Dear Acting Chairman Feldman and Commissioners Sessions and Lorenze:
Consumer Reports (CR) writes to express our safety concerns regarding sensory gel toys, often referred to as “squishy toys,” which are the subject of a December 2025 CR investigation. We were glad to see the CPSC’s recent consumer safety alert about the risks posed by fake and counterfeit toys, and the burn hazards associated with microwaving or heating squishy toys. These messages are important ones to amplify to consumers, and we appreciate you communicating them publicly.
However, we have additional concerns about the product category as a whole, not just fake or counterfeit products. As such, we urge the CPSC to investigate the entire category of sensory gel toys and take further action as warranted to help consumers stay safe.
Investigating the full category of sensory gel toys is important, since consumers may have difficulty distinguishing between fake or counterfeit, and genuine toys that look similar and are widely available at comparable prices. Moreover, safety issues do not appear to be limited to fake or counterfeit products. Based on incident data, it appears that name-brand sensory gel toys may also be linked to chemical burns, skin irritation, and strong chemical odors, including those purchased from major retailers. This suggests that consumers may still face hazards despite taking steps to protect themselves, such as purchasing from a reputable retailer or choosing a recognizable brand.
To read the full letter, click here.