one of the ladies directed me to your site, she said ‘you would know’,

  15. Is there any way to drink hot drinks from mugs that have polymer clay on them and is there a way to make them almost heat resistant?

  16. Hi Ginger,

    Thank you for this thoughtful article.
    I’ve just recently started working with polymer clay during the pandemic and this has been a concern of mine.

    I do want to ask, i bake my polymer clay at 275 F in my family oven, but I smell an odor coming from the oven. Is this odor considered to be the fumes that are released from the PC? Or is this normal?

    I once accidentally dropped a piece of clay in the bottom of the oven and immediately trying to get it out, that terrified me since the odor was stronger.

  17. Hi, I’m new to polymer clay and enjoy your articles a lot. I see that you’re a microbiologist too! Something that I’m wondering about is the sanding residue in the water that then goes down the drain. How harmful could this to the environment? Have you thought of any smart ways to catch the residue?

    1. Polymer clay is plastic. You should not flush it down the sink. No particles should go down the sink or you risk plugging your pipes.

      As for the environment, well, you should minimize any waste. Always. But compared to the amount of microfibers that come from a load of laundry, this is nothing.

      Some people try to filter the sanding water with coffee filters. (It takes a long time.) Others just pour it into a jar and let it evaporate. Then discard the dust in the regular trash. Personally, I prefer to dry sand.

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