Consumer Reports (CR) would like to bring to the CPSC’s attention a sensory gel toy known as the NeeDoh Nice Cube, manufactured by Schylling, which – according to two consumer complaints on SaferProducts.gov – caused children to suffer chemical burns due to a leak of the gel. We are concerned by the potential severity and scale of the product hazard, should one exist, and respectfully ask the agency to investigate this incident, this product, and gel toys more generally.
CR’s product safety team reviewed the two incident complaints. The most recent one, reported on January 12, 2025, includes, “The Consumer reports that her 10-year-old daughter was playing with the sensory squishy cube toy according to its intended use when the toy exploded and caused a chemical burn on her arm. The child received emergency department treatment for her injury.” The submitter attached photos of the injury reportedly suffered by the child.
Another complaint, reported on October 29, 2024, reads, “The Consumer reports that her 8-year-old son was playing with the squeeze toy when it busted and the liquid inside of the toy got onto the child’s leg. The Consumer reports that the child now has chemical burns on his calf and ankle from the liquid. First aid was administered.” This submitter also attached photos of the injury reportedly suffered by the child.
This gel toy is actively being sold online on Amazon, Walmart, and other websites/apps, along with many other gel toys that are similar in design. We think these products need to be evaluated carefully regarding the inner contents, specifically the gel liquid used in these toys, and be inspected and verified for safety by the manufacturer and any laboratories responsible for testing and certification services.
We respectfully ask the CPSC to investigate the safety of the NeeDoh Nice Cube and similar products, especially any that are the subject of safety incident reports in the CPSC’s possession or concerning consumer reviews that are publicly available on digital marketplaces or retailer websites/apps. Thank you for your attention to these products, and please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.