What Types of Materials Are Used To Make Sex Dolls?
Posted on March 01 2023
Have you ever wondered why sex dolls look and feel so amazing? Some models are almost indistinguishable from the real thing, and it’s because of the craftsmanship and materials used in the production of these toys.
Products used for sex play must be safe for the skin, easy to clean, and durable. It’s also important that the materials feel good to touch and can be safely used in tandem with lubricants.
When it comes to sex dolls, the materials used in their production have to meet all of those requirements and, additionally, have to support the dolls’ construction. For this reason, quality sex dolls are made from firmer materials, like TPE and silicone.
Below, we will discuss the most common materials used to manufacture sex dolls, what are their characteristics, and which material is better.
What Are Sex Dolls Made Of?
There are two main materials used to produce sex dolls: TPE and silicone. Both present advantages and potential challenges, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the differences between silicone sex dolls and TPE sex dolls before you make your purchase.
What Is TPE?
TPE, also known as thermoplastic elastomer, is made by mixing polymers of plastic and rubber, offering it great qualities that sex dolls producers use to their full advantage. TPE is elastic, shock-absorbing, non-toxic, and is fairly easy to mold, which makes it a perfect material to use in the production of sex dolls.
TPE is considered safe, has good colorability properties, is temperature resistant, soft to the touch, does not require vulcanization, and can be bonded with base materials like PP, PE, PC, or PS.
This type of versatility is great from the manufacturing standpoint. TPE is used to make the production of sex dolls more affordable while still offering high quality.
Advantages and Disadvantages of TPE Sex Dolls
Advantages
- TPE is soft and smooth to the touch, offering very real-like sensations.
- TPE is hypoallergenic, so you don’t have to worry about getting any allergic reactions during or after play with your doll.
- The material looks very real, making the whole experience more elevated compared to the play with cheaper dolls.
- TPE is flexible, allowing you to adjust the doll and change positions without much trouble.
- It’s quite resistant to temperature changes, but it shouldn’t be exposed to very high temperatures. Still, TPE can retain warmth relatively well, so you can heat up your doll or use a built-in heating system to benefit from additional sensations.
- You can safely use water-based and silicone-based lubricants with dolls made from TPE.
- The material is odorless, which means you won’t have to deal with the distracting smell of plastic while having sex with a doll.
- TPE dolls are cheaper than silicone dolls.
Disadvantages
- This material is porous, which can be problematic from a safety standpoint. Various fluids and moisture can get trapped in the pores, which creates perfect conditions for bacteria growth. That is why it’s crucial to properly clean a doll after and before every use.
- Not all TPE is the same. The overall quality of the material depends on what type of blend a manufacturer will end up utilizing. This means it might be difficult to determine what exact quality you’re getting when you’re buying a TPE love doll.
- You can’t sterilize TPE, which, again, creates some challenges in keeping your doll clean and safe to use.
- TPE is prone to stain easily, so it’s crucial to be careful with materials that come in touch with your doll.
- The material can be sticky, so you might be forced to use baby powder while interacting with the toy to alleviate the unpleasant sensation.
What Is Silicone?
Silicone is very durable, chemical-resistant, and relatively non-toxic. This synthetic material is made from the structure of silicon and oxygen atoms. Such a structure is very strong and resistant to various chemical compounds and considerable temperature changes.
Silicone is used in the production of sex dolls due to the fact that it is very easy to clean and safe to use with petroleum-based lubricants. Additionally, silicone is water resistant while still presenting great high gas permeability, making it a great material to use for products intended for medical and semi-medical use.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Silicone Sex Dolls
Advantages
- Silicone is not the most bacteria-friendly material, making it easy to keep clean and safe to use during sex play.
- Silicone dolls look very realistic, bringing the experience of being with a doll to a new level.
- This is a non-porous material, which means you can quickly clean your doll, as well as sterilize it.
- Silicone is hypoallergenic, making it a safe choice for those with allergies or sensitivities.
- The material is durable and will resist heat, water, and moisture.
- Silicone dolls are not prone to get easily stained by contact with various materials and fabrics.
- Silicone love dolls can easily retain warmth, making your experience this much better.
- Toys made from silicone generally require less maintenance and are easier to keep in good condition, than dolls made from TPE.
Disadvantages
- Silicone love dolls are less flexible than TPE dolls. Some positions might be more challenging to incorporate into the play with a silicone doll.
- This material is less durable than TPE when it comes to tear and wear.
- Might feel less soft and denser to the touch compared with TPE dolls.
- Can be quite sticky, so again, you may want to have baby powder at hand when using the toy.
- Silicone dolls are more expensive than TPE dolls.
What Is the Best Material for a Sex Doll - Silicone or TPE?
As you can see, both TPE and silicone bring something valuable to the table. The choice between the two materials will often come from personal preferences and your budget.
If you care about getting as realistically-looking doll as possible, then going with a silicone sex doll will make a lot of sense. The same goes for upkeeping. If you’re interested in a doll that will be easy to clean and not as prone to creating a good environment for bacteria growth, then silicone is a better choice.
However, if you want a doll that feels amazing to touch, is very flexible, and is more affordable, you should consider buying a TPE doll. They still present great quality and are significantly cheaper than the silicone equivalents.
Other Materials Used in the Production of Sex Toys
The most luxurious sex dolls are made predominantly from silicone or TPE. But there are other popular materials used to make sex toys in various shapes or forms. These would be:
- Rubber;
- Glass;
- Latex:
- Plastic;
- Vinyl.
Different materials will have different properties and require different maintenance. One thing is common in all sex toys, including sex dolls - to use them safely, it’s necessary to clean them thoroughly after and before every use and store them correctly to minimize the risks of exposing them to adverse conditions or transferring bacteria and other contaminants.
It’s especially important when it comes to such expensive toys as sex dolls. When you make such an investment, it’s a good idea to follow a few simple rules regarding the upkeep of your doll. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy her for much longer and in much safer conditions!
You can check out our How to Clean a Sex Doll - Maintenance Guide to learn all about this topic and be prepared once your new gorgeous girl arrives on your doorstep!
Find The Best TPE and Silicone Sex Dolls at SiliconWives
We know that our clients have various needs and preferences, and that is why our offer is extensive and includes both silicone and TPE sex dolls.
Our toys are made from premium materials as we cooperate with the best manufacturers in the world. These sex dolls look and feel amazing, providing you with a superior experience each time you use them.
Check our collection of TPE sex dolls and Silicone sex dolls and find the girl of your dreams in no time. We offer extensive customization of all our dolls, so you can pick the most important features and design your doll to match your preferences and needs.
Check our blog for more resources, and don’t forget to take a peek at our Sale section to find love dolls at the best prices!