Are Squishies Toxic? What We Know So Far
Short answer: not as a rule, but a handful of squishies have been flagged by regulators. Here is what has actually been reported, and how to shop and play sensibly.
By Hannah Doyle · · 7 min read
So, are squishies toxic? Not across the board. Authorities in several European countries say the risks depend on the individual product, and only a small number have been warned against so far. Some have turned up with problems, though, so a blanket yes or no would be dishonest.
Nobody can promise that a given squishy is safe, and neither will we. What we can do is lay out what the UK OPSS, Dutch and German bodies and French authorities have published, with dates, so you can judge for yourself. Our broader guide, are squishies safe, covers everyday use.
Are squishies toxic? The honest answer
The Verbraucherzentrale consumer bodies in Germany said on 7 October 2026 that not every squishy is dangerous, that risks vary from product to product, and that whether there is a general raised risk is still being studied.
Stiftung Warentest noted on 26 September 2026 that authorities have warned against only a small number of products so far. So the fair summary is this: most are probably unremarkable, a few have been flagged, and it is hard to tell which is which from the shelf.
| Source | Date | What was reported |
|---|---|---|
| OPSS (UK) | 10 Aug 2026 | Dumpling-style squeeze toy with liquid failed a microbiological limit, had no UKCA/CE marking, import refused and product destroyed |
| NVWA (Netherlands) | Reported 26 Sep 2026 | Volatile organic compounds found after reports of a chemical, petrol-like smell |
| UK associations | Reported 26 Sep 2026 | Benzene detected in Squeezy Dumplings, per Stiftung Warentest and the Verbraucherzentrale |
| LGL Bavaria | 2019 | 18 foam squishies tested, one contained dimethylformamide (DMF), a solvent with an unpleasant smell |
What UK regulators have actually said
The OPSS report
The Office for Product Safety and Standards published a report on 10 August 2026 about a Squishy Dumpling Bun Squeeze Toy, a coloured cube filled with liquid and glitter, imported from China. Its liquid contained aerobic micro-organisms, yeasts and moulds above the permitted limit.
The toy also carried no product identification and no UKCA or CE marking, so it did not meet the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. The risk was rated medium, and the import was refused at the border and destroyed.
What the report does not say
- It does not mention burns or benzene.
- It does not say all squishies are contaminated.
- It does say that if the casing is damaged or leaks, contact with the contaminated liquid could affect some people, for example those with weakened immune systems.
The recall notice
An OPSS recall notice for Squishies / Squeezy Dumplings is dated 25 June 2026. Its exact cause is not something we could confirm, so we will not guess at it. German sources report that British associations found benzene in these products.
The smell test, and why it matters
Dutch tests followed reports of a chemical odour like petrol, and they found volatile organic compounds. German consumer advice is blunt: check the smell, and if it is chemical or like petrol, do not keep it.
- Open the packaging in a ventilated room, not a closed car or cupboard.
- Give it a brief sniff from a normal distance.
- A strong solvent, petrol or chemical smell is a red flag.
- Stop using it and contact the seller. Trading Standards can advise on suspect products.
Beyond toxicity: the risks people forget
The word toxic grabs attention, but regulators and consumer groups spend as much time on physical risks. These are often the more likely problems.
| Type | Reported risks |
|---|---|
| Foam | Solvent smell in one 2019 Bavarian test, crumbling pieces that could be swallowed |
| Gel or liquid filled | Casing can tear and leak, liquid can become contaminated |
| Beads (water beads) | Swallowed beads can cause blockage or choking |
| Sand filled | Sand can contain asbestos, so Stiftung Warentest advises against sand-filled models |
Burns from heating
Videos showing squishies being microwaved are the clearest danger. The DGCCRF in France asked people on 10 August 2026 not to copy them. The Verbraucherzentrale warns that heated gel sticks to skin and burns deeper than hot water, and that radiators or hot cars can cause the same problem.
Glasgow's children's hospital has issued an alert about children microwaving squishies, and British burn specialists have treated seriously hurt children. Never heat, cut, pierce or open one.
Choking and young children
Choking and blockage are the main concern for under-threes, from bead fillings or torn-off chunks. German advice is no squishies for children under three, and always follow the age on the packaging.
How to shop more sensibly
None of this guarantees safety, but it removes most of the obvious warning signs. Our guides to popular squishies and gift ideas are written with these checks in mind.
- Look for UKCA or CE marking on the toy or packaging. It is not a guarantee, since some flagged products carried it, but its absence is a problem.
- Check for a manufacturer or importer name and address. No address was flagged by Stiftung Warentest as a warning sign.
- Prefer known brands and established sellers.
- Read the age guidance and any small-parts or choking warning on the listing.
- Avoid sand-filled and water-bead models if young children are around.
- Skip anything that smells chemical when you open it.
If something goes wrong
Cracked or leaking squishy
German advice is to check them regularly and bin any that are cracked. Wash hands after handling a leaking one. Our guide on how to clean a squishy covers routine care, and the recall page tracks notices.
Burns
- Cool the burn under cold running water for about 20 minutes.
- Do not use ice.
- Do not pull off clothing that has stuck to the skin.
- Seek medical help for a deep burn or one on the face.
Skin reaction or swallowed pieces
See a doctor for any skin reaction. If a child has swallowed beads or a piece of squishy, get medical advice promptly. In the UK, you can report a suspect product to Trading Standards.
Frequently asked questions
Are squishies toxic to touch?
Not as a rule, and authorities say risks vary by product. A few have been flagged for smell, volatile compounds or contaminated liquid. If a squishy smells chemical or its casing leaks, stop using it and wash your hands.
Has benzene really been found in squishies?
German sources report that British associations detected benzene in Squeezy Dumplings. The OPSS safety report we read mentions a microbiological problem, not benzene. We can only attribute the benzene claim, not confirm it ourselves.
Is the squishy dumpling in the news the same as every squishy?
No. The OPSS report of 10 August 2026 concerned one dumpling-style liquid-filled toy with no UKCA or CE marking. Stiftung Warentest says only a small number of products have been warned against.
Can I microwave a squishy?
No. The DGCCRF asked people not to copy microwave videos, and consumer groups warn heated gel can burn deeply and the toy can burst. Never heat, cut or open one.
How can I tell if a squishy is risky?
Check for UKCA or CE marking, a manufacturer or importer address, the age guidance and any choking warning. Smell it too: a petrol or chemical odour is a warning sign. None of this is a guarantee.
Are squishies safe for young children?
German consumer advice is no squishies for under-threes, mainly because of choking and blockage from beads or torn pieces. For older children, follow the age on the packaging and check the toy regularly.